It’s Been 48 Years Since A Browns Championship
December 27, 1964 the Cleveland Browns hosted the favored Baltimore Colts at Municipal Stadium for the NFL Championship. I was 7 years old and remember watching the game as the Browns shut out the Colts 27-0. This was the Johnny Unitas-led Colts, the highest scoring team in the NFL in 1964 being held off the scoreboard. My team were champions of the NFL. Little did I realize that it would be the last time I could say that.
Oh they certainly came close. The following year, the Browns were once again the Eastern Division Champions and faced the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field for the NFL title. This game had more significance as the winner would represent the NFL in the first Super Bowl game. On a muddy field, the Browns fell to the Packers in what was Jim Brown's last game.
In 1968, the Browns once again would face the Colts in the NFL Championship game but this time they lost badly at home 34-0. The following year, they traveled to Minneapolis to take on the Joe Kapp-led Vikings. Once again they came up short.
They wouldn't make it to a championship game again until the 1986 season when they were minutes away from heading to the Super Bowl only to have John Elway steal the game away. I actually think the 1987 team was much better and once again they found themselves facing the Broncos only this time in Denver. Karl Mecklenberg, the Bronco All-Pro linebacker, said that in the second half of that game the Broncos knew that they couldn't stop the Browns and he was right. I actually took that loss worse than the one the year before as the Browns were an Earnest Byner fumble away from going to the Super Bowl. I'm convinced they would have defeated the Redskins in the Super Bowl.
The Browns would make it to the AFC Championship Game one last time in the 1989 season, where they would once again lose to the Broncos. I haven't mentioned non-championship playoff game heart breakers like: the 1972 Miami game (could have spoiled Dolphins undefeated season), the 1980 Oakland game (Red Right 88), the 1988 Houston game (pass interference call not made), and the 2002 Pittsburgh game (where the Browns blew a 3rd Qtr. 24-7 lead).
All of those losses were tough to take. But I would love to experience those tough losses again because at least there was a chance to win it all. Ah the good old days. What a sad state of affairs.
Tuesday’s Thoughts
While wondering what it will take to knock some sense into Lindsay Lohan's head, here is what's on my mind this morning:
* By now you have all heard that ARod needs surgery on his left hip that will keep him out of the Yankee lineup until at least June. I'm not going to get into whether or not this is a result of his earlier steroid use. To me that is a waste of time. What has me fired up is what I have been harping about for many months: the Yankees lack of a plan to be ready for the eventual need to replace their aging stars particularly in light of Hal Steinbrenner's edict to get the payroll down to $189 million dollars in 2014. The only way that Boy Wonder Brian Cashman could meet Hal's request is by having young homegrown talent. The fact is that they don't have any that will be ready (if any at all) by 2014. The richest team in all of sports is not able to develop players that are major league ready. With all of their scouts throughout the world, they have not been able to develop heir apparents for: Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte and Jorge Posada. Someone needs to be held accountable for this and unfortunately I don't see anything happening. Wish the Boss was still around.
* Cashman indicates that he is not going to panic as a result of the ARod news. Why should he his job is safe. But as a Yankee fan, the options for a replacement are not good as evidenced by Joel Sherman's article: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/yankees/cornering_some_options_at_yQCTU2LydW6KMTlDI6RxCL
* Not only is third base a problem, but prospects for a catcher are terrible and let's not forget they need a right fielder. Those cheers you are hearing are coming from Toronto, Tampa Bay and Baltimore as their chances of making the playoffs have dramatically increased.
* Word is that the Yankees are entertaining offers for Curtis Granderson. While moving Granderson wouldn't be a bad thing, the key would be what the Yankees would get in return.
* Yankee fans face reality: no young homegrown talent, bad contracts with aging players and a $189 million dollar payroll limit equals years of mediocrity. For someone who has endured the late 60's, early 70's and late 80's, I've seen this story before. Can't wait to see how Hal, Levine and Trost deal with the empty seats at the new Yankee Stadium.
* NBA Emperor David Stern's $250,000 fine levied against the San Antonio Spurs for not playing their stars against the Miami Heat was excessive and showed how much in bed pro sports are with television networks. The Spurs have done this before and nothing was said or done about it. But this was the feature game for TNT and I'm sure the network suits were not happy so Stern had to do something to satisfy them. What a joke.
* Great tweet last night from a Raptors fan: "It has been announced that David Stern is levying a $250,000 fine on the Toronto Raptors for playing their starting five."
* Today NHL players will meet with 6 NHL owners in an attempt to work out a framework to end this ridiculous lock out. Check out the article by Larry Brooks which illustrates the hypocrisy of the owners.
http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/rangers/hypocritical_owners_face_players_wfqBjGiPOpQSdoChQaykLJ
* There were some great college football games over the weekend. But I'm still scratching my head over Georgia's decision not to clock it with 15 seconds and instead call a play. Major mistake. In another bonehead move, Kent State decides to run an end around with their tight end in a 3rd and 1 situation down at the 6 yard line in overtime. What made that even more crazy was that Kent State has a 250 lb RB who Northern Illinois couldn't stop.
* Nebraska should be ashamed of themselves after their despicable performance against Wisconsin in the Big 10 title game.
* Had to laugh at the outrage by the ESPN talking heads related to Northern Illinois being in the Orange Bowl. How about being upset about a 5 loss Wisconsin team being in the Rose Bowl and a 7 loss Georgia Tech team getting a bowl bid. This is what you get with the current BCS system which no one at ESPN has had the courage to criticize over the years. I wonder if the lack of criticism has something to do with the fact that ESPN/ABC is televising 32 of the 35 bowl games.
* Andrew Luck and RG III are 2 further examples of why quarterbacks matter.
* I have never seen 2 one loss teams that seem so vulnerable as the Houston Texans and Atlanta Falcons. I don't see either making it to the Super Bowl.
* And finally, I remember Cleveland sportswriters ripping the Browns for trading their first round pick to the NY Jets which resulted in the Jets selecting Mark Sanchez. At the time, the Browns were in their constant search for a QB and Sanchez was the guy. I have never been a Sanchez believer. The kid was only a starter for one year at USC. In my mind, he was not ready and it is bearing out now. A franchise QB elevates the players around him. It's been the other way around with Sanchez.
Tuesday’s Thoughts
While wondering who is the genius who has come up with those awful Oregon football uniforms, here is what's on my mind this morning:
* The Toronto Blue Jays have vaulted into the AL East elite with a stunning blockbuster trade that brings Jose Reyes, Josh Johnson, Mark Buerhle and Emilio Bonifacio to the Rogers Centre. While there are never any guarantees with trades, this one certainly may change the balance of power in what is the most competitive division in baseball.
* Meanwhile, the Yankees are waiting to hear from Andy Petitte about his intentions to play in 2013. In looking at the Yankees right now it seems hard to imagine this team doing more than making the playoffs.
* It was reported on ESPN Cleveland that Browns players would like to see a uniform change. Really?? How about trying to win a football game. Cleveland fought hard to keep its colors. Those uniforms are a part of an iconic franchise, one that was once a power in the NFL. Many of these current players don't realize this, but many fans do. Would the Green Bay Packers change their uniforms??? I don't think so. Here's hoping that new owner Jimmy Haslam doesn't fall for this.
* Notre Dame is number one in college football and I couldn't be happier. It has been a long time coming and kudos to Brian Kelly and his staff. A win Saturday against USC seals the deal for the Fighting Irish. To all the haters out there, deal with it!!!!
* There is nothing more exciting than college football as evidenced by last Saturday night's upsets of Oregon and Kansas State. I thought I was going to short-circuit my remote control going back and forth between games. That's why I love college football.
* Watch out for the New Orleans Saints as they seem to be getting things in gear for a playoff run.
* The NHL/NHLPA met last night and once again the league gave the players an ultimatum: come back with a full proposal or don't bother coming back. It is clear that in order for the season to begin the players will have to give back once again. Seems to me that Emperor Bettman is poised to win again.
* Kudos to ex-Maole Leafs Ian White and Kris Versteeg for calling it the way it is. White called Bettman an idiot and Versteeg said that the Emperor and his henchman, Bill Daly, are cancers who have polluted the game and should be fired.
* The Bills victory over the Dolphins has sparked playoff talk again in Western New York. Really?? The Bills are 4-6 right now, as are the Jets, Dolphins, Titans and Chargers. The Bengals are 5-5 and the Colts and Steelers are 6-4. If the Bills don't win on Sunday against the Colts will this put an end to the playoff blather???
And finally, Niagara and Canisius both had big basketball victories over the weekend. It would be great for the area if both teams were contenders for the MAAC title and it would be a great alternative to a winter with no hockey. I wonder if the geniuses at WGR would notice???
It’s time to end all All-Star Games
Yesterday the sports world was treated to the NHL All-Star Game and the NFL's Pro Bowl. What a yawn!!! The NHL game ended up 12-9 with Team Chara defeating Team Alfredsson. The score was indicative of many hockey all-star games in the past. It kind of reminded me of games we used to play on the street many years ago. And by the way, whatever happened to the Eastern Conference vs the Western Conference. Team Chara vs Team Alfredsson?? Please!!!
While the Pro Bowl identifies each team by its conference name, the game itself is a joke. How many NFL games this year came close to scoring 100 points?? Again this is typical of the Pro Bowl, where there are restrictions on what the defense can do and the players enjoy soaking up the bright Hawaiian sun. Usually a lot of points is entertaining but not when it is apparent that some players are going through the motions. And please, don't talk up playing for conference pride because that ended years ago.
Unfortunately, all-star games have become a joke. What is suppose to be an exhibition of the best talent turns into a contrived facsimile of how the respective games are actually played. Case in point: Steven Stamkos was awarded a penalty shot during yesterday's game. He made a goofy spin move that was easily stopped. Maybe Steven thought he was still in the Skills Competition's breakaway contest because I find it hard to believe that he would have pulled that in a regular season game. But hey, this is the all-star game and its about having fun.
In my opinion, all-star games should be eliminated. Just think, with respect to Major League Baseball, the NHL and the NBA, the regular season could end a week sooner and answer the critics who say that they are too long. That's not to say that there can't be all-star teams but they should be announced at the end of the regular season with no game to be played.
Baseball always had the best all-star game. It has been called, "The Midsummer Classic." But it too has lost its pizazz. What made it a classic was that you were going to see players from the two leagues face each other that you might not see happen unless their respective teams made the World Series. Hank Aaron facing Jim Palmer. Now, with interleague play, that matchup could take place in a mid-week game in May.
I'm probably in the minority but I could do without all-star games. They have become a joke and the respective leagues go through all kinds of trouble to try to make them relevant and interesting. For a die-hard fan like me, their efforts are pointless. There will be some who will say to me that if I dislike them so much I just shouldn't watch them. Well, I haven't watched an all-star game in its entirety in over 10 years and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
Tuesday’s Thoughts
While wondering who was the genius at CBS Sports who thought it was a good idea to have Ndamukong Suh on the NFL Today, here is what's on my mind this morning:
* The Maple Leafs begin a critical four game stretch at home tonight against the surging Ottawa Senators. The Leafs find themselves this morning in ninth place, one point behind both the Washington Capitals and the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Senators are in fifth place, seven points ahead of the Leafs but the Leafs do have three games in hand on their provincial rivals. Tonight marks the return of James Reimer in goal for the Leafs. This is a tremendous opportunity for Reimer to re-establish himself as the team's number one goalie.
* The Leafs will also have Tyler Bozak and Jake Gardiner back in the lineup. Bozak will center Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul and it is hoped that he will be able to get the high scoring pair back on track. I was happy to see that Gardiner is back in the lineup. Coach Ron Wilson has acknowledged that they need Gardiner's speed and ability to move the puck out of their own end to get their speed game going offensively. Gardiner will also be a much needed boost to a power play that stumbled over the weekend and hopefully will put an end to Tim Connolly or Clarke MacArthur being on the point with Dion Phaneuf.
* Bucky Gleason had a nice article Sunday about Brian Burke's rebuilding of the Maple Leafs. I have believed from the beginning that Burke was the right man for the job. He had received plenty of criticism from the Toronto media when he traded for Phil Kessel. But Burke had a plan and is not afraid of acknowledging a mistake (Beauchemin, Versteeg & Lebda and turned them into Gardiner, Lupul, Franson, Lombardi & a first round pick). I fully expect that Burkie will be making another move well before the February 27th deadline.
* Speaking of moves, the New York Yankees certainly had a busy Friday the 13th with the acquistion of Micahel Pineda and the signing of Hiroki Kuroda. Now there is plenty of discussion about who will be the DH. A point to consider is that ARod is probably going to DH at least 2 games a week depending upon his wonky hip and knee. The Yanks will also try to give Derek Jeter an occasional day as the DH. While it has been reported that the Yankees have contacted Hidecki Matsui and Johnny Damon, they could very well alternate Eduardo Nunez, Jeter and AROD between DH, third base and shortstop. Remember it was Nunez, not Jesus Montero, who Brian Cashman refused to part with in 2010 in order to get Cliff Lee from Seattle. The Yankees want to get Nunez more at bats and this would seem to be a way to do it.
* This year's Super Bowl has the makings for some interesting story lines regardless of which two teams get in. If San Francisco gets in and faces Baltimore, you will have the Harbaugh brothers coaching against each other in the Big Game. If San Francisco meets New England, you will have the Niners tough defense going up against the Patriots high-powered offense. If New York gets in, you will have a rematch of two recent Super Bowls: the Giants loss at the hands of the Ravens or the Giants upset win against the then undefeated Patriots. It's the first time since that Giant-Patriot Super Bowl that I'm actually going to look forward to the Big Game.
* I watched the last quarter of the Knicks-Magic game yesterday and it was a terrible performance by the Knicks down the stretch. Carmelo Anthony had a chance to draw the Knicks close and fired up an air ball. Can't see how New York can be considered a legitimate contender for the NBA title.
* Since the boring BCS Championship Game, there has been plenty of talk about the need for a playoff system. Apparently, the NCAA high muckity-mucks and the major conference presidents are going to be discussing the possibilities. The TV ratings indicate that this was the lowest rated BCS Game in history and this year's Orange Bowl was the lowest rated one in history. The sporting public has had it with this charade known as the BCS. If there was a semi-final featuring LSU vs Stanford and Alabama vs Oklahoma State, the ratings would have been through the roof. This can be done using the existing bowls. Let's see what happens but I'm not going to hold my breath.
* Kudos to Jerry Sullivan on his column yesterday taking the Sabres to task and specifically team owner Terry Pegula. Pegula's claim that injuries are the problem for the team's recent troubles contributes to the lack of accountability. Sullivan hit the nail on the head that the core of this team is under performing and that Darcy Reiger and Lindy Ruff are unable to turn things around.
* Interesting how WGR550's Jeremy White is raising the white flag on the 2011-12 season. He just tweeted that enough about this season and all moves should be made for next year. Really??? Last week, I got into with White on twitter after Paul "Gasbag" Hamilton tweeted that the Sabres could acquire Getzlaf and that he could be in the lineup for last Tuesday's game vs Toronto. The funny thing was that when I went out to get my Buffalo News, there was an article where Pegula said there was not going to be any major shake-up and that injuries were the problem. When I pointed out that Pegula said that there would be no trades, White went at me saying not to twist things. I went back at him reminding him that Hamilton said that a Getzlaf deal was imminent and that he could be in the lineup vs the Leafs. White is a joke. He is such a homer it's not even funny anymore.
* Once again yesterday morning, Sullivan had White all in a tizzy to the point where you could hear White whining to Howard Simon.
* I wonder if Ryan Miller wishes he was left behind in Detroit.
* Finally, can someone please check to see if Jeremy White is on the Pegula payroll???
Tuesday’s Thoughts
While wondering what it would be like if there was a college football playoff with Oklahoma State, Stanford, LSU and Alabama involved, here is what's on my mind this morning:
* The Maple Leafs face off against the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight at the ACC and it marks the beginning of 9 out of the next 10 games being played at home. If they are to make the playoffs they need to win 6 out of those 9 games. Good news out of practice yesterday was that Mike Brown and Mike Kommisarek could be back by the weekend.
* After watching some of the Fiesta Bowl last night, if the Cleveland Browns have the opportunity to draft Justin Blackmon with their first pick they better just do it. This kid would immediately become their best wide receiver.
* Was stunned yesterday when it was announced that the Colts had fired Bill Polian and his son, Chris. Conflicting reports as to what this means for Peyton Manning and Jim Caldwell. Colt fans have to be concerned as to who Irsay will hire to take over the team.
* Interesting note, the Bengals, Broncos and Titans were all vying for a playoff spot heading into Sunday's games. The Bengals and Broncos lost and are in, the Titans won and they are out.
* Yankee pitchers and catchers report on February 19th and as it stands right now this will be the quietest off season in the team's recent history.
* Kudos to Chan Gailey for sticking to his guns and benching Bills wide receiver Stevie Johnson. Wonder if Gailey does the same thing if the Bills needed to win on Sunday to make the playoffs.
* Can't see how Stevie Johnson stays in Buffalo. His actions on Sunday, while not as bad as his act against the Jets, resulted in a 15 yard penalty for the Bills. As a result, another selfish act that hurt is team. Johnson represents a bigger problem: the ever-present me first attitude by many players in the NFL.
* Johnson was also pretty gutless yesterday by skipping out on the media in the morning but appearing on his afternoon radio spot on WGR 550 with Schopp and the Bulldog. The morning slight prompted a twitter confrontation between Buffalo News reporter Mike Harrington and WGR 550's resident genius Paul Hamilton. Was rather comical.
* After a sluggish first period, the Winter Classic turned into a very entertaining game. Some observations from the game: 1.) the Flyers still have goaltender issues which could hurt their chances in the playoffs, 2.) Henrik Lundqvist right now may be the best goalie in the NHL and 3.) the refereeing in the NHL has been brutal this year.
* The duet of Kate Smith and Lauren Hart singing "God Bless America" was awesome.
* During the Bills game on Sunday, resident NFL know-nothing Jeremy White tweeted that the Bills have showed improvement this season. Really, Jeremy??? The defense has progressively gotten worse and the offense has been inconsistent. Ryan Fitzpatrick is a good guy but I still say that the Bills are crazy if they think he is a franchise quarterback.
* No surprise that Raheem Morris and Steve Spagnuolo were fired yesterday. What is surprising is that reports out of San Diego are that Norv Turner and A.J.Smith may not lose their jobs.
* And finally, would you be surprised if Prince Fielder signs with the Washington Nationals??
Will 2012 See The 28th World Championship In The Bronx??
The New York Yankees have won 27 world championships, the most in all of professional sports. As we enter 2012 the question is: Will the Yankees win their 28th world championship?? Before I tell you what I think the answer is to that question, here is something to consider. In the last 10 years, the Yankees have qualified for the playoffs nine times. They won the World Series in 2009 and in 2003 made the World Series and lost to the Florida Marlins. In the remaining seven years, they made the ALCS twice and were eliminated in the first round five times. Oh and by the way, this ten year period includes the most monumental post season collapse in team history: blowing a 3-0 lead in the 2004 ALCS against the Boston Red Sox.
My point in bringing this up is that the Yankees are built to excel in the regular season. Making the playoffs is an accomplishment and the Yankees have been successful since 1995 having only been out of the playoffs once in 2008. However, the Yankees sell to their fans that a season is not a success unless they win it all. That goal was established by George Steinbrenner and as Yankee fans we knew he meant it. A couple of days ago, Randy Levine indicated that this past season was not a success because they didn't win the World Series and it rang as hollow as a three dollar bill. So the question becomes: are the Yankees built to win their 28th World Championship in 2012??
Based on the current roster, the answer to that question is no. General Manager Brian Cashman has done absolutely nothing to improve a team that was knocked out in the first round. Now the argument will be that this is a team which won 97 games in 2011 and won the AL East. But upon further examination, Cashman lucked out with Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia. Colon is not back and Cashman is going to rely once again on Garcia. Offensively, the Yankees benefitted from a monster season by Curtis Granderson. Granderson hit 41 home runs and had 119 RBI's. Both were career bests. Can we believe that Granderson will duplicate those numbers again??? And if he doesn't who will make up that offensive production.
Of course some may say that 2011 also saw a sub-par ARod due to injury and a bad first half of the season for Derek Jeter and the expectation would be that Jeter will pick up where he left off and ARod will be ARod. I would agree with that except for the fact that Jeter will be 38 and ARod will be 37. And there in lies the problem with the Yankees. Where is the youth???? With Jorge Posada leaving, the Yankees only have Jeter and Mariano Rivera left from the glory years. Years that many Yankee fans in their 20's and 30's were spoiled with. In order for the Yankees to win the World Series, they will need their aging stars to perform as they have in the past. They will also need Mark Teixiera to justify the big contract that he signed with the Yankees. And they will need CC Sabathia to be CC Sabathia not to mention Phil Hughes bouncing back and no sophomore slump for Ivan Nova.
I honestly believe that the management team of Hal Steinbrenner, Lonn Trost and Randy Levine are more interested in the financial bottom line than winning. Getting into the playoffs is their goal. It gives them lucrative extra home dates which not only benefits gate receipts but also benefits the YES Network. When looking at the AL East, along with the additional wild card team, I think its a safe bet that the Yankees will make the playoffs. Boston has its problems and Tampa Bay may not have the guns to snag the division away from the Yankees. Once the Yankees get in, its all financial gravy for the Yankee bean counters.
Those of you who read this blog know that I am a Browns and Maple Leaf fan. Both teams have not made the playoffs in years. The Leafs have made improvements, purging their roster and becoming one of the youngest teams in the NHL. Their is hope for long term success. The Browns, on the other hand, seem to be treading water even though they are one of the youngest teams in the NFL. My point in bringing this up is that I can live with rebuilding. If the Yankees came out today and said we are going with youth I wouldn't have a problem with that. Banuelos and Betances were going to get a shot to be in the starting rotation. Jesus Montero was going to catch at least half of the games this year, splitting time with Russell Martin. Eduardo Nunez was going to have more of a role, playing in at least 100 games. But this will never happen because it could jeopardize their chance at making the playoffs and that's what its all about for Hal and the boys.
While the Yankees will make the playoffs, unless something is done between now and opening day, they will not win their 28th Championship. But what is scarier than that is if they don't acquire younger established players via trade or Cashman's prized farm system doesn't come true, that 28th Championship could be years away. One final point, you will notice I did not mention acquiring free agents. The Hal, Trost, Levine trio are hell bent on reducing the Yankees luxury tax assessment. There latest assessment was $14 million, less than the previous year. It would appear the days of signing a Reggie Jackson or a CC Sabathia are gone particularly when they will be paying ARod over $25 million a year for the next 6 years and another $25 million per year for Sabathia for the next 4. You can't reduce luxury tax if you add to those numbers. Hopefully, I'm wrong but if I'm right we are looking at a long dark period that if you are under 35 years old you have never experienced. Having gone through that twice, I can tell you it's not fun when all you have to talk about is days gone by.
Tuesday’s Thoughts
While wondering if the New Orleans Saints wish they would have signed that contract extension with Drew Brees, here's what else is on my mind this morning:
* While there has been plenty of talk this year about Aaron Rodgers being the best quarterback in the NFL this season, after watching Drew Brees last night I think he needs to be in that conversation. I wonder how San Diego feels about letting him go however with Norv Turner at the helm I don't think it would matter. With Brees and the ability to run the ball, don't be surprised if New Orleans knocks off Green Bay in Lambeau.
* The AFC playoff picture is wide open. All of these teams seem to have flaws. Ben Roethlisberger's health and their offensive line makes the Steelers vulnerable. I have never been sold on Joe Flacco and nothing this season has changed my mind that he can lead the Ravens to the Super Bowl. And New England's defense is terrible and if you can pressure Brady you can beat the Patriots. As a result of all of this whoever wins the NFC will win the Super Bowl.
* The Maple Leafs begin a three game road trip tonight against the Florida Panthers. The Leafs need to continue to build off of their two wins prior to Christmas. After tonight, they play Carolina on Thursday and Winnipeg on Saturday. It is imperative to get 4 out of 6 points on this road trip.
* Plenty of talk about Ron Wilson's contract extension. Many are saying that Brian Burke should have waited to see if the team made the playoffs before an extension was given. I wouldn't have had a problem with that however I don't think it matters. If it's decided that Wilson must go, the Leafs certainly have the money to eat the salary. One thing that needs to be considered, this team has never quit on Wilson throughout his tenure in Toronto.
* The Browns season will mercifully come to an end this Sunday at home against the Steelers. Yesterday, Tony Grossi of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported that if the St.Louis Rams had the first pick in the draft that it would make plenty of sense for a deal to be made between the Rams and Browns. The Browns do have 2 first round picks this year having acquired Atlanta's first round pick. The Browns own pick is currently the fourth overall. I would flip that pick, the Browns 2012 3rd round pick and their 2013 first round pick to the Rams to get the first overall pick of the 2012 draft to get Andrew Luck.
* It is still all quiet in Yankeeland. I did see the Yankees luxury tax assessment is down from last season which seems to be consistent with what Joel Sherman reported a month or so ago. Looks like the Steinbrenner boys want to hold on to all of that cash that they are raking in. My 2012 prediction: as the Yankee roster currently sits they will win the AL East and get bounced in the first round.
* It's interesting that the only tickets that the Yankees raised for 2012 are the bleacher seats. One of the biggest criticisms of the new Yankee Stadium is the lack of atmosphere and that is attributed to the corporate season ticket holders that can afford the ridiculous ticket prices for seats throughout the lower bowl of the Stadium. Nothing like hitting up the true passionate fans of the team. It's really disgusting but indicative of the new regime in the Bronx headed up by Hal, Trost and Levine.
* Watched the Sabres-Capitals game last night and Pork Chop Jenneret was at his utmost ridiculous self. After a hit on Alexander Ovechkin, he asked Harry Neale about whether that hit was a Carrubba hit. Neale didn't answer and Jenneret began to scream, "I said that was a Carrubba hit". Throughout the game it appeared that both of these guys had one too many Labatt's.
* By the way can someone please tell Pork Chop how to say Zack Kassian's name??
* It's funny how a Bills and Sabres win has everyone all a flutter. A few days ago the world was coming to an end. The problem with both teams here in WNY is management. Ralph Wilson only cares about how much money he can make so he can increase the wealth of his team. As far as the Sabres go, Terry Pegula needs to make a move and get rid of Darcy Reiger.
*And finally some wishes for 2012: The Maple Leafs make the playoffs and win a playoff round, Jose Montero builds off of his September call-up and becomes the hitting machine that the Yankees have hoped for, that the Killer B's turn into a formidable one-two punch for the Yankee rotation, that the Browns win 8 games in 2012 (how pathetic is that), that some way somehow WNY gets another sports radio station to listen to besides WGR550, that Alabama beats LSU 14-13 to cause a controversy as to who the national champion should be, that the Miami Heat do not win the NBA Championship, that Sidney Crosby's career doesn't go the way of Eric Lindros, that Bud Selig steps down as Commissioner of Baseball, that something be done about the increasing number of concussions in the NFL and NHL and that each and everyone of you who reads this has a Happy and Healthy 2012!!!
Tuesday’s Thoughts
While wondering what it must be like to make a $10,000 bet on national TV and not lose any sleep over it, here's what is on my mind this morning:
* The Toronto Maple Leafs were lucky to get a point last night in a 3-2 shootout loss to the L.A. Kings. The second period was one of the worst periods that the Leafs have played all year. If it were not for James Reimer, the Leafs would have been blown out. An extremely disappointing effort from a team that needed a win badly. It appears to me that the current team will not be together as we get closer to the trade deadline as it has to be apparent that the Leafs will need help in order to make the playoffs.
* Reimer's performance last night was his best since coming back from his injury and should put to bed all the talk about a goalie controversy in Toronto.
* Brian Burke needs to back off any contract extension for Ron Wilson. He has waited this long and it would seem he can wait until April. If the Leafs make the playoffs, Wilson gets his extension. If they don't, it's time for a change.
* If you want to know why I hate Buffalo sports teams and in this case the Sabres, here is a clip that was in the Buffalo News by some character by the name of Budd Bailey. It was under a column called FiveSpot that is supposed to be funny. In the column, there was a quote from an ESPN announcer blasting teams that took bowl invitations with a 6-6 record. The quote was, "In the real world you don't really get rewarded for mediocrity." Bailey then says, "That's true unless you are making millions to play for the Maple Leafs." Really, Budd. Have you heard of Ville Leino??? How about Druuuuuuw Stafford??? Derek Roy??? And how about your decreipt football team. Ryan Fitzpatrick = Millions, Mediocrity. You are a joke Bailey!!
* Last week Mike Holmgren addressed the media in regard to the Colt McCoy hit. I was so enraged I wanted to spit. First, Holmgren had the nerve to try to sell that no one on the sidelines or up in the booth saw the hit. Really, Mike??? Second, he emphatically said that Pat Shurmur was going to be in Cleveland for a long time. And finally, he gave this warning that you are basically with us or against us and that we Browns fans need to have faith in the direction they are going. How dare you, Holmgren!!! Have faith in a team that is regressing?? Have faith in a head coach who is in over his head??? Have faith in a team that refuses to infuse talent through the free agent market??? Have faith in a team that has just posted its 10th season of double digit losses in 13 years. Mike, you have to earn our trust.
* I saw Pat Shurmur's press conference yesterday and this guy makes Eric Mangini look like Mr. Personality.
* Mike Francesa yesterday was great. He lambasted the NFL for the lack of discipline that is rampant around the league. He was particularly talking about the ridiculous me first attitude that is exhibited by many players as evidenced by the celebrations after a tackle, sack or touchdown. These celebrations are even more ridiculous when your team is getting buried as was the case Sunday when Santonio Homes decided to mock the Philadelphia Eagles even though his team was losing 28-13. Holmes' stupidity led to a 15 yard penalty for taunting. I am with you Mike. It is one of the reasons why I am disgusted with the NFL.
* Has anyone wondered why the A's would want to get rid of a 26 year old left handed pitcher??
* The Texas Rangers won the bidding to have the right to try to sign Yu Darvish. The winning bid was for over $50 million. If the Rangers sign Darvish and then get Prince Fielder, they will have matched the Angels' signings of Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson.
* Meanwhile, the Yankees have been comatose. Don't see Brian Cashman doing a thing. Question for Yankee fans: Can this team win a 2012 playoff series with the current roster???
* It will be interesting to see what happens with Ryan Braun's appeal. I have to tell you I was shocked when I heard that Braun tested positive for an illegal substance. Once again, I have to ask the question: what did the Milwaukee Brewers and Major League Baseball know prior to the test?? In addition, aren't these tests suppose to be confidential?? What if Braun wins his appeal?? Another tribute to the bumbling Baseball Commissioner, Bud Selig.
* I don't understand why Barry Bonds is appealing his sentence. My understanding is he is getting house arrest and community service. The whole Bonds situation is a joke. Barry, just move on with your life. You beat the feds now just move on.
* After week seven in the NFL, Gasbag Howard Simon was talking playoffs. Ryan Fitzpatrick was good enough to lead his team into the playoffs. Chan Gailey was a genius. The possibilities were endless. Boy, how a 7 game losing streak changes all of that. Simon wants to run Fitzmagic (or is that Fitznightmare) out of town. What's even more funny is how the Gasbag and his sidekick, Jeremy White, have done a 180 on CJ Spiller. Back in early November, this tag-team was listing Spiller as another terrible first round draft pick by the Bills. Now, he is the real deal. These guys are real beauties.
* If WGR550 was a real sports radio station, they would be turning the heat up on Ralph Wilson. This team is a disgrace and Wilson is making a ton of money while always doing just enough to get all of the Chesters and Louies jacked up in September only to be let down in November. Instead of being objective early in the season, the dopes at GR play right into the Wilson PR machine and Billy Blasdell and Arnie Amherst go all out for a big season only to be slapped down. It's like a continual bad story.
* Have to laugh at know-it-all Jeremy White. Earlier in the season, he was extolling the virtues of Jonas Enroth. His tune has changed since Enroth has not been playing that well. But White goes further blaming both goaltenders. Earth to White: goaltending is not the problem. It might be that the Sabre stars are not performing.
* And finally, what the hell is the Bills Mafia???
Tuesday’s Thoughts
While wondering if any of the remaining Buffalo Bills games will be sold out, here's what is on my mind this morning:
* The Toronto Maple Leafs will try to snap a two game losing streak when they take on the struggling Carolina Hurricanes tonight at the ACC. Had to laugh yesterday listening to Toronto sports radio as the big issues were: should Jonas Gustavsson replace James Reimer in goal and is it panic time for Leaf fans. As far as the first issue goes, Reimer is the Leafs starting goaltender. Are you going to blame Reimer for taking 6 penalties against the Washington Capitals??? I can't recall since Reimer's return a weak goal being allowed. It is ridiculous to believe that this kid was going to be in mid-season shape after having been out since October 22. Reimer is your guy and Gustavsson will certainly be in the nets over the weekend since the Leafs have back-to-back games on Friday and Saturday. With respect to the second issue, I'm not panicking yet. I think it is unrealistic to have thought that the Leafs were going to be a top 4 team in the Easstern Conference. They will be in a fight to land somewhere between 6th and 8th. They also are getting players back from injury so chemistry needs to be developed. However, the Leafs need to establish a better record at home. They have not played well recently at the Air Canada Center. With a number of home games coming up, it is imperative that they get things going on home ice. Tonight is a game that they need to win with tough contests coming up against the Sabres and Canucks on the weekend.
* The NFL today may rule on a suspension for James Harrison as a result of his hit on Colt McCoy Thursday night. My opinion is that Harrison should be fined and suspended. Having watched the hit over 10 times in slow motion, Harrison led with his head and McCoy was in a defenseless position. This was not similar to the hit Harrison made on Joshua Cribbs last year as Cribbs was not in a defenseless position as a runner. But along with Harrison, the Cleveland Browns should be fined for not following established league protocols. Along with that, the hit on McCoy should lead the NFL to adopt a policy that makes it mandatory for a player to be evaluated immediately by an independent physician after a hit to the head. The evaluation should be done off the field. This is similar to what is done in the NHL. If Commissioner Goodell is serious about player safety then this type of policy needs to be established and implemented immdeiately and the Players Union should be pushing for it.
* Where is Mike Holmgren??? With the organization he heads being questioned about its actions involving McCoy we have heard nothing from Holmgren. Just another reason for me to begin to doubt whether this guy can lead the Browns back to respectability.
* Listened to Cleveland Browns Daily that is hosted by Vic Carucci and he had on as a guest Michael Reghi who is a Cleveland sportscaster. Reghi was telling Browns fans that they need to be patient because Holmgren and Tom Heckert inherited a team that was old and devoid of talent. Well, I'm not going to dispute that. But what I take issue with is Reghi's call for fans to be patient. Are you kidding me???? 12 years with one playoff appearance and only 2 winning seasons in those 12 years!! My problem is that Holmgren and Heckert are selling that you have to build through the draft. But the Browns are so lacking in playmakers that they must augment these draft picks with free agents. Without the signing of quality free agents, we are looking at a 5 year rebuilding plan. 5 years from today!!!!!
* It was 47 years ago yesterday that the Browns clinched the Eastern Division title with a 52-20 rout of the New York Giants on a Saturday afternoon at Yankee Stadium. I remember it like it was yesterday. Two weeks later they would go on to upset the favored Baltimore Colts 27-0 to win their last NFL Championship.
* Todd Haley and Tony Sparano were fired yesterday as was Terry Murray the head coach of the LA Kings. I have a feeling their may be more firings in the NFL as one has to wonder how long Steve Spagnulo can last along with wondering about the job status of Raheem Morris. In the NHL, you have to wonder about Jack Capuano with the Islanders.
* One NHL city where there should be some question of coaching competency is Buffalo. Lindy Ruff is one of the longest tenured coaches in the NHL. The Sabres are playing like a listless hockey club and Ruff doesn't seem to have any answers. It could be that Ruff's act has gone stale with many of the veterans. The problem is that as long as Darcy Reiger is in charge Ruff isn't going anywhere. Maybe both should go. If Mr. Pegula is serious about winning a Stanley Cup, these two must be shown the door.
* Interesting how I haven't heard the radio loudmouths on WGR550 clamoring for Jonas Enroth anymore. Prior to Ryan Miller's injury, there was all kinds of calls for Enroth to play more games with Jeremy White saying that goaltending doesn't matter. Well, Enroth is what we thought he is: a good back-up to Ryan Miller. His comments after the Ranger game were disturbing and if they were made by Miller they would have been considered selfish.
* The announcement that Sidney Crosby will have to sit out games due to concussion like symptoms is really unfortunate. Crosby is the best player in the game and its a shame that he may be out for awhile. You have to wonder if this kid is heading down the path of Eric Lindros.
* It's been reported in both NY dailies that the Yankees will bid on Yu Darvish but they will not go all out to get him. It is reported that the posting fee and contract for Darvish will be somewhere in the neighborhood of $125 million. The Yankees are reported to make an offer that will be somewhere in the neighborhood of $60-80 million. Not sure what Brian Cashman is doing. Maybe he's going to go the low end route and sign Joe Saunders who has been non-tenered by the Diamondbacks. I'm going to say one last time: I don't think Cashman is going to do anything. Hopefully, I am wrong.
* Had WGR550 on yesterday morning and it was typical GR. Not sure if its Jeremy White who does the sports updates but whoever it was led off the spot by saying that the Bills lost to the lowly Chargers. Really??? Look who is calling the kettle black. Maybe the better description would be the under-achieving Chargers. Would you rather have Philip Rivers or Ryan Fitzpatrick?? How about Scott Chandler or Antonio Gates??? Stevie Johnson or Vincent Jackson??
* I was laughing out loud listening to White and Howard Simon lamenting about the success of Aaron Maybin. They were questioning the Bills coaches for not getting the most out of its players and that they were tired of fans saying that if the Bills had Tom Brady he would be nothing because Brady has more weapons in New England. First of all, Simon has been bashing Maybin for years. If he is such a football wizard, why wasn't he saying that the Bills coaches weren't utilizing him better when he was here??? Instead he was blasting the general manager who selected him. With respect to their criticism of the fans, what do you expect from people who spend their hard earned money to go see a team that these losers on GR build up in July, August and September instead of being honest about the team's prospects. Simon had these guys in the playoffs after 6 games. They overrated the team's start. They didn't acknowledge the fact that they were living off turnovers. They weren't dominating teams. Now they cry and lament and blast the fans.
* I like Rob Gronkowski. The tight end position is my favorite in football. Guys with size who can run. Gronkowski is having a great season and I'm happy for him as he is from WNY. But, proclaiming that he is going to the Hall of Fame?? Well, that's what White blasted off on Twitter on Sunday and repeated yesterday on the radio. And you want to know why White is such a joke.
* Finally, this week my NFL Picks will be made on Wednesday as I will not be posting after Wednesday until Monday December 19th. Tomorrow, recap of Leafs-Hurricane game.
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