NCAA basketball tournament champions with the most losses:
1988 Kansas ( 27-11)
1985 Villanova ( 25-10)
1983 North Carolina state ( 26-10)
1997 Arizona ( 25-9)
1981 Indiana ( 26-9)
Saturday, March 31, 2018
PHILLIES PHODDER
Comments on the Phillies' 1st win of the season...
- Nice bounce back from the Opening Day disaster. Phils are 1-1, hoping to take the series tonight in Atlanta. Vince Valasquez pitches.
- Love the way Scott Kingery plays. Kingery, who got two hits last night, plays with energy. I can see him at the top of the line-up soon with his speed ( Kingery batted sixth Friday night). He has got to play everyday, not as a "super-utility" guy.
- Manager Kapler still insists he did the right thing by pulling Aaron Nola on opening Day, and he would do it again. C'mon, Gabe! It was a stupid move, pulling your ace with a five-run lead when he has only tossed 68 pitches in the 6th inning. Admit your mistake, learn from it and move on. Don't repeat it all summer. That's what scares me about this guy. Stubborn, egotistical, won't admit he's wrong.
- Last night the game ran over 4 hours. Kapler used nine pitchers. Unbelievable! He will burn out the bullpen by memorial Day. So much for the games getting shorter. If you really believe in you 'pen, use your pitchers for more than one batter. Tonight, Valasquez rarely goes past five or six innings. Who is fresh in that bullpen after the last two ballgames?
- What worries me about Kapler in the long-term is his inexperience, this "learning-on-the-job" training, and his heavy reliance on analytics. Don't tell me the decision to pull Nola wasn't based on analytics alone. After all, Nola had been cruising through the Braves; line-up with little trouble. Most of the other starters on Opening Day went well over 68 pitches. It was a ridiculous move by Kapler, one which cost the Phillies a win. It could be forgiven if Kapler learns from his goof, but time will tell if he learns or sticks to his guns and tries it again. What will happen when Jake Arrieta is ready to pitch in a week?
- Rhys Hoskins is picking up where he left off, clubbing his 1st home run. Carlos Santana finally broke out of his funk by also slamming a homer and hitting a pair of sacrifice flies. I can see Santana hitting either third or fifth around Hoskins, with Herrera or Williams as well. Kingery needs to ultimately hit in the lead-off or second spot in the line-up.
- Nick Pivetta had a shaky start. He needs to step it up. If Pivetta can't do it there are other options. Eflin went to Lehigh Valley but is only a phone call away. Jake Thompson and Drew Hutchinson are currently in the bullpen but can start. Pivetta has the stuff but needs to consistently use it to win.
- Interesting.. Alfaro hasn't caught a game yet. There's a rumor that ex-Phil Cameron Rupp will sign with Atlanta. Pat Neshek went on the disabled list with a lat strain in back of his shoulder. Hopefully it's not a long-term thing. Fellow reliever Tommy Hunter is also on the DL, as is Mark Leiter Jr. The bullpen can look very different in a few weeks.
- Nice bounce back from the Opening Day disaster. Phils are 1-1, hoping to take the series tonight in Atlanta. Vince Valasquez pitches.
- Love the way Scott Kingery plays. Kingery, who got two hits last night, plays with energy. I can see him at the top of the line-up soon with his speed ( Kingery batted sixth Friday night). He has got to play everyday, not as a "super-utility" guy.
- Manager Kapler still insists he did the right thing by pulling Aaron Nola on opening Day, and he would do it again. C'mon, Gabe! It was a stupid move, pulling your ace with a five-run lead when he has only tossed 68 pitches in the 6th inning. Admit your mistake, learn from it and move on. Don't repeat it all summer. That's what scares me about this guy. Stubborn, egotistical, won't admit he's wrong.
- Last night the game ran over 4 hours. Kapler used nine pitchers. Unbelievable! He will burn out the bullpen by memorial Day. So much for the games getting shorter. If you really believe in you 'pen, use your pitchers for more than one batter. Tonight, Valasquez rarely goes past five or six innings. Who is fresh in that bullpen after the last two ballgames?
- What worries me about Kapler in the long-term is his inexperience, this "learning-on-the-job" training, and his heavy reliance on analytics. Don't tell me the decision to pull Nola wasn't based on analytics alone. After all, Nola had been cruising through the Braves; line-up with little trouble. Most of the other starters on Opening Day went well over 68 pitches. It was a ridiculous move by Kapler, one which cost the Phillies a win. It could be forgiven if Kapler learns from his goof, but time will tell if he learns or sticks to his guns and tries it again. What will happen when Jake Arrieta is ready to pitch in a week?
- Rhys Hoskins is picking up where he left off, clubbing his 1st home run. Carlos Santana finally broke out of his funk by also slamming a homer and hitting a pair of sacrifice flies. I can see Santana hitting either third or fifth around Hoskins, with Herrera or Williams as well. Kingery needs to ultimately hit in the lead-off or second spot in the line-up.
- Nick Pivetta had a shaky start. He needs to step it up. If Pivetta can't do it there are other options. Eflin went to Lehigh Valley but is only a phone call away. Jake Thompson and Drew Hutchinson are currently in the bullpen but can start. Pivetta has the stuff but needs to consistently use it to win.
- Interesting.. Alfaro hasn't caught a game yet. There's a rumor that ex-Phil Cameron Rupp will sign with Atlanta. Pat Neshek went on the disabled list with a lat strain in back of his shoulder. Hopefully it's not a long-term thing. Fellow reliever Tommy Hunter is also on the DL, as is Mark Leiter Jr. The bullpen can look very different in a few weeks.
Friday, March 30, 2018
THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY- MARCH 30
"A home opener is always exciting, no matter if it's home or on the road."
- Yogi Berra
- Yogi Berra
PHILLIES PHODDER-OPENING DAY
The Pope was wrong if he declared there is no Hell. I was in Hell yesterday, watching Gabe Kapler blow the Phillies' Opening Day. Here are my thoughts...
- You never get a second chance to make a great first impression. After Kapler's insane moves to blow the opener, my impressions are: he thinks he is the smartest guy in the room, God's gift to baseball, an annoying know-it-all who still thinks he is right, even afterwards when he looks like a dumb ass. He smacks of Chip Kelly, and we saw what happened to Chip.
- Simply put, Kapler over-managed the game to death. All he had to do was let the game play out, not get involved and try to impress with your big-league decisions. Embarrassing.
- Why pull Aaron Nola if he was "dominating?" It all comes down to analytics. The geeky general manager Klentak will stand up for Kapler because a) he hired Kapler and Klentak's neck is in the noose if Kapler turns out to be a clueless, inexperienced idiot, and b) Klentak believes in analytics too.
- If Pat Neshek really did have "a lat problem" before the game, isn't that even more reason to keep Nola in the game? He only threw 68 pitches into the 6th inning, while tossing a shut-out and not giving the braves even a sniff of hope. Again, it's all analytics, as Kapler reasoned that Hoby stinkin' Milner had a better chance to get out Freddie Freeman ( lefty on lefty) then his ace.
- Why use Ramos- a loser ( what do the Phillies see in him?) in the 8th? What the hell is wrong with Adam Morgan all of a sudden? I don't trust Hector Neris ever since he gave up three consecutive home runs to the Dodgers in Los Angeles last April.
- Kapler is quickly going form "different", "unique" and "quirky" to "annoying" and "grating". He is asking fans to qualify as a left-handed batting practice pitcher. Now he is filling out line-up cards a week in advance. What if a guy has four hits the night before?
- The problem with this analytics crap is it's paint-by-the-numbers managing. You don't use common sense or have to think or actually use baseball experience. When Kapler uses terms like "exit velocity" when describing Milners' effectiveness, he sounds like a Klentak clone.
- Two more annoying Kapler moves- he removes Hoskins for defensive purposes in the 8th inning. Atlanta ties the game and Hoskins would have been needed to hit in the 10th inning, if the bullpen doesn't blow it. Plus, Scott Kingery not only doesn't start, after a red-hot spring and after signing a big contract extension, but he doesn't play, period. Kapler doesn't even use Kingery as a pinch-hitter in the 9th inning.
- The Phillies are the youngest team in the majors, Will they quit on Kapler if he continues with his dumb=ass moves? I did like the fact the team took more walks, which set up their big four-run inning. The past championship teams in 1980 and 2008 also walked a lot.
- Herrera doesn't play yesterday, other than a defensive appearance lat ein the game. Again, analytics. Herrera can be a lazy malcontent, but he is a solid player who has to be pissed he didn't start on Opening Day.
- The new Braves stadium may be a beautiful place, but it remains annoying on TV. The right-field seats look like boxes. Another skin-crawling item was the stupid Atlanta Tomahawk chop and chant, which was silent early in the game, but became evident later when Kapler's brutal, disgraceful moves started to snowball.
- What made it worse was Kapler's lame explanations after the game. He still didn't believe he made the wrong moves and indicated he would do it all again. I would have more respect for him if he was a stand-up guy, admitted that his moves were bad but he will learn form the game, and came clean.
-Too bad Larry Andersen wasn't doing the game. He's not doing road games this season. Too bad the game wasn't in Philly. The fans would've had a field day booing Kapler. Ricky Bottalico and Ben Davis were good in the post game show. One could expect Ricky Bo to be brutally honest and funny. But Davis? He was refreshingly blunt and critical. Keep it up, Ben.
- Hoskins started out with a pair of doubles. Franco showed unexpected patience by drawing two walks.
- Is he me or did the team seem unprepared? Fundamentals were lacking in Clearwater and are evident now. Cesar Hernandez did not slide on a steal attempt early in the game. Of course, losing brings the errors- both physical and mental- to the forefront.
Only one game my ass. Hopefully the team comes back tonight and tomorrow, winning the series against a very beatable Braves squad. Opening Day is special. As Davis said, this possibly could be the worst loss of the entire year. Hopefully it is and all good follows. I'm not giving up the faith in the team, but my faith in Kapler is shaky today.
- Pete Mackanin, where are you? Maybe Howard Eskin was right. Does Kapler come off as a slick con man who tries to cover his incompetence with charm? As Terrell Owens once said, If it smells like a rat, by golly it must be a rat!
- You never get a second chance to make a great first impression. After Kapler's insane moves to blow the opener, my impressions are: he thinks he is the smartest guy in the room, God's gift to baseball, an annoying know-it-all who still thinks he is right, even afterwards when he looks like a dumb ass. He smacks of Chip Kelly, and we saw what happened to Chip.
- Simply put, Kapler over-managed the game to death. All he had to do was let the game play out, not get involved and try to impress with your big-league decisions. Embarrassing.
- Why pull Aaron Nola if he was "dominating?" It all comes down to analytics. The geeky general manager Klentak will stand up for Kapler because a) he hired Kapler and Klentak's neck is in the noose if Kapler turns out to be a clueless, inexperienced idiot, and b) Klentak believes in analytics too.
- If Pat Neshek really did have "a lat problem" before the game, isn't that even more reason to keep Nola in the game? He only threw 68 pitches into the 6th inning, while tossing a shut-out and not giving the braves even a sniff of hope. Again, it's all analytics, as Kapler reasoned that Hoby stinkin' Milner had a better chance to get out Freddie Freeman ( lefty on lefty) then his ace.
- Why use Ramos- a loser ( what do the Phillies see in him?) in the 8th? What the hell is wrong with Adam Morgan all of a sudden? I don't trust Hector Neris ever since he gave up three consecutive home runs to the Dodgers in Los Angeles last April.
- Kapler is quickly going form "different", "unique" and "quirky" to "annoying" and "grating". He is asking fans to qualify as a left-handed batting practice pitcher. Now he is filling out line-up cards a week in advance. What if a guy has four hits the night before?
- The problem with this analytics crap is it's paint-by-the-numbers managing. You don't use common sense or have to think or actually use baseball experience. When Kapler uses terms like "exit velocity" when describing Milners' effectiveness, he sounds like a Klentak clone.
- Two more annoying Kapler moves- he removes Hoskins for defensive purposes in the 8th inning. Atlanta ties the game and Hoskins would have been needed to hit in the 10th inning, if the bullpen doesn't blow it. Plus, Scott Kingery not only doesn't start, after a red-hot spring and after signing a big contract extension, but he doesn't play, period. Kapler doesn't even use Kingery as a pinch-hitter in the 9th inning.
- The Phillies are the youngest team in the majors, Will they quit on Kapler if he continues with his dumb=ass moves? I did like the fact the team took more walks, which set up their big four-run inning. The past championship teams in 1980 and 2008 also walked a lot.
- Herrera doesn't play yesterday, other than a defensive appearance lat ein the game. Again, analytics. Herrera can be a lazy malcontent, but he is a solid player who has to be pissed he didn't start on Opening Day.
- The new Braves stadium may be a beautiful place, but it remains annoying on TV. The right-field seats look like boxes. Another skin-crawling item was the stupid Atlanta Tomahawk chop and chant, which was silent early in the game, but became evident later when Kapler's brutal, disgraceful moves started to snowball.
- What made it worse was Kapler's lame explanations after the game. He still didn't believe he made the wrong moves and indicated he would do it all again. I would have more respect for him if he was a stand-up guy, admitted that his moves were bad but he will learn form the game, and came clean.
-Too bad Larry Andersen wasn't doing the game. He's not doing road games this season. Too bad the game wasn't in Philly. The fans would've had a field day booing Kapler. Ricky Bottalico and Ben Davis were good in the post game show. One could expect Ricky Bo to be brutally honest and funny. But Davis? He was refreshingly blunt and critical. Keep it up, Ben.
- Hoskins started out with a pair of doubles. Franco showed unexpected patience by drawing two walks.
- Is he me or did the team seem unprepared? Fundamentals were lacking in Clearwater and are evident now. Cesar Hernandez did not slide on a steal attempt early in the game. Of course, losing brings the errors- both physical and mental- to the forefront.
Only one game my ass. Hopefully the team comes back tonight and tomorrow, winning the series against a very beatable Braves squad. Opening Day is special. As Davis said, this possibly could be the worst loss of the entire year. Hopefully it is and all good follows. I'm not giving up the faith in the team, but my faith in Kapler is shaky today.
- Pete Mackanin, where are you? Maybe Howard Eskin was right. Does Kapler come off as a slick con man who tries to cover his incompetence with charm? As Terrell Owens once said, If it smells like a rat, by golly it must be a rat!
Thursday, March 29, 2018
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- PHILLIES, FLYERS, SIXERS
This and that in Philly sports..
- Sixers' center Joel Embiid is in the hospital after being banged in the face by teammate Markelle Fultz. Unsure if he has any broken bones in his face. I'm sure Embiid will wear a mask for the rest of the season.At least it wasn't his foot or knee.
The Sixers won their eighth game in a row, beating the Knicks. They are currently fourth in the conference.
- Opening Day! Hopefully Kingery plays and starts. Time to get off to a fast start ( the Phils usually start slow) with Aaron Nola, who should win 15+ games this season. Nola is 5-1 all-time vs Atlanta Will Hoskins homer?
- My top 3 favorite baseball movies..
1. The Natural
2. It Happens Every Spring
3. A League Of Our Own
Field Of Dreams is good, but I liked the book better (Shoeless Joe). The Natural..great ending. Robert Redford is truly a natural in the movie, as he played baseball in college. It Happens Every Spring is an old-time, quirky comedy. Tom Hanks is the best thing about A League Of Their Own.
- Flyers' goalie Michael Nirwurth got hurt again last night in the Flyers' 2-1 win in Colorado. Is Brian Elliot coming back soon/ The Orange and black aren't going anywhere in the playoffs without a reliable, steady, healthy true No. 1 goaltender.
- All is quiet on the Eagles' front as the owners' meetings end in Orlando, Fla. The draft is a month away. Expect some movements by GM Howie Rossman to get more draft picks. Trading linebacker Mychal Kendricks is a possibility.
- Sixers' center Joel Embiid is in the hospital after being banged in the face by teammate Markelle Fultz. Unsure if he has any broken bones in his face. I'm sure Embiid will wear a mask for the rest of the season.At least it wasn't his foot or knee.
The Sixers won their eighth game in a row, beating the Knicks. They are currently fourth in the conference.
- Opening Day! Hopefully Kingery plays and starts. Time to get off to a fast start ( the Phils usually start slow) with Aaron Nola, who should win 15+ games this season. Nola is 5-1 all-time vs Atlanta Will Hoskins homer?
- My top 3 favorite baseball movies..
1. The Natural
2. It Happens Every Spring
3. A League Of Our Own
Field Of Dreams is good, but I liked the book better (Shoeless Joe). The Natural..great ending. Robert Redford is truly a natural in the movie, as he played baseball in college. It Happens Every Spring is an old-time, quirky comedy. Tom Hanks is the best thing about A League Of Their Own.
- Flyers' goalie Michael Nirwurth got hurt again last night in the Flyers' 2-1 win in Colorado. Is Brian Elliot coming back soon/ The Orange and black aren't going anywhere in the playoffs without a reliable, steady, healthy true No. 1 goaltender.
- All is quiet on the Eagles' front as the owners' meetings end in Orlando, Fla. The draft is a month away. Expect some movements by GM Howie Rossman to get more draft picks. Trading linebacker Mychal Kendricks is a possibility.
THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY- MARCH 29
"You always get a special kick on Opening Day, no matter how many you go through. you look forward to it like a birthday party when you're a kid. You think something wonderful is going to happen."
- Joe DiMaggio
- Joe DiMaggio
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
IN THE NEWS- FEDERAL BUDGET BOOSTS SPECIAL ED FUNDING, ADDRESSES AUTISM WANDERING
Disability Scoop offers the following timely topic...
A $1.3 trillion government spending package will aid those with disabilities who wander while increasing special education funding and tackling restraint and seclusion in schools, among other issues.
The legislation signed by {President Donald Trump late last week funds the federal government through September.
Advocates say they are happy to see that the measure includes increases for several programs people with disabilities rely on after weathering years of cutbacks.
"Overall we're please and we're relieved." said Annie Acosta, director of fiscal and family support policy at The Arc, who specifically cited gains for special education and housing. "But we have to keep in mind that we're still making up for cuts in previous years.'
Notably,the spending measure includes Kevin and Avonte's Law, allocating federal dollars to address wandering among children with autism and other developmental disabilities.
The legislation, which had been under consideration since 2014, will provide $2 million annually through 2022 for grants to local law enforcement and nonprofit agencies. The money can be used to supply electronic tracking devices to families of those at risk of wandering or for education, training, notification systems and other efforts to prevent or better respond to elopement.
"Making voluntary tracking devices available to vulnerable children with autism or adults with Alzheimer's who are at risk of wandering will help put countless families at ease." said U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., who originally championed the idea.
Separately, the spending law calls for the Government Accountability Office to examine the data reported to the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights about the use of restraint and seclusion in schools.
"There is concern that seclusion and restraint issues continue to be chronically underreported,' the budget document indicates.
The GAO report is to look at frequency as well as efforts to mitigate restraint and seclusion, complete with recommendations about best practices for reducing incidents, the law states.
Just last week, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos was questioned about the reliability of her agency's data on the use of restraint and seclusion during a hearing on Capitol Hill when it was pointed out that some states have reported zero instances.
"We'll certainly look into ways we can continue to insist and ensure that states are appropriately addressing and reporting these situations," DeVos said.
Under the spending package, funding for special education will rise to $13.1 billion, up $299 million from last year.
Budgets for housing assistance, vocational rehabilitation, respite care, independent living, autism research and training activities and other programs also rose under the new law.
A $1.3 trillion government spending package will aid those with disabilities who wander while increasing special education funding and tackling restraint and seclusion in schools, among other issues.
The legislation signed by {President Donald Trump late last week funds the federal government through September.
Advocates say they are happy to see that the measure includes increases for several programs people with disabilities rely on after weathering years of cutbacks.
"Overall we're please and we're relieved." said Annie Acosta, director of fiscal and family support policy at The Arc, who specifically cited gains for special education and housing. "But we have to keep in mind that we're still making up for cuts in previous years.'
Notably,the spending measure includes Kevin and Avonte's Law, allocating federal dollars to address wandering among children with autism and other developmental disabilities.
The legislation, which had been under consideration since 2014, will provide $2 million annually through 2022 for grants to local law enforcement and nonprofit agencies. The money can be used to supply electronic tracking devices to families of those at risk of wandering or for education, training, notification systems and other efforts to prevent or better respond to elopement.
"Making voluntary tracking devices available to vulnerable children with autism or adults with Alzheimer's who are at risk of wandering will help put countless families at ease." said U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., who originally championed the idea.
Separately, the spending law calls for the Government Accountability Office to examine the data reported to the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights about the use of restraint and seclusion in schools.
"There is concern that seclusion and restraint issues continue to be chronically underreported,' the budget document indicates.
The GAO report is to look at frequency as well as efforts to mitigate restraint and seclusion, complete with recommendations about best practices for reducing incidents, the law states.
Just last week, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos was questioned about the reliability of her agency's data on the use of restraint and seclusion during a hearing on Capitol Hill when it was pointed out that some states have reported zero instances.
"We'll certainly look into ways we can continue to insist and ensure that states are appropriately addressing and reporting these situations," DeVos said.
Under the spending package, funding for special education will rise to $13.1 billion, up $299 million from last year.
Budgets for housing assistance, vocational rehabilitation, respite care, independent living, autism research and training activities and other programs also rose under the new law.
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- EAGLES, PHILLIES, FLYERS, SIXERS
Random thoughts on the Philly sports scene..
- Is Markelle Fultz a real headcase or did the awful Sixers' PR guys advise him not to answer questions about his sore shoulder?
- Apparently the Eagles haven't used the kelly green uniforms yet because they are waiting for the NFL to approve alternative helmets as well. Probably won't happen this year.
- Remember the days when the Eagles never signed anyone over 30-years-old? This off season the Birds have inked Ngata, Long, Bennett and Wallace- all 30 and over.
- Why can't Phillies GM Matt Klentak trade Cesar Hernandez for a pitcher and open up second base for Scott Kingery for the next 10 years or more?
- The Flyers lose yet another embarrassing game against a team with a long losing streak. As written here, they are far too inconsistent to go far in the playoffs. Until they get a new coach and a true No. 1 goalie they are what they are- nothing special.
- Weird there will be no baseball game on this Sunday, be it Easter Sunday as well. Who made this goofy schedule? Why not start the season on Friday and make it a traditional weekend series at Atlanta?
- Phillies baseball games at Citizens Bank Park will be the place to be this spring and summer,e specially if the team gets off to a good start. They rarely do, however. Wouldn't it be nice to see the Phils get out into a lead and let the Nationals do the catching-up for a change?
- Was the NFL aware of the Michael Bennett incident after all, before he was traded to the Eagles? If so, why didn't the Eagles know?
- The streaking Sixers go for 8 in a row tonight against the hapless Knicks. Isn't it great to know the New York teams all suck? The Knicks, Nets, Giants, Jets, Rangers...all losers. The Mets should finish lower than the Phillies. New York's only hope is the Yankees. Anyway, the 76ers should cruise into the postseason hot.
- For the first time in seven years or so, I'm excited about the Phillies. Young stars like Hoskins and Kingery; solid veterans like Arrieta and Santana; the positive energy of new manager Kapler. The emergence of Nola, Pivetta and Valasquez; so much to look forward to. Fun summer nights. Meaningful September baseball games. No longer will visiting teams come into CBP and try to take over our stadium. The spirit of the Eagles' Super Bowl victory carries over. I've got my usual six-game plan this year, and the highlight game is when the Yankees come to town in late June.. Watching Judge and Staton take batting practice at CBP will be a treat. Watching the Phils beat the New Yorkers will be even sweeter.
Going to Baltimore to see the Phils play the Orioles on May 16- my first time at Camden Yards- will be a memory to last a lifetime as well.
- Eagles owner Jeff Lurie spoke yesterday at the owners' meeting in Orlando. I'm really happy for him. He is still basking in the glow of the Super Bowl, as we all are. No reason to stop celebrating until next season kicks-off. Funny to think that finally, the Birds really are the "Gold Standard' that Lurie dreamed about years ago. Teams will try to emulate the rebuilding process of Howie Rossman and Joe Douglas. The Eagles are staying aggressive, even while on top, not satisfied with just one world championship.
- The NFL schedule comes out in mid-April . We know the home opener will be the Thursday September 6 rematch with the Vikings. We also know the Birds will play in London in late October vs Jacksonville. How many times will the team be on prime-time? Getting their Thursday night game out of the way early is advantageous. They then have 10 days until their second game. Would the NFL schedule the Birds in Dallas on Thanksgiving?
- For the record, Boston and Houston had the best records in spring training; Texas and the Mets had the worst.Also for the record, I've got the Indians beating the Nationals in the World Series, with the Phillies winning 86 games.
- Listening to Kapler every Wednesday morning at 9 am. on WIP with Angelo will be fun. He sounds like a straight-shooter and I like his refreshing, positive attitude.
- Is Markelle Fultz a real headcase or did the awful Sixers' PR guys advise him not to answer questions about his sore shoulder?
- Apparently the Eagles haven't used the kelly green uniforms yet because they are waiting for the NFL to approve alternative helmets as well. Probably won't happen this year.
- Remember the days when the Eagles never signed anyone over 30-years-old? This off season the Birds have inked Ngata, Long, Bennett and Wallace- all 30 and over.
- Why can't Phillies GM Matt Klentak trade Cesar Hernandez for a pitcher and open up second base for Scott Kingery for the next 10 years or more?
- The Flyers lose yet another embarrassing game against a team with a long losing streak. As written here, they are far too inconsistent to go far in the playoffs. Until they get a new coach and a true No. 1 goalie they are what they are- nothing special.
- Weird there will be no baseball game on this Sunday, be it Easter Sunday as well. Who made this goofy schedule? Why not start the season on Friday and make it a traditional weekend series at Atlanta?
- Phillies baseball games at Citizens Bank Park will be the place to be this spring and summer,e specially if the team gets off to a good start. They rarely do, however. Wouldn't it be nice to see the Phils get out into a lead and let the Nationals do the catching-up for a change?
- Was the NFL aware of the Michael Bennett incident after all, before he was traded to the Eagles? If so, why didn't the Eagles know?
- The streaking Sixers go for 8 in a row tonight against the hapless Knicks. Isn't it great to know the New York teams all suck? The Knicks, Nets, Giants, Jets, Rangers...all losers. The Mets should finish lower than the Phillies. New York's only hope is the Yankees. Anyway, the 76ers should cruise into the postseason hot.
- For the first time in seven years or so, I'm excited about the Phillies. Young stars like Hoskins and Kingery; solid veterans like Arrieta and Santana; the positive energy of new manager Kapler. The emergence of Nola, Pivetta and Valasquez; so much to look forward to. Fun summer nights. Meaningful September baseball games. No longer will visiting teams come into CBP and try to take over our stadium. The spirit of the Eagles' Super Bowl victory carries over. I've got my usual six-game plan this year, and the highlight game is when the Yankees come to town in late June.. Watching Judge and Staton take batting practice at CBP will be a treat. Watching the Phils beat the New Yorkers will be even sweeter.
Going to Baltimore to see the Phils play the Orioles on May 16- my first time at Camden Yards- will be a memory to last a lifetime as well.
- Eagles owner Jeff Lurie spoke yesterday at the owners' meeting in Orlando. I'm really happy for him. He is still basking in the glow of the Super Bowl, as we all are. No reason to stop celebrating until next season kicks-off. Funny to think that finally, the Birds really are the "Gold Standard' that Lurie dreamed about years ago. Teams will try to emulate the rebuilding process of Howie Rossman and Joe Douglas. The Eagles are staying aggressive, even while on top, not satisfied with just one world championship.
- The NFL schedule comes out in mid-April . We know the home opener will be the Thursday September 6 rematch with the Vikings. We also know the Birds will play in London in late October vs Jacksonville. How many times will the team be on prime-time? Getting their Thursday night game out of the way early is advantageous. They then have 10 days until their second game. Would the NFL schedule the Birds in Dallas on Thanksgiving?
- For the record, Boston and Houston had the best records in spring training; Texas and the Mets had the worst.Also for the record, I've got the Indians beating the Nationals in the World Series, with the Phillies winning 86 games.
- Listening to Kapler every Wednesday morning at 9 am. on WIP with Angelo will be fun. He sounds like a straight-shooter and I like his refreshing, positive attitude.
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
IN THE NEWS- APPLE THROWS SUPPORT BEHIND DISABILITY EMOJIS
This from Disability Scoop..
Apple wants to see a host of new emojis introduced, all aimed at better representing people with disabilities in texts and other digital communications.
The technology giant issued a proposal this month calling for 13 emojis showing people using manual and power wheelchairs, service dogs and prosthetics, among other special needs. Many of the icons have male and female versions and Apple is recommending variants for skin tone as well.
"The current selection of emoji provides a wide array of representations of people, activities and objects meaningful to the general public, but very few speak to the life experiences of those with disabilities,' Apple said in the proposal. "This new set of emoji that we are proposing aims to provide a wider array of options to represent basic categories for people with disabilities."
The plan was submitted to the Unicode Consortium, the organization that standardizes emojis. The group is slated to meet next month to consider which icons could be added in 2019 to the category of emojis that Apple, Google and other device makers offer.
Apple said it worked with the American Council of the Blind, the Cerebral Palsy Foundation and the National Association of the Deaf to develop the emojis, which are aimed at four main categories of people- those who are blind or have low vision, individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, people with physical motor issues and hidden disabilities.
In the proposal, Apple acknowledged that the 13 emojis it's recommending don't offer a complete representation of disabilities.
'This is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all possible depictions of disabilities, but to provide an initial starting point for greater representation for diversity within the emoji universe," the company said.
Apple's move comes nearly two years after the London-based disability advocacy group Scope introduced a series of 18 emojis depicting people with various disabilities that are available for download. Scope said it hoped that releasing the icons would encourage the Unicode Consortium to incorporate similar icons in its library.
Apple wants to see a host of new emojis introduced, all aimed at better representing people with disabilities in texts and other digital communications.
The technology giant issued a proposal this month calling for 13 emojis showing people using manual and power wheelchairs, service dogs and prosthetics, among other special needs. Many of the icons have male and female versions and Apple is recommending variants for skin tone as well.
"The current selection of emoji provides a wide array of representations of people, activities and objects meaningful to the general public, but very few speak to the life experiences of those with disabilities,' Apple said in the proposal. "This new set of emoji that we are proposing aims to provide a wider array of options to represent basic categories for people with disabilities."
The plan was submitted to the Unicode Consortium, the organization that standardizes emojis. The group is slated to meet next month to consider which icons could be added in 2019 to the category of emojis that Apple, Google and other device makers offer.
Apple said it worked with the American Council of the Blind, the Cerebral Palsy Foundation and the National Association of the Deaf to develop the emojis, which are aimed at four main categories of people- those who are blind or have low vision, individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, people with physical motor issues and hidden disabilities.
In the proposal, Apple acknowledged that the 13 emojis it's recommending don't offer a complete representation of disabilities.
'This is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all possible depictions of disabilities, but to provide an initial starting point for greater representation for diversity within the emoji universe," the company said.
Apple's move comes nearly two years after the London-based disability advocacy group Scope introduced a series of 18 emojis depicting people with various disabilities that are available for download. Scope said it hoped that releasing the icons would encourage the Unicode Consortium to incorporate similar icons in its library.
IDOL CHATTER- MONDAY NIGHT-HOLLY WOOD WEEK
Last night was the start of Hollywood Week on American Idol. It will run next Sunday and Monday as well, with final eliminations on Monday night. The final 24 to make it to the live shows will be announced.
Here are my thoughts..
- Hollywood Week was welcome after the long auditions played out. I like the solo competitions , not so much the groups, but i admit there is more drama with the groups. The judges seemed more focused now, with tasks to do and less fooling around. Katy did pull one prank at the end, asking one person to voluntarily quit when there was only three more slots to be filled instead of four. Even Simon wouldn't have pulled such a mean-spirited gag, but, in the end, all four members of the group survived and Crystal, the girl in tears who did offer to go home, was a hero.
- One can pretty much see the final 24 taking shape, unless there are major collapses. I was surprised that Korean crooner Daniel Ehteridge was cut. The semi-paraplegic singer, David Francisco, was sent packing too, although I wasn't surprised. Great story but not good enough. Noah Davis, the corn-fed, heavy-set farmboy, impressed again, but he won't go far. He's not that good, plus, to be honest, doesn't fit the "Idol type".
- Clearly the most annoying contestant is the geeky, nerdy local chick, Catie Turner. I can't stand her, and she butchered the Beatles' "Come together". I don't know why the judges dig her. Am I missing something here? She's quirky but no way as good of a pure singer as others in the competition. She's a real weirdo, nut in a cute way, and she grates on my nerves already. If she does make it to the final 24, let's hope America votes her out.
- Caleb Lee Hutchinson again wowed me with his rich, deep country voice. He's a keeper in the competition. Sadly, so is Jurnee, the irritating young girl who keeps talking about her wife in the military. Idol producers may want her in to please the Gay & Lesbian communities out there, and she can sing, but i can't see her winning. She's too full of herself as well. A real drag queen ( no kidding) is also surviving so far.Hey, if a guy with a disability can be sent home, so can a drag queen. It shouldn't piss off anyone if he/she just isn't good enough to stick.
- Trevor, the hunky construction worker who Katy is blushing over, is safe so far, but his vocals weren't as good last night. Katy will keep him in just to gaze at him. Jonny Brenns, the young guy who took a greyhound to the new York audition and didn't tell his parents, survived but I wasn't wowed by his performance.
My favorite is the Kentucky horse girl, Layla Spring, who has the adoring little sister. She may not have the best voice, but she's really cute and refreshing and should make the final cut.Are you gonna take annoying Catie or sweet Layla? And, the twins were split up last night. One survived and one didn't. As I predicted, they were good together but not so much alone. Their mother made trouble later, typical stage mom, even at this early stage, as she tried to throw in her two cents regarding a group performance. The twin survived but I see him on thin ice.
More after Sunday's show. next week.
Here are my thoughts..
- Hollywood Week was welcome after the long auditions played out. I like the solo competitions , not so much the groups, but i admit there is more drama with the groups. The judges seemed more focused now, with tasks to do and less fooling around. Katy did pull one prank at the end, asking one person to voluntarily quit when there was only three more slots to be filled instead of four. Even Simon wouldn't have pulled such a mean-spirited gag, but, in the end, all four members of the group survived and Crystal, the girl in tears who did offer to go home, was a hero.
- One can pretty much see the final 24 taking shape, unless there are major collapses. I was surprised that Korean crooner Daniel Ehteridge was cut. The semi-paraplegic singer, David Francisco, was sent packing too, although I wasn't surprised. Great story but not good enough. Noah Davis, the corn-fed, heavy-set farmboy, impressed again, but he won't go far. He's not that good, plus, to be honest, doesn't fit the "Idol type".
- Clearly the most annoying contestant is the geeky, nerdy local chick, Catie Turner. I can't stand her, and she butchered the Beatles' "Come together". I don't know why the judges dig her. Am I missing something here? She's quirky but no way as good of a pure singer as others in the competition. She's a real weirdo, nut in a cute way, and she grates on my nerves already. If she does make it to the final 24, let's hope America votes her out.
- Caleb Lee Hutchinson again wowed me with his rich, deep country voice. He's a keeper in the competition. Sadly, so is Jurnee, the irritating young girl who keeps talking about her wife in the military. Idol producers may want her in to please the Gay & Lesbian communities out there, and she can sing, but i can't see her winning. She's too full of herself as well. A real drag queen ( no kidding) is also surviving so far.Hey, if a guy with a disability can be sent home, so can a drag queen. It shouldn't piss off anyone if he/she just isn't good enough to stick.
- Trevor, the hunky construction worker who Katy is blushing over, is safe so far, but his vocals weren't as good last night. Katy will keep him in just to gaze at him. Jonny Brenns, the young guy who took a greyhound to the new York audition and didn't tell his parents, survived but I wasn't wowed by his performance.
My favorite is the Kentucky horse girl, Layla Spring, who has the adoring little sister. She may not have the best voice, but she's really cute and refreshing and should make the final cut.Are you gonna take annoying Catie or sweet Layla? And, the twins were split up last night. One survived and one didn't. As I predicted, they were good together but not so much alone. Their mother made trouble later, typical stage mom, even at this early stage, as she tried to throw in her two cents regarding a group performance. The twin survived but I see him on thin ice.
More after Sunday's show. next week.
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- SIXERS, PHILLIES, EAGLES
* First round draft pick Markelle Fultz finally played a game for the Sixers last night. In a surprise move the point guard suited up after a shoulder injury sidelined him all season. He played well, scoring 10 points with 8 assists in only 14 minutes of play.
Fultz could give the 76ers a boost off the bench, yet another weapon to add to their arsenal going into the playoffs. He comes off as a bit of a head case, but the organization has too much invested in Fultz to bury him now. Looks like he will back-up Ben Simmons for the rest of the year.
Meanwhile, the Sixers won their 7th game in a row, defeating the Denver Nuggets in Philly. They go for eight tomorrow night against the hapless Knicks
************************************************************************
The Phillies play their final spring training game today in Clearwater vs the Pirates. The final 25-man roster should be set today, for Opening Day on Thursday in Atlanta.
Will Roman Quinn make the squad as an extra outfielder? He could be an exciting bench player, stealing a base when needed with his blazing speed.
Who wins the No. 5 starter role? Looks like rookie Drew Hutchinson may have the inside track since he will be going north with the team.
Mark Leiter Jr. will be on the disabled list for a few weeks, otherwise the bullpen looks set with Adam Morgan, Pat Neshek, Luis Garcia, Tommy hunter and Hector Neris leading the way.
Scott Kingery hit home run number five yesterday. It would be nice to see him start the season at his natural position of second base, where he excels, but i'm just glad he made the team. Kingery will eventually take over second, after GM Klentak finally trades Cesar Hernandez.
***************************************************************************
Eagles' management is in Orlando, Fl. this week for the owners meetings.Hopefully there are a few rule changes forthcoming, especially the dreaded "catch-rule". What's a catch and what's not a catch took away form the enjoyment of the game last season, and played heavily on outcomes, including the Super Bowl. Simplifying the rule will make it easier on everyone.
Getting rid of the annoying rule where an extra point must be attempted at the end of a game after a winning touchdown makes sense. Look what happened in the playoffs last season when Minnesota scored a TD to win over new Orleans, yet the officials made both teams come back on the field to attempt a meaningless extra point. The Viking players were celebrating while some of the disgruntled Saints' players were already in the locker room.
Howie Rossman spoke to the media yesterday afternoon while head coach Doug Pederson talked to reporters this morning from Orlando. Nothing earth-shattering. Rossman said the birds are monitoring the Bennett situation until all information is gathered.Defensive end Chris Long will return to the team. And tight end should be a priority in the upcoming draft.
Meanwhile, Bennett's scumbag attorney is trying to spin the alleged incident away from Bennett ever touching the elderly wheelchair-bound female security guard. Rather, her wheelchair may have bumped into the massive 6'4, 270-pound Bennett. I'm sure Bennett will get off, maybe with a fine and/or a league suspension, but won't serve any jail time.
Most reporters do expect Rossman to do something between now and the late-April draft, as Rossman loves draft picks and currently is without a second and third round selection.
Fultz could give the 76ers a boost off the bench, yet another weapon to add to their arsenal going into the playoffs. He comes off as a bit of a head case, but the organization has too much invested in Fultz to bury him now. Looks like he will back-up Ben Simmons for the rest of the year.
Meanwhile, the Sixers won their 7th game in a row, defeating the Denver Nuggets in Philly. They go for eight tomorrow night against the hapless Knicks
************************************************************************
The Phillies play their final spring training game today in Clearwater vs the Pirates. The final 25-man roster should be set today, for Opening Day on Thursday in Atlanta.
Will Roman Quinn make the squad as an extra outfielder? He could be an exciting bench player, stealing a base when needed with his blazing speed.
Who wins the No. 5 starter role? Looks like rookie Drew Hutchinson may have the inside track since he will be going north with the team.
Mark Leiter Jr. will be on the disabled list for a few weeks, otherwise the bullpen looks set with Adam Morgan, Pat Neshek, Luis Garcia, Tommy hunter and Hector Neris leading the way.
Scott Kingery hit home run number five yesterday. It would be nice to see him start the season at his natural position of second base, where he excels, but i'm just glad he made the team. Kingery will eventually take over second, after GM Klentak finally trades Cesar Hernandez.
***************************************************************************
Eagles' management is in Orlando, Fl. this week for the owners meetings.Hopefully there are a few rule changes forthcoming, especially the dreaded "catch-rule". What's a catch and what's not a catch took away form the enjoyment of the game last season, and played heavily on outcomes, including the Super Bowl. Simplifying the rule will make it easier on everyone.
Getting rid of the annoying rule where an extra point must be attempted at the end of a game after a winning touchdown makes sense. Look what happened in the playoffs last season when Minnesota scored a TD to win over new Orleans, yet the officials made both teams come back on the field to attempt a meaningless extra point. The Viking players were celebrating while some of the disgruntled Saints' players were already in the locker room.
Howie Rossman spoke to the media yesterday afternoon while head coach Doug Pederson talked to reporters this morning from Orlando. Nothing earth-shattering. Rossman said the birds are monitoring the Bennett situation until all information is gathered.Defensive end Chris Long will return to the team. And tight end should be a priority in the upcoming draft.
Meanwhile, Bennett's scumbag attorney is trying to spin the alleged incident away from Bennett ever touching the elderly wheelchair-bound female security guard. Rather, her wheelchair may have bumped into the massive 6'4, 270-pound Bennett. I'm sure Bennett will get off, maybe with a fine and/or a league suspension, but won't serve any jail time.
Most reporters do expect Rossman to do something between now and the late-April draft, as Rossman loves draft picks and currently is without a second and third round selection.
THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY-MARCH 27
Benchmark Trivia
Name the only two coaches who ended their NCAA coaching career by winning the NCAA national championship.
Answer: John Wooden (UCLA, 1975) and Al McGuire (Marquette, 1977)
Name the only two coaches who ended their NCAA coaching career by winning the NCAA national championship.
Answer: John Wooden (UCLA, 1975) and Al McGuire (Marquette, 1977)
Monday, March 26, 2018
BASEBALL PREDICTIONS- 2018 SEASON
About this time last year, coming out of spring training, I picked the Los Angeles Dodgers to win the World Series. I came within a game of being correct, as the Dodgers lost in seven games to Houston. The Dodgers did have an awesome season. So did the Astros. The Indians won 23 games in a row at one point. The Yankees and Red Sox renewed their rivalry, vieing for the lead in American League East all summer.
I didn't think the Cubs would repeat, and they didn't. I thought the Nationals would choke again in the playoffs, and they did. Who knew the diamondbacks and Rockies would be so good? Who knew the Giants would be so bad? How about the surprising Brewers, almost beating out Chicago in National League Central?
Rather then give a bunch of stats, which you can easily google to look up, here are my thoughts on the upcoming baseball season, team-by-team...
National League East
1. Washington Nationals
2. Philadelphia Phillies
3. New York Mets
4. Atlanta Braves
5. Miami Marlins
Nationals-
This may be the last call for Washington, with Bryce Harper ready to bolt for free agency after the season. They continually choke in the playoffs, and it may do the Nats some good if the Phillies offer serious competition this summer, rather than the Nats cruising again in NL East, only to lose their edge in the postseason. Will Ryan Zimmerman have another monster season? The Nats won't win 100 games- the division is slightly better- but they will make the playoffs again, maybe for the last time in a long time.
Phillies-
OK, i'm a homer but with Arrieta, Santana and now Scott Kingery added to a young roster full of promise, led by Rhys Hoskins, don't you have to be excited? I worry about the back end of the rotation. Someone needs to step up, like Pivetta or Valaquez. I think new manager Gabe Kapler's positive energy will go a long way in helping these young kids believe in themselves. Still, Kapler can't play for them. If the Phils are in contention in July, look for them to add help, maybe Cole Hamels from Texas? Anything is possible with this new and improved attitude from the front office.A wild card should be within reach, and contending with Washington over the summer for the division would be fun.
Mets-
Maybe the Mets still have the best starting pitching in the division but they can't seem to stay healthy. New York went for veterans to stabilize their everyday line-up, resigning Jay Bruce for instance. I just can't see the Mets contending, despite only being several years removed from a World Series.The goofy New York Daily news picks the Mets to win a wild card spot. New York has no other winners right now in sports so they are all Mets and Yankees right now.
Braves-
Atlanta supposedly has the best farm system in baseball. We get to see some of their young arms this season as they make the transition. Brave fans have to wonder this morning why their front office didn't give 20-year-old star prospect Ronald Acuna the same kind of deal the Pihllies gave Kingery. Acuna, already maybe the top prospect in all of baseball, is being sent down after ripping up spring training. Service-time issues are again the reason. Anyway, the braves should be improved but their kids aren't ready yet for prime-time.
Marlins-
Miami should easily lose over 100 games, after gutting their roster. They traded away Stanton, Ozuma, Gordon, to name a few. It seems all hell broke loose for this franchise after young star pitcher Alex Fernandez was killed a few years ago.Could they be so bad as to actually challenge the all-time record for losses in a season (120- NY Mets- 1962)?
National League Central
1. Chicago Cubs
2. Milwaukee Brewers
3. St. Louis Cardinals
4. Cincinnati Reds
5. Pittsburgh Pirates
Notes-
Tempted to pick Brewers after they led much of 2017 and added key pieces, but Cubs still have so much talent... Never count Cards out, they always make a run.. Hard to believe that the Reds may make some noise this summer. Their young prospects look for real..The Buccos trade away Andrew McCuthen and Garrit Cole, yet blame Pittsburgh fans for being pissed? I don't blame the Pirates for starting over after failing to get past home wild card games recently, but it sucks the way they did it.
National League West
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
2. Arizona Diamondbacks
3. San Francisco Giants
4. Colorado Rockies
5. San Diego Padres
Notes-
The Dodgers are still the cream of the crop and may return even more vengeful than ever, after blowing Game 7 of the World Series last fall to the Astros in LA. Could this be Clayton Kershaw's last season in Los Angeles?...The D-backs have a solid team and were coming on at the tail-end of last summer. ..The Giants are going for the quick-fix approach, getting McCuthen and Evan Longoria during the off season. Plus it's an even-numbered year, and San Fran usually contends in even-numbered years...The Rockies still have a good, young club, after making the wild card last season..The Padres are still rebuilding and now have Freddie Galvis playing shortstop.
Wild card-
Diamondbacks over Phillies
National League Champion- Nationals
American League East
1. Boston Red Sox
2. New York Yankees
3. Toronto Blue Jays
4. Tampa Bay Rays
5. Baltimore Orioles
Notes-
The Red Sox are flying under the radar after the Yankees made a big splash this off season by obtaining Giocarlo Stanton to bash home runs along with Aaron Judge.But Boston won this division last year. Their rotation is just as good as New York. The Yankee bullpen is better. I don't think the Red Sox will give up the AL East title so easily...The Bronx Bombers will hit tons of homers ( will Stanton and Judge out-bash Mantle and Maris?) but they will also strike out a ton. ..The blue Jays have the talent to contend, but won't, no with the double-team of Boston and New York to compete against... Tampa seems to be retooling again, and if they deal pitcher Chris Archer, it would be official.... Baltimore is in no-man's -land, with Manny Machado halfway out the door.
American League Central
1. Cleveland Indians
2. Minnesota Twins
3. Chicago White Sox
4. Kansas City Royals
5. Detroit Tigers
Notes-
I think it will be an Indian summer. Cleveland has a strong, young team. Witness their 23-game winning streak last year. They came within a game of winning a world championship two years ago. I didn't think they would overcome that letdown in 2017. But with the Red Sox and Yanks beating each other up, and Houston not as hungry, I can easily see the Indians sneaking into the World Series and finally winning it. If the Cubs, and Eagles can win it all, why not the Tribe?...The Twins surprised last summer. They added pitcher Lance Lynn and should be interesting with their young core..The Chisox have a nice farm system and should be seeing the fruits of their recent trade activity blossom soon.. the Royals aren't what they used to be, plus they aren't nearly as strong as the Indians.. The Tigers are in full rebuild, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Migel Caberra go somewhere.
American League West
1. Houston Astros
2. Seattle Mariners
3. California Angels
4. Texas Rangers
5. Oakland A's
Notes-
Houston should cruise again this season, as long as they stay hungry. Seattle is without a playoff appearance since 2002, the longest drought in the majors. The Angels will be interesting as the Trout/Ohtani duo dominates... Texas could be really good or a bust, with Cole Hamels as trade bait in July. Oakland isn't God-awful but are swamped in this division.
Wild cards-
Yankees over Twins
American League Champions- Cleveland Indians
World Series- Indians over Nationals in six games
I didn't think the Cubs would repeat, and they didn't. I thought the Nationals would choke again in the playoffs, and they did. Who knew the diamondbacks and Rockies would be so good? Who knew the Giants would be so bad? How about the surprising Brewers, almost beating out Chicago in National League Central?
Rather then give a bunch of stats, which you can easily google to look up, here are my thoughts on the upcoming baseball season, team-by-team...
National League East
1. Washington Nationals
2. Philadelphia Phillies
3. New York Mets
4. Atlanta Braves
5. Miami Marlins
Nationals-
This may be the last call for Washington, with Bryce Harper ready to bolt for free agency after the season. They continually choke in the playoffs, and it may do the Nats some good if the Phillies offer serious competition this summer, rather than the Nats cruising again in NL East, only to lose their edge in the postseason. Will Ryan Zimmerman have another monster season? The Nats won't win 100 games- the division is slightly better- but they will make the playoffs again, maybe for the last time in a long time.
Phillies-
OK, i'm a homer but with Arrieta, Santana and now Scott Kingery added to a young roster full of promise, led by Rhys Hoskins, don't you have to be excited? I worry about the back end of the rotation. Someone needs to step up, like Pivetta or Valaquez. I think new manager Gabe Kapler's positive energy will go a long way in helping these young kids believe in themselves. Still, Kapler can't play for them. If the Phils are in contention in July, look for them to add help, maybe Cole Hamels from Texas? Anything is possible with this new and improved attitude from the front office.A wild card should be within reach, and contending with Washington over the summer for the division would be fun.
Mets-
Maybe the Mets still have the best starting pitching in the division but they can't seem to stay healthy. New York went for veterans to stabilize their everyday line-up, resigning Jay Bruce for instance. I just can't see the Mets contending, despite only being several years removed from a World Series.The goofy New York Daily news picks the Mets to win a wild card spot. New York has no other winners right now in sports so they are all Mets and Yankees right now.
Braves-
Atlanta supposedly has the best farm system in baseball. We get to see some of their young arms this season as they make the transition. Brave fans have to wonder this morning why their front office didn't give 20-year-old star prospect Ronald Acuna the same kind of deal the Pihllies gave Kingery. Acuna, already maybe the top prospect in all of baseball, is being sent down after ripping up spring training. Service-time issues are again the reason. Anyway, the braves should be improved but their kids aren't ready yet for prime-time.
Marlins-
Miami should easily lose over 100 games, after gutting their roster. They traded away Stanton, Ozuma, Gordon, to name a few. It seems all hell broke loose for this franchise after young star pitcher Alex Fernandez was killed a few years ago.Could they be so bad as to actually challenge the all-time record for losses in a season (120- NY Mets- 1962)?
National League Central
1. Chicago Cubs
2. Milwaukee Brewers
3. St. Louis Cardinals
4. Cincinnati Reds
5. Pittsburgh Pirates
Notes-
Tempted to pick Brewers after they led much of 2017 and added key pieces, but Cubs still have so much talent... Never count Cards out, they always make a run.. Hard to believe that the Reds may make some noise this summer. Their young prospects look for real..The Buccos trade away Andrew McCuthen and Garrit Cole, yet blame Pittsburgh fans for being pissed? I don't blame the Pirates for starting over after failing to get past home wild card games recently, but it sucks the way they did it.
National League West
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
2. Arizona Diamondbacks
3. San Francisco Giants
4. Colorado Rockies
5. San Diego Padres
Notes-
The Dodgers are still the cream of the crop and may return even more vengeful than ever, after blowing Game 7 of the World Series last fall to the Astros in LA. Could this be Clayton Kershaw's last season in Los Angeles?...The D-backs have a solid team and were coming on at the tail-end of last summer. ..The Giants are going for the quick-fix approach, getting McCuthen and Evan Longoria during the off season. Plus it's an even-numbered year, and San Fran usually contends in even-numbered years...The Rockies still have a good, young club, after making the wild card last season..The Padres are still rebuilding and now have Freddie Galvis playing shortstop.
Wild card-
Diamondbacks over Phillies
National League Champion- Nationals
American League East
1. Boston Red Sox
2. New York Yankees
3. Toronto Blue Jays
4. Tampa Bay Rays
5. Baltimore Orioles
Notes-
The Red Sox are flying under the radar after the Yankees made a big splash this off season by obtaining Giocarlo Stanton to bash home runs along with Aaron Judge.But Boston won this division last year. Their rotation is just as good as New York. The Yankee bullpen is better. I don't think the Red Sox will give up the AL East title so easily...The Bronx Bombers will hit tons of homers ( will Stanton and Judge out-bash Mantle and Maris?) but they will also strike out a ton. ..The blue Jays have the talent to contend, but won't, no with the double-team of Boston and New York to compete against... Tampa seems to be retooling again, and if they deal pitcher Chris Archer, it would be official.... Baltimore is in no-man's -land, with Manny Machado halfway out the door.
American League Central
1. Cleveland Indians
2. Minnesota Twins
3. Chicago White Sox
4. Kansas City Royals
5. Detroit Tigers
Notes-
I think it will be an Indian summer. Cleveland has a strong, young team. Witness their 23-game winning streak last year. They came within a game of winning a world championship two years ago. I didn't think they would overcome that letdown in 2017. But with the Red Sox and Yanks beating each other up, and Houston not as hungry, I can easily see the Indians sneaking into the World Series and finally winning it. If the Cubs, and Eagles can win it all, why not the Tribe?...The Twins surprised last summer. They added pitcher Lance Lynn and should be interesting with their young core..The Chisox have a nice farm system and should be seeing the fruits of their recent trade activity blossom soon.. the Royals aren't what they used to be, plus they aren't nearly as strong as the Indians.. The Tigers are in full rebuild, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Migel Caberra go somewhere.
American League West
1. Houston Astros
2. Seattle Mariners
3. California Angels
4. Texas Rangers
5. Oakland A's
Notes-
Houston should cruise again this season, as long as they stay hungry. Seattle is without a playoff appearance since 2002, the longest drought in the majors. The Angels will be interesting as the Trout/Ohtani duo dominates... Texas could be really good or a bust, with Cole Hamels as trade bait in July. Oakland isn't God-awful but are swamped in this division.
Wild cards-
Yankees over Twins
American League Champions- Cleveland Indians
World Series- Indians over Nationals in six games
THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY- MARCH 26
Wizardly
"We expected to win championships because that's the way he coached us, anything less than an undefeated season and a championship was unacceptable. Coach Wooden taught us how to think like a champion, how to act like a champion, how to play like a champion and eventually how to become a champion."
- Bill Walton
On this night in 1973, Bill Walton connected on 21 of 22 field goals in the first prime-time championship game telecast, icing back-to-back UCLA undefeated seasons and a Bruins' 7th straight title.
Walton's 44 points broke the championship game scoring record of 42 set in 1965 by another bruin, Gail Goodrich, It was also UCLA;s 75th consecutive victory and 36th straight NCAA tournament win. Afterward Coach Wooden called the team his greatest at UCLA. (St. Louis, Missouri).
"We expected to win championships because that's the way he coached us, anything less than an undefeated season and a championship was unacceptable. Coach Wooden taught us how to think like a champion, how to act like a champion, how to play like a champion and eventually how to become a champion."
- Bill Walton
On this night in 1973, Bill Walton connected on 21 of 22 field goals in the first prime-time championship game telecast, icing back-to-back UCLA undefeated seasons and a Bruins' 7th straight title.
Walton's 44 points broke the championship game scoring record of 42 set in 1965 by another bruin, Gail Goodrich, It was also UCLA;s 75th consecutive victory and 36th straight NCAA tournament win. Afterward Coach Wooden called the team his greatest at UCLA. (St. Louis, Missouri).
IDOL CHATTER- SUNDAY NIGHT
Last night on American Idol was the worst so far out of a dun season. The contestants didn't wow me a tall. Not one. The judges' "nice" act seems to be wearing thin, and I think it's good that Hollywood Week starts tonight and the auditions are history.
Here are my Idol thoughts..
- It was a weird night, with unusual characters. Elvis' real sixth cousin showed up, so did a real drag queen. A young chick named Jurnee kept talking about her "wife" in the military and that made me feel awkward.
- For some strange reason, the judges were letting stuff go last night and giving away Golden Tickets like candy on Halloween. Maybe the quality just wasn't there last night? Whatever, the singers weren't that good, and hopefully the weeding-out process begins tonight.
Enough with the sad background stories and the schmoozing up to the judges with cookies and flowers. Let the real competition begin! Up until now, the contestants vied to make it to Hollywood. Now they are literally up against teach other.
- I love Katy Perry so far, but her quirkiness was annoying for the first time during her segments about loving snacks. Who cares?
And although I have liked the judges thus far, and their constructive criticism without being rude, I still miss Simon and his honesty and bluntness, especially after Sunday night and seeing so many losers still go to Hollywood. A little dose of reality isn't a bad thing sometimes and Simon certainly did keep it real most of the time. Maybe it was because he is a Record Executive and this current crop of judges are all performers. Simon saw it one way, as a business, whereas these judges can relate to the contestants because they were newbees once too.
- Out of a weak lot, my favorite last night was the Elvis impersonator named Drake Milligan. He has a deep, rich voice and likes country music. Thank God he didn't do an Elvis song or perform his Elvis act on stage.
- So apparently 179 people went on to Hollywood.The final group has already been decided but I want to be surprised so I won't be checking out the internet for leaks. This starts the more interesting part of Idol. I also can't wait for the live shows to begin, with the theme nights. Time to find out who's got it and who doesn't.
Here are my Idol thoughts..
- It was a weird night, with unusual characters. Elvis' real sixth cousin showed up, so did a real drag queen. A young chick named Jurnee kept talking about her "wife" in the military and that made me feel awkward.
- For some strange reason, the judges were letting stuff go last night and giving away Golden Tickets like candy on Halloween. Maybe the quality just wasn't there last night? Whatever, the singers weren't that good, and hopefully the weeding-out process begins tonight.
Enough with the sad background stories and the schmoozing up to the judges with cookies and flowers. Let the real competition begin! Up until now, the contestants vied to make it to Hollywood. Now they are literally up against teach other.
- I love Katy Perry so far, but her quirkiness was annoying for the first time during her segments about loving snacks. Who cares?
And although I have liked the judges thus far, and their constructive criticism without being rude, I still miss Simon and his honesty and bluntness, especially after Sunday night and seeing so many losers still go to Hollywood. A little dose of reality isn't a bad thing sometimes and Simon certainly did keep it real most of the time. Maybe it was because he is a Record Executive and this current crop of judges are all performers. Simon saw it one way, as a business, whereas these judges can relate to the contestants because they were newbees once too.
- Out of a weak lot, my favorite last night was the Elvis impersonator named Drake Milligan. He has a deep, rich voice and likes country music. Thank God he didn't do an Elvis song or perform his Elvis act on stage.
- So apparently 179 people went on to Hollywood.The final group has already been decided but I want to be surprised so I won't be checking out the internet for leaks. This starts the more interesting part of Idol. I also can't wait for the live shows to begin, with the theme nights. Time to find out who's got it and who doesn't.
Sunday, March 25, 2018
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- PHILLIES, EAGLES, SIXERS, FLYERS, VILLANOVA
* Way to go Phillies' organization, especially owner john Middleton! Signing Scott Kingery to six-year deal, with club options for three additional years. Kingery will be on Opening Day roster, either as super-utility guy or a regular if Cesar Hernandez or Mychal Franco gets traded this week.
Exciting times ahead! With Arrieta, Santana and now Kingery, along with Hoskins ( who hit another home run today), the rebuild is officially over and it should be a hot summer at Citizens Bank Park. Meaningful games in September will be so welcomed again!
Rumors are that if Phils are buyers come July trade deadline, ex-Pihllie Cole Hamel;s could be coming back to town> Cole who give them another anchor on top of rotation, along with Arrieta and Nola, a veteran lefty starter the staff so badly needs.
As camp breaks this week, and the season opener in Atlanta looms on Thursday, the 25-man roster is starting to take shape. Who wins the third catchers' job? Will it be a four-man outfielder to start the year? Will the team carry eight pitchers in the bullpen, thus only having four bench players?
The Phillies also announced that P Jake Arrieta's first regular season game with the Phillies will be on Sunday, April 8 at home vs Miami. Expect a big crowd that day. Until then the team will go with a four-man rotation, probably Nola, Pivetta, Valasquez and TBA the # 4 starter.
***************************************************************************
* Still trying to make sense of the Michael Bennett incident. I believe he might be a bad guy, and certainly should've reported the alleged incident in Houston to the NFL< the Seahawks and the Eagles. I think Bennett will be fined and suspended but not jailed. They will reach some sort of agreement. But do the Birds really want this off-the-field disruption in their otherwise stable locker room?
If there is a video of the alleged pushing incident of an elderly female paraplegic security guard ( as Bennett's sister claims) why hasn't see turned it over to authorities to clear her brother? Why didn't the police officer who supposedly witnessed the abuse arrest Bennett on the spot/ Why did it take over a year to finally indict?
Too many unanswered questions for me. meanwhile the Birds make yet another terrific free agent signing by inking a one-year deal with speedy veteran wide receiver Mike Wallace.
************************************************************************
The Sixers won their sixth game in a row and could clinch a playoff berth tonight with another win. They are a dangerous team to play now, with the easiest remaining schedule in the league, and can cruise into the playoffs red-hot. With home-court advantage I wouldn't want to play this young, hungry team, with Ben Simmons coming into his own.
Meanwhile, the Flyers lose again to Pittsburgh, a key 5-4 loss in overtime. The Flyers are now three points behind the Penguins. They still have the first wild card spot with 89 points.
***************************************************************************
As I write this, Villanova is up by eight points with 7 minutes left in the second half against Texas Tech. Unless the Cats totally collapse they should move on to the Final Four in San Antonio next weekend.
Funny, this would be twice in three years that the Wildcats make the Final Four, with a real shot to win another national championship. Yet i feel Villanova is still under-appreciated, not only locally but nationally too. When one thinks of powerhouse basketball school, programs like North Carolina, Duke or Kansas come to mind. But Villanova has to be considered right there with the highest of any school in the country.
As the Eagles lacked respect this season, maybe Nova will finally get the respect it deserves soon. And that's coming form a St. Joe's fan.
Exciting times ahead! With Arrieta, Santana and now Kingery, along with Hoskins ( who hit another home run today), the rebuild is officially over and it should be a hot summer at Citizens Bank Park. Meaningful games in September will be so welcomed again!
Rumors are that if Phils are buyers come July trade deadline, ex-Pihllie Cole Hamel;s could be coming back to town> Cole who give them another anchor on top of rotation, along with Arrieta and Nola, a veteran lefty starter the staff so badly needs.
As camp breaks this week, and the season opener in Atlanta looms on Thursday, the 25-man roster is starting to take shape. Who wins the third catchers' job? Will it be a four-man outfielder to start the year? Will the team carry eight pitchers in the bullpen, thus only having four bench players?
The Phillies also announced that P Jake Arrieta's first regular season game with the Phillies will be on Sunday, April 8 at home vs Miami. Expect a big crowd that day. Until then the team will go with a four-man rotation, probably Nola, Pivetta, Valasquez and TBA the # 4 starter.
***************************************************************************
* Still trying to make sense of the Michael Bennett incident. I believe he might be a bad guy, and certainly should've reported the alleged incident in Houston to the NFL< the Seahawks and the Eagles. I think Bennett will be fined and suspended but not jailed. They will reach some sort of agreement. But do the Birds really want this off-the-field disruption in their otherwise stable locker room?
If there is a video of the alleged pushing incident of an elderly female paraplegic security guard ( as Bennett's sister claims) why hasn't see turned it over to authorities to clear her brother? Why didn't the police officer who supposedly witnessed the abuse arrest Bennett on the spot/ Why did it take over a year to finally indict?
Too many unanswered questions for me. meanwhile the Birds make yet another terrific free agent signing by inking a one-year deal with speedy veteran wide receiver Mike Wallace.
************************************************************************
The Sixers won their sixth game in a row and could clinch a playoff berth tonight with another win. They are a dangerous team to play now, with the easiest remaining schedule in the league, and can cruise into the playoffs red-hot. With home-court advantage I wouldn't want to play this young, hungry team, with Ben Simmons coming into his own.
Meanwhile, the Flyers lose again to Pittsburgh, a key 5-4 loss in overtime. The Flyers are now three points behind the Penguins. They still have the first wild card spot with 89 points.
***************************************************************************
As I write this, Villanova is up by eight points with 7 minutes left in the second half against Texas Tech. Unless the Cats totally collapse they should move on to the Final Four in San Antonio next weekend.
Funny, this would be twice in three years that the Wildcats make the Final Four, with a real shot to win another national championship. Yet i feel Villanova is still under-appreciated, not only locally but nationally too. When one thinks of powerhouse basketball school, programs like North Carolina, Duke or Kansas come to mind. But Villanova has to be considered right there with the highest of any school in the country.
As the Eagles lacked respect this season, maybe Nova will finally get the respect it deserves soon. And that's coming form a St. Joe's fan.
REVIEW- TWO FUNNY PHILLY GUYS
I saw the Two Funny Philly Guys show last night at the Colonial Theater in Phoenixville Saturday night. WIP Sports Radio stars Joe Conklin and Big Daddy Graham were the headliners, with host Glen Macnow emceeing the event. Here are my thoughts...
- I saw Conklin and Graham several years ago at the Colonial. As with back then, Conklin was funnier. Everyone likes impressions, and Conklin is great, especially at sports personalities. His routine is always changing, going with the flow of the personalities and current events. Graham's material is stale. He did a lot of routines that I saw several years agao. The jokes were funny but predictable. I'm surprised he doesn't have fresher material, especially with all the local dates he does every year.
- Conklin covered all the local pro teams. The Sixers seem to have the most personalities, with Barkley, Iverson, and Embiid all mimicked. From the Phillies came impersonations of charlie Manuel and Cole Hamels. Chip Kelly and Merrill Reese were Eagle personalities, and Bernie Parent was a funny Flyers target. Conklin also did some of his WIP personalities, such as bartender Chip Snapper from Kensington, familiar voices from the radio.
Conklin showed off his impressive vocal skills by making all kinds of horn sounds. The audience, composed of an older crowd with a sprinkling of millennials, loved his act. Never gets old.
- Big Daddy works very blue, surprisingly so. I heard many of the older crowd, who may listen to him overnight on WIP, who didn't find him funny at all and were turned off by his frequent profanity and constant remarks about sex and booze.I'm no prude, but his almost obsessive references to sex and drinking left me and others uncomfortable. Be prepared if you see him that his is not a family -type of show.
Big Daddy used index cards to remind him of certain topics. Not sure if this was intentional, the index cards as a cue for new material he is working on, or a prop. His strengths are the spontaneous, off-the-cuff remarks. you can tell he has been around the block a few times, and is an experienced club performer.
I'm currently reading a book about Jackie Gleason ( which is outstanding, called "The Great One- The life and Legend of Jackie Gleason" by William A. Henry III). Gleason was a stand-up early in his career, and his strength also was his quick wit and his unpredictable, unscripted remarks.
- The Colonial remains a terrific place to see a show. It looked like a sold-out crowd on a Saturday night. The buzz was electric. We ate dinner across the street before the show and several people are nearby tables were talking about the upcoming show, and most of the talk concerned Conklin not Graham.
- Macnow did a nice job as host. He got off a few good jokes during his opening and in-between acts duties, including a classic joke about a "pickle slicer". Macnow is co-owner of a new beer joint across Bridge Street form the theater, and with one's ticket stub from last night, Glen gave out a free beer after the show. Great PR tactic.
- All in all it was a fun night of comedy. Conklin went on first, but definitely should be the headliner. After their sets ( approximately 45 minutes each) there was an awkward question and answer segment which fell flat. No one seemed to have any questions, and when questions were pried from the crowd, they were pretty lame. A segment worth dropping.
Then, in another awkward moment, the three WIP personalities on stage all sang the "Schaffer beer" theme song ("Schaffer is the one beer to have when your'e having more than one...") to end the evening. night. Rocky music played the trio out as the crowd dispersed.
While Macnow and Conklin fled across the street, Big Daddy was hawking his so-called book about his father, which he wrote years ago, in the lobby for $10 a pop.
By the way, before Conklin went into his act, the audience were led into singing the Eagles' fight song, the Colonial shaking with the E-A-G-L-E-S chant echoing thru-out the old venue. Also, Philly-related music, by artists such as Bobby Rydell, Pink and Todd Rundgeon greeted the people as they made their way to their seats.
Finally, we enjoyed a show within a show. An elderly usher, new on the job, was shining his flashlight and trying to help people find their seats before the show. He was a pleasant guy. Only problem was that he seemed bewildered by the seating chart, and kept sending the audience all around the theater. We sat back and watched this spectacle for a good 30 minutes, as confused patrons criss-crossed the venue, trying to locate their seats on their own.
- I saw Conklin and Graham several years ago at the Colonial. As with back then, Conklin was funnier. Everyone likes impressions, and Conklin is great, especially at sports personalities. His routine is always changing, going with the flow of the personalities and current events. Graham's material is stale. He did a lot of routines that I saw several years agao. The jokes were funny but predictable. I'm surprised he doesn't have fresher material, especially with all the local dates he does every year.
- Conklin covered all the local pro teams. The Sixers seem to have the most personalities, with Barkley, Iverson, and Embiid all mimicked. From the Phillies came impersonations of charlie Manuel and Cole Hamels. Chip Kelly and Merrill Reese were Eagle personalities, and Bernie Parent was a funny Flyers target. Conklin also did some of his WIP personalities, such as bartender Chip Snapper from Kensington, familiar voices from the radio.
Conklin showed off his impressive vocal skills by making all kinds of horn sounds. The audience, composed of an older crowd with a sprinkling of millennials, loved his act. Never gets old.
- Big Daddy works very blue, surprisingly so. I heard many of the older crowd, who may listen to him overnight on WIP, who didn't find him funny at all and were turned off by his frequent profanity and constant remarks about sex and booze.I'm no prude, but his almost obsessive references to sex and drinking left me and others uncomfortable. Be prepared if you see him that his is not a family -type of show.
Big Daddy used index cards to remind him of certain topics. Not sure if this was intentional, the index cards as a cue for new material he is working on, or a prop. His strengths are the spontaneous, off-the-cuff remarks. you can tell he has been around the block a few times, and is an experienced club performer.
I'm currently reading a book about Jackie Gleason ( which is outstanding, called "The Great One- The life and Legend of Jackie Gleason" by William A. Henry III). Gleason was a stand-up early in his career, and his strength also was his quick wit and his unpredictable, unscripted remarks.
- The Colonial remains a terrific place to see a show. It looked like a sold-out crowd on a Saturday night. The buzz was electric. We ate dinner across the street before the show and several people are nearby tables were talking about the upcoming show, and most of the talk concerned Conklin not Graham.
- Macnow did a nice job as host. He got off a few good jokes during his opening and in-between acts duties, including a classic joke about a "pickle slicer". Macnow is co-owner of a new beer joint across Bridge Street form the theater, and with one's ticket stub from last night, Glen gave out a free beer after the show. Great PR tactic.
- All in all it was a fun night of comedy. Conklin went on first, but definitely should be the headliner. After their sets ( approximately 45 minutes each) there was an awkward question and answer segment which fell flat. No one seemed to have any questions, and when questions were pried from the crowd, they were pretty lame. A segment worth dropping.
Then, in another awkward moment, the three WIP personalities on stage all sang the "Schaffer beer" theme song ("Schaffer is the one beer to have when your'e having more than one...") to end the evening. night. Rocky music played the trio out as the crowd dispersed.
While Macnow and Conklin fled across the street, Big Daddy was hawking his so-called book about his father, which he wrote years ago, in the lobby for $10 a pop.
By the way, before Conklin went into his act, the audience were led into singing the Eagles' fight song, the Colonial shaking with the E-A-G-L-E-S chant echoing thru-out the old venue. Also, Philly-related music, by artists such as Bobby Rydell, Pink and Todd Rundgeon greeted the people as they made their way to their seats.
Finally, we enjoyed a show within a show. An elderly usher, new on the job, was shining his flashlight and trying to help people find their seats before the show. He was a pleasant guy. Only problem was that he seemed bewildered by the seating chart, and kept sending the audience all around the theater. We sat back and watched this spectacle for a good 30 minutes, as confused patrons criss-crossed the venue, trying to locate their seats on their own.
Saturday, March 24, 2018
THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY- MARCH 24/25
Seeds of Strength
Two #1 seeds making it to the NCAA Championship game:
1982 North Carolina defeated Georgetown
1993 North Carolina defeated Michigan
1999 Connecticut defeated Duke
2005 North Carolina defeated Illinois
2007 Florida defeated Ohio State
2008 Kansas defeated Memphis
2015 Duke defeated Wisconsin
2017 north Carolina defeated Gonzaga
Two #1 seeds making it to the NCAA Championship game:
1982 North Carolina defeated Georgetown
1993 North Carolina defeated Michigan
1999 Connecticut defeated Duke
2005 North Carolina defeated Illinois
2007 Florida defeated Ohio State
2008 Kansas defeated Memphis
2015 Duke defeated Wisconsin
2017 north Carolina defeated Gonzaga
Friday, March 23, 2018
CHIRPING BIRDS- MICHAEL BENNETT
This Michael Bennett situation sucks. It's still developing, but Bennett was indited today by Houston police for an alleged incident that occurred at the 2017 Super Bowl. It's alleged that Bennett pushed an elderly paraplegic female security guard as he was attempting to get on the field to meet his brother after the Patriots beat Atlanta in Super Bowl LI. Here are my thoughts..
- Hard to believe that neither the Eagles or Seahawks knew of Bennett's problems in Houston. Howie Rossman usually investigates his signings and draft picks with the best of them. Did he just whiff on this one? Is Bennett really that bad of a guy? Will his off-the-field antics disrupt an otherwise harmonious locker room?
- Bennett is innocent until proven guilty. But if he is found guilty, can the Birds void his newly-signed contract?
- Vinny Curry has signed with Tampa Bay. What happens at defensive end if Bennett cannot play this season?
- It's a felony charge, nothing to sneeze at. If the alleged charges are true Bennett deserves whatever punishment he gets. No one is above the law. The fact the alleged victim has a disability shouldn't matter. She is elderly as well, and if Bennett did push her and caused bodily harm, no matter the age or disability, he deserves whatever he gets.
- Apparently there is no video of the alleged incident but police must have some real evidence to order an arrest. Apparently there is a witness, a police officer. Whatever, Bennett is in trouble and it will be interesting in the days ahead to see how the Eagles organization handles this mess.
- Hard to believe that neither the Eagles or Seahawks knew of Bennett's problems in Houston. Howie Rossman usually investigates his signings and draft picks with the best of them. Did he just whiff on this one? Is Bennett really that bad of a guy? Will his off-the-field antics disrupt an otherwise harmonious locker room?
- Bennett is innocent until proven guilty. But if he is found guilty, can the Birds void his newly-signed contract?
- Vinny Curry has signed with Tampa Bay. What happens at defensive end if Bennett cannot play this season?
- It's a felony charge, nothing to sneeze at. If the alleged charges are true Bennett deserves whatever punishment he gets. No one is above the law. The fact the alleged victim has a disability shouldn't matter. She is elderly as well, and if Bennett did push her and caused bodily harm, no matter the age or disability, he deserves whatever he gets.
- Apparently there is no video of the alleged incident but police must have some real evidence to order an arrest. Apparently there is a witness, a police officer. Whatever, Bennett is in trouble and it will be interesting in the days ahead to see how the Eagles organization handles this mess.
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- EAGLES, PHILLIES, SIXERS, FLYERS
* GM Howie Rossman does it again. The Eagles signed free agent WR Mike Wallace to a one-year contract. Wallace gives the Birds a speedy veteran receiver they need since Torry Smith left for Carolina.
Wallace is cheaper plus he's an upgrade at the position. Look for the Eagles to also drat a young WR/Kick and or Punt Returner. Wallace is the fast guy on the outside to keep defenses honest, a wide-out capable of taking the top off.
Rossman's formula is to sign veteran players, trying to milk an extra year out of their career, still with something left in the tank, players who are thirsting for a championship.
More work to do, as there is really only one tight end on the roster. With Blount leaving there is an opening at running back. The draft is only a month away.
**************************************************************************
* Jake Arrieta pitched two innings in Clearwater for the Phillies. He gave up two runs, including a home run to Miguel Cabrerra. Arrieta said he was happy with his initial outing with the Phils. hitting 95 MPH on the radar gun and throwing strikes. I would expect him to pitch one more game early next week in Florida before going north for the season. Maybe he goes five innings in his first regular season start next weekend in Atlanta or Monday in New York.
* Much speculation as to when the team will send Scott Kingery down to Lehigh Valley. Could be today or when the team breaks camp next Tuesday.
I get it why it may happen- service-time issues. I worry that GM Klentak will keep Kingery down on the farm longer then April 13th, especially if Cesar Hernandez gets off to a fast start. Kingery can also play third if Franco falters. Either way, I hope the fans keep the heat on Phillies' management not to forget Kingery.
It seems stupid to sign Carlos Santana and Jake Arrieta, then waste a year with one of your best young prospects in Lehigh Valley, a star-in-the-making who is now major-league ready.
* Yesterday's game with the Tigers turned into a bean-ball brawl, with five guys getting tossed out of the game. The Phils travel to Lakeland on Saturday to again face Detroit. Could be more fireworks. Too bad the teams don't play each other in the regular season.
**************************************************************************
* The Flyers won last night, beat the awful Rangers 4-3. The Flyers cling to the first wild card spot. They will probably make the playoffs, but again, they won't go far. They are too inconsistent and need a new coach and a true no. 1 goaltender.
* Meanwhile the Sixers are streaking , winning five games in a row, as they cruised past Orlando. They are only one game behind Cleveland for the third spot in the Eastern Conference standings. Clinching home court advantage would be big. I always like a hot team going into the playoffs, so I wouldn't put it pass the 76ers to go far in the postseason.
Are they young? Yes. Do they turn the ball over too much? Yes. Are they ready to win? Probably not. But the Sixers have nothing to lose with youth on their side. Sixers vs the Cavs or Celtics would be entertaining as hell.
Wallace is cheaper plus he's an upgrade at the position. Look for the Eagles to also drat a young WR/Kick and or Punt Returner. Wallace is the fast guy on the outside to keep defenses honest, a wide-out capable of taking the top off.
Rossman's formula is to sign veteran players, trying to milk an extra year out of their career, still with something left in the tank, players who are thirsting for a championship.
More work to do, as there is really only one tight end on the roster. With Blount leaving there is an opening at running back. The draft is only a month away.
**************************************************************************
* Jake Arrieta pitched two innings in Clearwater for the Phillies. He gave up two runs, including a home run to Miguel Cabrerra. Arrieta said he was happy with his initial outing with the Phils. hitting 95 MPH on the radar gun and throwing strikes. I would expect him to pitch one more game early next week in Florida before going north for the season. Maybe he goes five innings in his first regular season start next weekend in Atlanta or Monday in New York.
* Much speculation as to when the team will send Scott Kingery down to Lehigh Valley. Could be today or when the team breaks camp next Tuesday.
I get it why it may happen- service-time issues. I worry that GM Klentak will keep Kingery down on the farm longer then April 13th, especially if Cesar Hernandez gets off to a fast start. Kingery can also play third if Franco falters. Either way, I hope the fans keep the heat on Phillies' management not to forget Kingery.
It seems stupid to sign Carlos Santana and Jake Arrieta, then waste a year with one of your best young prospects in Lehigh Valley, a star-in-the-making who is now major-league ready.
* Yesterday's game with the Tigers turned into a bean-ball brawl, with five guys getting tossed out of the game. The Phils travel to Lakeland on Saturday to again face Detroit. Could be more fireworks. Too bad the teams don't play each other in the regular season.
**************************************************************************
* The Flyers won last night, beat the awful Rangers 4-3. The Flyers cling to the first wild card spot. They will probably make the playoffs, but again, they won't go far. They are too inconsistent and need a new coach and a true no. 1 goaltender.
* Meanwhile the Sixers are streaking , winning five games in a row, as they cruised past Orlando. They are only one game behind Cleveland for the third spot in the Eastern Conference standings. Clinching home court advantage would be big. I always like a hot team going into the playoffs, so I wouldn't put it pass the 76ers to go far in the postseason.
Are they young? Yes. Do they turn the ball over too much? Yes. Are they ready to win? Probably not. But the Sixers have nothing to lose with youth on their side. Sixers vs the Cavs or Celtics would be entertaining as hell.
THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY- MARCH 23
"The key is not the 'will to win'- everybody has that. It is the will to prepare to win that is important."
-Bobby Knight
-Bobby Knight
Thursday, March 22, 2018
IN THE NEWS- DEVOS DEFENDS MOVE TO DELAY SPECIAL ED RULE
This recent article is by Disability Scoop..
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos is sticking by her agency's plan to pause an Obama-era rule designed to make sure kids from certain backgrounds aren't wrongly placed in special education.
Speaking before a House of Representatives Appropriations subcommittee this week, Devos said that holding off on implementing the regulation is the right thing to do.
"The delay is to ensure that we have a regulation that really does meet the needs of students that are disabled in any way,' deVos said in response to questions from Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif.
'We are committed to upholding the provisions of (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and I want to make very clear that we are addressing this issue appropriately," DeVos continued. "There have been varying opinions and very different approaches to this within the community that are most concerned about this. We want to ensure that we end up with a regulation that does address these issues appropriately."
The regulation in question was finalized in the last weeks of the Obama administration. Known as the "significant disproportionality" rule, it sought to create a uniform national standard to make sure that students from minority backgrounds are not overrepresented in special education.
The rule is set to take effect July 1, but last month DeVos' Department of Education proposed a two-year delay.
Lee chastised DeVos for suggesting that an additional two years would be needed to get the regulation right, telling her 'your head is in the sand about racial bias and racial discrimination."
Separately, DeVos also faced questions about the use of restraint and seclusion on students with disabilities in the nation's schools, which is tracked by the Education Department's Office for Civil Rights.
"It's come to my attention that multiple states have reported zero instances for an entire school year, which is just not believable," said Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Wash., who asked if a clearer definition of the terms may be needed.
"I am aware of this issue, this claim," DeVos said. "We'll certainly look into ways we can continue to insist and ensure that states are appropriately addressing and reporting these situations."
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos is sticking by her agency's plan to pause an Obama-era rule designed to make sure kids from certain backgrounds aren't wrongly placed in special education.
Speaking before a House of Representatives Appropriations subcommittee this week, Devos said that holding off on implementing the regulation is the right thing to do.
"The delay is to ensure that we have a regulation that really does meet the needs of students that are disabled in any way,' deVos said in response to questions from Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif.
'We are committed to upholding the provisions of (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and I want to make very clear that we are addressing this issue appropriately," DeVos continued. "There have been varying opinions and very different approaches to this within the community that are most concerned about this. We want to ensure that we end up with a regulation that does address these issues appropriately."
The regulation in question was finalized in the last weeks of the Obama administration. Known as the "significant disproportionality" rule, it sought to create a uniform national standard to make sure that students from minority backgrounds are not overrepresented in special education.
The rule is set to take effect July 1, but last month DeVos' Department of Education proposed a two-year delay.
Lee chastised DeVos for suggesting that an additional two years would be needed to get the regulation right, telling her 'your head is in the sand about racial bias and racial discrimination."
Separately, DeVos also faced questions about the use of restraint and seclusion on students with disabilities in the nation's schools, which is tracked by the Education Department's Office for Civil Rights.
"It's come to my attention that multiple states have reported zero instances for an entire school year, which is just not believable," said Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Wash., who asked if a clearer definition of the terms may be needed.
"I am aware of this issue, this claim," DeVos said. "We'll certainly look into ways we can continue to insist and ensure that states are appropriately addressing and reporting these situations."
IN MY LIFE-DON'T GET HACKED!
Recently I was the victim of a computer hacking. With a lot of help I have recovered but allow me to pass along some valuable advice so you don't go through the same things I did...
* Don't give out your Social Security number.
* Call your bank and credit if you suspect you have been scammed. Freeze your accounts as soon as possible.
* Don't give remote access to anyone on your computer. Don't give them easy access to find your information and plant viruses.
* Make sure you have a good anti-virus protection on your computer. I have Norton. Let them help you.
* Change your passwords and keep them hidden.
* Block all phone numbers you don't recognize. Delete and mark as spam unfamiliar emails. Better yet, don't open anything you're not sure of.
* If it doesn't feel right, be leery. Listen to your gut, that little voice inside. Don't necessarily trust someone who says they are going to "help" you.
* Use common sense and don't be stupid as I was. believe that bad people are out there, and even if you are minding your own business they will look to exploit you. Don't allow yourself to be duped. Protect your accounts, your privacy and your information. If you feel it can never happen to you, your wrong. It can.
* Don't give out your Social Security number.
* Call your bank and credit if you suspect you have been scammed. Freeze your accounts as soon as possible.
* Don't give remote access to anyone on your computer. Don't give them easy access to find your information and plant viruses.
* Make sure you have a good anti-virus protection on your computer. I have Norton. Let them help you.
* Change your passwords and keep them hidden.
* Block all phone numbers you don't recognize. Delete and mark as spam unfamiliar emails. Better yet, don't open anything you're not sure of.
* If it doesn't feel right, be leery. Listen to your gut, that little voice inside. Don't necessarily trust someone who says they are going to "help" you.
* Use common sense and don't be stupid as I was. believe that bad people are out there, and even if you are minding your own business they will look to exploit you. Don't allow yourself to be duped. Protect your accounts, your privacy and your information. If you feel it can never happen to you, your wrong. It can.
THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY- MARCH 22
Keeping The Faith
"If you had a day, your last day on this planet, and it started with family and friends, and then you're gone- well, a lot of people wish they'd have that, my friends are gone, but they went out on a great day.. I wish they didn't , but they did."
- Bobby Ojeda comments at his first meeting with the media since the boating accident that killed Cleveland Indians pitchers Tim Crews and Steve Olin on this date in 1993.
"If you had a day, your last day on this planet, and it started with family and friends, and then you're gone- well, a lot of people wish they'd have that, my friends are gone, but they went out on a great day.. I wish they didn't , but they did."
- Bobby Ojeda comments at his first meeting with the media since the boating accident that killed Cleveland Indians pitchers Tim Crews and Steve Olin on this date in 1993.
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
IN THE NEWS- FAMILY SUES AFTER BOY SCOUTS STRIP BADGES FROM SON WITH DOWN SYNDROME
From The Dallas Morning News..
A Utah man is suing the Irving, Texas-based Boy Scouts of America after the organization voided every merit badge his son- who has Down syndrome- has earned, blocking the 15-year-old's path to becoming an Eagle Scout.
Chad Blythe of Payson, Utah, filed the lawsuit last week in the state's 4th District court. The Salt lake Tribune reported. He claims the Boy Scouts and the Utah National Parks Council engaged in "outrageous and reckless conduct" and that his family has suffered emotional distress because of their actions.
Logan Blythe had been planning to create kits with blankets and onesies for infants with special needs as his Eagle Scout project, his father said. The kits would then be given to hospitals.
But after local Scouting officials submitted the project to the national office, the boy Scouts determined that Logan hadn't followed the exact requirements to earn his merit badges. Boy Scouts must earn 21 merit badges in addition to the Eagle project to attain the rank of Eagle Scout.
Chad Blythe said Logan's chapter had made accommodations for his disability to help him earn merit badges during his years as a Scout.
"For example, if a task is cooking and the instructions are to pour a cup of flour, Logan won't stop pouring,' he said. "In situations like that, the local chapter has awarded him a badge regardless, for his effort."
Blythe wrote on Facebook that because of his son's disability, there aren't any merit badges he can complete precisely- many involve memorization, speaking or performing a task on command.
In a prepared statement, the Boy Scouts said the group has always 'served youth members with physical, mental and emotional disabilities."
'Scouting is uniquely positioned among youth programs to meet the needs of Scouts with disabilities by providing diverse programs and social experiences," the statement said. "The Utah National Parks Council has worked closely with this young man and his family to deliver a positive experience in our programs."
A spokeswoman, Effie Delimarkos, told the Salt lake Tribune that the organization has offered the Blythe family;y a "path to earning alternative merit badges based on (Logan's) abilities,' and noted that requiring the same merit-badge standards from Scouts is meant to promote equity.
she added that Logan was welcome in the boy Scouts, just like any other child, and that the group recognized his dedication at an event earlier this year.
But the Blythes' attorney, Ted McBride, says the Boy Scouts "have lost their way."
"The local Utah people did not want to enforce this discriminatory policy, but regrettably that turned out to be a bad decision for them," McBride told KSL-TV.
"The Boy Scouts have made accommodations for those who identify as transgender,they have even accepted girls into the Boy Scouts, and they are going to fight this? For what? To protect the prestigious Eagle Scout badge?"
Logan's mother, Diane Blythe, told The Salt Lake Tribune that her son has surprised them with what he has accomplished by trying different merit badges- in one instance shocking them with his capability at tying knots.
'We don't know what his abilities are until we test them," she told the newspaper. "That's what's fun about these different things."
The family's lawsuit seeks $1 in damages and for Logan's badges to be reinstated.
A Utah man is suing the Irving, Texas-based Boy Scouts of America after the organization voided every merit badge his son- who has Down syndrome- has earned, blocking the 15-year-old's path to becoming an Eagle Scout.
Chad Blythe of Payson, Utah, filed the lawsuit last week in the state's 4th District court. The Salt lake Tribune reported. He claims the Boy Scouts and the Utah National Parks Council engaged in "outrageous and reckless conduct" and that his family has suffered emotional distress because of their actions.
Logan Blythe had been planning to create kits with blankets and onesies for infants with special needs as his Eagle Scout project, his father said. The kits would then be given to hospitals.
But after local Scouting officials submitted the project to the national office, the boy Scouts determined that Logan hadn't followed the exact requirements to earn his merit badges. Boy Scouts must earn 21 merit badges in addition to the Eagle project to attain the rank of Eagle Scout.
Chad Blythe said Logan's chapter had made accommodations for his disability to help him earn merit badges during his years as a Scout.
"For example, if a task is cooking and the instructions are to pour a cup of flour, Logan won't stop pouring,' he said. "In situations like that, the local chapter has awarded him a badge regardless, for his effort."
Blythe wrote on Facebook that because of his son's disability, there aren't any merit badges he can complete precisely- many involve memorization, speaking or performing a task on command.
In a prepared statement, the Boy Scouts said the group has always 'served youth members with physical, mental and emotional disabilities."
'Scouting is uniquely positioned among youth programs to meet the needs of Scouts with disabilities by providing diverse programs and social experiences," the statement said. "The Utah National Parks Council has worked closely with this young man and his family to deliver a positive experience in our programs."
A spokeswoman, Effie Delimarkos, told the Salt lake Tribune that the organization has offered the Blythe family;y a "path to earning alternative merit badges based on (Logan's) abilities,' and noted that requiring the same merit-badge standards from Scouts is meant to promote equity.
she added that Logan was welcome in the boy Scouts, just like any other child, and that the group recognized his dedication at an event earlier this year.
But the Blythes' attorney, Ted McBride, says the Boy Scouts "have lost their way."
"The local Utah people did not want to enforce this discriminatory policy, but regrettably that turned out to be a bad decision for them," McBride told KSL-TV.
"The Boy Scouts have made accommodations for those who identify as transgender,they have even accepted girls into the Boy Scouts, and they are going to fight this? For what? To protect the prestigious Eagle Scout badge?"
Logan's mother, Diane Blythe, told The Salt Lake Tribune that her son has surprised them with what he has accomplished by trying different merit badges- in one instance shocking them with his capability at tying knots.
'We don't know what his abilities are until we test them," she told the newspaper. "That's what's fun about these different things."
The family's lawsuit seeks $1 in damages and for Logan's badges to be reinstated.
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- FLYERS, PHILLIES, EAGLES
- The Flyers suffered an embarrassing loss in Detroit last night, losing to the woeful Red Wings in a shoot-out, 5-4. Detroit had lost 10 games in a row until Tuesday night.
In the midst of a playoff push, with Columbus winning nine consecutive games, the Flyers came out lame, admitting later they didn't play hard.
I've said it before- the team needs a new coach and a true No. 1 goalie. If they make the playoffs they are just too inconsistent to go far. They have no heart.
******************************************************************************
* New free agent acquisition Jake Arrieta is scheduled to pitch tomorrow against the Tigers. The game is in Clearwater so it will be on NBC-Comcast. The season opens next Thursday. Will Arrieta be ready by then? I'm thinking he will pitch tomorrow and again early next week. Will he pitch during the initial weekend series at Atlanta or in new York vs the Mets?
- Scott Kingery is still in camp but will probably be sent down to Lehigh Valley soon. Hopefully he is back on the big-club after April 13.
Instead of Kingery moving to third or shortstop, or becoming the super-utility many, why not leave Kingery at second base and make Cesar Hernandez the utility man?Hernandez is what he is- a good, solid player but nothing special.
- ESPN wrote an article yesterday about way-too-early trade deadline speculation. Their assessment is if they Phils are buyers come July, ex-Phil Cole Hamels could be a target. He would give them a lefty in the starting rotation, another veteran to anchor the staff with Arrieta.
If the Phillies are sellers, Hernandez would bring back prospects in return. And if the organization wants to trade a surplus of outfielders and young prospects for veteran help to get the team over the hump, outfielder Adam Heaseley may be a good bargaining chip.
- Odubel Herrera and Myshel Franco continue to have awful springs. Luckily, if they keep failing through April, Kingery can conceivably cover third base and Aaron Altherr/ Nick Williams can handle center field. The Phillies have options at both positions.
- Tommy Joseph was claimed off waivers by the Texas Rangers. He is still young enough to have a good run in Texas, where he could be a designated hitter. Joseph was an average player, but was limited in the fact he could only play first base. Although he flashed power in Philly, he didn't do enough to stay on the club and hold off Rhys Hoskins.
*****************************************************************************
- Vinny Curry signed with Tampa Bay over the weekend, joining forces with Beau Allen, who also bolted the Eagles for the Buccaneers. Curry has his chances to be a dominant puss rusher, but never really came into his own consistently. Curry had a good year last season but with the signing of Michael Bennett, and with Curry's salary, it made sense to part ways.
- According to columnist Zach Berman, look for the Birds to seek a speedy wide receiver, return specialist, running back and a tight end in the upcoming draft and what is remaining in free agency. He is writing that GM Howie Rossman will be active from now until the draft in late April and should focus on the offense.
In the midst of a playoff push, with Columbus winning nine consecutive games, the Flyers came out lame, admitting later they didn't play hard.
I've said it before- the team needs a new coach and a true No. 1 goalie. If they make the playoffs they are just too inconsistent to go far. They have no heart.
******************************************************************************
* New free agent acquisition Jake Arrieta is scheduled to pitch tomorrow against the Tigers. The game is in Clearwater so it will be on NBC-Comcast. The season opens next Thursday. Will Arrieta be ready by then? I'm thinking he will pitch tomorrow and again early next week. Will he pitch during the initial weekend series at Atlanta or in new York vs the Mets?
- Scott Kingery is still in camp but will probably be sent down to Lehigh Valley soon. Hopefully he is back on the big-club after April 13.
Instead of Kingery moving to third or shortstop, or becoming the super-utility many, why not leave Kingery at second base and make Cesar Hernandez the utility man?Hernandez is what he is- a good, solid player but nothing special.
- ESPN wrote an article yesterday about way-too-early trade deadline speculation. Their assessment is if they Phils are buyers come July, ex-Phil Cole Hamels could be a target. He would give them a lefty in the starting rotation, another veteran to anchor the staff with Arrieta.
If the Phillies are sellers, Hernandez would bring back prospects in return. And if the organization wants to trade a surplus of outfielders and young prospects for veteran help to get the team over the hump, outfielder Adam Heaseley may be a good bargaining chip.
- Odubel Herrera and Myshel Franco continue to have awful springs. Luckily, if they keep failing through April, Kingery can conceivably cover third base and Aaron Altherr/ Nick Williams can handle center field. The Phillies have options at both positions.
- Tommy Joseph was claimed off waivers by the Texas Rangers. He is still young enough to have a good run in Texas, where he could be a designated hitter. Joseph was an average player, but was limited in the fact he could only play first base. Although he flashed power in Philly, he didn't do enough to stay on the club and hold off Rhys Hoskins.
*****************************************************************************
- Vinny Curry signed with Tampa Bay over the weekend, joining forces with Beau Allen, who also bolted the Eagles for the Buccaneers. Curry has his chances to be a dominant puss rusher, but never really came into his own consistently. Curry had a good year last season but with the signing of Michael Bennett, and with Curry's salary, it made sense to part ways.
- According to columnist Zach Berman, look for the Birds to seek a speedy wide receiver, return specialist, running back and a tight end in the upcoming draft and what is remaining in free agency. He is writing that GM Howie Rossman will be active from now until the draft in late April and should focus on the offense.
THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY- MARCH 21
Seedless
Only three times since full seeding of all tournament teams began in 1979 have no #1 seeds made the Final Four:
1980: Louisville, #2 (champion); Iowa, #5; Purdue, #6; UCLA, #8
2006: UCLA, #2; Florida #3 (champion); LSU, #4; George Mason, #11
2011: Connecticut, #3 (champion); Kentucky, #4; Butler, #8; VCU, #11
Only three times since full seeding of all tournament teams began in 1979 have no #1 seeds made the Final Four:
1980: Louisville, #2 (champion); Iowa, #5; Purdue, #6; UCLA, #8
2006: UCLA, #2; Florida #3 (champion); LSU, #4; George Mason, #11
2011: Connecticut, #3 (champion); Kentucky, #4; Butler, #8; VCU, #11
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
IN THE NEWS- AIRBNB ROLLS OUT NEW FEATURES FOR THOSE WITH DISABILITIES
From Disability Scoop..
Following accusations of discrimination against travelers with disabilities, Airbnb said it is implementing changes aimed at making its platform friendlier to those with various needs.
The short-term rental platform is rolling out 21 new filters specifically aimed at those with disabilities.
Rather than search for a catch-all category of 'wheelchair accessible" listings, users will be able to zero in on rentals with certain features like step-free access, wide doorways or hallways, accessible-height beds, roll-in showers and other features, the company said.
"As a person with disabilities and passionate traveler, I am hugely excited by the changes we're making at Airbnb. With these new filters, we are making it easier for everyone to share their adapted homes with travelers with disabilities around the world," said Srin Madipalli, accessibility product and program manager at Airbnb.
Madipalli came to Airbnb after his site Accomable- which focused on accessible vacation rentals in private homes- was swallowed up by Airbnb last year.
The acquisition followed the release of a Rutgers University study which found that Airbnb hosts frequently turned people with disabilities away even in cases where they listed their rentals as accessible.
Airbnb said it teamed up with the California Council of the Blind, the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers and the National Council on Independent Living to develop the new accessibility filters and will be working diligently to ensure that they are as accurate as possible.
Following accusations of discrimination against travelers with disabilities, Airbnb said it is implementing changes aimed at making its platform friendlier to those with various needs.
The short-term rental platform is rolling out 21 new filters specifically aimed at those with disabilities.
Rather than search for a catch-all category of 'wheelchair accessible" listings, users will be able to zero in on rentals with certain features like step-free access, wide doorways or hallways, accessible-height beds, roll-in showers and other features, the company said.
"As a person with disabilities and passionate traveler, I am hugely excited by the changes we're making at Airbnb. With these new filters, we are making it easier for everyone to share their adapted homes with travelers with disabilities around the world," said Srin Madipalli, accessibility product and program manager at Airbnb.
Madipalli came to Airbnb after his site Accomable- which focused on accessible vacation rentals in private homes- was swallowed up by Airbnb last year.
The acquisition followed the release of a Rutgers University study which found that Airbnb hosts frequently turned people with disabilities away even in cases where they listed their rentals as accessible.
Airbnb said it teamed up with the California Council of the Blind, the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers and the National Council on Independent Living to develop the new accessibility filters and will be working diligently to ensure that they are as accurate as possible.
IDOL THOUGHTS-MONDAY NIGHT
Monday was the fourth night of auditions, rambling everywhere from Los Angeles to Nashville and back to New York City. The singers weren't as strong as Sunday night. There were most inspiring and heartbreaking stories, ans the usual clunkers and divas. Here are my thoughts...
* The judges are relaxing more and have a good rapport with each other. Hollywood Week and the live shows will be interesting. Luke seemed more at ease in his familiar territory of Nashville. Lionel continues to be the mentor, the leader and drops names every show. Last night it was Mariah Carey and Prince.Katy is still fun and sassy. All are too nice but are proving to be wise in looking for not just a great voice, but the "it" factor in the next American Idol.
* One of the funniest moments came when a contestant brought a dog along. Cute, anything to sway and schmooze the judges. Only problem was that while the contestant was singing ( which wasn't memorable at all)the canine took crap and peed numerous times. Stage hands rushed on-stage afterwards, armed with Lysol and paper towels.
* A strong contestant was ironically born on the first day that Idol was ever on, and she just made the age cut -15- by one day. Destiny?
* One unlucky guy asked Luke to tune his guitar for him. Katy remarked "That will be $50,000." Needless to say, he won't be going to Hollywood.
* A real goat farmer made the cut. So did cute singer who sang Dylan's "To Make You Feel My Love."
* Something to watch in Hollywood is a friendly (?) family feud between sisters. Both sing at the Nashville airport. Older sis played guitar and wasn't supposed to audition, just accompany her younger sibling. but the judges were intrigued by her. She ended up singing and earned a Golden Ticket. The younger sis, who was supposed to be the only person singing, just barely made it as well. And she didn't look too pleased with the results.
* A touching story was near the end of a 28-year-old guy who adopted his sister's baby to keep the little boy from going into the "system" as the uncle had when he was a child. The guy ended up singing pretty well, but cried a lot, the second male overly emotional and weepy.
* A singer-songwriter named Daniel Etheridge was one of my favorites. He is part-Korean and likes to sing country music, which is unique. He did an original song on guitar, and Lionel compared him to Jim Croce, so he might be someone to watch.
* A couple of divas were bounced off, one a vocal coach who could sing but without much emotion. The other was another female who compared herself to Demi Lovetto and a few other contemporary artists. She was clearly full of herself, even after when she bitterly whined to the cameras, "I don't understand why the judges didn't get me."
* One contestant won a trip to Hollywood merely by singing Happy Birthday to Katy. The judges gave her gifts in one segment, giving her puppies and balloons.
The auditions finally end next Sunday. Hollywood Week begins next Monday. Can't wait.
* The judges are relaxing more and have a good rapport with each other. Hollywood Week and the live shows will be interesting. Luke seemed more at ease in his familiar territory of Nashville. Lionel continues to be the mentor, the leader and drops names every show. Last night it was Mariah Carey and Prince.Katy is still fun and sassy. All are too nice but are proving to be wise in looking for not just a great voice, but the "it" factor in the next American Idol.
* One of the funniest moments came when a contestant brought a dog along. Cute, anything to sway and schmooze the judges. Only problem was that while the contestant was singing ( which wasn't memorable at all)the canine took crap and peed numerous times. Stage hands rushed on-stage afterwards, armed with Lysol and paper towels.
* A strong contestant was ironically born on the first day that Idol was ever on, and she just made the age cut -15- by one day. Destiny?
* One unlucky guy asked Luke to tune his guitar for him. Katy remarked "That will be $50,000." Needless to say, he won't be going to Hollywood.
* A real goat farmer made the cut. So did cute singer who sang Dylan's "To Make You Feel My Love."
* Something to watch in Hollywood is a friendly (?) family feud between sisters. Both sing at the Nashville airport. Older sis played guitar and wasn't supposed to audition, just accompany her younger sibling. but the judges were intrigued by her. She ended up singing and earned a Golden Ticket. The younger sis, who was supposed to be the only person singing, just barely made it as well. And she didn't look too pleased with the results.
* A touching story was near the end of a 28-year-old guy who adopted his sister's baby to keep the little boy from going into the "system" as the uncle had when he was a child. The guy ended up singing pretty well, but cried a lot, the second male overly emotional and weepy.
* A singer-songwriter named Daniel Etheridge was one of my favorites. He is part-Korean and likes to sing country music, which is unique. He did an original song on guitar, and Lionel compared him to Jim Croce, so he might be someone to watch.
* A couple of divas were bounced off, one a vocal coach who could sing but without much emotion. The other was another female who compared herself to Demi Lovetto and a few other contemporary artists. She was clearly full of herself, even after when she bitterly whined to the cameras, "I don't understand why the judges didn't get me."
* One contestant won a trip to Hollywood merely by singing Happy Birthday to Katy. The judges gave her gifts in one segment, giving her puppies and balloons.
The auditions finally end next Sunday. Hollywood Week begins next Monday. Can't wait.
THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY-MARCH 20
NCAA Tournament Single-Game Top-Scoring Performances
Name Game Year Points
Austin Carr Notre Dame vs. Ohio 1970 61
Bill Bradley Princeton vs Wichita St. 1965 58
Oscar Robertson Cincinnati vs Arkansas 1958 56
Austin Carr Notre Dame vs Kentucky 1970 52
Austin Carr Notre Dame 1971 52
David Robinson Navy vs Michigan 1987 50
Name Game Year Points
Austin Carr Notre Dame vs. Ohio 1970 61
Bill Bradley Princeton vs Wichita St. 1965 58
Oscar Robertson Cincinnati vs Arkansas 1958 56
Austin Carr Notre Dame vs Kentucky 1970 52
Austin Carr Notre Dame 1971 52
David Robinson Navy vs Michigan 1987 50
Monday, March 19, 2018
IN MY LIFE- MOVIE REVIEW- WAR HORSE
I finally saw the 2011 movie War Horse over the weekend. Directed by Steven Speilberg, War Movie was nominated for a Best Picture Academy Award that year. It didn't win, but now i know why
It's a beautiful film about a horse named Joey, who grows up on an English countryside farm but is soon sold into duty in World War I. The boy who trains Joey, then loses him, tries to find him again through-out most of the latter part of the film.
The war scenes are brutal and hard to watch, much like the opening scenes of another Spielberg movie, "Saving Private Ryan."You need to live through these terrible, heart-wrenching moments to fully appreciate the ultimate, satisfying ending.
The acting is suburb, even though none of the actors were even nominated for an Oscar. the photography is like a painting, especially of the English terrain. The final glimpses of the movie, with a blazing orange sunset, is a wonder and reminiscent of a John Ford western.
Music is by John Williams. The score doesn't stand out like Jaws or Close Encounters of a Third Kind, but it does supplement the overall mood of the movie, both sentimental and tragic.
The brutal war scenes might be tough for kids to watch, but I think War Horse would be a great film for kids to check out, not only for the story and emotional impact, but as a history lesson too.
War Horse isn't science fiction. It's not an action-packed, popcorn summer blockbuster. It's a thoughtful and emotional nice story.
Speaking of movies about horses, I'm looking forward to a new film coming out on April 6 called "Lean on Pete", which has already gotten great reviews.
I give War Horse *** 1/2 stars out of four. It never got the accolades like most great Spielberg flicks, but even seven years later, it stands as one of his best.
It's a beautiful film about a horse named Joey, who grows up on an English countryside farm but is soon sold into duty in World War I. The boy who trains Joey, then loses him, tries to find him again through-out most of the latter part of the film.
The war scenes are brutal and hard to watch, much like the opening scenes of another Spielberg movie, "Saving Private Ryan."You need to live through these terrible, heart-wrenching moments to fully appreciate the ultimate, satisfying ending.
The acting is suburb, even though none of the actors were even nominated for an Oscar. the photography is like a painting, especially of the English terrain. The final glimpses of the movie, with a blazing orange sunset, is a wonder and reminiscent of a John Ford western.
Music is by John Williams. The score doesn't stand out like Jaws or Close Encounters of a Third Kind, but it does supplement the overall mood of the movie, both sentimental and tragic.
The brutal war scenes might be tough for kids to watch, but I think War Horse would be a great film for kids to check out, not only for the story and emotional impact, but as a history lesson too.
War Horse isn't science fiction. It's not an action-packed, popcorn summer blockbuster. It's a thoughtful and emotional nice story.
Speaking of movies about horses, I'm looking forward to a new film coming out on April 6 called "Lean on Pete", which has already gotten great reviews.
I give War Horse *** 1/2 stars out of four. It never got the accolades like most great Spielberg flicks, but even seven years later, it stands as one of his best.
IDOL THOUGHTS
American Idol discussion post...
Last night gave us more good singers, more singers who wowed me than the weekend before. Here are my thoughts..
- Love the judges and their rapport. Katy is sexy, fun and unpredictable. Lionel is the leader and more mature and focused. He is definitely a mentor and teacher. Luke is still finding his way, but is sort f in the middle between fun-loving prankster with Katy and serious, advice-giving elder like Lionel. They are too nice to the losers, however. If Simon was there he would dispatch the pretenders and wannabes quickly, saving time and being honest and funny.
- My favorite contestant last night was the cowboy, Caleb Lee Hutchinson. I think he will go far. Great voice.
- The first challenger, the red-hair, was just OK in my opinion. Nothing special.
- Johnny White has an inspirational story. Nice how Lionel calmed him down and did an on-the-spot tutor session. But Johnny seems to cry at the drop of a hat. Nice to show emotion but enough is enough.
- The big kid who took a Greyhound to the audition in new York was good, but how far will he go? He is tall and different, and different is good.
- The twins were fun but what happens when they are split-up? I can see them becoming popular down the road as a duo, but not on American Idol alone.
- The teacher with the Down syndrome friend was touching, and i give her credit for being a champion for the "people who don't fit". I just can't see her winning. She will probably hand around for a while, but what happens when the emotional-factor of her weight and the friend wear off and it comes down to her ability to sing?
- The cowgirl yodeler was cute, but Lionel was right- who will be her audience? She may have her niche in country music, but winning a competition like Idol, where she will have to sing all types of music? I don't think she even gets out of the early rounds.
- Ricky Manning was good but seems too slick and show bizzy to me. So does the girl whose father wrote "Great Balls of Fire" and 'Yakkity Yak". She has it all- looks the voice, seems composed and mature. but there's something lacking i can't quite put my finger on yet. Still, I can see her being alive for a long time.
- The nanny who seems like "an old soul" ( she even looks older than 17) may hang around, but was she just imitating Adele? She reminds me of former contestant Crystal Bowersox, who had the voice and that "old-soul" feeling, but didn't ultimately win.
- The "Change is Gonna Come" singer near the end wasn't as good as what the judges had thought. He kind of screamed the lyrics. not impressed.
The auditions continue tonight. They are growing tiresome now. Can't wait for Hollywood Week to start soon.The best is when the live shows begin and the public voting starts.
Last night gave us more good singers, more singers who wowed me than the weekend before. Here are my thoughts..
- Love the judges and their rapport. Katy is sexy, fun and unpredictable. Lionel is the leader and more mature and focused. He is definitely a mentor and teacher. Luke is still finding his way, but is sort f in the middle between fun-loving prankster with Katy and serious, advice-giving elder like Lionel. They are too nice to the losers, however. If Simon was there he would dispatch the pretenders and wannabes quickly, saving time and being honest and funny.
- My favorite contestant last night was the cowboy, Caleb Lee Hutchinson. I think he will go far. Great voice.
- The first challenger, the red-hair, was just OK in my opinion. Nothing special.
- Johnny White has an inspirational story. Nice how Lionel calmed him down and did an on-the-spot tutor session. But Johnny seems to cry at the drop of a hat. Nice to show emotion but enough is enough.
- The big kid who took a Greyhound to the audition in new York was good, but how far will he go? He is tall and different, and different is good.
- The twins were fun but what happens when they are split-up? I can see them becoming popular down the road as a duo, but not on American Idol alone.
- The teacher with the Down syndrome friend was touching, and i give her credit for being a champion for the "people who don't fit". I just can't see her winning. She will probably hand around for a while, but what happens when the emotional-factor of her weight and the friend wear off and it comes down to her ability to sing?
- The cowgirl yodeler was cute, but Lionel was right- who will be her audience? She may have her niche in country music, but winning a competition like Idol, where she will have to sing all types of music? I don't think she even gets out of the early rounds.
- Ricky Manning was good but seems too slick and show bizzy to me. So does the girl whose father wrote "Great Balls of Fire" and 'Yakkity Yak". She has it all- looks the voice, seems composed and mature. but there's something lacking i can't quite put my finger on yet. Still, I can see her being alive for a long time.
- The nanny who seems like "an old soul" ( she even looks older than 17) may hang around, but was she just imitating Adele? She reminds me of former contestant Crystal Bowersox, who had the voice and that "old-soul" feeling, but didn't ultimately win.
- The "Change is Gonna Come" singer near the end wasn't as good as what the judges had thought. He kind of screamed the lyrics. not impressed.
The auditions continue tonight. They are growing tiresome now. Can't wait for Hollywood Week to start soon.The best is when the live shows begin and the public voting starts.
THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY- MARCH 19
30-Game Winner Alert
Don't count on the teams that enter the tournament with 30 victories or more to win the dance. Since the field was expanded to 64 teams, all have failed to bring home the national championship.
* 1991 UNLV (30-0): lost in national semifinal game to Duke
* 2014 Wichita State (34-0); lost in Round of 32 to Kentucky
* 2015 Kentucky (34-0); lost in national semifinal game to Wisconsin
Don't count on the teams that enter the tournament with 30 victories or more to win the dance. Since the field was expanded to 64 teams, all have failed to bring home the national championship.
* 1991 UNLV (30-0): lost in national semifinal game to Duke
* 2014 Wichita State (34-0); lost in Round of 32 to Kentucky
* 2015 Kentucky (34-0); lost in national semifinal game to Wisconsin
Sunday, March 18, 2018
IN THE NEWS-GOOGLE NOW INCLUDES ACCESSIBLE ROUTES
From Disability Scoop..
With a new Google Maps feature, the technology giant is looking to make it easier for people with disabilities to get around.
Google said this month that it is adding information on its Maps platform to point people to accessible public transit stops in cities around the world.
The "wheelchair accessible' routes feature is rolling out initially in London, New York, Tokyo, mexico City, Boston and Sydney.
The company said it plans to work with transit agencies in additional cities to expand the routes capability to other locales.
:In city centers, buses and trains are often the best way to get around, which presents a challenge for people who use wheelchairs or with other mobility needs. In formation about which stations and routes are wheelchair friendly isn't always readily available or easy to find," wrote Rio Akasdaka, product manager for Google Maps, in announcing the feature. 'We're introducing 'wheelchair accessible' routes in transit navigation to make getting around easier for those with mobility needs."
In order to find an accessible public transit route, users can type in a destination on google Maps, then select "directions" and the public transportation icon. Next, choose "wheelchair accessible" under "options."
'When you select this option, Google Maps will show you a list of possible routes that take mobility needs into consideration,' Akasaka said.
This is not Google's first effort to add accessibility details to Maps. In 2016, Google maps started including information on business listings indicating if a location is wheelchair accessible.
What's more, the company said it is increasingly offering imagery of transit stations through its Street View capability so users can preview a site before visiting.
With a new Google Maps feature, the technology giant is looking to make it easier for people with disabilities to get around.
Google said this month that it is adding information on its Maps platform to point people to accessible public transit stops in cities around the world.
The "wheelchair accessible' routes feature is rolling out initially in London, New York, Tokyo, mexico City, Boston and Sydney.
The company said it plans to work with transit agencies in additional cities to expand the routes capability to other locales.
:In city centers, buses and trains are often the best way to get around, which presents a challenge for people who use wheelchairs or with other mobility needs. In formation about which stations and routes are wheelchair friendly isn't always readily available or easy to find," wrote Rio Akasdaka, product manager for Google Maps, in announcing the feature. 'We're introducing 'wheelchair accessible' routes in transit navigation to make getting around easier for those with mobility needs."
In order to find an accessible public transit route, users can type in a destination on google Maps, then select "directions" and the public transportation icon. Next, choose "wheelchair accessible" under "options."
'When you select this option, Google Maps will show you a list of possible routes that take mobility needs into consideration,' Akasaka said.
This is not Google's first effort to add accessibility details to Maps. In 2016, Google maps started including information on business listings indicating if a location is wheelchair accessible.
What's more, the company said it is increasingly offering imagery of transit stations through its Street View capability so users can preview a site before visiting.
CHIRPING BIRDS- 2017 SEASON QUIZ
A quiz from the Eagles' 2017 Super Bowl-winning season..
1. How long was Jake Elliot's record field goal against the Giants to win game 3?
2. Who led the Eagles in interceptions?
3. Over or under 300- How many yards did Carson Wentz rush for during the 2017 season?
4. How long was the Birds' longest winning streak during the season?
5. Which receiver caught the most passes?
6. Over or under 50- How many touchdowns did the Birds score last season?
7. How many TD passes did Carson Wentz throw?
8. How many interceptions did Nick Foles have?
9. The Eagles lost three games all season. Who did they lose to?
10. Who scored the only Philadelphia touchdown in the NFC Divisional Playoff game vs Atlanta?
Answers-
1. 61 yards
2. Patrick Robinson (4)
3. Under (299 yards)
4. Nine games.
5. Zach Ertz ( 74)
6. Over (53 TDs)
7. 33
8. Two
9. Chiefs, Seahawks and Cowboys
10. LaGarrette Blount
1. How long was Jake Elliot's record field goal against the Giants to win game 3?
2. Who led the Eagles in interceptions?
3. Over or under 300- How many yards did Carson Wentz rush for during the 2017 season?
4. How long was the Birds' longest winning streak during the season?
5. Which receiver caught the most passes?
6. Over or under 50- How many touchdowns did the Birds score last season?
7. How many TD passes did Carson Wentz throw?
8. How many interceptions did Nick Foles have?
9. The Eagles lost three games all season. Who did they lose to?
10. Who scored the only Philadelphia touchdown in the NFC Divisional Playoff game vs Atlanta?
Answers-
1. 61 yards
2. Patrick Robinson (4)
3. Under (299 yards)
4. Nine games.
5. Zach Ertz ( 74)
6. Over (53 TDs)
7. 33
8. Two
9. Chiefs, Seahawks and Cowboys
10. LaGarrette Blount
Saturday, March 17, 2018
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- PHILLIES, EAGLES, MARCH MADNESS
* The Phillies lost to the blue Jays yesterday afternoon in Clearwater. No big deal since it is still spring training baseball. More concerning is the way the club is playing. Poor fundamentals, bad baserunning mistakes, pitchers not covering first base when they should. Less than two weeks to iron-out the miscues, especially the mental mistakes.
* Pitcher Jared Eichoff is out 6-8 weeks with a lat strain. The Phillies love Eichoff but I can't understand why. He is injury-prone and inconsistent. He still hasn't fulfilled his potential. He will be a loss in the rotation. After Arrieta and Nola, looks like Velasquez and Pivetta fill-out the rotation. Efflin looks to have the inside track on the fifth start's spot.
* I'll have my baseball preview and Phillies forecast soon before baseball season starts. Here are three things I hope happens sometime during the upcoming season:
- Scott Kingery takes over second base. for now, Cesar Hernandez will hold down second base, which gives the Phillies an out to send Kingery down to Lehigh Valley for at least several weeks because of service-time reasons. Kingery is leading the team in hitting coming out of camp and looks like a perennial All-Star. Will he be a fixture at second base or a super-utility guy or anchor another position?
- Roman Quinn makes the team. We know he can play center field, and has played left and right. The Phils have been playing him at shortstop this spring, and he has done a decent job there. Quinn should be on the team somewhere. he brings speed and energy. Even if it's pinch-running to steal a base late in a ballgame, Quinn deserves a shot as an extra player. If he somehow wrestles away a starting position he would be a n ideal lead-off hitter along with Kingery.
- Vince Velasquez becomes the everyday closer. This won't happen right away, especially since Eichoff went down. The organization loves his potential as a starter. but Valasquez has shown wildness, high pitch counts and the inability to go beyond five innings at a time. He falls in love with his 95-plus fastball, so why not let him air it out daily in the bullpen and put Hector Neris back to his former role as 8th inning set-up guy.
************************************************************************
* The Eagles cut ties with defensive end Vinny Curry yesterday, as expected. Curry had a nice season last year but became expandable when Michael Bennett signed with the Birds. Plus the team saves $5 million on the salary cap.
* Thank you to running back LaGarrett Blount for his hard-working season. He signed with the Lions yesterday for one-year and $ 4 million. Blount played hard and was a good guy near the goal-line and was a tough, bruising runner, picking up short-yardage first downs.
Blount kept his mouth shut when he didn't get the ball in the Kansas City game, and again when the birds brought in jay Ajayi midway during the season.
Tight end Brent Celek is visiting Detroit as well.
* Out of all the free agent losses, I'll miss Trey Burton the most. I can see GM Howie Rossman getting another RB to take Blount's place. He will find a burner wide receiver, either in the draft or through free agency ( Jeremy Maclin?). But other than Zach Ertz and Billy Brown, there are no other tight ends on the roster. Tight end could be in play with their first round selection at No. 32.
****************************************************************************
Villanova's road to the Final Four and another NCAA championship got a little easier last night when Virginia was upset, becoming the first no.1 seed to lose to a No. 16 team. The Wildcats face Alabama today at noon.
* Pitcher Jared Eichoff is out 6-8 weeks with a lat strain. The Phillies love Eichoff but I can't understand why. He is injury-prone and inconsistent. He still hasn't fulfilled his potential. He will be a loss in the rotation. After Arrieta and Nola, looks like Velasquez and Pivetta fill-out the rotation. Efflin looks to have the inside track on the fifth start's spot.
* I'll have my baseball preview and Phillies forecast soon before baseball season starts. Here are three things I hope happens sometime during the upcoming season:
- Scott Kingery takes over second base. for now, Cesar Hernandez will hold down second base, which gives the Phillies an out to send Kingery down to Lehigh Valley for at least several weeks because of service-time reasons. Kingery is leading the team in hitting coming out of camp and looks like a perennial All-Star. Will he be a fixture at second base or a super-utility guy or anchor another position?
- Roman Quinn makes the team. We know he can play center field, and has played left and right. The Phils have been playing him at shortstop this spring, and he has done a decent job there. Quinn should be on the team somewhere. he brings speed and energy. Even if it's pinch-running to steal a base late in a ballgame, Quinn deserves a shot as an extra player. If he somehow wrestles away a starting position he would be a n ideal lead-off hitter along with Kingery.
- Vince Velasquez becomes the everyday closer. This won't happen right away, especially since Eichoff went down. The organization loves his potential as a starter. but Valasquez has shown wildness, high pitch counts and the inability to go beyond five innings at a time. He falls in love with his 95-plus fastball, so why not let him air it out daily in the bullpen and put Hector Neris back to his former role as 8th inning set-up guy.
************************************************************************
* The Eagles cut ties with defensive end Vinny Curry yesterday, as expected. Curry had a nice season last year but became expandable when Michael Bennett signed with the Birds. Plus the team saves $5 million on the salary cap.
* Thank you to running back LaGarrett Blount for his hard-working season. He signed with the Lions yesterday for one-year and $ 4 million. Blount played hard and was a good guy near the goal-line and was a tough, bruising runner, picking up short-yardage first downs.
Blount kept his mouth shut when he didn't get the ball in the Kansas City game, and again when the birds brought in jay Ajayi midway during the season.
Tight end Brent Celek is visiting Detroit as well.
* Out of all the free agent losses, I'll miss Trey Burton the most. I can see GM Howie Rossman getting another RB to take Blount's place. He will find a burner wide receiver, either in the draft or through free agency ( Jeremy Maclin?). But other than Zach Ertz and Billy Brown, there are no other tight ends on the roster. Tight end could be in play with their first round selection at No. 32.
****************************************************************************
Villanova's road to the Final Four and another NCAA championship got a little easier last night when Virginia was upset, becoming the first no.1 seed to lose to a No. 16 team. The Wildcats face Alabama today at noon.
THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY- MARCH 17/18
Lord Stanley Tales
On March 18, 1892, Ottawa Rebels player Lord Kilcoursie read a message on behalf of the governor-General of Canada, Lord Stanley of Preston. It stated that the governor-general thought it would be a "good thing" if there were a challenge or tournament which should be "held every year" crowning the champion hockey team in Canada.
the message added that Lord Stanley would give a cup that should be accepted by the winning team. That cup eventually became the Stanley Cup, which has been presented annually since 1893.
On March 18, 1892, Ottawa Rebels player Lord Kilcoursie read a message on behalf of the governor-General of Canada, Lord Stanley of Preston. It stated that the governor-general thought it would be a "good thing" if there were a challenge or tournament which should be "held every year" crowning the champion hockey team in Canada.
the message added that Lord Stanley would give a cup that should be accepted by the winning team. That cup eventually became the Stanley Cup, which has been presented annually since 1893.
Friday, March 16, 2018
PHILLIES FACTS AND TRIVIA
Philadelphia Park/ Baker Bowl Trivia-
- The Phillies moved from Recreation Park ( their first home) to their next ballpark in 1887. It was known as National League Park, Huntington Street Grounds, Philadelphia Baseball Grounds and Philadelphia Baseball Park before becoming Baker Bowl in 1913.
- The park was also nicknamed "The Hump " because it was built over a submerged tunnel of the Reading Railroad, creating a bulge in a section of center field.
- The field seated up to 12,500 and was located along West Lehigh Avenue, North 15th Street, West Huntington Street, and North Broad Street in North Philadelphia. It was built at a cost of $80,000.
- Nearly 20.000 fans showed up on Opening Day, April 30, 1887. The Phillies won the opener, 19-10 in a game that was halted because of darkness with two outs in the last of the 8th inning (By the way, the first nine Phillies to bat all hit safely and nine runs crossed the plate- a great way to open a new stadium!).
- The original distances of Baker Bowl were:
* Just 280 feet down the right-field line;
* A staggering 415 feet down the left-field line;
- Sheep were kept under the grandstand and grazed on the Baker Bowl lawn.
- Baker bowl was the first home field of the Philadelphia Eagles, who played there from 1933 through 1935.
- Woodrow Wilson became the first US president to attend a World Series game when he attended Game Two of the 1915 World Series at Baker Bowl.
-,Babe Ruth's final game was at Baker Bowl on May 30, 1935, as a member of the Boston Braves.
- After 51 1/2 years, the Phillies played their last game at Baker Bowl on June 30, 1938. The team joined the Athletics at Shibe Park that summer.
- The Phillies' final record at Baker Bowl was 1,957 wins, 1,778 losses, and 29 ties.
- If you visit the location where Baker Bowl once stood for over a ha;f century, you will now find a gas station minimart, a car wash, and a fast food establishment.
- The Phillies moved from Recreation Park ( their first home) to their next ballpark in 1887. It was known as National League Park, Huntington Street Grounds, Philadelphia Baseball Grounds and Philadelphia Baseball Park before becoming Baker Bowl in 1913.
- The park was also nicknamed "The Hump " because it was built over a submerged tunnel of the Reading Railroad, creating a bulge in a section of center field.
- The field seated up to 12,500 and was located along West Lehigh Avenue, North 15th Street, West Huntington Street, and North Broad Street in North Philadelphia. It was built at a cost of $80,000.
- Nearly 20.000 fans showed up on Opening Day, April 30, 1887. The Phillies won the opener, 19-10 in a game that was halted because of darkness with two outs in the last of the 8th inning (By the way, the first nine Phillies to bat all hit safely and nine runs crossed the plate- a great way to open a new stadium!).
- The original distances of Baker Bowl were:
* Just 280 feet down the right-field line;
* A staggering 415 feet down the left-field line;
- Sheep were kept under the grandstand and grazed on the Baker Bowl lawn.
- Baker bowl was the first home field of the Philadelphia Eagles, who played there from 1933 through 1935.
- Woodrow Wilson became the first US president to attend a World Series game when he attended Game Two of the 1915 World Series at Baker Bowl.
-,Babe Ruth's final game was at Baker Bowl on May 30, 1935, as a member of the Boston Braves.
- After 51 1/2 years, the Phillies played their last game at Baker Bowl on June 30, 1938. The team joined the Athletics at Shibe Park that summer.
- The Phillies' final record at Baker Bowl was 1,957 wins, 1,778 losses, and 29 ties.
- If you visit the location where Baker Bowl once stood for over a ha;f century, you will now find a gas station minimart, a car wash, and a fast food establishment.
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- EAGLES, FLYERS,MARCH MADNESS, BASEBALL
* The Eagles made it official by signing Haloti Ngata and re-signing Nigel Bradham yesterday. Two great signings. Losing Trey Burton (Bears) hurts and so does Patrick Robinson(Saints).Nick Foles stays-for now. Let's see if Jason Peters is still on the team after June 1.
Brent Celek and LaGarrette Blount are visiting the Lions. Best of luck to both, who played hard for the Birds .
* I would love for the Eagles to sign former Bird wide receiver Jeremy Maclin. Remember that Maclin was considering re-joining Philly last spring before deciding on Baltimore. Maclin still has speed and his hands are sure. With wide-outs Marcus Johnson and Torrey Smith gone, the offense can use another receiver, especially a guy with speed.
I wouldn't be surprised if Rossman selects a burner in the draft as well (Christian Kirk or James Washington?).
* The focus soon shifts to the draft, and the Eagles still have zero selections in the second and third rounds. I've got a feeling that will change by the end of April, as Howie Rossman can't go into a draft with so few picks. Maybe linebacker Mychel Kendricks will be traded. Could corner back Ronald Darby be on the block?
**************************************************************************
The Flyers are choking. They are not ready for prime-time, with their odd mix of veterans and kids. Most of all, they still lack a true #1 goalie after all these years. Strange, because GM Ron Hextall was a top-flight goalie and should know the importance of a goaltender.
If the Flyers miss out on the playoffs after totally collapsing, both head coach Dave Hakstol and Hextall need to be fired after the season. Too bad Ed Snider isn't around to take charge.
*************************************************************************
Predictably, Villanova cruised over lowly Radford and Penn lost to No. 1 seed Kansas in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Temple was booted from the NIT.
The major upset, which ruined millions of brackets, was Buffalo over Arizona. Arizona has been known to cheat, so they got theirs with an embarrassing loss in the opening round.
****************************************************************************
Stupid move by baseball. Starting this season in the minor leagues, a runner will begin at second base in extra innings, in an effort to decide games sooner than later.
What's so bad about extra innings? They are radically changing the rules of the game for what? To save a few extra minutes? How soon until this ridiculous move is instituted into the major? The player's union so far is against it. Baseball hoped to start the experiment in spring training games and in the All-Star Game.
It's one things to limit visits to the mound and institute a clock to speed up hitters in the batting box and pitchers on the mound. But this rule will effect the fundamentals of the game.
Millennial fans may love the rule because in our crazy world, fast, easy and time are important. To old-time fans, sitting through a 16-inning ballgame doesn't happen everyday. Such a game tests the roster and manager. To me, the drama increases when the game goes extra innings, not diminishes.
Brent Celek and LaGarrette Blount are visiting the Lions. Best of luck to both, who played hard for the Birds .
* I would love for the Eagles to sign former Bird wide receiver Jeremy Maclin. Remember that Maclin was considering re-joining Philly last spring before deciding on Baltimore. Maclin still has speed and his hands are sure. With wide-outs Marcus Johnson and Torrey Smith gone, the offense can use another receiver, especially a guy with speed.
I wouldn't be surprised if Rossman selects a burner in the draft as well (Christian Kirk or James Washington?).
* The focus soon shifts to the draft, and the Eagles still have zero selections in the second and third rounds. I've got a feeling that will change by the end of April, as Howie Rossman can't go into a draft with so few picks. Maybe linebacker Mychel Kendricks will be traded. Could corner back Ronald Darby be on the block?
**************************************************************************
The Flyers are choking. They are not ready for prime-time, with their odd mix of veterans and kids. Most of all, they still lack a true #1 goalie after all these years. Strange, because GM Ron Hextall was a top-flight goalie and should know the importance of a goaltender.
If the Flyers miss out on the playoffs after totally collapsing, both head coach Dave Hakstol and Hextall need to be fired after the season. Too bad Ed Snider isn't around to take charge.
*************************************************************************
Predictably, Villanova cruised over lowly Radford and Penn lost to No. 1 seed Kansas in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Temple was booted from the NIT.
The major upset, which ruined millions of brackets, was Buffalo over Arizona. Arizona has been known to cheat, so they got theirs with an embarrassing loss in the opening round.
****************************************************************************
Stupid move by baseball. Starting this season in the minor leagues, a runner will begin at second base in extra innings, in an effort to decide games sooner than later.
What's so bad about extra innings? They are radically changing the rules of the game for what? To save a few extra minutes? How soon until this ridiculous move is instituted into the major? The player's union so far is against it. Baseball hoped to start the experiment in spring training games and in the All-Star Game.
It's one things to limit visits to the mound and institute a clock to speed up hitters in the batting box and pitchers on the mound. But this rule will effect the fundamentals of the game.
Millennial fans may love the rule because in our crazy world, fast, easy and time are important. To old-time fans, sitting through a 16-inning ballgame doesn't happen everyday. Such a game tests the roster and manager. To me, the drama increases when the game goes extra innings, not diminishes.
THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY- MARCH 16
Wizardly Advice
"Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do."
-John Wooden
"Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do."
-John Wooden
Thursday, March 15, 2018
PHILLIES FACTS AND TRIVIA
Today's question: How many division titles did the Phillies win from 1974 to 1983?
Answer: The Phillies won the National League East 5 times: 1976, 1977, 1978, 1980, and 1983.
- 101 wins in both 1976 and 1977.
- In an eight-year stretch, the Phils played in eight post-season series and 36 postseason games with an overall playoff record of 15-21. They won five division titles, two pennants, and one championship.
- The Phillies had a winning recording nine of 10 seasons during their decade of dominance after recording just 12 winning seasons in the previous 57 years.
Answer: The Phillies won the National League East 5 times: 1976, 1977, 1978, 1980, and 1983.
- 101 wins in both 1976 and 1977.
- In an eight-year stretch, the Phils played in eight post-season series and 36 postseason games with an overall playoff record of 15-21. They won five division titles, two pennants, and one championship.
- The Phillies had a winning recording nine of 10 seasons during their decade of dominance after recording just 12 winning seasons in the previous 57 years.
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- EAGLES, SIXERS, PHILLIES
* CB Patrick Robinson signed with the Saints yesterday. Robinson, after a slow start in training camp, played well as a slot defender for the Eagles.
I thank Robinson for giving me one of the best feelings in my sports life last season. The Birds were down 7-0 in the NFC Championship Game vs the Vikings. Robinson intercepted a Case Keenum pass and took it to the house with a brilliant return.
Not only did it tie the game and entirely shift the momentum, it got the crowd back in the game. The pre-game hype was incredible, the build-up to the championship Game with all the festivities. When Minnesota scored on their first drive, after receiving the kick-off, the fans sagged a bit. "Oh, no...here we go again" was the general feeling through-out the crowd.
After Robinson's pick-six, the Eagles went on to destroy the Vikes 42-7, which led to their Super Bowl win over the dreaded Patriots.
* I liked the Birds' moves so far. More shoes may drop after June 1st when players can be released and not count as much against the cap. Shame to lose both tight ends, Celek and Burton. Tight end could be a position that Howie Rossman targets in the April draft.
Signing linebacker Nigel Bradham was huge. he played so well last season, plus he gives the Eagles depth at a position that is weak ( another area which could be important in the upcoming draft).
Under the radar was that Nick Foles is still on the team. Sure, he can be traded during the draft but teams needing a QB have dwindled. I'm glad. Foles gives you insurance, whether he starts the season until Wentz is ready to play or as a back-up in case Wentz goes down again. It will create a quarterback controversy in the fall, even though Foles says he is fine holding a clipboard on the sidelines. And if the Birds do trade Foles during the season they probably won't get as much in return as they would now. But knowing Foles is there to hopefully save the early part of the season is reassuring.
*************************************************************************
* The Sixers lost to Indiana at home the other night, breaking their 13-game winning streak at the Wells Fargo Center.It happens, but what is most concerning is the reasons given- by the players.
Dario Sarac, who is one of the hardest working players on the team, always hustling, suggested post-game that the Pacers "wanted it more." Ideas that the team, especially Joel Embiid, is "tired" still are floating around.
Embiid is 23-years-old, but like Rhys Hoskins at the end of last summer for the Phillies, he seems to be slumping a little. Embiid hasn't played much basketball, period, let alone the grueling grind of a full NBA season, which is coming down the home-stretch.
Once again, if lack of desire and motivation is the reason, I blame coach Brett Brown. Hard to believe that a team which has lost so much in the past several years, and now is in the playoff hunt, is not motivated to win. It comes form the players. Do they have the heart to gut it out? but I also bllame the coach, who is there, not only to teach and guide, but to motivate when he sees the team is lacking in spirit.
I'm still not sure that Brown is the guy to take the 76ers all the way. Similar to Flyers' coach Dave Hakstol. They both have young-and-upcoming teams, but are they the right coaches to lead these young players, develop and groom them, and get them over the hump to greatness? Or will they always be stuck in the "potential" phase?
Brown's job is probably safe because he has been a good soldier for the organization and a puppet for the front office. But as expectations increase, so should the fans' demands of something better than average. Certainly especially in a blue-collar city like Philadelphia, hustling should never be an issue. Neither should the desire to win, and hopefully now the Eagles' success will be pressure on our other sports teams that anything less than the best effort is unacceptable.
***************************************************************************
* Scott Kingery continues to tear up Grapefruit League pitching in Florida. But, because of service time issues, he will probably play the first two weeks of the season in Lehigh Valley.
GM Matt Klentak has an out if he does send Kingery down temporarily. Cesar Hernandez is playing well and should hold down second base. Will Kingery be a Ben Zobrist-like utility guy? Or could Kingery play third base in case the inconsistent Mychal Franco again struggles?
Sooner or later Kingery will play at Citizens Bank park and should be an All-Star for years to come. What is his role and where will he play will be interesting stories as this summer unfolds.
I thank Robinson for giving me one of the best feelings in my sports life last season. The Birds were down 7-0 in the NFC Championship Game vs the Vikings. Robinson intercepted a Case Keenum pass and took it to the house with a brilliant return.
Not only did it tie the game and entirely shift the momentum, it got the crowd back in the game. The pre-game hype was incredible, the build-up to the championship Game with all the festivities. When Minnesota scored on their first drive, after receiving the kick-off, the fans sagged a bit. "Oh, no...here we go again" was the general feeling through-out the crowd.
After Robinson's pick-six, the Eagles went on to destroy the Vikes 42-7, which led to their Super Bowl win over the dreaded Patriots.
* I liked the Birds' moves so far. More shoes may drop after June 1st when players can be released and not count as much against the cap. Shame to lose both tight ends, Celek and Burton. Tight end could be a position that Howie Rossman targets in the April draft.
Signing linebacker Nigel Bradham was huge. he played so well last season, plus he gives the Eagles depth at a position that is weak ( another area which could be important in the upcoming draft).
Under the radar was that Nick Foles is still on the team. Sure, he can be traded during the draft but teams needing a QB have dwindled. I'm glad. Foles gives you insurance, whether he starts the season until Wentz is ready to play or as a back-up in case Wentz goes down again. It will create a quarterback controversy in the fall, even though Foles says he is fine holding a clipboard on the sidelines. And if the Birds do trade Foles during the season they probably won't get as much in return as they would now. But knowing Foles is there to hopefully save the early part of the season is reassuring.
*************************************************************************
* The Sixers lost to Indiana at home the other night, breaking their 13-game winning streak at the Wells Fargo Center.It happens, but what is most concerning is the reasons given- by the players.
Dario Sarac, who is one of the hardest working players on the team, always hustling, suggested post-game that the Pacers "wanted it more." Ideas that the team, especially Joel Embiid, is "tired" still are floating around.
Embiid is 23-years-old, but like Rhys Hoskins at the end of last summer for the Phillies, he seems to be slumping a little. Embiid hasn't played much basketball, period, let alone the grueling grind of a full NBA season, which is coming down the home-stretch.
Once again, if lack of desire and motivation is the reason, I blame coach Brett Brown. Hard to believe that a team which has lost so much in the past several years, and now is in the playoff hunt, is not motivated to win. It comes form the players. Do they have the heart to gut it out? but I also bllame the coach, who is there, not only to teach and guide, but to motivate when he sees the team is lacking in spirit.
I'm still not sure that Brown is the guy to take the 76ers all the way. Similar to Flyers' coach Dave Hakstol. They both have young-and-upcoming teams, but are they the right coaches to lead these young players, develop and groom them, and get them over the hump to greatness? Or will they always be stuck in the "potential" phase?
Brown's job is probably safe because he has been a good soldier for the organization and a puppet for the front office. But as expectations increase, so should the fans' demands of something better than average. Certainly especially in a blue-collar city like Philadelphia, hustling should never be an issue. Neither should the desire to win, and hopefully now the Eagles' success will be pressure on our other sports teams that anything less than the best effort is unacceptable.
***************************************************************************
* Scott Kingery continues to tear up Grapefruit League pitching in Florida. But, because of service time issues, he will probably play the first two weeks of the season in Lehigh Valley.
GM Matt Klentak has an out if he does send Kingery down temporarily. Cesar Hernandez is playing well and should hold down second base. Will Kingery be a Ben Zobrist-like utility guy? Or could Kingery play third base in case the inconsistent Mychal Franco again struggles?
Sooner or later Kingery will play at Citizens Bank park and should be an All-Star for years to come. What is his role and where will he play will be interesting stories as this summer unfolds.
THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY-MARCH 15
March Madness
"A gambler with a system must be, to a greater or less extent, insane."
- George Augustus Sala (English journalist)
"A gambler with a system must be, to a greater or less extent, insane."
- George Augustus Sala (English journalist)
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
PHILLIES FACTS AND TRIVIA
Today's quiz: Which Phillie has the second-best career stolen-base percentage in major-league history?
Answer: Chase Utley. 87. 879%
As of the end of the 2016 season Utley had stolen 145 bases and had been caught 20 times in his entire career. Utley also holds the major-league record for most stolen bases in a season without getting caught, swiping 23 bags in 2009 without being thrown out once.
Jayson Werth has the third-best stolen-base rate, and Shane Victarino, Jimmy Rollins and Doug Glanville all reside in the top 30.
Answer: Chase Utley. 87. 879%
As of the end of the 2016 season Utley had stolen 145 bases and had been caught 20 times in his entire career. Utley also holds the major-league record for most stolen bases in a season without getting caught, swiping 23 bags in 2009 without being thrown out once.
Jayson Werth has the third-best stolen-base rate, and Shane Victarino, Jimmy Rollins and Doug Glanville all reside in the top 30.
IN MY LIFE- STEVEN HAWKING
The brilliant British scientist, Steven Hawking, died today. You can check out the news and learn about his life, so here are my thoughts on Hawking..
- I wasn't exactly a fan of Hawking, but I admire him a great deal. He admitted to being an aethiest; I believe in God. But I give him so much credit, obviously he was a great scientist, but I admire his determination as a person with a disability. He lived with ALS for about 55 years. He was diagnostic with the deadly progressive disease at age 21, and given only two years to live. He died today at age 76.
- Hawking at first wasn't an advocate for people with disabilities but later became an important voice when it came to accessibility and disabled rights.
- Odd that Hawking was born on the 300th anniversary of the death of Galileo and died on Pi day (3.14) and the anniversary of Einstein's death.
- Will be interesting if Hawking has donated his brain to science. I'm sure it would prove to be valuable in research, not only in regards to Hawking's genius, but also his fight against ALS. I'm sure his fierce determination and will to live went a long way in fighting ALS as well.
- Hawking believed of the distinct possibility of alien life in the universe, but warned that Earthlings should not be so eager to meet beings from another world. He advised to remember when Columbus founded the New World, things didn't go so well for Native Americans. Hawking believed that aliens would be interested in Earth to cultivate the planet, and not in a good way.
- One of Hawking's best quotes: :Look up at the stars and not down at your feet." Hawking's advice to other people with disabilities: " My advice to other disabled people would be, concentrate on things your disability prevent you doing well and don't regret the things it interferes with. Don't be disabled in spirit, as well as physically."
- Hawking will be remembered as one of the great scientists of all-time. His personal life was intriguing as well, and his life was chronicled in the 2014 movie "'The Theory of Everything", which won a best Actor Oscar for Eddie Redmayne.
- I wasn't exactly a fan of Hawking, but I admire him a great deal. He admitted to being an aethiest; I believe in God. But I give him so much credit, obviously he was a great scientist, but I admire his determination as a person with a disability. He lived with ALS for about 55 years. He was diagnostic with the deadly progressive disease at age 21, and given only two years to live. He died today at age 76.
- Hawking at first wasn't an advocate for people with disabilities but later became an important voice when it came to accessibility and disabled rights.
- Odd that Hawking was born on the 300th anniversary of the death of Galileo and died on Pi day (3.14) and the anniversary of Einstein's death.
- Will be interesting if Hawking has donated his brain to science. I'm sure it would prove to be valuable in research, not only in regards to Hawking's genius, but also his fight against ALS. I'm sure his fierce determination and will to live went a long way in fighting ALS as well.
- Hawking believed of the distinct possibility of alien life in the universe, but warned that Earthlings should not be so eager to meet beings from another world. He advised to remember when Columbus founded the New World, things didn't go so well for Native Americans. Hawking believed that aliens would be interested in Earth to cultivate the planet, and not in a good way.
- One of Hawking's best quotes: :Look up at the stars and not down at your feet." Hawking's advice to other people with disabilities: " My advice to other disabled people would be, concentrate on things your disability prevent you doing well and don't regret the things it interferes with. Don't be disabled in spirit, as well as physically."
- Hawking will be remembered as one of the great scientists of all-time. His personal life was intriguing as well, and his life was chronicled in the 2014 movie "'The Theory of Everything", which won a best Actor Oscar for Eddie Redmayne.
THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY- MARCH 14
Happy Birthday to Steve Trevelise!!
For Pete's Sake
"The strong take from the weak and the smart take from the strong."
- Pete Carril, former Princeton basketball coach
On this night in 1996, Princeton defeated UCLA, 43-41, in the opening round of the NCAA tournament. The #13 seed Ivy Leaguers shocked the defending champion Bruins and gave Pete Carril, coaching his last Tiger team, a fitting final bow.
For Pete's Sake
"The strong take from the weak and the smart take from the strong."
- Pete Carril, former Princeton basketball coach
On this night in 1996, Princeton defeated UCLA, 43-41, in the opening round of the NCAA tournament. The #13 seed Ivy Leaguers shocked the defending champion Bruins and gave Pete Carril, coaching his last Tiger team, a fitting final bow.
CHIRPING BIRDS-FREE AGENCY TALK
* This morning the Birds re-signed linebacker Nigel Bradham to a five-year deal. GM Howie Rossman is a true genius. Bradham was the key re-signing, if my option. He played well last season, and with the dept at linebacker already shaky, it was a must to bring Bradham back.
Looks like LB Mychal Kendricks will be gone. The Birds picked up another LB yesterday when they signed Donny Nelson to a contract. Hopefully Jordan Hicks comes back strong form an injury. I also think linebacker will be a focus in the draft as well.
* Sorry to see Brent Celek go. He was the longest-tenured player in Philly sports, spending 11 years with the Eagles. Celek always played hard. He wants to still play, so we will see if he goes out on top or not.
Can't keep everyone. Trey Burton also left, inking a deal with the bears. Burton was disappointed the Birds didn't at least make him an offer. Clearly, they thought he wanted too much money. Even though he was a hell of a player in his limited playing time, Rossman had to feel they couldn't give him the kind of cash that Burton was worth on the market.
* Signing DT Haloti Ngata was big, in more ways than one. He will be good as an early-down, run-stuffer, and should stay fresh in the defensive line rotation. Joe Douglas knows him well after spending nine years with Baltimore, where Douglas was an executive.
Imagine the defensive line of Ngata, possibly Chris Long, Cox, Jurrigans, Barnett and Bennett. Gotta put fear in opposing quarterbacks.
* We will see where Vinny Curry and Jason Peters end up. We may see action after June 1 as well. Going into training camp we should also have a better idea on Carson Wentz' health and the status of Nick Foles.
It's nice to know that Foles is most likely to stay. Even if Wentz isn't ready on Opening Day, nice to know that Foles will be the QB in those key early season games.
The teams that need a starting quarterback have diminished since Arizona singed Sam Bradford. The Cardinals were a possible destination for Foles. Why Arizona signed Bradford, who knows? Bradford is one lucky guy. he was made approx. $129 million over his often-injured career.
Minnesota got their QB by inking Kirk Cousins to a big deal. Should be a really interesting first game of the season, when the Vikings invade the Linc on Thursday Night Football in September ( supposedly). The Vikes will seek revenge for their playoff loss, while the eagles hoist their world championship banner and look to defend their title.
I always thought that Cousins was an overrated guy. When the pressure is on he turtles-up. He good but not great. I guess Minnesota had to do something, with Bradford heading to Arizona, Keesum going to Denver and Bridgewater reportedly ready to sign with the Jets. Cousins will have loads of weapons to play with, and one of the league's best defenses behind his back. But will Cousins take the next step to elite quarterback status?
More moves and news surely to come before the 4 p.m. deadline. Stay tuned.
Looks like LB Mychal Kendricks will be gone. The Birds picked up another LB yesterday when they signed Donny Nelson to a contract. Hopefully Jordan Hicks comes back strong form an injury. I also think linebacker will be a focus in the draft as well.
* Sorry to see Brent Celek go. He was the longest-tenured player in Philly sports, spending 11 years with the Eagles. Celek always played hard. He wants to still play, so we will see if he goes out on top or not.
Can't keep everyone. Trey Burton also left, inking a deal with the bears. Burton was disappointed the Birds didn't at least make him an offer. Clearly, they thought he wanted too much money. Even though he was a hell of a player in his limited playing time, Rossman had to feel they couldn't give him the kind of cash that Burton was worth on the market.
* Signing DT Haloti Ngata was big, in more ways than one. He will be good as an early-down, run-stuffer, and should stay fresh in the defensive line rotation. Joe Douglas knows him well after spending nine years with Baltimore, where Douglas was an executive.
Imagine the defensive line of Ngata, possibly Chris Long, Cox, Jurrigans, Barnett and Bennett. Gotta put fear in opposing quarterbacks.
* We will see where Vinny Curry and Jason Peters end up. We may see action after June 1 as well. Going into training camp we should also have a better idea on Carson Wentz' health and the status of Nick Foles.
It's nice to know that Foles is most likely to stay. Even if Wentz isn't ready on Opening Day, nice to know that Foles will be the QB in those key early season games.
The teams that need a starting quarterback have diminished since Arizona singed Sam Bradford. The Cardinals were a possible destination for Foles. Why Arizona signed Bradford, who knows? Bradford is one lucky guy. he was made approx. $129 million over his often-injured career.
Minnesota got their QB by inking Kirk Cousins to a big deal. Should be a really interesting first game of the season, when the Vikings invade the Linc on Thursday Night Football in September ( supposedly). The Vikes will seek revenge for their playoff loss, while the eagles hoist their world championship banner and look to defend their title.
I always thought that Cousins was an overrated guy. When the pressure is on he turtles-up. He good but not great. I guess Minnesota had to do something, with Bradford heading to Arizona, Keesum going to Denver and Bridgewater reportedly ready to sign with the Jets. Cousins will have loads of weapons to play with, and one of the league's best defenses behind his back. But will Cousins take the next step to elite quarterback status?
More moves and news surely to come before the 4 p.m. deadline. Stay tuned.
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