Dom's Dish - Friday, May 30, 2008
Sure, some of you think I was away. Nope, I still wrote, I just was too lazy to log into the other email account and copy and format it, then post it. I have written two editions since the last Dish, they can be found at domsdish-dot-blogspot-dot-com as my mother has so eloquntley put. Right John Carlo?
Anyway, a lot has happened in sports these past few weeks. In no particular order: The owners opted out of the Collective Bargaining Agreement - basically the entire contract for the way the NFL is run in terms of money. They do have reason to feel slighted - everyone is making tons of money, but you know guys like Jerry Jones, want more - looking for that oil field. Basically the owners are not happy with the amount they need to pay to players in terms of a percentage of the entire EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization - cash flow - if you look at it as the players being part of the payout) (5 years in undergrad business school and all I remember is EBITDA and Supply and Demand...and Bozena Leven, lol). Anyway, it will be good for everyone, the owners, the players, the fans and even others in all of sports. Yeah, we might be without football for a year, but a) I don't think it will get that far and b) the benefits outweigh the depression for one year.
Where were we anyway? Baseball JUST started. Now it's May and the Phillies lineup is as on fire as the color of the bright red $5 Phillies cap I got in the parking lot/truck yard in Philly 3 years ago. Holy cow they're hitting the ball. Here's one for you, Rollins is going to save Ryan Howard's season and career as a Phillie. Unlike below, this one is definitely true - look it up. Howard was slumping. Hitting .160 (that sucks for you non-baseball fans) with as many RBIs as rookie RF-er, it really looked like the Phillies got the raw end of the "arbitration" deal that pays Howard $10 Million for this year alone. (What other sport has lawyers this involved in "contract negotiation" / payment?) Funny thing is, Jimmy Rollins was hurt early and gimping around for like 10 days before he went on the 15-day Disabled List. Around a month of this and Howard struggled. Shit, I boo-ed him when I was at the game wearing my blue Phillies Howard #6 t-shirt in 40-degree weather. Jimmy comes back in San Fran, his hometown (I'm telling you, hit up Fisherman's Wharf), starts the Phillies off on the road that they're on now - crushing the baseball. I think it was May 3rd, and basically this whole month, the entire lineup has dominated slowly but steadily. I say with confidence, the Phillies have the best Infield in Baseball right now. Who else? BoSox? No. Yankees? No. Mets? Hell No. Tigers? Nope. Marlins? Close, but no. Diamondbacks? Who do they have? The last two MVP's, gold glovers, silver sluggers, hitting streaks. Shit, even Pedro Feliz lead the Giants in RBI's the last two seasons!!! Howard, Utley, Rollins, Feliz. Up until 6 days ago, I would have betted that Howard would be let go at the end of his contract/arbitration period. Now, I say he'll remain a Phillie. In that lineup he can do some bad things. And apparently all he needs is Rollins there. From their interview though, I hope they don't wind up a McNabb/Owens duo. (It's funny, my wife saw David Wright on TV for a closeup interview after his game the other night. She asked who the 12 year old was. He had this huge pimple above his right eye on his forehead. Either it's steroids for the little man or puberty's last final breaths?)
We're into the part of the sports year that seems to drag ON and ON. Don't get me wrong, I love 7-game series. Shows a lot about a team, character, conditioning, diligence, etc. I just don't understand why they need to spread out the NHL and NBA playoffs? I mean, it's great seeing hot teams like the Flyers a few weeks back or the Detroit Red Wings just dismantle teams and/or handle teams, but you can only wait so long. Yeah, I know there's a ton of people like me out there that can wait a week for the next NFL matchup or a new episode of Schrute Beet Farm, er...The Office. But here's something. NFL is fast paced, but there's news throughout the week and NFL Network and Sirius. The Office, yeah, there's the website, but it's not as up-tempo and in your face as the NFL or hockey. 7-game series? 10 days, maybe 11. Only extra days between games for travel days. It's gonna be June already! Hockey? It's not even freezing in 90% of the NHL cities right now, if not 95/100%! And basketball? Great sport too, but the days are the same, I wish someone would rescue us from this. How about the NFL having a development league in non-NFL cities right about now? April to July. NFL. Kids that could play in the NFL in September to December? I want Roger Goodell out there at the games, Monday Night Football, Emmitt and Dan Marino broadcasting game coverage, Mike and Mike, analysis, the NFL logo, big networks - shit give the losers of the NFL Networks (NBC, ABC, WGN) the chance to broadcast.
Tiger Woods is out and on his way back. I can just about guarantee that of all 200 people that get this and the assorted others on the "net" AKA internet, only 2% of you have sat and watched more than 1 hour of golf COMBINED since Tiger's been gone. And those heard about Sergio or Phil on Sportscenter the night before. It's crazy, the media (SportsCenter, newspapers) barely touch on golf when Tiger's not winning. So to all of you I pose this - Tiger coming back will revive the US economy. Now you may say, Dominic, Tiger can't control gas prices. And to you, I say, YOU'RE WRONG, SIR! Fact, Tiger Woods has been out since April 9 or thereabout. I can guarantee you that 80% of you have changed your spending habbits or thoughts. Gas, eating out, presents for friends, etc. (Whatever Ed Harley) Fact, Tiger plays the Dubai tournament every winter (around February). You know what Dubai has? Lots of oil and oil money. Theypay him to come over, he brings it back to the US, we watch the tournament or SportsCenter highlights, Oil and gas were low back then. Therefore by virtue of my flawless logic, Tiger coming back will save the US and World Economy. Hell, he's no Chuck Norris, but he CAN change the world. Shiiiiit.
Speaking of washing your hands, I finally found a totally awesome hand washing sink! It was in the Chipotle in Laurel, Maryland, outside of University Park. Plenty of room to "do the action" without bumping into the sides of a nasty pissed on sink. See the pic on the web log, AKA "blog" (we're so lazy in America - 2 syllables is tooooo much).
One of the best movie's ever- "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective". Knowing my audience, you've just about all seen it. Probably once or twice and you forgot about it. Go find it. Rent it. Buy it, whatever. It's one for the collection. I say it's one of the biggest movies of our generation. Eventually leading to all other Jim Carey movies, SNL movies, silly Eddie Murphy movies (not included 2 great series - 48 hours and Beverly Hills Cop), Mike Myers movies, etc. I have to say, if I could own 5 "modern" movies out there, they would be: Ace Ventura, Die Hard, Pulp Fiction, Dogma, and Enemy of the State AND (I'm not counting Trains, Planes and Automobiles, or the ones I own, Wedding Crashers, Borat, The Matrix, or Saving Private Ryan). Anyway, back to Ace. First off, it's Jim Carey at his prime! Then you throw in a dolphin mascot, Courtney Cox (still single at that time), Iced someone rapper dude, "Finkle, Einhorn", 1980's police cruisers...WOW. Classic! Ok, the movies to follow were good and bad (Ace 2, Dumb & Dumber, Cable Guy, Batman & Robin) but this movie kind of broke the mold. Ace Ventura is there with the lesser "sports movies" than the usual ones critics blurt out - "Hoosiers", "Field of Dreams", ... - This is there with "Any Given Sunday" and "Jerry Mc-F***in Guire" - starring a young, somewhat attractive, non-crack-whorish Renee Zellweger.
ESPN posted a story the other night "Big Brown gallops nine furlongs". Does anyone off hand know what a furlong is? Apparently, 1/8 mile (9 furlongs is 1 1/8 miles) - so just under 200 meters. I think we should measure more things in furlongs. The Daytona 4000 furlong. I drove 6240 furlong to Chicago last weekend. Make a right then drive 2.1 furlong and make your first left before driving a furlong to my house. That'd almost be as annoying as driving in Canada with the kilometers. And to be honest, I don't think there is a plural to the word furlong, is there?
Around the Balls:
Big-brown-oblong - Hey, there's still tickets left for the Saints/Chargers game in 5 months. Problem is, you'll have to fly to London to see it. So that's like 9 and 12 hour flights for them to get to London. If we can't even expand to Canada because they have different rules and bigger fields, what makes us think London or Europe is a place to expand. Obviously this didn't work before - see NFL Europe. Europe has its soccer. US has its football. Canada has its football. Leave it at that.
Huge-orange - The Chicago Bulls got the first pick in next month's draft! Wow. The rich keep getting richer. Maybe they'll take another pot-smoking hippie kid who likes to drink in public. It's a shame. Seriously, I hope they take Derek Rose and he does become the next "Jason Kidd with a jump shot". I think Rose can have a career in the right system, whereas Beasley could just be a mini-LeBron and be only a 15/5 player. Just as long as either's father doesn't admit to smoking pot and give a hint of Joakim Noah type trouble in the future. I don't know about Doug Collins as a coach either. He's a great analyst on TNT, but a career 53% win percentage. Interesting move, don't get D'Antoni so go after a broadcaster? Should have taken Mark Jackson or even Charles Barkley, you know he could use the money.
Small-white-stitched - The Big Unit is still tossing and yesterday tied Roger Clemens on the strikeout list for second behind Nolan Ryan. Nolan has over a 1,000 K edge on Randy (5714 vs 4672) and I don't think he'll be breaking that soon. Even looking at the current "young guns" out there, I'm not sure these records will be topped for a while. Pedro is #15 with 3,030 but he's 36 and oft injured. Tough to strike guys out these days. Maybe someday Joba Chamberlain or Jon Papelbon will own this record, then again, maybe it's Nolan Ryan's forever.
Tiny-white - Only about 2 weeks to the US Open. Tiger should be back as mentioned about 300 words ago, and he gets to play his favorite course - Torrey Pines. I've been to San Diego, and shit, I'd be too relaxed to play that beautiful course. Maybe he doesn't see the beauty like everyone else and can win if he finishes the tournament healthy.
Round-rubber-non - The Red Wings trounced the Penguins the first two games in Detroit, but last night, Home Ice advantage again rung true. This year might be one for the books for NHL and NBA playoffs with all these home court/ice wins.
Program Alert:
Phillies vs. Marlins in a three game set at The Bank.
Phillies J-Roll Bobble Head night next Wednesday vs Reds.
Celtics vs. Pistons Game 6 tonight on ESPN at 7:30pm. Pistons on brink but home.
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For those new to "the dish", I once dreamed of being a sports-caster having my own column. Let me know if you don't like it, and/or want to be discontinued from the list. If you have another email address to send it to, send that to me also. For older issues of the dish, email me. domsdish@gmail.com or go to http://domsdish.blogspot.com/
Friday, May 30, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Dom's Dish - 2008 NFL Draft recap Edition
Dom's Dish - Sunday, April 27, 2008
Well, since I was at a party yesterday and not parked in front of a computer (like I am this morning) I decided to recap the third round. There was a lot of action with trades and I offer some commentary on the previous two rounds of picks. Enjoy!
Nice move Miami trading down - they still have holes.
64: Detroit - nice pick with Kevin Smith, RB Central Florida - what did they do, kick GM Matt Millen out of the room? Hopefully this kid will be a work horse for them - 6'1" plus
65: Rams select John Greco, OG out of Toledo - big guy, probably play OT, but not sure he'll be able to step in to replace Orlando Pace right away. He is durable.
66: This is what Miami just traded down for - I say Dan Connor out of Penn State....and it's not - DE Kendall Langford out of Hampton. They really are bulking up that line. Jason Taylor is still there. Big kid - 6'5" 290 lbs - play the end in that 3-4. Plus they have Phillip Merling.
67: Panthers select Charles Godfrey, CB from Iowa. Another [coach] product- a lot of mid-level defensive backs taken from Iowa these last few years. Another 6-foot corner. Gotta cover those big WR's in the NFL nowadays.
68: Atlanta on the clock with one of the picks they got for Deangelo Hall. And they go ahead and select a CB with that pick - Chevis Jackson out of LSU. Tall CB - 6'0" looks almost like D Hall.
By the way with the the trade early on here, there have been like a hundred (ok maybe 12) trades. Coming awful close to my prediction of "20 if not 25-30"! And what's that? New England trades their pick to the Chargers.
69: Jacob Hester of LSU - the big Fullback goes to the Chargers. Looking for a change-of-pace back to compliment LT or an actual FB to replace Lorenzo Neal? Probably an actual FB here. Hard-nosed kid, maybe even someone to get a few carries.
70: Da Bears on the clock and they select Earl Bennett, WR out of Vandy. Wow, that's like 2 picks from Vandy now - before Jay Cutler a few years ago I don't remember anyone else from Vanderbilt.
71: The Ravens take Tavares Gooden, ILB out of Miami. Someone to line up behind and learn from Ray Lewis. Smaller guy, but their current LB's are all up for contracts next year.
72: Bills on the clock. Maybe another DB? Kidding, seems like they only take DB's in the first round these past few years. But instead they go D-Line with DE Chris Ellis out of Va Tech - 6'5" 260. A first team All ACC player - of course Chris Long being the other DE first All ACC.
73: KC selects Jamaal Charles, RB out of Texas. Nice change of pace for Larry Johnson if he comes back from his foot injury. They have another pick a few teams away, so I guess this is their flyer?
74: The Panthers take the ILB no one else would take - Dan Connor out of Penn State - aka Linebacker U. Frankly, I'm surprised he fell this far, even for being an Inside Linebacker.
75: The 49ers stack their defensive backfield by adding Reggie Smith, CB out of Oklahoma.
Another 6-foot CB!
76: The Chiefs with their fifth selection (already) in the draft, take Brad Cottam a TE from Tennessee - almosyt 6-8 and 270 lbs. They must be just drafting "from their board" not on need, though they did lose free-agent TE Kris Wilson to the Eagles this year. Everyone is making a big deal about losing Jared Allen and them not replacing him yet - though they did take two DT's last year and another this year.
77: The Bengals take another Defensive player - DT Pat Sims from Auburn. I haven't heard anything about his character, can't go wrong with taking a big guy to clog the middle - they missed out on two or three DT's in the free agency period via trades, so you knew they would go there.
78: The Pats are back on the clock and select an OLD from Michigan - Shawn Crable. They sure are shuring up that front seven with LB's this draft. By the way, Jerrod Mayo, their first round pick from Tennessee - Defensive Rookie of the year next year, sticking by that.
79: The Houston Texans select Antwaun Molden, CB out of Eastern Kentucky.
80: The Birds here on the clock. I'm thinking O-Line or CB? Justin King CB out of Penn State? Nope, Bryan Smith a DE out of McNeese State. Smaller guy, talk is he could be a Special Teams helper. Not sure what the Eagles are doing here, I guess their board is just a lot more different than anyone else. By the way, I love how ESPN lists Jevon Kearse as a "Key Loss" for the team, considering he maybe
81: Early Doucet, comes late but to the Cardinals - the WR out of LSU. With the loss of Bryant Johnson (their third WR) he is a perfect slot guy, but an in-case of Anquan Boldin bolts out of AZ or holds out.
82: The Chiefs again - DaJuan Morgan out of NC State, a Safety.
83: The Bucs make the NY fans happy with the selection of Jeremy Zuttah, OG out of Rutgers. Gruden sure is building up that O-Line. Let me just tell you, two years ago when I was playing NCAA College Football 2008, Zuttah was a great blocker.
84: The Falcons select another WR - WR Harry Douglas out of Louisville. I guess the unhappy Joe Horn won't be there anymore, plus their past 1st round picks haven't panned out. Smaller guy, slot receiver in the NFL
85: Craig Stevens, TE out of Cal goes to the Tennessee Titans. Is it just me
86: Wow, how this guy fell. Tom Zbikowski, Safety out of Notre Dame finally goes to Baltimore. I guess John Harbaugh likes Notre Dame guys just as much as Andy Reid. Baltimore has gone QB, RB (Ray Rice), ILB and Safety. Nice draft there Harbaugh.
87: Andre Fluellen, DT from Florida State goes to Detroit. I am pretty sure this is the first Seminole taken - wow - late 3rd round? Fluellen is a big
88: Bruce Davis, OLB of UCLA goes to the Steelers. They are looking for some insurance for the bad news prone James Harrison (domestic violence charge earlier this year).
89: Steve Slaton, RB out of West Virginia falls to the Houston Texans. Man, Houston has some horses now, that are young, hopefully they pan out. Chris Brown went there in the Free agency period (Titans), the aging Ahman Green is not the answer, and Darius Walker out of Notre Dame, but hopefully their new O-Line coach Alex Gibbs can get that zone blocking scheme down.
90: Da Bears again, they take a big DT out of Arkansas -Marcus Harrison. Perhaps a nice replacement for Tank Johnson and backup to Tommie Harris.
91: Green Bay on the clock and they take Jermichael Finley a TE from Texas. Smallish guy for a TE - 6'4" 240lbs. He'll be able to bulk up and possibly step in over the next year to replace Bubba Franks. Interesting draft for GB: WR, QB, CB, TE...hmm.
92: Another trade, Dallas moving out, allowing the Detroit Lions to move in. Cliff Avril a big DE out of Perdue goes to Detroit. Detroit - what's up? Really, did they put the mute button on Matt Millen? I like their draft - OT, OLB, RB, DT, DE.
93: The Colts looking to rebuild and get back to a Championship game, take an ILB from Georgia Tech Philip Wheeler. Without having their Depth Chart in front of me but knowing the 4-3 cover two, I'm guessing he'll move outside initially.
94: The Patriots. CB or LB, CB or LB? WOW! QB! Kevin O'Connell, QB out of San Diego State. They have a #2 already in Matt Cassell, but this is a nice Belichick pick for some competition. 6-5 225 lbs. Nice gig for him, throw to Randy Moss in practice.
95: The Giants select Mario Manningham, WR out of Michigan. Nice pick, watch out man, the Giants have a boatload of WR's now - the fragile Plaxico, David Tyree, Steve Smith and now Maningham? Manningham may be the eventual #1 when Plax's contract is up or he tears and ACL, whichever comes first.
We're now into the supplemental picks that can't be traded.
96: Washington takes an OG from Northern Iowa in Chad Rinehart.
97: Cincinatti seeks to replace Chris Henry (the WR) and maybe the Chad with Andre Caldwell, WR out of Florida. Another one that early on in predictions, was a first round pick. Reche's brother - ok college career,
98: Atlanta on the clock again, seeking to rebuild about 10 of 22 positions, they take Thomas DeCoud a Safety out of California. I give ATL a few years before they're in the 10-6 range again, buit nice draft - QB (Matt Ryan, Franchise QB), OT, ILB, CB, WR, S.
99: Last pick of the Third Round here, the Baltimore Ravens on the clock and take Oniel Cousins, OG from UTEP.
That's it for the pick-by-pick analysis, I'll go ahead here and recap some interesting picks as I see them over the next few rounds.
Dallas is up first in the 4th round with a pick they received from Miami for 2 players - LB Akin Ayedole and TE . Bill Parcells sure does like his players. Oh wait, another trade! Oakland moves up and takes Tyvon Branch, CB from UConn. Someone for DeAngelo Hall and Asimouga to mentor, and a nice KR.
The Rams with the next pick finally take Justin King, CB from Penn State! Nice pick, could return kicks, nice cover guy, but going to a St. Louis team that hasn't been the best recently in developing young DB talent - see Tye Hill out of Clemson.
Another trade - Jets trade out to GB. Then Cleveland trades up with the Cowboys pick. Almost half of the picks in each round has "T" next to it on ESPN's mock draft board - madness!
The Birds back up - their first of three in the fourth round and they take an OT from Pitt - the other OT, Mike McGlynn with pick 109. Played Guard and Tackle there - just what the Eagles like, OL versatility. At 6-5 318 lbs, I'm thinking he and Max Jean-Gilles will supplant Shawn Andrews and Todd Herremans next year as guards and they'll move outside to tackle. I know the Birds took a lot of heat for trading out of the first round again but at least this time they got a #1 next year when they may need a starter to play Tackle or Safety due to contract situations. I was a little miffed too, they took another OT from Pitt here, but could have had Jeff Otah. You have to figure some of their moves are related to dollars this year.
The Buffalo Bills took a corner back at pick 114 from Akron - Reggie Corner. They sure like DB's from the state of Ohio, eh? Nate Clements was from Ohio State (#21 pick in 2001), Donte Whitner from Ohio State (#8 overall pick in 2006), Ashton Yabouty from Ohio State (3rd Rd pick in 2006).
Eagles again - pick 117, they take a Safety Quintin Demps out of UTEP. We'll see if he's gonna make the team as an eventual successor to B-Dawk. Then with pick 131 they take a Corner - Jack Ikegwuonu from Wisconsin. Coming off a knee injury, I am guessing this is another fit for their board and need for depth. Possibly someone they can put on the practice squad or IR for a year to build.
--------------------------------For those new to "the dish", I once dreamed of being a sports-caster having my own column. Let me know if you don't like it, and/or want to be discontinued from the list. If you have another email address to send it to, send that to me also. For older issues of the dish, email me. domsdish@gmail.com or go to http://domsdish.blogspot.com
Well, since I was at a party yesterday and not parked in front of a computer (like I am this morning) I decided to recap the third round. There was a lot of action with trades and I offer some commentary on the previous two rounds of picks. Enjoy!
Nice move Miami trading down - they still have holes.
64: Detroit - nice pick with Kevin Smith, RB Central Florida - what did they do, kick GM Matt Millen out of the room? Hopefully this kid will be a work horse for them - 6'1" plus
65: Rams select John Greco, OG out of Toledo - big guy, probably play OT, but not sure he'll be able to step in to replace Orlando Pace right away. He is durable.
66: This is what Miami just traded down for - I say Dan Connor out of Penn State....and it's not - DE Kendall Langford out of Hampton. They really are bulking up that line. Jason Taylor is still there. Big kid - 6'5" 290 lbs - play the end in that 3-4. Plus they have Phillip Merling.
67: Panthers select Charles Godfrey, CB from Iowa. Another [coach] product- a lot of mid-level defensive backs taken from Iowa these last few years. Another 6-foot corner. Gotta cover those big WR's in the NFL nowadays.
68: Atlanta on the clock with one of the picks they got for Deangelo Hall. And they go ahead and select a CB with that pick - Chevis Jackson out of LSU. Tall CB - 6'0" looks almost like D Hall.
By the way with the the trade early on here, there have been like a hundred (ok maybe 12) trades. Coming awful close to my prediction of "20 if not 25-30"! And what's that? New England trades their pick to the Chargers.
69: Jacob Hester of LSU - the big Fullback goes to the Chargers. Looking for a change-of-pace back to compliment LT or an actual FB to replace Lorenzo Neal? Probably an actual FB here. Hard-nosed kid, maybe even someone to get a few carries.
70: Da Bears on the clock and they select Earl Bennett, WR out of Vandy. Wow, that's like 2 picks from Vandy now - before Jay Cutler a few years ago I don't remember anyone else from Vanderbilt.
71: The Ravens take Tavares Gooden, ILB out of Miami. Someone to line up behind and learn from Ray Lewis. Smaller guy, but their current LB's are all up for contracts next year.
72: Bills on the clock. Maybe another DB? Kidding, seems like they only take DB's in the first round these past few years. But instead they go D-Line with DE Chris Ellis out of Va Tech - 6'5" 260. A first team All ACC player - of course Chris Long being the other DE first All ACC.
73: KC selects Jamaal Charles, RB out of Texas. Nice change of pace for Larry Johnson if he comes back from his foot injury. They have another pick a few teams away, so I guess this is their flyer?
74: The Panthers take the ILB no one else would take - Dan Connor out of Penn State - aka Linebacker U. Frankly, I'm surprised he fell this far, even for being an Inside Linebacker.
75: The 49ers stack their defensive backfield by adding Reggie Smith, CB out of Oklahoma.
Another 6-foot CB!
76: The Chiefs with their fifth selection (already) in the draft, take Brad Cottam a TE from Tennessee - almosyt 6-8 and 270 lbs. They must be just drafting "from their board" not on need, though they did lose free-agent TE Kris Wilson to the Eagles this year. Everyone is making a big deal about losing Jared Allen and them not replacing him yet - though they did take two DT's last year and another this year.
77: The Bengals take another Defensive player - DT Pat Sims from Auburn. I haven't heard anything about his character, can't go wrong with taking a big guy to clog the middle - they missed out on two or three DT's in the free agency period via trades, so you knew they would go there.
78: The Pats are back on the clock and select an OLD from Michigan - Shawn Crable. They sure are shuring up that front seven with LB's this draft. By the way, Jerrod Mayo, their first round pick from Tennessee - Defensive Rookie of the year next year, sticking by that.
79: The Houston Texans select Antwaun Molden, CB out of Eastern Kentucky.
80: The Birds here on the clock. I'm thinking O-Line or CB? Justin King CB out of Penn State? Nope, Bryan Smith a DE out of McNeese State. Smaller guy, talk is he could be a Special Teams helper. Not sure what the Eagles are doing here, I guess their board is just a lot more different than anyone else. By the way, I love how ESPN lists Jevon Kearse as a "Key Loss" for the team, considering he maybe
81: Early Doucet, comes late but to the Cardinals - the WR out of LSU. With the loss of Bryant Johnson (their third WR) he is a perfect slot guy, but an in-case of Anquan Boldin bolts out of AZ or holds out.
82: The Chiefs again - DaJuan Morgan out of NC State, a Safety.
83: The Bucs make the NY fans happy with the selection of Jeremy Zuttah, OG out of Rutgers. Gruden sure is building up that O-Line. Let me just tell you, two years ago when I was playing NCAA College Football 2008, Zuttah was a great blocker.
84: The Falcons select another WR - WR Harry Douglas out of Louisville. I guess the unhappy Joe Horn won't be there anymore, plus their past 1st round picks haven't panned out. Smaller guy, slot receiver in the NFL
85: Craig Stevens, TE out of Cal goes to the Tennessee Titans. Is it just me
86: Wow, how this guy fell. Tom Zbikowski, Safety out of Notre Dame finally goes to Baltimore. I guess John Harbaugh likes Notre Dame guys just as much as Andy Reid. Baltimore has gone QB, RB (Ray Rice), ILB and Safety. Nice draft there Harbaugh.
87: Andre Fluellen, DT from Florida State goes to Detroit. I am pretty sure this is the first Seminole taken - wow - late 3rd round? Fluellen is a big
88: Bruce Davis, OLB of UCLA goes to the Steelers. They are looking for some insurance for the bad news prone James Harrison (domestic violence charge earlier this year).
89: Steve Slaton, RB out of West Virginia falls to the Houston Texans. Man, Houston has some horses now, that are young, hopefully they pan out. Chris Brown went there in the Free agency period (Titans), the aging Ahman Green is not the answer, and Darius Walker out of Notre Dame, but hopefully their new O-Line coach Alex Gibbs can get that zone blocking scheme down.
90: Da Bears again, they take a big DT out of Arkansas -Marcus Harrison. Perhaps a nice replacement for Tank Johnson and backup to Tommie Harris.
91: Green Bay on the clock and they take Jermichael Finley a TE from Texas. Smallish guy for a TE - 6'4" 240lbs. He'll be able to bulk up and possibly step in over the next year to replace Bubba Franks. Interesting draft for GB: WR, QB, CB, TE...hmm.
92: Another trade, Dallas moving out, allowing the Detroit Lions to move in. Cliff Avril a big DE out of Perdue goes to Detroit. Detroit - what's up? Really, did they put the mute button on Matt Millen? I like their draft - OT, OLB, RB, DT, DE.
93: The Colts looking to rebuild and get back to a Championship game, take an ILB from Georgia Tech Philip Wheeler. Without having their Depth Chart in front of me but knowing the 4-3 cover two, I'm guessing he'll move outside initially.
94: The Patriots. CB or LB, CB or LB? WOW! QB! Kevin O'Connell, QB out of San Diego State. They have a #2 already in Matt Cassell, but this is a nice Belichick pick for some competition. 6-5 225 lbs. Nice gig for him, throw to Randy Moss in practice.
95: The Giants select Mario Manningham, WR out of Michigan. Nice pick, watch out man, the Giants have a boatload of WR's now - the fragile Plaxico, David Tyree, Steve Smith and now Maningham? Manningham may be the eventual #1 when Plax's contract is up or he tears and ACL, whichever comes first.
We're now into the supplemental picks that can't be traded.
96: Washington takes an OG from Northern Iowa in Chad Rinehart.
97: Cincinatti seeks to replace Chris Henry (the WR) and maybe the Chad with Andre Caldwell, WR out of Florida. Another one that early on in predictions, was a first round pick. Reche's brother - ok college career,
98: Atlanta on the clock again, seeking to rebuild about 10 of 22 positions, they take Thomas DeCoud a Safety out of California. I give ATL a few years before they're in the 10-6 range again, buit nice draft - QB (Matt Ryan, Franchise QB), OT, ILB, CB, WR, S.
99: Last pick of the Third Round here, the Baltimore Ravens on the clock and take Oniel Cousins, OG from UTEP.
That's it for the pick-by-pick analysis, I'll go ahead here and recap some interesting picks as I see them over the next few rounds.
Dallas is up first in the 4th round with a pick they received from Miami for 2 players - LB Akin Ayedole and TE . Bill Parcells sure does like his players. Oh wait, another trade! Oakland moves up and takes Tyvon Branch, CB from UConn. Someone for DeAngelo Hall and Asimouga to mentor, and a nice KR.
The Rams with the next pick finally take Justin King, CB from Penn State! Nice pick, could return kicks, nice cover guy, but going to a St. Louis team that hasn't been the best recently in developing young DB talent - see Tye Hill out of Clemson.
Another trade - Jets trade out to GB. Then Cleveland trades up with the Cowboys pick. Almost half of the picks in each round has "T" next to it on ESPN's mock draft board - madness!
The Birds back up - their first of three in the fourth round and they take an OT from Pitt - the other OT, Mike McGlynn with pick 109. Played Guard and Tackle there - just what the Eagles like, OL versatility. At 6-5 318 lbs, I'm thinking he and Max Jean-Gilles will supplant Shawn Andrews and Todd Herremans next year as guards and they'll move outside to tackle. I know the Birds took a lot of heat for trading out of the first round again but at least this time they got a #1 next year when they may need a starter to play Tackle or Safety due to contract situations. I was a little miffed too, they took another OT from Pitt here, but could have had Jeff Otah. You have to figure some of their moves are related to dollars this year.
The Buffalo Bills took a corner back at pick 114 from Akron - Reggie Corner. They sure like DB's from the state of Ohio, eh? Nate Clements was from Ohio State (#21 pick in 2001), Donte Whitner from Ohio State (#8 overall pick in 2006), Ashton Yabouty from Ohio State (3rd Rd pick in 2006).
Eagles again - pick 117, they take a Safety Quintin Demps out of UTEP. We'll see if he's gonna make the team as an eventual successor to B-Dawk. Then with pick 131 they take a Corner - Jack Ikegwuonu from Wisconsin. Coming off a knee injury, I am guessing this is another fit for their board and need for depth. Possibly someone they can put on the practice squad or IR for a year to build.
--------------------------------For those new to "the dish", I once dreamed of being a sports-caster having my own column. Let me know if you don't like it, and/or want to be discontinued from the list. If you have another email address to send it to, send that to me also. For older issues of the dish, email me. domsdish@gmail.com or go to http://domsdish.blogspot.com
Friday, April 25, 2008
Dom's Dish - Late Mishmash Edition
Dom's Dish - Friday, April 25, 2008
"It's the most wonderful time...of the year" - I can't get that song out of my head, and I know that this isn't in fact the most wonderful time in a traditional sense (Christmas / Winter Holiday season) or even the sports sense (early September's start to the NFL season) - but you have to say, we're pretty damn close. We just came off a somewhat predictable, but still fun Men's NCAA Basketball Tournament, the Masters just a few weeks ago, the final pushes for the NBA and NHL playoffs, the start of the MLB season and now, the NFL Draft! No, it's not September, it's April a close second - plus the benefit of the impending summer! No blood brother, it's not over yet.
Breaking News: Tyler Hansbrough is staying at UNC for his senior season. The National Player of the Year wants one more shot at a title with Roy Williams. Unfortunately he may need to do it without Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington - the sophomore back court - who are both declaring for the draft but not yet hiring agents leaving possibility they could return with "Crazy T."
Grandpa Larry Brown resigned yesterday as Executive Vice President of the Sixers of Philly, and according to his agent, he wishes to pursue a coaching position "in the NBA or college". Sixty-seven, Basketball hall of famer, former NBA and NCAA champion, fresh off helping re-build the Sixer franchise, and being forced out by Isiah in NY only 2 seasons ago he wants more?!?! Don't worry Isiah, you'll get yours soon enough. Anyway - I knew a man who used to see Larry Brown at a restaurant outside of Philly around 2000 when he was coaching the Sixers. I remember him telling me that he just exuded passion for the game of basketball. He's the Joe Paterno of basketball, never mind the 15-20 different houses he's lived in across the US. Does he just have Mayflower Moving on speed dial? (The number is 1-800-299-1700 in case you were wondering). Anyway, hopefully Larry heads back to school and coaches there - maybe he can stay there for 4 years and inspire the next generation to feel the love instead of the greed - not that Larry hasn't made a pretty penny (he actually owns the US Mint in Philadelphia - true story).
So, I was wrong. The Devils got spanked by the Rangers like they did all season long and the Flyers did beat Ovechkin. My buddy - let's call him "Boy" - has been on me to provide an update on NHL hockey - I guess "Boy" can't get enough information on the Flyers from the games he goes to, and he doesn't like my annoying text messages: "Puck the Flyers" "Flyers suck" "Nice seats, good to see you'll have a good view of Ovechkin scoring all those goals". Well "Boy", I was wrong please accept my apology. The Flyers are on a roll - the Celtics of Hockey with their amazing turnaround from last year's nightmare-ish season. They put it together the last 2 months of the season and the other "Marty" of the Atlantic Division - Buron -was hot as anything in the net. Breaking news though, they did lose last night to the Montreal Canadiens aka "Habs". And finally after twenty-something years I know what the hell "Habs" means - In French "Les Habitants" as in citizen - Canadiens - get it? Kinda like the Washington Cits of the NL East. Anyway - playoff hockey progresses. I really don't know why people don't watch it - not that no one does, just it's ratings are like half of "How I Met Your Mother" and like 1/100th of American Idol. Oh that's right, people can't follow the puck - I got news for you, the goalie can't always either - that's what's fun about it! So either way, turn it on and watch a game - there's not as much of a difference between East Coast and West Coast like there is in the NBA.
Baseball is back and although all the teams I follow aren't living up to expectations yet: Phillies and Yankees - it is early - another 140 games to go. Obviously, the Phillies are the team better built for the future, but with J-Roll on the DL and Ryan Howard acting more like the paper salesman than the MVP, it's looking kind of bleak...until you look at the rest of the team. Adam Eaton has pitched better and will hopefully pick up a win or at least a decision sometime soon. Cole Hamels' ERA is 2.75. Brad Lidge is 5-for-5 in Save conversions, throwing in the mid-90's. Brad Lidge, JC Romero and Rudy Seanez each have a 0.00 ERA out of the bull pen. And then of course there are the two early MVP candidates. You know you're thinking that. Pat the Bat is back: .355 8 25 RBI's with 18 walks. The nice .750 slugging ain't too bad either. He's no Chase Utley. Considered by almost every writer to be the MVP of last season in August before he went out with the broken hand, the numbers speak for themselves: .385 avg, 10 HR, 21 RBI, and 76 total bases for a .835 slugging percentage. And it gets better, J-Roll was finally convinced by relief pitcher JC Romero to go on the DL (be back after May 5) and Shane Victorino is already making a rehab start. If Howard comes around and J-Roll was their injury for the year, it could spell trouble again for the NL East. Oh, and here's a question for you - who for the SF Giants had the most combined RBI's the last 4 seasons? Barry Bonds? Nope, Phillies current Third Baseman Pedro Feliz whose meager 2.13 average has still produced 8 RBI's in the month with 3 HR's. It would be higher is Pat Burrell stopped clearing the bases in front of him. And I am happy with Feliz's defense thus far - 3 errors in 23 games. Pat the bat's turnaround = "a change in his batting stance" - damn, that's like a golf grip I guess. Maybe he should give Ryan Howard some advice? Maybe he will stop looking like an enormous Offensive Lineman taking a crap sprawled across the batter's box?
Oh that crazy NFL draft! I am gonna go out on a limb here and say Jake Long will be the first pick of the Miami Dolphins, and that there will be a whole lot of wheelin' and dealin' going on. Kansas City, Atlanta, the Eagles - all with multiple picks - expect to hear those names early and often. KC is reportedly looking to trade down for more picks. Atlanta is looking for more picks to build up their decimated franchise. The Eagles have traded up and down in recent years but really are looking for the best player available. With disgruntled Wide Receivers, aging QB's, leftover DB's and Franchise players left without signing their tendered offers, it has the potential to be hard to follow. There's no sense predicting picks - you can't believe a word NFL GM's say - see Jeff Ireland of Miami - but I will make some predictions as to who gets moved. Baltimore will look to move up for Matt Ryan so John Harbaugh can build his franchise around a QB like Andy Reid did in Philly. I think Philly will move up looking for an Offensive Lineman in the first round, then back later on. Chad Johnson will still be in Cincinatti and Shaun Alexander, fresh off his release will talk to Philly, if not sign with them. Jeremy Shockey will be traded, Anquan Boldin will stay, Roy Williams will stay all for now. I say somewhere in the area of 20 total trades in the next 2 days of the draft, if not 25, 30. If Chris Long is on the board still, he'll wind up a Raider. Darren McFadden's mom won't get her wish and he'll wind up in NY as a J-E-T Jet. The Patriots will move down from 7 to acquire picks - LB's and CB's. I say Glenn Dorsey at 2 - either to Atlanta or New Orleans (who would move up from 10). Who knows if I'm right? You gotta watch. Recap early next week.
Around the Balls:
Big-brown-oblong - Oh, the NFL draft is tomorrow. Be there.
Huge-orange - In case you're living in a bubble, the NBA Playoffs started and looks like all of the series that started 2-0 are back to 2-1. I'm looking forward mostly to the Suns being able to do the same tonight against the Spurs - or as we gringos like to call them "Los Suns y Los Spurs." I tell you what though, Tim Duncan and Chris Paul look pretty damn good after only 2 games! My money is on Chris Paul for regular season MVP though, but it's gonna be close. Ok if by "my money" I mean one dollar, and if by Chris Paul, I mean Kobe Bryant or Kevin Garnett. As for early off season news, Vince Carter of the Nets had minor ankle surgery this week. This can't be good news for the Nets and Jay Z - first you trade Kidd, now this? It's still early - their luck they'll get a top 5 lottery pick and be able to get Derrick Rose to replace JKidd. Beasley will be the number 1 pick though. Two months to the NBA draft on that awesome Wednesday night - they should do a weekend draft like the NFL. Guess it could be worse - a Tuesday or Thursday morning MLB draft?
Small-white-stitched - I've seen and pulled some odd and crazy pranks in my time, but the Boston fan who planted - pretty much literally - David Ortiz's jersey in the new Yankee Stadium, then blabbed it, then got it dug up and now Ortiz is off his slump - that guys got a death wish. One of the most heated rivalries in sports where fans in Boston rioted after their first World Series and the dude's a construction worker? Bet you he doesn't get much work anymore without plastic surgery and an alias. By the way, can someone dig up Ryan Howard's jersey at Citi Field? It's near the concession stand. It must have been that #6 jersey - or maybe it was that Rollins #6 from Reading?
Tiny-white - Well, Tiger tried. He was on a roll, but actually is human. Now after ONLY a second place finish at the Masters, he broke news a few weeks ago that he underwent knee surgery. Now granted, he's not scrambling around a 100-yard field or shooting jump shots from 25 feet, but I'm sure there could be some repurcutions.
Medium-green-fuzzy - Roger Federer finally won his first tournament of the year - it took him 3 1/2 months to do it, and te other dude had to withdraw near the beginning of the second set. Rafael Nadal hasn't made much noise either - guess that means they're waiting to ramp up for the summer tourneys? Guess Federer should stop chilling with Tiger and making those weird Phenom commercials? I'm just saying, I won't use that razor, so stop with the oddity.
Round-rubber-non - Danica Patrick made history last week as the first woman to win an Indy car, Formula 1 or NASCAR race. I was pulling for her and she got robbed a couple times. I wonder what influence this will have on other women in the sport of car racing.
Program Alert:
NBA Playoff Basketball- All weekend long. Suns/ Spurs 10:30pm tonight.
NFL Draft - Saturday 3pm - ??? ; Sunday 10am - ???
--------------------------------
For those new to "the dish", I once dreamed of being a sports-caster having my own column. Let me know if you don't like it, and/or want to be discontinued from the list. If you have another email address to send it to, send that to me also. For older issues of the dish, email me. domsdish@gmail.com or go to http://domsdish.blogspot.com
"It's the most wonderful time...of the year" - I can't get that song out of my head, and I know that this isn't in fact the most wonderful time in a traditional sense (Christmas / Winter Holiday season) or even the sports sense (early September's start to the NFL season) - but you have to say, we're pretty damn close. We just came off a somewhat predictable, but still fun Men's NCAA Basketball Tournament, the Masters just a few weeks ago, the final pushes for the NBA and NHL playoffs, the start of the MLB season and now, the NFL Draft! No, it's not September, it's April a close second - plus the benefit of the impending summer! No blood brother, it's not over yet.
Breaking News: Tyler Hansbrough is staying at UNC for his senior season. The National Player of the Year wants one more shot at a title with Roy Williams. Unfortunately he may need to do it without Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington - the sophomore back court - who are both declaring for the draft but not yet hiring agents leaving possibility they could return with "Crazy T."
Grandpa Larry Brown resigned yesterday as Executive Vice President of the Sixers of Philly, and according to his agent, he wishes to pursue a coaching position "in the NBA or college". Sixty-seven, Basketball hall of famer, former NBA and NCAA champion, fresh off helping re-build the Sixer franchise, and being forced out by Isiah in NY only 2 seasons ago he wants more?!?! Don't worry Isiah, you'll get yours soon enough. Anyway - I knew a man who used to see Larry Brown at a restaurant outside of Philly around 2000 when he was coaching the Sixers. I remember him telling me that he just exuded passion for the game of basketball. He's the Joe Paterno of basketball, never mind the 15-20 different houses he's lived in across the US. Does he just have Mayflower Moving on speed dial? (The number is 1-800-299-1700 in case you were wondering). Anyway, hopefully Larry heads back to school and coaches there - maybe he can stay there for 4 years and inspire the next generation to feel the love instead of the greed - not that Larry hasn't made a pretty penny (he actually owns the US Mint in Philadelphia - true story).
So, I was wrong. The Devils got spanked by the Rangers like they did all season long and the Flyers did beat Ovechkin. My buddy - let's call him "Boy" - has been on me to provide an update on NHL hockey - I guess "Boy" can't get enough information on the Flyers from the games he goes to, and he doesn't like my annoying text messages: "Puck the Flyers" "Flyers suck" "Nice seats, good to see you'll have a good view of Ovechkin scoring all those goals". Well "Boy", I was wrong please accept my apology. The Flyers are on a roll - the Celtics of Hockey with their amazing turnaround from last year's nightmare-ish season. They put it together the last 2 months of the season and the other "Marty" of the Atlantic Division - Buron -was hot as anything in the net. Breaking news though, they did lose last night to the Montreal Canadiens aka "Habs". And finally after twenty-something years I know what the hell "Habs" means - In French "Les Habitants" as in citizen - Canadiens - get it? Kinda like the Washington Cits of the NL East. Anyway - playoff hockey progresses. I really don't know why people don't watch it - not that no one does, just it's ratings are like half of "How I Met Your Mother" and like 1/100th of American Idol. Oh that's right, people can't follow the puck - I got news for you, the goalie can't always either - that's what's fun about it! So either way, turn it on and watch a game - there's not as much of a difference between East Coast and West Coast like there is in the NBA.
Baseball is back and although all the teams I follow aren't living up to expectations yet: Phillies and Yankees - it is early - another 140 games to go. Obviously, the Phillies are the team better built for the future, but with J-Roll on the DL and Ryan Howard acting more like the paper salesman than the MVP, it's looking kind of bleak...until you look at the rest of the team. Adam Eaton has pitched better and will hopefully pick up a win or at least a decision sometime soon. Cole Hamels' ERA is 2.75. Brad Lidge is 5-for-5 in Save conversions, throwing in the mid-90's. Brad Lidge, JC Romero and Rudy Seanez each have a 0.00 ERA out of the bull pen. And then of course there are the two early MVP candidates. You know you're thinking that. Pat the Bat is back: .355 8 25 RBI's with 18 walks. The nice .750 slugging ain't too bad either. He's no Chase Utley. Considered by almost every writer to be the MVP of last season in August before he went out with the broken hand, the numbers speak for themselves: .385 avg, 10 HR, 21 RBI, and 76 total bases for a .835 slugging percentage. And it gets better, J-Roll was finally convinced by relief pitcher JC Romero to go on the DL (be back after May 5) and Shane Victorino is already making a rehab start. If Howard comes around and J-Roll was their injury for the year, it could spell trouble again for the NL East. Oh, and here's a question for you - who for the SF Giants had the most combined RBI's the last 4 seasons? Barry Bonds? Nope, Phillies current Third Baseman Pedro Feliz whose meager 2.13 average has still produced 8 RBI's in the month with 3 HR's. It would be higher is Pat Burrell stopped clearing the bases in front of him. And I am happy with Feliz's defense thus far - 3 errors in 23 games. Pat the bat's turnaround = "a change in his batting stance" - damn, that's like a golf grip I guess. Maybe he should give Ryan Howard some advice? Maybe he will stop looking like an enormous Offensive Lineman taking a crap sprawled across the batter's box?
Oh that crazy NFL draft! I am gonna go out on a limb here and say Jake Long will be the first pick of the Miami Dolphins, and that there will be a whole lot of wheelin' and dealin' going on. Kansas City, Atlanta, the Eagles - all with multiple picks - expect to hear those names early and often. KC is reportedly looking to trade down for more picks. Atlanta is looking for more picks to build up their decimated franchise. The Eagles have traded up and down in recent years but really are looking for the best player available. With disgruntled Wide Receivers, aging QB's, leftover DB's and Franchise players left without signing their tendered offers, it has the potential to be hard to follow. There's no sense predicting picks - you can't believe a word NFL GM's say - see Jeff Ireland of Miami - but I will make some predictions as to who gets moved. Baltimore will look to move up for Matt Ryan so John Harbaugh can build his franchise around a QB like Andy Reid did in Philly. I think Philly will move up looking for an Offensive Lineman in the first round, then back later on. Chad Johnson will still be in Cincinatti and Shaun Alexander, fresh off his release will talk to Philly, if not sign with them. Jeremy Shockey will be traded, Anquan Boldin will stay, Roy Williams will stay all for now. I say somewhere in the area of 20 total trades in the next 2 days of the draft, if not 25, 30. If Chris Long is on the board still, he'll wind up a Raider. Darren McFadden's mom won't get her wish and he'll wind up in NY as a J-E-T Jet. The Patriots will move down from 7 to acquire picks - LB's and CB's. I say Glenn Dorsey at 2 - either to Atlanta or New Orleans (who would move up from 10). Who knows if I'm right? You gotta watch. Recap early next week.
Around the Balls:
Big-brown-oblong - Oh, the NFL draft is tomorrow. Be there.
Huge-orange - In case you're living in a bubble, the NBA Playoffs started and looks like all of the series that started 2-0 are back to 2-1. I'm looking forward mostly to the Suns being able to do the same tonight against the Spurs - or as we gringos like to call them "Los Suns y Los Spurs." I tell you what though, Tim Duncan and Chris Paul look pretty damn good after only 2 games! My money is on Chris Paul for regular season MVP though, but it's gonna be close. Ok if by "my money" I mean one dollar, and if by Chris Paul, I mean Kobe Bryant or Kevin Garnett. As for early off season news, Vince Carter of the Nets had minor ankle surgery this week. This can't be good news for the Nets and Jay Z - first you trade Kidd, now this? It's still early - their luck they'll get a top 5 lottery pick and be able to get Derrick Rose to replace JKidd. Beasley will be the number 1 pick though. Two months to the NBA draft on that awesome Wednesday night - they should do a weekend draft like the NFL. Guess it could be worse - a Tuesday or Thursday morning MLB draft?
Small-white-stitched - I've seen and pulled some odd and crazy pranks in my time, but the Boston fan who planted - pretty much literally - David Ortiz's jersey in the new Yankee Stadium, then blabbed it, then got it dug up and now Ortiz is off his slump - that guys got a death wish. One of the most heated rivalries in sports where fans in Boston rioted after their first World Series and the dude's a construction worker? Bet you he doesn't get much work anymore without plastic surgery and an alias. By the way, can someone dig up Ryan Howard's jersey at Citi Field? It's near the concession stand. It must have been that #6 jersey - or maybe it was that Rollins #6 from Reading?
Tiny-white - Well, Tiger tried. He was on a roll, but actually is human. Now after ONLY a second place finish at the Masters, he broke news a few weeks ago that he underwent knee surgery. Now granted, he's not scrambling around a 100-yard field or shooting jump shots from 25 feet, but I'm sure there could be some repurcutions.
Medium-green-fuzzy - Roger Federer finally won his first tournament of the year - it took him 3 1/2 months to do it, and te other dude had to withdraw near the beginning of the second set. Rafael Nadal hasn't made much noise either - guess that means they're waiting to ramp up for the summer tourneys? Guess Federer should stop chilling with Tiger and making those weird Phenom commercials? I'm just saying, I won't use that razor, so stop with the oddity.
Round-rubber-non - Danica Patrick made history last week as the first woman to win an Indy car, Formula 1 or NASCAR race. I was pulling for her and she got robbed a couple times. I wonder what influence this will have on other women in the sport of car racing.
Program Alert:
NBA Playoff Basketball- All weekend long. Suns/ Spurs 10:30pm tonight.
NFL Draft - Saturday 3pm - ??? ; Sunday 10am - ???
--------------------------------
For those new to "the dish", I once dreamed of being a sports-caster having my own column. Let me know if you don't like it, and/or want to be discontinued from the list. If you have another email address to send it to, send that to me also. For older issues of the dish, email me. domsdish@gmail.com or go to http://domsdish.blogspot.com
Monday, April 7, 2008
Dom's Dish - So many fools, So little time Edition
Dom's Dish - Monday, April 7, 2008
With the second edition of the Dish this month, I am going to exposesome recent "Fools" in sports and entertainment. Without furtherado...
Brett Favre, retired (so he says) QB of the Green Bay Packers - Well it's been more than a month since Brett retired, or has it? After the teary-eyed farewell, word was abound last week that Brett's agent was"putting feelers out" to see if there was interest to have him playfor another team in 2008. The report from a well-respected columnist in Los Angeles is not at all surprising since Brett hasn't filed his retirement papers yet. Now some note that a reason to file is so your pension can kick in and since Brett made millions, it's a moot point. I say, if you're that convincing that you're done, then put them in anyway so the temptation isn't there. Look at Vinny Testaverde - he came back time and time again when sitting on his couch. Imagine Favre wearing a Patriots or Raiders jersey?
Brian McNamee, former trainer to Roger Clemens and Andy Pettite -News came last week that Mr. McNamee was selling "signed items of Roger Clemens" on eBay. This, just a few weeks after fainting behind the wheel of his Lexus in Queens, NY which caused him to hit a bus head on. For those that missed the rest of the news on Brian - he is the trainer who was named in the Mitchell report and had "evidence" of Roger Clemens using HGH and steroids that was sitting in his basement for the past 7 years or so. Riiiiiggghhht.
Tom Crean, Head Coach Indiana University basketball - Big news early last week was that Tom Crean, the former coach at Marquette accepted the head coach vacancy at Indiana University. Perhaps someone should clue Mr. Crean in. Indiana Basketball is not what it once was in the days of Bobby Knight (who, by the way, is hysterical as an analyst on ESPN now) and Isiah Thomas (who, by the way, sucks as a coach and will soon be fired). Indiana as a state hasn't been good at basketball professionally since Reggie Miller (2003-ish) and collegiately since Larry Bird (1979). Before taking the job, didn't Crean even research what had happened this year with Kelvin Sampson's firing and the probable impending sanctions and really recent dismissals? Now I know Marquette did well in the Big East, but why leave now? Also, can someone PLEASE explain how Marquette, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is inthe BIG EAST? Irregardless, good luck Crean. I still say you look like Jay Glauber of the NY Daily News.
Brandon Marshall, Wide Receiver Denver Broncos - For those fantasy football gurus, you, like me, probably didn't know who he was until last season week 4 when you picked him up on the Waiver Wire and he led your team to a championship. Ok, maybe not that far, but he worked out well for a second year player. Now, entering his thirdseason Marshall is living up to his "Baby T.O." nickname (I kid you not!) Mid-week he was called out by his fellow 2006 draftee and starting QB Jay Cutler (aka "Coosh"). In an interview Cutler/Coosh let everyone know that "he's not my favorite person right now." Why you ask? Well he's facing possible domestic assault charges from a girlfriend, more charges from a DUI in Colorado, and there's an offseason injury to speak of. About 3 weeks ago he suffered an injury which he said he "slipped on a fast food wrapper" into a TV. Really though, he was horsing around with his brother and the arm went through a TV severing NERVES in his arm, etc. Three months or so of rehab. Fool. I have one word for you Brandon - PLASMA.
Chris Henry, Unemployed Wide Receiver - Formerly of the Cincinnati Bengals AKA Cell Block C, Chris was jailed after another run-in with the law (if you can call it that). He was arrested for assault of an 18 year old man and damaging his property- broke his car window, this a week after an expired license plate. Some more background, he was suspended for 8 games to begin last season after his multiple arrests and detainment for underage drinking, marijuana, DUI's, assault and sexual assault. That's a fine American youth right there. I think he and "Pacman" Jones of the Titans (former teammates together at West Virginia University) have some sort of running bet on how much havoc they can wreak and still remain in the NFL getting paid millions. Well Chris Henry has no team at this point, and I'm sure Commissioner Goodell will add to the already 11 games he's been suspended for in the past (in just 48 regular season games). Give this man a duncecap!
The Detroit Tigers - Well after starting the season 0-3 losing to ever-horrible Kansas City Royals (and our favorite pitcher, Gil Meche- the $55 million man), it couldn't have gotten worse...until losing to another in-division team, the Chicago I can't find my White Sox. I think the Beatles sang "You can't buy me love" - well someone should let the Tigers' GM know money can't buy them wins. Sorry, make that ONE win. With all the noise they made in the off season with the addition of Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis and "that lineup is the best in the American League" and "their pitching is the best in the AL Central" I am sure this is not the start anyone expected. I'm sure they'll turn it around, the season does bring another 156 games. I mean, who am I to talk? The Phillies and Yankees both suck rightnow too.
And now on to the Entertainment Fools:
So, for anyone that reads the bottom of these Dish emails, you know that I once dreamed of being a sportscaster or sports writer. Well, today, I am excited to report, that the call has come. I submitted my work (domsdish.blogspot.com) to the Sports Editors of several papers (Burlington County Times, Trenton Times, Philadelphia Inquirer) and to the editors at ESPN.com and ESPN the Magazine and today I had a message on my phone from Gary Belsky of ESPN the Magazine! We've been in touch via email the last few weeks and he wanted to offer me aposition at The Mag starting May 1! I will be able to work from home with less travel than now with my current job as an IT consultant! I won't divulge the starting salary, but lets just say this is indeed a"Dream Job!" Mr. Belsky encouraged me to keep writing The Dish in the meantime to keep up my skills, so be prepared for now. He was impressed with my work. Thanks all for the support, I'll keep youposted on my progress.
(The names have been removed to protect the innocent)
"Congratulations man. If you ever need help using those press passes, let me know."
"Congratulations man...Looks like everything is coming up SANTILLO in 2008"
"Dom, that is awesome news! I'm really happy and proud for you."
"well done sir, well done."
"CONGRATS! Does this mean you will now get to rub elbows with Ron Jaworski at his Valleybrook Golf Course?"
"OMG CONGRATS DOM you go BOY This could not have happened to a nicer person"
"Thats great news! keep us posted we are soooooo happy for you."
"Don't forget the little people when you make it big. Good Luck!"
"Finding your dream job is like winning the lottery? Hey, can I borrow some money?"
"WOW!!! THAT IS AWESOME! CONGRATS DOM! I'M PROUD OF YOU SANJAY!"
"I only put paper in your sandwiches when you were kids!"
and finally...
"You're an ass... but you had me for a second" - (this was the firstresponse too)
"...well played on picking an actual editor"
Domsdish: "yeah I get [ESPN the] Mag and flipped to pg 10 to get thename. Helps when you do your research."
Yes, yes, it was an April Fool's Joke. I threw it together, packaged up with some facts and put another paragraph together in hopes of fooling you. And what do you know - I actually got the job! No I didn't, still fooling you. I will stay employed as an IT Consultantand NOT be working for ESPN the Magazine. Thanks to all those out there who believed it -meaning two things. A.) You actually read this crap B.) You think this stuff is worth me getting paid.
So, I'll press on writing the Dish as time permits with that goal one day within reach, and then when you see me on ESPN, only then will you believe me and know it's true. Thanks for the kind words everyone!
So, Memphis can actually shoot some free throws? I'll have a full special edition Dish NCAA Men's tournament re-cap mid week, but wow -Kansas and Memphis really took NC and UCLA apart, eh? Tonight's gameshould be an interesting one. Let's go Memphis! (Trying to at least have picked the winner here.) My Women's Bracket was shot after the second round - though seriously, the end of the Tennessee-LSU game was awesome. I tuned in just in time to see Candace Parker drive the length of the floor in about 3.7 seconds before it was tipped in to win it.
So, I'm driving home from dinner the other night - well, let me clarify, I was driving back from getting some Taco Bell and beer. I was chillin out, wearing my Phillies shirt and Eagles knit cap, listening to the Led Zepplin "A to Z" on WMMR (93.3 FM in Philly),which is a band I never really listened to or appreciated - now, I know I'm getting old since I am learning to appreciate them, but I digress. Anyway, driving nice and slow, navigating the streets of my neighborhood at dusk (that means the sun just went down Officer Nic) and just nice and relaxed (hadn't had a beer yet). I'm about to pull up to my house and I see three piles of random color on my lawn, so I'm thinking - who the heck left their garbage on my lawn - then I get closer and see they're in the shape of bodies! HOLY CRAP! The one nearest the curb is white and bright red - I'm thinking - F*** someone got shot on my lawn!? So I freak out for a second, then get evencloser until I realize it's three neighborhood kids wearing three different jackets and hats just laying on my lawn looking at the sky. WHEW! They were like 7-12 years old - that's all I need, if my wife freaked when there was a drive-by 1/4 mile away, what would she think now? I went to pull in the driveway and they started to get up - I rolled down the window "it's ok, you can stay there, you just scared me". Oh to be a kid again! I rolled up the window, put the car in park and cracked up hysterically before going inside to enjoy some beer, tacos and more Led Zep! Even when I don't amuse myself, something amusing happens.
Around the balls: (all-Philly version)
Brown-oblong- We have confirmation that Donovan F. McNabb will not be leaving Philly - straight from the horse's...er, coach/VP's mouth. Andy Reid backed McNabb and stated that no teams have expressed interest in trading for McNabb. With that being said, April 26th's draft can't come quick enough!
White-stitched- Well, the Phillies sure are off to their usual start. I was at the opening Night game last week (the temperature was about 30 with a wind chill of like 10) and they couldn't squeak it out. Their first win came on a walk-off walk, and they're 1-2 with the Reds with one left on Monday. Hopefully they can catch some fire. At least Adam Eaton looked half decent - Charlie Manuel just left him in 1 batter too long on Saturday.
Giant-orange- The Philadelphia Seventy-Sixers actually clinched a playoff spot! I don't watch every game, but any chance I get, I catch some of their play, and let me tell you right now- they're gonna be good. They really don't have superstars yet, but if they can keep Andre Igudola, Andre Miller, Louis Williams, Thaddeus Young and Jason Smith together the next few seasons, expect them to be a 3 or 4 seed in the playoff hunt the next few years. "Put it on the board."
Black-rubber-non- The Flyers made the playoffs too! Holy cow! And even beat the Penguins to close out the season. They vaulted two places from 8th seed to 6th and will face the Washington Capitals, led by Alexander Ovechkin (aka Goal machine). It won't matter if they make it past them, the NJ Devils will beat them in round two. (Although it's not good for the Devils that they have only 1 win in 8 meetings against the Rangers this season, is it?)
Wow, Philly is a sports town!
Program Alert:
NCAA Men's Championship: 9:21pm EDT tip on CBS.
Yes, 9:21PM!!!It's like the Football Championship game being played on January 8th!
--------------------------------
For those new to "the dish", I once dreamed of being a sports-casterhaving my own column. Let me know if you don't like it, and/or wantto be discontinued from the list. If you have another email address tosend it to, send that to me also. For older issues of the dish, emailme. domsdish@gmail.com or go to http://domsdish.blogspot.com
With the second edition of the Dish this month, I am going to exposesome recent "Fools" in sports and entertainment. Without furtherado...
Brett Favre, retired (so he says) QB of the Green Bay Packers - Well it's been more than a month since Brett retired, or has it? After the teary-eyed farewell, word was abound last week that Brett's agent was"putting feelers out" to see if there was interest to have him playfor another team in 2008. The report from a well-respected columnist in Los Angeles is not at all surprising since Brett hasn't filed his retirement papers yet. Now some note that a reason to file is so your pension can kick in and since Brett made millions, it's a moot point. I say, if you're that convincing that you're done, then put them in anyway so the temptation isn't there. Look at Vinny Testaverde - he came back time and time again when sitting on his couch. Imagine Favre wearing a Patriots or Raiders jersey?
Brian McNamee, former trainer to Roger Clemens and Andy Pettite -News came last week that Mr. McNamee was selling "signed items of Roger Clemens" on eBay. This, just a few weeks after fainting behind the wheel of his Lexus in Queens, NY which caused him to hit a bus head on. For those that missed the rest of the news on Brian - he is the trainer who was named in the Mitchell report and had "evidence" of Roger Clemens using HGH and steroids that was sitting in his basement for the past 7 years or so. Riiiiiggghhht.
Tom Crean, Head Coach Indiana University basketball - Big news early last week was that Tom Crean, the former coach at Marquette accepted the head coach vacancy at Indiana University. Perhaps someone should clue Mr. Crean in. Indiana Basketball is not what it once was in the days of Bobby Knight (who, by the way, is hysterical as an analyst on ESPN now) and Isiah Thomas (who, by the way, sucks as a coach and will soon be fired). Indiana as a state hasn't been good at basketball professionally since Reggie Miller (2003-ish) and collegiately since Larry Bird (1979). Before taking the job, didn't Crean even research what had happened this year with Kelvin Sampson's firing and the probable impending sanctions and really recent dismissals? Now I know Marquette did well in the Big East, but why leave now? Also, can someone PLEASE explain how Marquette, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is inthe BIG EAST? Irregardless, good luck Crean. I still say you look like Jay Glauber of the NY Daily News.
Brandon Marshall, Wide Receiver Denver Broncos - For those fantasy football gurus, you, like me, probably didn't know who he was until last season week 4 when you picked him up on the Waiver Wire and he led your team to a championship. Ok, maybe not that far, but he worked out well for a second year player. Now, entering his thirdseason Marshall is living up to his "Baby T.O." nickname (I kid you not!) Mid-week he was called out by his fellow 2006 draftee and starting QB Jay Cutler (aka "Coosh"). In an interview Cutler/Coosh let everyone know that "he's not my favorite person right now." Why you ask? Well he's facing possible domestic assault charges from a girlfriend, more charges from a DUI in Colorado, and there's an offseason injury to speak of. About 3 weeks ago he suffered an injury which he said he "slipped on a fast food wrapper" into a TV. Really though, he was horsing around with his brother and the arm went through a TV severing NERVES in his arm, etc. Three months or so of rehab. Fool. I have one word for you Brandon - PLASMA.
Chris Henry, Unemployed Wide Receiver - Formerly of the Cincinnati Bengals AKA Cell Block C, Chris was jailed after another run-in with the law (if you can call it that). He was arrested for assault of an 18 year old man and damaging his property- broke his car window, this a week after an expired license plate. Some more background, he was suspended for 8 games to begin last season after his multiple arrests and detainment for underage drinking, marijuana, DUI's, assault and sexual assault. That's a fine American youth right there. I think he and "Pacman" Jones of the Titans (former teammates together at West Virginia University) have some sort of running bet on how much havoc they can wreak and still remain in the NFL getting paid millions. Well Chris Henry has no team at this point, and I'm sure Commissioner Goodell will add to the already 11 games he's been suspended for in the past (in just 48 regular season games). Give this man a duncecap!
The Detroit Tigers - Well after starting the season 0-3 losing to ever-horrible Kansas City Royals (and our favorite pitcher, Gil Meche- the $55 million man), it couldn't have gotten worse...until losing to another in-division team, the Chicago I can't find my White Sox. I think the Beatles sang "You can't buy me love" - well someone should let the Tigers' GM know money can't buy them wins. Sorry, make that ONE win. With all the noise they made in the off season with the addition of Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis and "that lineup is the best in the American League" and "their pitching is the best in the AL Central" I am sure this is not the start anyone expected. I'm sure they'll turn it around, the season does bring another 156 games. I mean, who am I to talk? The Phillies and Yankees both suck rightnow too.
And now on to the Entertainment Fools:
So, for anyone that reads the bottom of these Dish emails, you know that I once dreamed of being a sportscaster or sports writer. Well, today, I am excited to report, that the call has come. I submitted my work (domsdish.blogspot.com) to the Sports Editors of several papers (Burlington County Times, Trenton Times, Philadelphia Inquirer) and to the editors at ESPN.com and ESPN the Magazine and today I had a message on my phone from Gary Belsky of ESPN the Magazine! We've been in touch via email the last few weeks and he wanted to offer me aposition at The Mag starting May 1! I will be able to work from home with less travel than now with my current job as an IT consultant! I won't divulge the starting salary, but lets just say this is indeed a"Dream Job!" Mr. Belsky encouraged me to keep writing The Dish in the meantime to keep up my skills, so be prepared for now. He was impressed with my work. Thanks all for the support, I'll keep youposted on my progress.
(The names have been removed to protect the innocent)
"Congratulations man. If you ever need help using those press passes, let me know."
"Congratulations man...Looks like everything is coming up SANTILLO in 2008"
"Dom, that is awesome news! I'm really happy and proud for you."
"well done sir, well done."
"CONGRATS! Does this mean you will now get to rub elbows with Ron Jaworski at his Valleybrook Golf Course?"
"OMG CONGRATS DOM you go BOY This could not have happened to a nicer person"
"Thats great news! keep us posted we are soooooo happy for you."
"Don't forget the little people when you make it big. Good Luck!"
"Finding your dream job is like winning the lottery? Hey, can I borrow some money?"
"WOW!!! THAT IS AWESOME! CONGRATS DOM! I'M PROUD OF YOU SANJAY!"
"I only put paper in your sandwiches when you were kids!"
and finally...
"You're an ass... but you had me for a second" - (this was the firstresponse too)
"...well played on picking an actual editor"
Domsdish: "yeah I get [ESPN the] Mag and flipped to pg 10 to get thename. Helps when you do your research."
Yes, yes, it was an April Fool's Joke. I threw it together, packaged up with some facts and put another paragraph together in hopes of fooling you. And what do you know - I actually got the job! No I didn't, still fooling you. I will stay employed as an IT Consultantand NOT be working for ESPN the Magazine. Thanks to all those out there who believed it -meaning two things. A.) You actually read this crap B.) You think this stuff is worth me getting paid.
So, I'll press on writing the Dish as time permits with that goal one day within reach, and then when you see me on ESPN, only then will you believe me and know it's true. Thanks for the kind words everyone!
So, Memphis can actually shoot some free throws? I'll have a full special edition Dish NCAA Men's tournament re-cap mid week, but wow -Kansas and Memphis really took NC and UCLA apart, eh? Tonight's gameshould be an interesting one. Let's go Memphis! (Trying to at least have picked the winner here.) My Women's Bracket was shot after the second round - though seriously, the end of the Tennessee-LSU game was awesome. I tuned in just in time to see Candace Parker drive the length of the floor in about 3.7 seconds before it was tipped in to win it.
So, I'm driving home from dinner the other night - well, let me clarify, I was driving back from getting some Taco Bell and beer. I was chillin out, wearing my Phillies shirt and Eagles knit cap, listening to the Led Zepplin "A to Z" on WMMR (93.3 FM in Philly),which is a band I never really listened to or appreciated - now, I know I'm getting old since I am learning to appreciate them, but I digress. Anyway, driving nice and slow, navigating the streets of my neighborhood at dusk (that means the sun just went down Officer Nic) and just nice and relaxed (hadn't had a beer yet). I'm about to pull up to my house and I see three piles of random color on my lawn, so I'm thinking - who the heck left their garbage on my lawn - then I get closer and see they're in the shape of bodies! HOLY CRAP! The one nearest the curb is white and bright red - I'm thinking - F*** someone got shot on my lawn!? So I freak out for a second, then get evencloser until I realize it's three neighborhood kids wearing three different jackets and hats just laying on my lawn looking at the sky. WHEW! They were like 7-12 years old - that's all I need, if my wife freaked when there was a drive-by 1/4 mile away, what would she think now? I went to pull in the driveway and they started to get up - I rolled down the window "it's ok, you can stay there, you just scared me". Oh to be a kid again! I rolled up the window, put the car in park and cracked up hysterically before going inside to enjoy some beer, tacos and more Led Zep! Even when I don't amuse myself, something amusing happens.
Around the balls: (all-Philly version)
Brown-oblong- We have confirmation that Donovan F. McNabb will not be leaving Philly - straight from the horse's...er, coach/VP's mouth. Andy Reid backed McNabb and stated that no teams have expressed interest in trading for McNabb. With that being said, April 26th's draft can't come quick enough!
White-stitched- Well, the Phillies sure are off to their usual start. I was at the opening Night game last week (the temperature was about 30 with a wind chill of like 10) and they couldn't squeak it out. Their first win came on a walk-off walk, and they're 1-2 with the Reds with one left on Monday. Hopefully they can catch some fire. At least Adam Eaton looked half decent - Charlie Manuel just left him in 1 batter too long on Saturday.
Giant-orange- The Philadelphia Seventy-Sixers actually clinched a playoff spot! I don't watch every game, but any chance I get, I catch some of their play, and let me tell you right now- they're gonna be good. They really don't have superstars yet, but if they can keep Andre Igudola, Andre Miller, Louis Williams, Thaddeus Young and Jason Smith together the next few seasons, expect them to be a 3 or 4 seed in the playoff hunt the next few years. "Put it on the board."
Black-rubber-non- The Flyers made the playoffs too! Holy cow! And even beat the Penguins to close out the season. They vaulted two places from 8th seed to 6th and will face the Washington Capitals, led by Alexander Ovechkin (aka Goal machine). It won't matter if they make it past them, the NJ Devils will beat them in round two. (Although it's not good for the Devils that they have only 1 win in 8 meetings against the Rangers this season, is it?)
Wow, Philly is a sports town!
Program Alert:
NCAA Men's Championship: 9:21pm EDT tip on CBS.
Yes, 9:21PM!!!It's like the Football Championship game being played on January 8th!
--------------------------------
For those new to "the dish", I once dreamed of being a sports-casterhaving my own column. Let me know if you don't like it, and/or wantto be discontinued from the list. If you have another email address tosend it to, send that to me also. For older issues of the dish, emailme. domsdish@gmail.com or go to http://domsdish.blogspot.com
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Dom's Dish - MLB Baseball is back Edition
Dom's Dish - Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Well, baseball is officially back! I know most of you will argue that it was back over a week ago when they opened the season in Japan, but I'm not buying it. It might as well have been figure skating or a "Rock, Paper, Scissors" competition (yeah, it's been on TV before!) to have counted. I mean, come on, 6am Eastern on a Tuesday?!? Baseball is back on American soil and it started with a bang - the Washington Nationals and their new ballpark opened the season on Sunday night in South D.C. and Ryan Zimmerman won the game with his walkoff homerun. Then the Yankees got rained out, the Phillies collapsed, to rebound and tie it in the 7th, before collapsing again on a horrible "closer" in Tom "Flash" Gordon (more like "Crash" Gordon), and a bunch more games were on that I didn't care about yet. But still baseball is back, and if you're anywhere near NJ today, you know it's spring (it was 72 degrees driving home tonight). I even grilled some hamburgers last night for the first time of the year....ahh, it's Spring - only 5 more months to football!
So, for anyone that reads the bottom of these Dish emails, you know that I once dreamed of being a sportscaster or sports writer. Well, today, I am excited to report, that the call has come. I submitted my work (domsdish.blogspot.com) to the Sports Editors of several papers (Burlington County Times, Trenton Times, Philadelphia Inquirer) and to the editors at ESPN.com and ESPN the Magazine and today I had a message on my phone from Gary Belsky of ESPN the Magazine! We've been in touch via email the last few weeks and he wanted to offer me a position at The Mag starting May 1! I will be able to work from home with less travel than now with my current job as an IT consultant! I won't divulge the starting salary, but lets just say this is indeed a "Dream Job!" Mr. Belsky encouraged me to keep writing The Dish in the meantime to keep up my skills, so be prepared for now. He was impressed with my work. Thanks all for the support, I'll keep you posted on my progress.
Around the balls:
More later this week!
--------------------------------
For those new to "the dish", I once dreamed of being a sports-caster having my own column. Let me know if you don't like it, and/or want to be discontinued from the list. If you have another email address to send it to, send that to me also. For older issues of the dish, email me. domsdish@gmail.com or go to http://domsdish.blogspot.com
Well, baseball is officially back! I know most of you will argue that it was back over a week ago when they opened the season in Japan, but I'm not buying it. It might as well have been figure skating or a "Rock, Paper, Scissors" competition (yeah, it's been on TV before!) to have counted. I mean, come on, 6am Eastern on a Tuesday?!? Baseball is back on American soil and it started with a bang - the Washington Nationals and their new ballpark opened the season on Sunday night in South D.C. and Ryan Zimmerman won the game with his walkoff homerun. Then the Yankees got rained out, the Phillies collapsed, to rebound and tie it in the 7th, before collapsing again on a horrible "closer" in Tom "Flash" Gordon (more like "Crash" Gordon), and a bunch more games were on that I didn't care about yet. But still baseball is back, and if you're anywhere near NJ today, you know it's spring (it was 72 degrees driving home tonight). I even grilled some hamburgers last night for the first time of the year....ahh, it's Spring - only 5 more months to football!
So, for anyone that reads the bottom of these Dish emails, you know that I once dreamed of being a sportscaster or sports writer. Well, today, I am excited to report, that the call has come. I submitted my work (domsdish.blogspot.com) to the Sports Editors of several papers (Burlington County Times, Trenton Times, Philadelphia Inquirer) and to the editors at ESPN.com and ESPN the Magazine and today I had a message on my phone from Gary Belsky of ESPN the Magazine! We've been in touch via email the last few weeks and he wanted to offer me a position at The Mag starting May 1! I will be able to work from home with less travel than now with my current job as an IT consultant! I won't divulge the starting salary, but lets just say this is indeed a "Dream Job!" Mr. Belsky encouraged me to keep writing The Dish in the meantime to keep up my skills, so be prepared for now. He was impressed with my work. Thanks all for the support, I'll keep you posted on my progress.
Around the balls:
More later this week!
--------------------------------
For those new to "the dish", I once dreamed of being a sports-caster having my own column. Let me know if you don't like it, and/or want to be discontinued from the list. If you have another email address to send it to, send that to me also. For older issues of the dish, email me. domsdish@gmail.com or go to http://domsdish.blogspot.com
Friday, March 14, 2008
Dom's Dish - The ides of March are almost upon us Edition
Dom's Dish - Friday, March 14, 2008
Aye! But not gone, Caesar!
Brett Favre of Gulfport, Mississippi has finally retired. After years of agonizing fans, owners and teammates with months of back and forth decision making, with teary eyes, he announced that he's too tired to come back. Never having been a Packers fan, I never have appreciated his career stats or the records he set out for and since achieved. The one we all know him for - 253 consecutive regular season starts as a QB (275 if you include playoff games) - spanning 17 seasons and 212 other different starting QB's. Seven time All-Pro, nine time Pro-Bowler, and most importantly Three time NFL MVP - the only to do it in consecutive seasons. Crunch these numbers: 160, 442, 61665, 5377, 8758, 63, 288 :: wins by a QB, Passing TD's, Career passing yards, Pass completions, Pass attempts, games with 3 TD passes, and the one he and every other Packer fan hates: Most Career INT's. Words always associated with him: gunslinger, grit, guts, Iron Man, fearless, come back wins, cheese head, Something about Mary, scruffy, doesn't shave, record holder, Super Bowl Champion. During his reign, the league expanded by 4 teams, free agency was born and contracts increased in an unimaginable way. Some more perspective: in 1992 - the Seahawks were in the AFC West, Los Angeles had 2 teams, the Cardinals were from Phoenix, the Oilers were in Houston and Tampa played "in the Old Sombrero". Oh yeah, last year's #1 pick JaMarcus Russell was 7 years old. Not a bad career for a second round pick. Limburger Cheese heads!
Well last week there was talk of Barry in NY - yes, that Barry, Barry Bonds. Media "outlets" were speculating that the Mets would need some help in the outfield. Well, over a week later and still no dice yet. I don't know how New York media would be able to handle it though. Some analysts on the sports talk shows said it wouldn't be a distraction. Really? I have a scene painted in my head that looks like a Florida/Georgia tailgating party in what's left of the Shea parking lot with satellite trucks and black SUV's ready to move on a moment's notice to track his every move. No, NY would not be a place for Barry - I don't even think HIS big head is ready for all that attention. You think that MacNamee guy trainer dude was weird with beer cans and syringes in his basement? There would be saran wrap on every toilet in the clubhouse waiting to collect "specimens". I don't think MLB needs Barry or Roger anymore. It's time to move on. Fans are running out of ways to sneak batteries into the ballpark and Photoshopping syringes into pictures.
March Madness is here, and I don't just mean the weird weather with the wind that brings downed trees. It's MADNESS!! Mayhem! Ridiculosity!! From Duke/UNC to Villanova and UCLA, the games mean more in this, "Championship Week" and the Bubble Teams and the bracket prep...oh my! Just some overall impressions from some games this week and the past few weeks: If you had a 7'2" 280 pounder on your team, you'd use him, right? Roy Hibbert of Georgetown, known for their big men (Patrick Ewing, Dikembe Mutombo, Alonzo Mourning, Allen Ivers-whoops) yet I see him very under-utilized. Yesterday against Villanova, he didn't score a point and fouled out after 14 minutes (and he's only averaging about 26 minutes on the season). Now I know it's college basketball and you have other players and you want him to last the season, etc. but Tyler Hansboro of UNC is averaging about 32 minutes. Yeah, yeah, Georgetown is winning, but Hibbert I am sure will be the first big man taken in the NBA draft and I'm not sure his collegiate resume is comparable to the aforementioned big men. I guess a NCAA Championship would cure that. Let's look for John Thompson III to utilize him a little better in the tournament. That being said, going out on a limb with some early predictions for a Final Four and their possible seeds: Georgetown(1), Memphis(1), UConn(3) and Butler(5).
Well with the first two weeks in the books of the 2008 NFL Free Agency period, things are slowing down. Asante Samuel in Philly, Randy Moss in New England, Lance Briggs in Chiago, Julius Jones in Seattle, Michael Turner is with the Falcons and there's not much left. The one I don't understand is Larry Fitzgerald and the Arizona Cardinals. A "classy" guy I called him - thinking his holdout would lead to a trade to Philly, but all he did was choke out the Free Agency period for the Cardinals. See the NFL cap isn't like the NBA or MLB where you can go over and pay a Luxury Tax like a "Chance" in Monopoly. It's a hard number. By freeing up about $8 million this year, the Cardinals could have signed other players, but they waited too long. They have something like only 16 players signed for next year for Defense! Anyway, his production is worth the money. Guess Philly and the rest of the NFL will need to wait until March 2012 when he becomes a free agent at 28 years old! (Hey, I have one question for you, why are all the NFL "experts" talking about the Eagles trading Lito Sheppard? If anyone, wouldn't you think the Eagles would get rid of their former #2 CB, Sheldon Brown? Just a thought.) As a final thought, hopefully they come to their senses in the next few years, but Lester Munson of ESPN wrote an excellent article detailing the reasons for a possible Lockout in 2011.
Well, with Free Agency slowing down, the NFL Draft buzz is amping up. Keep this in the back of your mind for about 9 months from now: Look for an SEC linebacker in the mid-first/early second round to make an impact again. In 2006, DeMeco Ryans (Houston Texans), Inside Linebacker from Alabama was chosen with the 1st pick of the 2nd round (33rd overall), in 2007 it was Patrick Willis, ILB from Ole Miss (San Fran 49ers), chosen with the 11th pick of the 1st round. Both went on to win the AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the year. Look for Jerod Mayo an Outside/Inside Linebacker from Tennessee to be that guy in 2008. Though he is an underclassman, I've seen him rated from mid 1st (19 to the Titans) to third-round pick. I've seen him listed as both inside and outside linebacker, but with his size (6-2, 242lbs) and athletic ability (proposed) (4.54 40-yd), I see him as a good ILB in a 3-4 scheme. I haven't seen too much game tape on this 2007 First Team All SEC LB, but his college stats list lots of tackles (140 total, 79 unassisted in the 2007 season) and an ability to scrape near the line of scrimmage. In the past years eight of eleven years the winner was a linebacker and they have been from the following conferences: SEC, SEC, ACC, Big East*, ACC, Pac-10, SEC, ACC. Those eight of the last eleven AP Defensive Rookies of the Year have been Linebackers (Jevon Kearse (Titans, 1999), Julius Peppers (Panthers, 2002) and Charles Woodson (Raiders, 1998) were the exceptions). It makes sense in this modern era where the Offensive Tackles are larger AND more agile, thus limiting rookie pass rushers like a Mario Williams (Texans, 2006); There hasn't been an outstanding Defensive Tackle prospect like this year's Glenn Dorsey (my #2 choice for this award); Wide Receivers and Tight Ends are taller and more physical, thus negating the play of highly touted (sub 6 foot) defensive corner and safety prospects like a "Pacman" Jones (Titans, 2005 - pre NBA All Star weekend trouble). Hopefully someone grabs him early though, as one mock draft has him going to the draft-pick-cant-miss-Giants at 32! Maybe that voodoo will wear off for this year. My only relevant side note is that this gentleman - Jerod Mayo - is from Hampton, VA - the same area Michael and Marcus Vick are from. I honestly hope this young man learns from his not-so-intelligent predecessors. One last side note, the Eagles are one of three teams to have *never* had a player win this award while wearing their uniform (though they acquired Kearse and Hugh Douglas who are former winners).
Some people ask, "Dominic - how do you have such a keen sense for humor?" Know how? I know what's the opposite of funny - a stomach virus. I thought, "hey, let me hang with people that had it last week so I get it and maybe I can lose some weight in the process!" Nope, no weight lost. Just sittin' and peein' out your butt while holding a trash can and puking at the same time. Don't laugh. It's not funny. But I did find out how you know you're all recovered: 3 plates of "Endless Enchiladas" and some chips, salsa and guacamole from Don Pablo's. I held that in for like 16 hours!
Around the balls:
Giant-orange- Hey did you hear, the NBA is heating up? The Celtics and Pistons clinched already, and the Rockets of Houston cannot be stopped it seems - 20 wins and counting. So while we all get sidetracked, like Pat Riley, with the NCAA brackets and the next big NBA players, there are still some exciting games going on in the NBA. Yeah, they're still way overpaid for putting a ball in a basket and wearing a business suit in public, but this is the entertaining time of year.
White-leather-stitched- Billy Crystal in Pinstripes? Yeah, a bit unusual, but hey, he got his dream. To be honest I was out of commission and missed this breaking news and didn't hear much commentary on it until after he played. Since he didn't play the field (I guess Hank Steinbrenner figured he was safer at bat), and waited patiently for some pitches earning a full count, I give his performance a "City Slickers 2" - it was no "Analyze This" but it wasn't a "Throw Momma from the Train" either. Crystal said he wanted to make contact, and did on a first pitch foul ball...before striking out. When asked what's next, he responded "Governor of New York...there's an opening." As long as he didn't slide spikes high into first base...
Big-brown-oblong- Trent Green is back with the St. Louis Rams - for THREE YEARS? The guy suffered a major concussion and missed a bunch of games just one season after getting shredded by a nasty hit. Does he have post-concussion syndrome already? He's 37! There was talk he was going to retire due to concussions and he signs for 3 years? The Rams don't have that good an offensive line either. Someone should be given power of attorney over him right now. The Rams...come on. As least sign with the Patriots, Colts or Giants and get a shot at backing up Brady or a Manning for a ring.
Tiny-white- So, you hear about Tripp Isenhour, the jerk golfer who killed a hawk with a golf shot because it squawked while he was filming? Down in Florida, the red-shouldered hawk was killed from about 75 yards in an attempt to "scare it away" in a "one in a million shot". Here's a way to guarantee you're not "the one" - move your damn money making video taping operation! Anyway, can Tiger go 4 for 4? (Can I go golfing on Sunday, Beth? You never answered me.) Tiger, seeking that elusive perfect season, is at the Arnold Palmer classic...somewhere. The surprising leader is Fred Couples! No seriously honey, can I go? I promise I won't break any clubs or drink too much or hit anyone with a ball...
Program Alerts:
NCAA Mens Patriot League Championship - Today 4:45pm on ESPN2 - Can American pull it out over Colgate?
Big East Championship - Saturday 9pm on ESPN - Can Georgetown win both the regular season and Tournament crowns?
Selection Sunday - Pick a channel - about 7pm. The brackets will be out Sunday - where will your team fall? East? Midwest? A 16 seed? The dreaded play-in game?
Lakers at Rockets - Sunday on "ESPN ON ABC" 3:30pm - Can the Rockets make it 22 in a row?
Notes:
* Johnathan Vilma's career was played while Miami University (FL) was still a member of the Big East. Miami(FL) pulled out of the Big East and jumped ship to the ACC in 2004, the year he was drafted. I wonder if the boost in conference was worth it? From 2000 thru 2003 (4 seasons): 46-4. Since (4 seasons): 30-19. Yikes!
Links:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=3FGI7R0u3TQ - For a new video game coming out... some may call it "sexist" but it's funny if you like those kind of jokes ("Why are women's feet smaller than men's?"
--------------------------------
For those new to "the dish", I once dreamed of being a sports-caster having my own column. Let me know if you don't like it, and/or want to be discontinued from the list. If you have another email address to send it to, send that to me also. For older issues of the dish, email me. domsdish@gmail.com or go to http://domsdish.blogspot.com
Aye! But not gone, Caesar!
Brett Favre of Gulfport, Mississippi has finally retired. After years of agonizing fans, owners and teammates with months of back and forth decision making, with teary eyes, he announced that he's too tired to come back. Never having been a Packers fan, I never have appreciated his career stats or the records he set out for and since achieved. The one we all know him for - 253 consecutive regular season starts as a QB (275 if you include playoff games) - spanning 17 seasons and 212 other different starting QB's. Seven time All-Pro, nine time Pro-Bowler, and most importantly Three time NFL MVP - the only to do it in consecutive seasons. Crunch these numbers: 160, 442, 61665, 5377, 8758, 63, 288 :: wins by a QB, Passing TD's, Career passing yards, Pass completions, Pass attempts, games with 3 TD passes, and the one he and every other Packer fan hates: Most Career INT's. Words always associated with him: gunslinger, grit, guts, Iron Man, fearless, come back wins, cheese head, Something about Mary, scruffy, doesn't shave, record holder, Super Bowl Champion. During his reign, the league expanded by 4 teams, free agency was born and contracts increased in an unimaginable way. Some more perspective: in 1992 - the Seahawks were in the AFC West, Los Angeles had 2 teams, the Cardinals were from Phoenix, the Oilers were in Houston and Tampa played "in the Old Sombrero". Oh yeah, last year's #1 pick JaMarcus Russell was 7 years old. Not a bad career for a second round pick. Limburger Cheese heads!
Well last week there was talk of Barry in NY - yes, that Barry, Barry Bonds. Media "outlets" were speculating that the Mets would need some help in the outfield. Well, over a week later and still no dice yet. I don't know how New York media would be able to handle it though. Some analysts on the sports talk shows said it wouldn't be a distraction. Really? I have a scene painted in my head that looks like a Florida/Georgia tailgating party in what's left of the Shea parking lot with satellite trucks and black SUV's ready to move on a moment's notice to track his every move. No, NY would not be a place for Barry - I don't even think HIS big head is ready for all that attention. You think that MacNamee guy trainer dude was weird with beer cans and syringes in his basement? There would be saran wrap on every toilet in the clubhouse waiting to collect "specimens". I don't think MLB needs Barry or Roger anymore. It's time to move on. Fans are running out of ways to sneak batteries into the ballpark and Photoshopping syringes into pictures.
March Madness is here, and I don't just mean the weird weather with the wind that brings downed trees. It's MADNESS!! Mayhem! Ridiculosity!! From Duke/UNC to Villanova and UCLA, the games mean more in this, "Championship Week" and the Bubble Teams and the bracket prep...oh my! Just some overall impressions from some games this week and the past few weeks: If you had a 7'2" 280 pounder on your team, you'd use him, right? Roy Hibbert of Georgetown, known for their big men (Patrick Ewing, Dikembe Mutombo, Alonzo Mourning, Allen Ivers-whoops) yet I see him very under-utilized. Yesterday against Villanova, he didn't score a point and fouled out after 14 minutes (and he's only averaging about 26 minutes on the season). Now I know it's college basketball and you have other players and you want him to last the season, etc. but Tyler Hansboro of UNC is averaging about 32 minutes. Yeah, yeah, Georgetown is winning, but Hibbert I am sure will be the first big man taken in the NBA draft and I'm not sure his collegiate resume is comparable to the aforementioned big men. I guess a NCAA Championship would cure that. Let's look for John Thompson III to utilize him a little better in the tournament. That being said, going out on a limb with some early predictions for a Final Four and their possible seeds: Georgetown(1), Memphis(1), UConn(3) and Butler(5).
Well with the first two weeks in the books of the 2008 NFL Free Agency period, things are slowing down. Asante Samuel in Philly, Randy Moss in New England, Lance Briggs in Chiago, Julius Jones in Seattle, Michael Turner is with the Falcons and there's not much left. The one I don't understand is Larry Fitzgerald and the Arizona Cardinals. A "classy" guy I called him - thinking his holdout would lead to a trade to Philly, but all he did was choke out the Free Agency period for the Cardinals. See the NFL cap isn't like the NBA or MLB where you can go over and pay a Luxury Tax like a "Chance" in Monopoly. It's a hard number. By freeing up about $8 million this year, the Cardinals could have signed other players, but they waited too long. They have something like only 16 players signed for next year for Defense! Anyway, his production is worth the money. Guess Philly and the rest of the NFL will need to wait until March 2012 when he becomes a free agent at 28 years old! (Hey, I have one question for you, why are all the NFL "experts" talking about the Eagles trading Lito Sheppard? If anyone, wouldn't you think the Eagles would get rid of their former #2 CB, Sheldon Brown? Just a thought.) As a final thought, hopefully they come to their senses in the next few years, but Lester Munson of ESPN wrote an excellent article detailing the reasons for a possible Lockout in 2011.
Well, with Free Agency slowing down, the NFL Draft buzz is amping up. Keep this in the back of your mind for about 9 months from now: Look for an SEC linebacker in the mid-first/early second round to make an impact again. In 2006, DeMeco Ryans (Houston Texans), Inside Linebacker from Alabama was chosen with the 1st pick of the 2nd round (33rd overall), in 2007 it was Patrick Willis, ILB from Ole Miss (San Fran 49ers), chosen with the 11th pick of the 1st round. Both went on to win the AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the year. Look for Jerod Mayo an Outside/Inside Linebacker from Tennessee to be that guy in 2008. Though he is an underclassman, I've seen him rated from mid 1st (19 to the Titans) to third-round pick. I've seen him listed as both inside and outside linebacker, but with his size (6-2, 242lbs) and athletic ability (proposed) (4.54 40-yd), I see him as a good ILB in a 3-4 scheme. I haven't seen too much game tape on this 2007 First Team All SEC LB, but his college stats list lots of tackles (140 total, 79 unassisted in the 2007 season) and an ability to scrape near the line of scrimmage. In the past years eight of eleven years the winner was a linebacker and they have been from the following conferences: SEC, SEC, ACC, Big East*, ACC, Pac-10, SEC, ACC. Those eight of the last eleven AP Defensive Rookies of the Year have been Linebackers (Jevon Kearse (Titans, 1999), Julius Peppers (Panthers, 2002) and Charles Woodson (Raiders, 1998) were the exceptions). It makes sense in this modern era where the Offensive Tackles are larger AND more agile, thus limiting rookie pass rushers like a Mario Williams (Texans, 2006); There hasn't been an outstanding Defensive Tackle prospect like this year's Glenn Dorsey (my #2 choice for this award); Wide Receivers and Tight Ends are taller and more physical, thus negating the play of highly touted (sub 6 foot) defensive corner and safety prospects like a "Pacman" Jones (Titans, 2005 - pre NBA All Star weekend trouble). Hopefully someone grabs him early though, as one mock draft has him going to the draft-pick-cant-miss-Giants at 32! Maybe that voodoo will wear off for this year. My only relevant side note is that this gentleman - Jerod Mayo - is from Hampton, VA - the same area Michael and Marcus Vick are from. I honestly hope this young man learns from his not-so-intelligent predecessors. One last side note, the Eagles are one of three teams to have *never* had a player win this award while wearing their uniform (though they acquired Kearse and Hugh Douglas who are former winners).
Some people ask, "Dominic - how do you have such a keen sense for humor?" Know how? I know what's the opposite of funny - a stomach virus. I thought, "hey, let me hang with people that had it last week so I get it and maybe I can lose some weight in the process!" Nope, no weight lost. Just sittin' and peein' out your butt while holding a trash can and puking at the same time. Don't laugh. It's not funny. But I did find out how you know you're all recovered: 3 plates of "Endless Enchiladas" and some chips, salsa and guacamole from Don Pablo's. I held that in for like 16 hours!
Around the balls:
Giant-orange- Hey did you hear, the NBA is heating up? The Celtics and Pistons clinched already, and the Rockets of Houston cannot be stopped it seems - 20 wins and counting. So while we all get sidetracked, like Pat Riley, with the NCAA brackets and the next big NBA players, there are still some exciting games going on in the NBA. Yeah, they're still way overpaid for putting a ball in a basket and wearing a business suit in public, but this is the entertaining time of year.
White-leather-stitched- Billy Crystal in Pinstripes? Yeah, a bit unusual, but hey, he got his dream. To be honest I was out of commission and missed this breaking news and didn't hear much commentary on it until after he played. Since he didn't play the field (I guess Hank Steinbrenner figured he was safer at bat), and waited patiently for some pitches earning a full count, I give his performance a "City Slickers 2" - it was no "Analyze This" but it wasn't a "Throw Momma from the Train" either. Crystal said he wanted to make contact, and did on a first pitch foul ball...before striking out. When asked what's next, he responded "Governor of New York...there's an opening." As long as he didn't slide spikes high into first base...
Big-brown-oblong- Trent Green is back with the St. Louis Rams - for THREE YEARS? The guy suffered a major concussion and missed a bunch of games just one season after getting shredded by a nasty hit. Does he have post-concussion syndrome already? He's 37! There was talk he was going to retire due to concussions and he signs for 3 years? The Rams don't have that good an offensive line either. Someone should be given power of attorney over him right now. The Rams...come on. As least sign with the Patriots, Colts or Giants and get a shot at backing up Brady or a Manning for a ring.
Tiny-white- So, you hear about Tripp Isenhour, the jerk golfer who killed a hawk with a golf shot because it squawked while he was filming? Down in Florida, the red-shouldered hawk was killed from about 75 yards in an attempt to "scare it away" in a "one in a million shot". Here's a way to guarantee you're not "the one" - move your damn money making video taping operation! Anyway, can Tiger go 4 for 4? (Can I go golfing on Sunday, Beth? You never answered me.) Tiger, seeking that elusive perfect season, is at the Arnold Palmer classic...somewhere. The surprising leader is Fred Couples! No seriously honey, can I go? I promise I won't break any clubs or drink too much or hit anyone with a ball...
Program Alerts:
NCAA Mens Patriot League Championship - Today 4:45pm on ESPN2 - Can American pull it out over Colgate?
Big East Championship - Saturday 9pm on ESPN - Can Georgetown win both the regular season and Tournament crowns?
Selection Sunday - Pick a channel - about 7pm. The brackets will be out Sunday - where will your team fall? East? Midwest? A 16 seed? The dreaded play-in game?
Lakers at Rockets - Sunday on "ESPN ON ABC" 3:30pm - Can the Rockets make it 22 in a row?
Notes:
* Johnathan Vilma's career was played while Miami University (FL) was still a member of the Big East. Miami(FL) pulled out of the Big East and jumped ship to the ACC in 2004, the year he was drafted. I wonder if the boost in conference was worth it? From 2000 thru 2003 (4 seasons): 46-4. Since (4 seasons): 30-19. Yikes!
Links:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=3FGI7R0u3TQ - For a new video game coming out... some may call it "sexist" but it's funny if you like those kind of jokes ("Why are women's feet smaller than men's?"
--------------------------------
For those new to "the dish", I once dreamed of being a sports-caster having my own column. Let me know if you don't like it, and/or want to be discontinued from the list. If you have another email address to send it to, send that to me also. For older issues of the dish, email me. domsdish@gmail.com or go to http://domsdish.blogspot.com
Friday, February 29, 2008
Dom's Dish - LEAP ahead edition
Dom's Dish - Friday, February 29, 2008
"Well, well, well, DominNIC, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN???"
So after a five...no, NINE month hiatus of officially writing the dish, not just giving it to those of you I've seen at parties...there is a lot to recap. I have been right and I have been wrong....there have been ups and definitely downs. Mitchell released his report, Obama is taking the US by storm, I witnessed the Phillies clinch the NL East, the Pats went 18-0 only to lose to the Giants, the Big 3 in Boston, Tiger added a major, and I have been to a total of 17 states*, watching it all. So without much further ado about where I've been and what I've been up to, it's time to delve right in...
I was right:
Michael Vick. Need I say more?
I mentioned that they may put Parcells on MNF on ESPN to replace Theismann (Jan 22, 2007) - I was close, at least they did the right thing and get rid of broken leg Joe. Ron Jaworski had a good first season, and he did give me plenty of material for when I play at RON JAWORKSI'S Valleybrook Country Club in Blackwood, NJ! Jaws here!
I was wrong:
Wes Welker - and I quote from March 6, 2007: "I rescind my offer that Jeff Garcia will end up the Gil Meche of the NFL free agency period. That title now goes to Wes Welker." Wrong on both accounts but I did go on to say "He does fit the Patiot-jack-of-all-trades mold".
Billy Donovan - remember that? My last dish on June 1 was right after he signed with Orlando of the NBA for all that money. I praised him and thought he might be a good NBA coach...only to have him rescind and go back to the University of Florida.
Ok, and now on to the topics...
NFL Free Agency is here! Big news? Asante Samuel in Philadelphia? More on that in a bit. Well, Derek Anderson rejected the Browns one year offer and hit the open market after midnight. Good news for those Brady Quinn fans out there, or is it? Late report is that Anderson has agreed to a multi-year deal with the Browns now. It hasn't been too crazy yet these last 16 hours - no big names off the board yet (Randy Moss, Lance Briggs, Bernard Berrian, Alen Faneca, Michael Turner, Asante Samuel). However the 49ers have made a number of moves for some mid-grade players- LB Dontarrio Thomas, QB J.T. O'Sullivan, KR Allen Rossum and RB DeShaun Foster. A lot of lobbying for position as of now - trying to convince these free agents to come on out to sign those enormous contracts - in terms of green, not paper. Speaking of green, apparently one of those teams who was able to convince a visit - Asante Samuel is in Philadelphia and word is a 6 year $60 million contract by days' end is possible. It would be a great sign for the Eagles, but word is Lito Shepphard would become expendable. It's just about 6 months to the beginning of the season, can you feel the excitement yet?
The Super Bowl Champs lost a player (Kawika Mitchell to the Bills) and word is that teams are inquiring about Jeremy Shockey. Aside from that, a lot of rumors abound, I sit amazed the number of items on the Bottom Line of ESPN News. It should be an interesting weekend into next week.
Big news for all you Europeans out there...Soccer will be coming to Philly in 2010! The MLS - that stands for Major League Soccer NOT Multiple Listing Service (AKA MLS number for all you homebuyers out there) - has agreed to give Philadelphia a franchise that will start up in two years. No word on team name during the press conference yesterday, but work is set to begin on a new stadium just south of the Commodore Barry Bridge in Chester, PA. The stadium will be right along the waterfront bringing some economic opportunity to an area that could use it. Now, I'm no soccer fan, but with the MLS's new contract and a team in Philly, I could be.
So, the NBA trade deadline has come and gone with a lot more moves than normal. For those even following along even with ESPN highlights you know how ridiculous the difference in conferences is - East vs. West. In the West, there are 9 teams seperated by 6 1/2 games - so all of these games down the stretch will count big time. With the trades, we all know about Shaq to the Suns, Paul Gasol to the Lakers and Jason Kidd to Dallas. The West all got better, but again it is going to be a blood bath in the playoffs as they are all evenly matched. Somehow the Lakers have won 10 straight out there and as they work in Paul Gasol, they are every NBA Analysts' favorite for the NBA Western Conference and NBA Title. Not bad for going back a few months when Kobe wanted out of L.A. But don't leave out the Eastern Conference - the Big 3, and not just Boston - Detroit and Cleveland could be in there as well. Detroit is far and away the definition of team basketball, Boston has a great defense led by Kevin Garnett, and Cleveland...they have LeBron. Nice trade at the wire for the Cavs to get some nice role players around King James. Many think Kobe is the best player in the league right now, but we'll see as the stretch run comes. That would be an awesome NBA Finals - Kobe vs LeBron? We could only hope, except Kobe would have the disadvantage as there is only one of him and four LeBron's.
Steroids in Baseball - like you, I'm sick of hearing about it. As certain as I am that Barry was involved with BALCO and "the clear", I am now certain that Roger Clemens tried it once or twice. Now granted, this Brian McNamee is one shady character keeping "stuff" for years and years, I mean how do we know that he hasn't doctored the evidence in his basement (by the way Nic Santillo, I have a very sugary cereal bowl with your DNA all over it from when you were 7 years old). I don't want to spend too much time or energy on this (I'm winded from writing this much already) but it's sad to see such a controversy like this, especially with the prosperity of the game now. I hope Roger and Barry don't come back this year -
As a follow-up to my last dish, I spoke about plumbing and bathroom design. It's still something I notice while washing hands - finally last week I had an "almost" - outside Denver in the staff lounge at the hospital where I worked - very nice, deep place to wash your hands without touching the side of the sink...except the faucet only had one speed - full on, and water goes everywhere. Oh, so close!
Happy Leap Year Day everyone! I would be remiss if I didn't give a shout out to my beautiful wife Beth on our special day today... "last year" I proposed to her, and it's been bliss ever since.
"They must be Oakland fans....did you hear the latest injury report? POSERS!"
Around the balls:
Giant-orange- Kelvin Sampson, the former Indiana Hoosier head coach is a cheater. No big surprise there, my buddy Matt in Illinois told me this all last year - this after he recruited a player who had already verbally committed to Illinois. Anyway, College Basketball is heating up - only about 2 weeks before the NCAA brackets are on everyone's mind. Memphis got the loss out of the way in a great game, can they be the favorite heading into the tournament? Will Villanova make it? If not, can they win the NIT?
White-leather-stitched- In case you're living on the moon, you realize it's staying light out later and know that Daylight Savings is coming up on March 9...so you know that Spring Training has started in Florida and Arizona.
Rubber-non- The Devils are up top in the Eastern Conference, Sid the Kid is still out with an ankle, and Alexander Ovechkin is scoring goals at will. The season is about to wrap up - I guess more people would care if it were actually on some sort of TV Network other than "Versus" and NBC on Sunday afternoons occasionally.
Big-brown-oblong- Aside from the Free Agency period, the Combine and the upcoming draft, keep an eye and ear on the situation with the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Tiny-white- Tiger is three for three this year - Dubai, Torrey Pines and Accenture Match play. Good thing that the US Open is in California at Torrey Pines - looks like another major. For those that missed his interview about a perfect season you need to see the ESPN.com video about him peaking.
Green-fuzzy- Somehow Roger Federer lost in the semi's of the Australian Open - he must have been hurt or something. Maria Sharapova won the Australian Open - she was just in a zone that last match. Funny news - A 9-year-old girl from Melbourne, Australia has been banned from playing tennis at her local club over the grunting noise she makes while competing. Her favorite player is Maria Sharapova. Hopefully more people will do this - it's so annoying watching the Williams sisters and others.
Big-black-and-white- Reports say that Jose Mourinho turned down an offer to coach Lyon after leaving Chelsea. I don't know what that means, but it's my duty to report it.
Giant-black-holey- Sundays are for bowling. Nothing new here, just pins and balls.
Rubber-wheels- Ryan Newman won the Daytona 500. Dale Jr. has a new team and a behind the scenes show on ESPN. Yeah, cars going in circles - fun to watch when nothing else is on.
Program Alert:
Jackie Moon and Semi-Pro debuts in theaters today! I'll spend $10 to laugh for 90 minutes at Will Ferrell's fro!
Links:
Tiger Video: http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?videoId=3254792
* - states outside NJ since June 07 - California, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Ohio, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Ontario (Canada), Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia
--------------------------------
For those new to "the dish", I once dreamed of being a sports-caster having my own column. Let me know if you don't like it, and/or want to be discontinued from the list. If you have another email address to send it to, send that to me also. For older issues of the dish, email me. domsdish@gmail.com or go to http://domsdish.blogspot.com/
"Well, well, well, DominNIC, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN???"
So after a five...no, NINE month hiatus of officially writing the dish, not just giving it to those of you I've seen at parties...there is a lot to recap. I have been right and I have been wrong....there have been ups and definitely downs. Mitchell released his report, Obama is taking the US by storm, I witnessed the Phillies clinch the NL East, the Pats went 18-0 only to lose to the Giants, the Big 3 in Boston, Tiger added a major, and I have been to a total of 17 states*, watching it all. So without much further ado about where I've been and what I've been up to, it's time to delve right in...
I was right:
Michael Vick. Need I say more?
I mentioned that they may put Parcells on MNF on ESPN to replace Theismann (Jan 22, 2007) - I was close, at least they did the right thing and get rid of broken leg Joe. Ron Jaworski had a good first season, and he did give me plenty of material for when I play at RON JAWORKSI'S Valleybrook Country Club in Blackwood, NJ! Jaws here!
I was wrong:
Wes Welker - and I quote from March 6, 2007: "I rescind my offer that Jeff Garcia will end up the Gil Meche of the NFL free agency period. That title now goes to Wes Welker." Wrong on both accounts but I did go on to say "He does fit the Patiot-jack-of-all-trades mold".
Billy Donovan - remember that? My last dish on June 1 was right after he signed with Orlando of the NBA for all that money. I praised him and thought he might be a good NBA coach...only to have him rescind and go back to the University of Florida.
Ok, and now on to the topics...
NFL Free Agency is here! Big news? Asante Samuel in Philadelphia? More on that in a bit. Well, Derek Anderson rejected the Browns one year offer and hit the open market after midnight. Good news for those Brady Quinn fans out there, or is it? Late report is that Anderson has agreed to a multi-year deal with the Browns now. It hasn't been too crazy yet these last 16 hours - no big names off the board yet (Randy Moss, Lance Briggs, Bernard Berrian, Alen Faneca, Michael Turner, Asante Samuel). However the 49ers have made a number of moves for some mid-grade players- LB Dontarrio Thomas, QB J.T. O'Sullivan, KR Allen Rossum and RB DeShaun Foster. A lot of lobbying for position as of now - trying to convince these free agents to come on out to sign those enormous contracts - in terms of green, not paper. Speaking of green, apparently one of those teams who was able to convince a visit - Asante Samuel is in Philadelphia and word is a 6 year $60 million contract by days' end is possible. It would be a great sign for the Eagles, but word is Lito Shepphard would become expendable. It's just about 6 months to the beginning of the season, can you feel the excitement yet?
The Super Bowl Champs lost a player (Kawika Mitchell to the Bills) and word is that teams are inquiring about Jeremy Shockey. Aside from that, a lot of rumors abound, I sit amazed the number of items on the Bottom Line of ESPN News. It should be an interesting weekend into next week.
Big news for all you Europeans out there...Soccer will be coming to Philly in 2010! The MLS - that stands for Major League Soccer NOT Multiple Listing Service (AKA MLS number for all you homebuyers out there) - has agreed to give Philadelphia a franchise that will start up in two years. No word on team name during the press conference yesterday, but work is set to begin on a new stadium just south of the Commodore Barry Bridge in Chester, PA. The stadium will be right along the waterfront bringing some economic opportunity to an area that could use it. Now, I'm no soccer fan, but with the MLS's new contract and a team in Philly, I could be.
So, the NBA trade deadline has come and gone with a lot more moves than normal. For those even following along even with ESPN highlights you know how ridiculous the difference in conferences is - East vs. West. In the West, there are 9 teams seperated by 6 1/2 games - so all of these games down the stretch will count big time. With the trades, we all know about Shaq to the Suns, Paul Gasol to the Lakers and Jason Kidd to Dallas. The West all got better, but again it is going to be a blood bath in the playoffs as they are all evenly matched. Somehow the Lakers have won 10 straight out there and as they work in Paul Gasol, they are every NBA Analysts' favorite for the NBA Western Conference and NBA Title. Not bad for going back a few months when Kobe wanted out of L.A. But don't leave out the Eastern Conference - the Big 3, and not just Boston - Detroit and Cleveland could be in there as well. Detroit is far and away the definition of team basketball, Boston has a great defense led by Kevin Garnett, and Cleveland...they have LeBron. Nice trade at the wire for the Cavs to get some nice role players around King James. Many think Kobe is the best player in the league right now, but we'll see as the stretch run comes. That would be an awesome NBA Finals - Kobe vs LeBron? We could only hope, except Kobe would have the disadvantage as there is only one of him and four LeBron's.
Steroids in Baseball - like you, I'm sick of hearing about it. As certain as I am that Barry was involved with BALCO and "the clear", I am now certain that Roger Clemens tried it once or twice. Now granted, this Brian McNamee is one shady character keeping "stuff" for years and years, I mean how do we know that he hasn't doctored the evidence in his basement (by the way Nic Santillo, I have a very sugary cereal bowl with your DNA all over it from when you were 7 years old). I don't want to spend too much time or energy on this (I'm winded from writing this much already) but it's sad to see such a controversy like this, especially with the prosperity of the game now. I hope Roger and Barry don't come back this year -
As a follow-up to my last dish, I spoke about plumbing and bathroom design. It's still something I notice while washing hands - finally last week I had an "almost" - outside Denver in the staff lounge at the hospital where I worked - very nice, deep place to wash your hands without touching the side of the sink...except the faucet only had one speed - full on, and water goes everywhere. Oh, so close!
Happy Leap Year Day everyone! I would be remiss if I didn't give a shout out to my beautiful wife Beth on our special day today... "last year" I proposed to her, and it's been bliss ever since.
"They must be Oakland fans....did you hear the latest injury report? POSERS!"
Around the balls:
Giant-orange- Kelvin Sampson, the former Indiana Hoosier head coach is a cheater. No big surprise there, my buddy Matt in Illinois told me this all last year - this after he recruited a player who had already verbally committed to Illinois. Anyway, College Basketball is heating up - only about 2 weeks before the NCAA brackets are on everyone's mind. Memphis got the loss out of the way in a great game, can they be the favorite heading into the tournament? Will Villanova make it? If not, can they win the NIT?
White-leather-stitched- In case you're living on the moon, you realize it's staying light out later and know that Daylight Savings is coming up on March 9...so you know that Spring Training has started in Florida and Arizona.
Rubber-non- The Devils are up top in the Eastern Conference, Sid the Kid is still out with an ankle, and Alexander Ovechkin is scoring goals at will. The season is about to wrap up - I guess more people would care if it were actually on some sort of TV Network other than "Versus" and NBC on Sunday afternoons occasionally.
Big-brown-oblong- Aside from the Free Agency period, the Combine and the upcoming draft, keep an eye and ear on the situation with the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Tiny-white- Tiger is three for three this year - Dubai, Torrey Pines and Accenture Match play. Good thing that the US Open is in California at Torrey Pines - looks like another major. For those that missed his interview about a perfect season you need to see the ESPN.com video about him peaking.
Green-fuzzy- Somehow Roger Federer lost in the semi's of the Australian Open - he must have been hurt or something. Maria Sharapova won the Australian Open - she was just in a zone that last match. Funny news - A 9-year-old girl from Melbourne, Australia has been banned from playing tennis at her local club over the grunting noise she makes while competing. Her favorite player is Maria Sharapova. Hopefully more people will do this - it's so annoying watching the Williams sisters and others.
Big-black-and-white- Reports say that Jose Mourinho turned down an offer to coach Lyon after leaving Chelsea. I don't know what that means, but it's my duty to report it.
Giant-black-holey- Sundays are for bowling. Nothing new here, just pins and balls.
Rubber-wheels- Ryan Newman won the Daytona 500. Dale Jr. has a new team and a behind the scenes show on ESPN. Yeah, cars going in circles - fun to watch when nothing else is on.
Program Alert:
Jackie Moon and Semi-Pro debuts in theaters today! I'll spend $10 to laugh for 90 minutes at Will Ferrell's fro!
Links:
Tiger Video: http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?videoId=3254792
* - states outside NJ since June 07 - California, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Ohio, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Ontario (Canada), Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia
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For those new to "the dish", I once dreamed of being a sports-caster having my own column. Let me know if you don't like it, and/or want to be discontinued from the list. If you have another email address to send it to, send that to me also. For older issues of the dish, email me. domsdish@gmail.com or go to http://domsdish.blogspot.com/
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