So a babysitter, I mean mediator has been called to sit in on the NHL/NHLPA lockout talks. If I am George Cohen, the federal mediator assigned to this farce, I am taking a tape recorder simply for the purpose of sharing his recordings over a few beers with his buddies. The laughs will be enough to last a lifetime.
Seriously, are the players' association and owners this dumb? Is it really possible to destroy a league that is making record profits and garnering unprecedented attention this easily? The NHL and NHLPA are damn well trying.
It seems that mediation may be the only option remaining at this point to salvage a 2012-13 season. I'm not saying it will work, but this is better than no talks at all.
However, it should never have reached this point. The purpose of this lockout is not about the future of the game. As painful as the 2004-05 season-cancelling lockout was, at least it had a true purpose. The NHL needed a salary cap and it needed it immediately. The owners are simply trying to screw the players out of millions and vice versa and blah blah blah this time around.
The diehard fans should not stand for this nonsense. Ever.
Therefore, I propose two options to make the NHL pay for its sins. Will it work? You never know until you try.
Option 1 (if a season is salvaged):
Diehard, casual, and corporate fans alike should stage a boycott of games for a full week. Empty arenas, no TV ratings. No fan shall purchase any NHL merchandise in a store or online. And yes, this included foam fingers. No NHL hockey period, in person or on TV.
It will be difficult for the diehards, but a message must be sent.
Assuming Gary Bettman is still the commissioner, fans shall boo him so loudly during the Stanley Cup presentation that no one can hear him speak.
If this doesn't work, then it's time to hit the league where it hurts the most. Perhaps a petition to the NHL's top corporate sponsors for them to boycott will get their attention.
After all, it's true! The NHL really doesn't care about the fans. They care about their sponsors and the almighty dollar.
Now, if the season is cancelled, here's option number 2:
A NEW LEAGUE.
Needless to say, a league with significantly lower ticket and merchandise prices.
New leadership, new CBA, a fresh start. The NHL's name will be so sullied, it will be beyond repair. The sport needs to start over. Fresh. Clean slate.
Take all existing NHL franchises, move the Panthers, Blue Jackets, Coyotes (despite their new arena deal) and Predators to Seattle, Portland, Hartford, and Canada. Let's face it, the NHL's southern expansion didn't work. Other than Dallas and maybe Tampa Bay, fan interest doesn't exist. Valiant effort, Gary. But no cigar. The sport should be back where it belongs.
This new league should stage TWO winter classics per season. One in the U.S., and one in Canada. The Winter Classic is primarily responsible for the NHL's resurgence after the 2005 lockout. The casual fan loves the outdoor game. It should be mandatory to hold at least two.
The league should have a hard salary cap with six year contract limits.
Teams should be awarded three points for a win, two for an overtime/shootout win, and one for an overtime/shootout loss.
Here's how the teams should be allocated. No conferences, just divisions. If there's one bright idea Gary Bettman has had recently besides the Winter Classic, it's the proposed new/old playoff format.
Lemieux Division
NY Rangers
NY Islanders
New Jersey
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
Washington
Tampa Bay
Carolina
Orr Division
Boston
Montreal
Toronto
Columbus (moved to Hartford or Nova Scotia)
Buffalo
Ottawa
Florida (moved to Quebec City)
Nashville (moved to Hamilton, ON or Toronto)
Howe Division
Detroit
Chicago
Minnesota
Winnipeg
St. Louis
Dallas
Colorado
Gretzky Division
Los Angeles
Anaheim
Phoenix (moved to Seattle or Portland)
Edmonton
Calgary
Vancouver
San Jose
In the playoffs, the first two rounds will be divisional semifinals and finals. The league semifinal matchups will be based on point total from the regular season. Then, most importantly, the winners play for the Stanley Cup.
Simple as that. A fresh start for the greatest game in the world with grander rivalries and better play, all under a fair business model for both players and owners. Most importantly, a wonderful and fulfilling experience for the fans.
Hockey deserves it.
Now, on to Week 12's Five Things:
1. The Giants not only served notice they are back, but can easily win another Super Bowl. They KILLED the Packers Sunday night.
2. Norv Turner should have been fired on the spot after his team allowed the 4th and 29 play to Ray Rice. Seriously, how does that happen to any NFL team?
3. Jets fans can whine all they want about Fireman Ed abandoning them, but the person that should care, owner Woody Johnson, won't. He is still paying his PSL to attend games.
4. If the Seahawks truly lose their two starting cornerbacks to a 4 game PED suspension, their playoff hopes are done.
5. Now that Colin Kaepernick is the Niners' starting QB, despite Jim Harbaugh's "explanation" about his role, the pressure to win a Super Bowl is through the roof. And frankly, they'd better. Poor Alex Smith.
See You At the Canyon Of Heroes after this Super Bowl! NY Giants vs Miami
Top 5
1. Houston
2. Atlanta
3. Baltimore
4. San Francisco
5. NY Giants
Bottom 5
32. Kansas City
31. Oakland
30. Jacksonville
29. Philadelphia
28. Tennessee
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
NFL Five Things for Week 11
1. Kids, never run up the score! Not only is it classless and sets a bad example, but you may lose a star player to injury! See Belichick, Bill and Gronkowski, Rob. And for this blogger, a devastating blow to his fantasy football team!
2. Does anyone that watches the Falcons really think they look like a 9-1 team? They have hardly been dominant. Five of their last six wins have been by a touchdown or less. Matt Ryan threw five interceptions against a terrible Arizona team. Their next two games are against a resurgent Bucs team and the red-hot Saints, to whom they've suffered their only loss. We'll see how good they really are.
3. Speaking of the Bucs, what a job Greg Schiano has done. They are the most improved team in the NFL. A new culture of accountability, coupled with the signing of Vincent Jackson and drafting of Doug Martin, have catapulted Tampa Bay to a 6-4 record and legitimate shot at the playoffs. Last year's team would have imploded after Martin's goal line fumble in Carolina Sunday. Their resiliency in coming back to win in overtime after that turnover proves their maturity.
4. Did the Niners knew what they have in Colin Kaepernick? If so, why did they bother re-signing Alex Smith? Starting him at this point of the season over smith is a very tricky proposition. I personally think the Niners should stick with Smith until he really screws up. That being said, Kaepernick should be the starter next season.
5. The Ed Reed fine doesn't merely highlight the NFL's hypocrisy or the seriousness of the league's concussion epidemic. It highlights a fundamental problem the media doesn't talk about. Today's NFL defenders attempt to DIVE at ball carriers as opposed to TACKLING them. Defenders need to learn to properly tackle again, otherwise a more serious incident may happen on the field.
We guarantee this Super Bowl matchup! NY Jets vs Tampa Bay (hey, Rex will say so!)
Top 5
1. Houston
2. Atlanta
3. Baltimore
4. San Francisco
5. Green Bay
Bottom 5
32. Kansas City
31. Jacksonville
30. Carolina
29. Cleveland
28. Oakland
2. Does anyone that watches the Falcons really think they look like a 9-1 team? They have hardly been dominant. Five of their last six wins have been by a touchdown or less. Matt Ryan threw five interceptions against a terrible Arizona team. Their next two games are against a resurgent Bucs team and the red-hot Saints, to whom they've suffered their only loss. We'll see how good they really are.
3. Speaking of the Bucs, what a job Greg Schiano has done. They are the most improved team in the NFL. A new culture of accountability, coupled with the signing of Vincent Jackson and drafting of Doug Martin, have catapulted Tampa Bay to a 6-4 record and legitimate shot at the playoffs. Last year's team would have imploded after Martin's goal line fumble in Carolina Sunday. Their resiliency in coming back to win in overtime after that turnover proves their maturity.
4. Did the Niners knew what they have in Colin Kaepernick? If so, why did they bother re-signing Alex Smith? Starting him at this point of the season over smith is a very tricky proposition. I personally think the Niners should stick with Smith until he really screws up. That being said, Kaepernick should be the starter next season.
5. The Ed Reed fine doesn't merely highlight the NFL's hypocrisy or the seriousness of the league's concussion epidemic. It highlights a fundamental problem the media doesn't talk about. Today's NFL defenders attempt to DIVE at ball carriers as opposed to TACKLING them. Defenders need to learn to properly tackle again, otherwise a more serious incident may happen on the field.
We guarantee this Super Bowl matchup! NY Jets vs Tampa Bay (hey, Rex will say so!)
Top 5
1. Houston
2. Atlanta
3. Baltimore
4. San Francisco
5. Green Bay
Bottom 5
32. Kansas City
31. Jacksonville
30. Carolina
29. Cleveland
28. Oakland
Sunday, November 18, 2012
MLB Free Agency preview and Week 10 NFL Five Things
It's time for the absolute best season of the year! A time for giving and recieving. A time for glee, joy, and cheer. A time where establishments are decorated and lit up!
This is not a season where games are played, blood is spilled, or folks go home unhappy.
Get over yourselves, people! It's not Christmas!
Some say the MLB offseason is better the regular season and postseason. In some respects, its true, especially when the sport has no salary cap.
Remember last year when we all but guaranteed a Marlins-Angels World Series following their spending sprees? I didn't think so.
They don't raise banners or hand out rings or trophies for winning the offseason. But it's still fun!
That said, here is where I think the big name MLB free agents will end up this offseason:
Josh Hamilton, Rangers
Any small market midwest team with no big nightlife or media presence (KC, MIN, MIL, etc.), 5 years, $110M
Hamilton effectively played his way out of Arlington at the end of last season, disappearing in big spots, and being booed off the field during the wild card game. His salary demands far exceed what Texas is willing to pay, so he appears to be gone.
B.J. Upton, Rays
Phillies, 4 years, $60M
Upton is waayyyyy out of Tampa's price range, and he also has fallen out of favor with manager Joe Maddon before. The Phillies are in desperate need of an outfielder, and he is the best available.
Michael Bourn, Braves
Nationals, 4 years, $55M
Bourn is a perfect fit for a Nationals lineup that needs speed and defense at the top.
Zack Greinke, Angels
Dodgers, 5 years, $110M
LA's spending spree under new ownership continues, and Greinke will make a perfect #2 starter behind Kershaw.
Kyle Lohse, Cardinals
Cardinals, 3 years, $45M
I can't imagine St. Louis lets him get away after establishing himself as the ace of the staff last season with a 16-3 record with a 2.86 ERA.
Nick Swisher, Yankees
Mariners, 4 years, $60M
Hey, at least he won't have to worry about postseason play in Seattle for a while!
Hiroki Kuroda, Yankees
Yankees, 1 year, $15M
At this point, its either Yankees or go home to Japan for Kuroda. He was New York's most consistent starter last year, so the Yanks will do everything they can to bring him back.
Rafael Soriano, Yankees
Tigers, 3 years, $42M
Mariano is coming back. The Tigers desperately need a closer after Jose Valverde's postseason implosion. Soriano wants to close. Perfect fit here.
Mike Napoli, Rangers
Rays, 1 year, $13M
The latest savvy move by the Rays' Andrew Friedman. He can DH and play catcher half the season, and even start at first base once in a while.
Shane Victorino, Dodgers
Blue Jays, 3 years, $30M
Why not? Especially after trading for the Miami Marlins team and signing Melky Cabrera!
Ichiro Suzuki, Yankees
Yankees, 1 year, $16.5M
Revitalized his career in the Bronx last season. Still has plenty left in him. With Brett Gardner coming back healthy, the speed and grit of the Yankee lineup will be magnified.
Now, on to Week 10 Five Things:
1. Big Ben is the NFL MVP because the Steelers are simply not a good team without him. Just watch the second half of the Monday Night game. Against the worst team in the NFL.
2. The Rams-Niners tie emphasized why the Niners didn't win the Super Bowl last year. Aside from the Vernon Davis TD in the playoffs last year, he just cannot make that one big play to take his team to the next level. And by the way, don't start with overtime rules.
3. Houston's maturity as a team showed Sunday night. Awful conditions, playing the NFL's best defense, and pulling out a win. This is a Super Bowl team, folks.
4. How about an overhaul in Arizona? Anyone remember their 3-0 start? We hear about how the Jets and Eagles should clean house, but the Cards have completely imploded.
5. Can the Saints really make a run now? It's possible. DO NOT be surprised if they squeak into the playoffs. They are dangerous right now.
Latest fickle flip flop Super Bowl prediction: New Orleans vs Denver
Top 5
1. Houston
2. Atlanta
3. Baltimore
4. Chicago
5. Green Bay
Bottom 5
32. Kansas City
31. Jacksonville
30. Cleveland
29. Carolina
28. NY Jets
This is not a season where games are played, blood is spilled, or folks go home unhappy.
Get over yourselves, people! It's not Christmas!
Some say the MLB offseason is better the regular season and postseason. In some respects, its true, especially when the sport has no salary cap.
Remember last year when we all but guaranteed a Marlins-Angels World Series following their spending sprees? I didn't think so.
They don't raise banners or hand out rings or trophies for winning the offseason. But it's still fun!
That said, here is where I think the big name MLB free agents will end up this offseason:
Josh Hamilton, Rangers
Any small market midwest team with no big nightlife or media presence (KC, MIN, MIL, etc.), 5 years, $110M
Hamilton effectively played his way out of Arlington at the end of last season, disappearing in big spots, and being booed off the field during the wild card game. His salary demands far exceed what Texas is willing to pay, so he appears to be gone.
B.J. Upton, Rays
Phillies, 4 years, $60M
Upton is waayyyyy out of Tampa's price range, and he also has fallen out of favor with manager Joe Maddon before. The Phillies are in desperate need of an outfielder, and he is the best available.
Michael Bourn, Braves
Nationals, 4 years, $55M
Bourn is a perfect fit for a Nationals lineup that needs speed and defense at the top.
Zack Greinke, Angels
Dodgers, 5 years, $110M
LA's spending spree under new ownership continues, and Greinke will make a perfect #2 starter behind Kershaw.
Kyle Lohse, Cardinals
Cardinals, 3 years, $45M
I can't imagine St. Louis lets him get away after establishing himself as the ace of the staff last season with a 16-3 record with a 2.86 ERA.
Nick Swisher, Yankees
Mariners, 4 years, $60M
Hey, at least he won't have to worry about postseason play in Seattle for a while!
Hiroki Kuroda, Yankees
Yankees, 1 year, $15M
At this point, its either Yankees or go home to Japan for Kuroda. He was New York's most consistent starter last year, so the Yanks will do everything they can to bring him back.
Rafael Soriano, Yankees
Tigers, 3 years, $42M
Mariano is coming back. The Tigers desperately need a closer after Jose Valverde's postseason implosion. Soriano wants to close. Perfect fit here.
Mike Napoli, Rangers
Rays, 1 year, $13M
The latest savvy move by the Rays' Andrew Friedman. He can DH and play catcher half the season, and even start at first base once in a while.
Shane Victorino, Dodgers
Blue Jays, 3 years, $30M
Why not? Especially after trading for the Miami Marlins team and signing Melky Cabrera!
Ichiro Suzuki, Yankees
Yankees, 1 year, $16.5M
Revitalized his career in the Bronx last season. Still has plenty left in him. With Brett Gardner coming back healthy, the speed and grit of the Yankee lineup will be magnified.
Now, on to Week 10 Five Things:
1. Big Ben is the NFL MVP because the Steelers are simply not a good team without him. Just watch the second half of the Monday Night game. Against the worst team in the NFL.
2. The Rams-Niners tie emphasized why the Niners didn't win the Super Bowl last year. Aside from the Vernon Davis TD in the playoffs last year, he just cannot make that one big play to take his team to the next level. And by the way, don't start with overtime rules.
3. Houston's maturity as a team showed Sunday night. Awful conditions, playing the NFL's best defense, and pulling out a win. This is a Super Bowl team, folks.
4. How about an overhaul in Arizona? Anyone remember their 3-0 start? We hear about how the Jets and Eagles should clean house, but the Cards have completely imploded.
5. Can the Saints really make a run now? It's possible. DO NOT be surprised if they squeak into the playoffs. They are dangerous right now.
Latest fickle flip flop Super Bowl prediction: New Orleans vs Denver
Top 5
1. Houston
2. Atlanta
3. Baltimore
4. Chicago
5. Green Bay
Bottom 5
32. Kansas City
31. Jacksonville
30. Cleveland
29. Carolina
28. NY Jets
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
NFL Week 9 Ten Things and Sandy Aftermath
Sports, in the grand scheme of things, is one of the great distractions of human life. Distractions from the hardships, drama, and pure craziness of humanity.
This past week, for those in the tri-state area, was no exception. Hurricane Sandy devastated New Jersey and Long Island, leaving thousands homeless, millions without power, and several dead. Many still do not have power. Gas lines still permeate the roads of Long Island and some parts of New Jersey. In other affected areas, life is still getting back to normal.
My family was deeply affected by this storm. Many that will read this feel the same.
But for me personally, getting to sit down and watch football on Sunday, especially the Steelers-Giants game, took my mind completely off the Sandy aftereffects for at least a few hours.
This is why sports is one of the greatest things in the world. Most consider it entertainment, others consider it bigger than that. Just ask baseball fans after 9/11. Ask Met fans that witnessed Mike Piazza hit that home run. Sports has that power.
And now, to give those affected by this awful storm a chance to be distracted for at least a few minutes, here's the Week 9 Five Things, followed by a couple of midseason predictions.
1. Andy Reid will be fired as Eagles head coach. Before the season ends.
The Eagles' problems are beyond repair right now. Michael Vick simply cannot be elite anymore, and has become a turnover machine. The birds entered the red zone four times in New Orleans four times Monday night, and only came away with one touchdown. If I am Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie, I give Reid, who has done so much for his team for so long, his release right now. He's a lame duck coach anyway, so why let him twist in the wind? The Eagles won't make the playoffs in 2012.
2. The Steelers have found their run game. They will be the AFC's most dangerous second half team.
The defending Super Bowl champions made the Steelers' third string running back, Issac Redman, look like Franco Harris Sunday. Imagine when Rashard Mendenhall and Jonathan Dwyer come back healthy. This running game will be lethal if it gets performances like it did Sunday. Plus, Troy Polamalu will presumably come back healthy, and Ben Roethlisberger is vertical and healthy for now. The swagger is back in Steel town. Where will it lead them?
3. The Bears defense is good enough, a la the '85 version, to take them all the way this year.
Granted they played a bad team in the Titans Sunday, but when you force seven, yes, SEVEN turnovers in the first half of a game, you're pretty damn good. All they need is for Jay Cutler to stay consistent, namely throw the ball to Brandon Marshall. Plus get Matt Forte his requesite carries. I was skeptical about Da Bears. Now I'm convinced about them.
4. Write it down. Sean Payton will be the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys next year.
Jason Garrett will more than likely be fired if the 'Boys don't make the playoffs. Payton's deal with the Saints was voided. Payton owns a home in Dallas and used to be a Cowboys assistant. Jerry Jones cares about making splashes. Jerry Jones loves big names. All the pieces fit. You put them together.
5. The Giants will be just fine. No need to worry. Yet.
The G-Men are in a "slump" but are 2-1 in their last 3 games. Where have we seen this before? No cause for concern. That being said, if Eli Manning only shows up in the fourth quarter, how long will the Giants survive on that?
Joe Namath/Mark Messier guarantee special Super Bowl matchup: Pittsburgh vs Chicago
Top 5
1. Atlanta
2. Houston
3. Chicago
4. Baltimore
5. San Francisco
Bottom 5
32. Jacksonville
31. Kansas City
30. Cleveland
29. Tennessee
28. Oakland
BONUS! NFL Midseason predictions
1. Andrew Luck will edge out Robert Griffin III for Rookie of the Year.
2. Tim Tebow will start at least one game for the Jets.
3. The Chiefs, like the Eagles, will also clean house before the season ends.
4. The Falcons will lose their first game next week to the Saints, who in turn, will make a valiant second half run.
5. My preseason AFC Champion pick, the Texans, will win Super Bowl XLVII. They will defeat the Bears in New Orleans.
This past week, for those in the tri-state area, was no exception. Hurricane Sandy devastated New Jersey and Long Island, leaving thousands homeless, millions without power, and several dead. Many still do not have power. Gas lines still permeate the roads of Long Island and some parts of New Jersey. In other affected areas, life is still getting back to normal.
My family was deeply affected by this storm. Many that will read this feel the same.
But for me personally, getting to sit down and watch football on Sunday, especially the Steelers-Giants game, took my mind completely off the Sandy aftereffects for at least a few hours.
This is why sports is one of the greatest things in the world. Most consider it entertainment, others consider it bigger than that. Just ask baseball fans after 9/11. Ask Met fans that witnessed Mike Piazza hit that home run. Sports has that power.
And now, to give those affected by this awful storm a chance to be distracted for at least a few minutes, here's the Week 9 Five Things, followed by a couple of midseason predictions.
1. Andy Reid will be fired as Eagles head coach. Before the season ends.
The Eagles' problems are beyond repair right now. Michael Vick simply cannot be elite anymore, and has become a turnover machine. The birds entered the red zone four times in New Orleans four times Monday night, and only came away with one touchdown. If I am Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie, I give Reid, who has done so much for his team for so long, his release right now. He's a lame duck coach anyway, so why let him twist in the wind? The Eagles won't make the playoffs in 2012.
2. The Steelers have found their run game. They will be the AFC's most dangerous second half team.
The defending Super Bowl champions made the Steelers' third string running back, Issac Redman, look like Franco Harris Sunday. Imagine when Rashard Mendenhall and Jonathan Dwyer come back healthy. This running game will be lethal if it gets performances like it did Sunday. Plus, Troy Polamalu will presumably come back healthy, and Ben Roethlisberger is vertical and healthy for now. The swagger is back in Steel town. Where will it lead them?
3. The Bears defense is good enough, a la the '85 version, to take them all the way this year.
Granted they played a bad team in the Titans Sunday, but when you force seven, yes, SEVEN turnovers in the first half of a game, you're pretty damn good. All they need is for Jay Cutler to stay consistent, namely throw the ball to Brandon Marshall. Plus get Matt Forte his requesite carries. I was skeptical about Da Bears. Now I'm convinced about them.
4. Write it down. Sean Payton will be the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys next year.
Jason Garrett will more than likely be fired if the 'Boys don't make the playoffs. Payton's deal with the Saints was voided. Payton owns a home in Dallas and used to be a Cowboys assistant. Jerry Jones cares about making splashes. Jerry Jones loves big names. All the pieces fit. You put them together.
5. The Giants will be just fine. No need to worry. Yet.
The G-Men are in a "slump" but are 2-1 in their last 3 games. Where have we seen this before? No cause for concern. That being said, if Eli Manning only shows up in the fourth quarter, how long will the Giants survive on that?
Joe Namath/Mark Messier guarantee special Super Bowl matchup: Pittsburgh vs Chicago
Top 5
1. Atlanta
2. Houston
3. Chicago
4. Baltimore
5. San Francisco
Bottom 5
32. Jacksonville
31. Kansas City
30. Cleveland
29. Tennessee
28. Oakland
BONUS! NFL Midseason predictions
1. Andrew Luck will edge out Robert Griffin III for Rookie of the Year.
2. Tim Tebow will start at least one game for the Jets.
3. The Chiefs, like the Eagles, will also clean house before the season ends.
4. The Falcons will lose their first game next week to the Saints, who in turn, will make a valiant second half run.
5. My preseason AFC Champion pick, the Texans, will win Super Bowl XLVII. They will defeat the Bears in New Orleans.
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