It's weird. The NHL's showcase event of the regular season is tomorrow in Washington, D.C., featuring the hometown Capitals and Chicago Blackhawks, Stanley Cup champions twice in the last four years, but there seems to be a lack of interest. Locally, the dumpster fire known as the Redskins has taken attention away from the Capitals.
For as bad as the 'Skins played this year, media couldn't stop talking about them. There are two 24-hour sports talk radio stations, ESPN 980-WTEM owned by Redskins owner Daniel Snyder and 106.7 The Fan-WJFK. Both stations discuss the football team way too much. The Redskins went 4-12 this season.
However, that didn't stop WJFK from doing an eight hour show, double the normal length, each Monday for five straight weeks. Grant Paulsen and Danny Rouhier host from 10 am to 2 pm. Chad Dukes hosts by himself from 2 pm to 6 pm. The three hosts were so confident the Redskins would defeat then one-win Tampa Bay that they would all do an eight-hour marathon on Monday. Of course, the 'Skins got blown out 27-7. At a time when less talk was deserved, more was given. It's not just radio. The Washington Post and The Washington Times newspapers devote multiple reporters to cover the 16-game Redskins schedule while the Caps get only one reporter for their 82 games.
The Capitals, for their part, have done a poor job promoting the game and not making it a series of events. In addition, the general public has almost been completely shut out. Yesterday, there was a media/alumni game played on the actual game rink at Nationals Park. Only select season ticket holders with VIP status were allowed to attend. Today's Capitals team practice at Nationals Park is closed to the public. That makes no sense. Many practices at their training facility are open to the public. Why is Nationals Park different?
The answer is ownership. Ted Leonsis, owner of the Capitals and the NBA's Wizards, has turned from a fan-friendly owner to a fan-hating dictator. After the Capitals failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2007, individual game and season ticket prices were RAISED!
The team has struggled for much of the last five seasons. In 2009-10, they were the best team in the regular season but lost in the first round of the playoffs to Montreal. Since then, there has been a gradual decrease in wins, points in the standings, and lower rankings.
On local TV broadcasts of games on CSN Mid-Atlantic, tickets are constantly being advertised for future home games and empty seats can be seen at said home games. Capitals fans have invested lots of their money with no reward. Leonsis, the rest of management, and the PR staff need to step up. The fanbase has done its job.
Finally, the National Hockey League shares blame for putting a half-hearted effort in promotion leading up to the game. First, the league left HBO for less cable subscribers with EPIX. Also, the league's broadcast partners have heavily criticized the Capitals best player Alexander Ovechkin. At times, it's completely justified and correct. Other times, the negative analysis is mean-spirited and biased. Ovechkin is an outstanding offense player, however, he's a below-average defense player. When other superstar players like Ovechkin make similar mistakes, they are less criticized than him.
The NHL has also ruined the outdoor game spectacle. There were SIX outdoor hockey games LAST SEASON!, that's equal to the total amount in the PREVIOUS SIX SEASONS! There is another outdoor game this season in late January between Los Angeles and San Jose in Santa Clara, California. Yes, that last sentence was right. In fact, that game will be the second outdoor NHL game in California in two years (Anaheim at Los Angeles, last January). NBC, the NHL national broadcaster in the United States, has a lot of input in the teams selected for outdoor games. The Winter Classic outdoor game on New Years Day has featured Pittsburgh, New York Rangers, Philadelphia, Boston, Detroit, Chicago and Washington on multiple occasions. Buffalo has participated only once. Teams in cold-weather hockey areas such as Minnesota, Colorado, St. Louis, and Columbus have not even played in an outdoor game, home or away. The scheduling is stale. It's the same teams over and over again. Tomorrow, the Blackhawks will play in their third outdoor game, second in 14 months, and second Winter Classic. The Capitals will play in their second Winter Classic, first at home. Boston has already been selected by the NHL as next year's host. They last hosted an outdoor game way back in...January 2010.
The Winter Classic is a special event which feels less special this year . The D.C. sports media, the Washington Capitals, the National Hockey League, the hockey media, and NBC all are at fault.
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Mixed results for Caps, Wiz on Monday
It was strange watching the Wizards and Capitals games last night. The Caps started bad, played well in the middle, regressed to bad again at the end. The Wiz started good and continued through half of the third quarter, played poorly late in the third and early in the fourth quarter. They rebounded, literally and figuratively, late in the game.
For the Capitals, their special teams were not special. They were 0 for 4 on man-advantage power plays and allowed their opponent, the New York Islanders, to score a goal while having more players on the ice than the Islanders.
The Caps took too many penalties (7) resulting in playing more defense than offense. The Islanders scored on 2 of their 7 power plays including the winning goal in overtime.
The most frustrating part of the Capitals performance was their lack of effort and cohesive play in the first two periods. They trailed 3-0 early in the third and came back to tie before losing. If they played like they did when trailing 3-0 earlier in the game then they would've won easily.
The Wizards had to wait 30 minutes for their game in Houston to start. After 45 seconds of play, one of the basket rims nearest to the Rockets bench stopped working. It malfunctioned. The structure needed to be lowered, taken off the court, and a new one needed to be dragged out and lifted up to proper height.
When they started playing, the Wizards held their own with Houston, currently in the top four in the Western Conference of the NBA. Wizards led by 1 at 46-45 at halftime.
They exploded in the third quarter leading by as many as 18 points, 71-53. Paul Pierce, who seemingly has played for 50 years, scored 11 points in 6 minutes. The Wiz outscored the Rockets during the end of second and start of the third quarters, 38-13!
The Wizards, however, let the Rockets outscore them by a 31-13 margin to make the score even. I don't get it. They're the anti-Caps! They start fast and then slow down at times.
Thankfully, they started fast again after the game was tied. The Wiz scored nine straight points to make it 93-84. The Rockets didn't give up, eventually cutting the lead to one at 104-103 with one second left but ran out of time.
For the Capitals, their special teams were not special. They were 0 for 4 on man-advantage power plays and allowed their opponent, the New York Islanders, to score a goal while having more players on the ice than the Islanders.
The Caps took too many penalties (7) resulting in playing more defense than offense. The Islanders scored on 2 of their 7 power plays including the winning goal in overtime.
The most frustrating part of the Capitals performance was their lack of effort and cohesive play in the first two periods. They trailed 3-0 early in the third and came back to tie before losing. If they played like they did when trailing 3-0 earlier in the game then they would've won easily.
The Wizards had to wait 30 minutes for their game in Houston to start. After 45 seconds of play, one of the basket rims nearest to the Rockets bench stopped working. It malfunctioned. The structure needed to be lowered, taken off the court, and a new one needed to be dragged out and lifted up to proper height.
When they started playing, the Wizards held their own with Houston, currently in the top four in the Western Conference of the NBA. Wizards led by 1 at 46-45 at halftime.
They exploded in the third quarter leading by as many as 18 points, 71-53. Paul Pierce, who seemingly has played for 50 years, scored 11 points in 6 minutes. The Wiz outscored the Rockets during the end of second and start of the third quarters, 38-13!
The Wizards, however, let the Rockets outscore them by a 31-13 margin to make the score even. I don't get it. They're the anti-Caps! They start fast and then slow down at times.
Thankfully, they started fast again after the game was tied. The Wiz scored nine straight points to make it 93-84. The Rockets didn't give up, eventually cutting the lead to one at 104-103 with one second left but ran out of time.
Monday, December 29, 2014
Time to give attention to other local teams not Redskins
Thank god, the Redskins season is over. No more games to watch. No more NFL studio shows talking about the team. No more wondering if this week's broadcasters are going to use the team's official nickname or boycott against it by not saying "Redskins". No more bad, depressing weekends.
Sundays and even Mondays can be fun again. There are great pro and college sports teams in action right now. The Capitals shut out the Penguins, their arch rival, in Pittsburgh on Saturday. They are playing their best hockey in nearly four years, 8-1-2 in their last 11 games. Overall, they are 18-11-6 entering Monday for 42 points and a tie for third place in their division. Capitals are one unified team with good offense and defense. They don't depend on only Alexander Ovechkin. Nicklas Backstrom is a great "Robin" to Ovechkin's "Batman". Brooks Orpik and Matt Niskanen have improved the defense so much this year. Orpik's physical hitting intimidates opponents while Niskanen's smooth skating and passing allows the Caps to not spend time on defense. In addition, new head coach Barry Trotz has diagrammed a playing system which concentrates equally on offense and defense.
In the NBA, The Wizards are second in their division only due to playing fewer games than Atlanta have 21 wins already in 29 games. John Wall is an emerging superstar and quickly becoming one of the NBA's best players. Wall makes a highlight-reel pass or shot or both every night. Bradley Beal is a great shooter. He can make shots from anywhere and dribble past lazy defenders. Nene, Marcin Gortat, and Kris Humphires rebound opponent's missed shots with great frequency. The trio can score on offense close to the basket and far away.
In college basketball, there are a lot of good stories. The University of Virginia is third ranked in the entire country with a perfect 11-0 record. In-state rival Virginia Tech is an impressive 8-4 in a rebuilding season. Georgetown University is 8-3 including two spectacular overtime wins over Florida and Indiana, respectively in neutral-site, non-home games. The University of Maryland has a 12-1 win/loss total with their only loss against undefeated Virginia. Maryland has won three games outside the state of Maryland, two in Kansas City over Arizona State and Iowa State through winning the CBE Classic and one in Oklahoma at Oklahoma State. Finally, George Washington University defeated Wichita State in winning the Diamond Head Classic in Hawaii. Wichita State was ranked 11th with a 10-1 record entering the game. George Washington is 9-3 after winning the three round tournament.
For those of you scoring at home, all of the basketball and hockey teams have winning records with at least 12 games played. The Redskins have done that once since the beginning of the 1999 season. The best 12 game mark was a break even 6-6 mark in 2012 after they started 3-6.
In short, these teams are good, the Redskins are bad. Also, it's not going to change. Spend your time, money, competitive rooting interests on basketball and hockey. Don't pay attention to coaching changes, free agent signings, or draft picks selected by the Redskins. It's a waste of time, enjoy yourself with good, hard-working teams.
Sundays and even Mondays can be fun again. There are great pro and college sports teams in action right now. The Capitals shut out the Penguins, their arch rival, in Pittsburgh on Saturday. They are playing their best hockey in nearly four years, 8-1-2 in their last 11 games. Overall, they are 18-11-6 entering Monday for 42 points and a tie for third place in their division. Capitals are one unified team with good offense and defense. They don't depend on only Alexander Ovechkin. Nicklas Backstrom is a great "Robin" to Ovechkin's "Batman". Brooks Orpik and Matt Niskanen have improved the defense so much this year. Orpik's physical hitting intimidates opponents while Niskanen's smooth skating and passing allows the Caps to not spend time on defense. In addition, new head coach Barry Trotz has diagrammed a playing system which concentrates equally on offense and defense.
In the NBA, The Wizards are second in their division only due to playing fewer games than Atlanta have 21 wins already in 29 games. John Wall is an emerging superstar and quickly becoming one of the NBA's best players. Wall makes a highlight-reel pass or shot or both every night. Bradley Beal is a great shooter. He can make shots from anywhere and dribble past lazy defenders. Nene, Marcin Gortat, and Kris Humphires rebound opponent's missed shots with great frequency. The trio can score on offense close to the basket and far away.
In college basketball, there are a lot of good stories. The University of Virginia is third ranked in the entire country with a perfect 11-0 record. In-state rival Virginia Tech is an impressive 8-4 in a rebuilding season. Georgetown University is 8-3 including two spectacular overtime wins over Florida and Indiana, respectively in neutral-site, non-home games. The University of Maryland has a 12-1 win/loss total with their only loss against undefeated Virginia. Maryland has won three games outside the state of Maryland, two in Kansas City over Arizona State and Iowa State through winning the CBE Classic and one in Oklahoma at Oklahoma State. Finally, George Washington University defeated Wichita State in winning the Diamond Head Classic in Hawaii. Wichita State was ranked 11th with a 10-1 record entering the game. George Washington is 9-3 after winning the three round tournament.
For those of you scoring at home, all of the basketball and hockey teams have winning records with at least 12 games played. The Redskins have done that once since the beginning of the 1999 season. The best 12 game mark was a break even 6-6 mark in 2012 after they started 3-6.
In short, these teams are good, the Redskins are bad. Also, it's not going to change. Spend your time, money, competitive rooting interests on basketball and hockey. Don't pay attention to coaching changes, free agent signings, or draft picks selected by the Redskins. It's a waste of time, enjoy yourself with good, hard-working teams.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Too early to predict for NBA/NHL teams (Part 1)
It's too early to make season-long judgements on NBA and NHL. In the case of the NBA, they just started their regular season. Teams began playing games only last Tuesday. So, that's fourteen days or exactly two weeks. That's way too small of a period to make accurate assessments. For the NHL, their season began on October 8th. They've played for a little more than four weeks, 30 days. 30 days is a month so you have a larger sample size. However, it isn't big enough to predict a team or individuals performance over six months. Tomorrow, we'll look at the the NHL. Today, we'll examine the NBA.
In the NBA, teams have played between 6 and 8 games. Cleveland, Atlanta, Brooklyn, Boston, San Antonio, New Orleans, L.A. Lakers, Golden State, Minnesota, and Denver have played the least number of games (6). That's 4 Eastern clubs and 6 Western clubs. 8 of the 15 eastern conference teams and 8 of the 15 western conference teams have played the median number of games (7). If you're good with math than you know this without thinking and better than me getting headaches over single numbers. Three teams from the East {New York, Chicago, and Indiana} and one team from the West {Utah} have played the most number of games (8).By the way, I have a headache as I type this. No sarcasm garbage here.
The Cleveland Lebrons...errr...the Cavaliers started losing three of their first four games. ESPN commentators were debating whether we should be concerned, uh...no. Let's not get carried away. Cleveland won on Friday in Denver. They were on a west coast road trip, 2-3 time zones away from Ohio. On Monday, they returned home and defeated New Orleans. Cleveland is 3-3 after a 1-3 start.
Injuries also play a role in misjudging teams based upon success in previous years and expectations for future years. Two teams who exemplify this are the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Indiana is without All-Star Paul George for the season after breaking his right leg in a Team USA Basketball practice. In addition to George, the Pacers are missing David West, George Hill, C.J. Watson, and Rodney Stuckey due to injuries. OKC are without last season's NBA most valuable player Kevin Durant for an undetermined time, due to a fracture in his right foot, and fellow All-Star Russelll Westbrook broke his right hand during the first game of the season and is out for 4-6 weeks. The Thunder are 2-5 in the West while the Pacers are 2-6 in the East. Again, these teams aren't this bad, when your team's best players get hurt, the worse results occur in most cases. The good news is there are 82 games in the NBA regular season, nobody has played 10 games yet, forget 20, 30, or 40.
I would wait until around Christmas time to give a more well-rounded look at the NBA. That's six weeks. Am I that number-savvy? No...I counted the Tuesdays after this one and allegedly came up with six. I would then give a mid-season report card when everyone plays 41 games. Then, I want to reexamine after play on February 12. There's a break of six days between games due to the NBA All-Star Weekend and extended weekday break. Finally, check-ups are mandatory on March 1, April 1, and a full prognosis after games on April 15, the season's final night. I sound like a doctor, I don't play one on TV, just the Internet. Everybody, it's early, relax.
In the NBA, teams have played between 6 and 8 games. Cleveland, Atlanta, Brooklyn, Boston, San Antonio, New Orleans, L.A. Lakers, Golden State, Minnesota, and Denver have played the least number of games (6). That's 4 Eastern clubs and 6 Western clubs. 8 of the 15 eastern conference teams and 8 of the 15 western conference teams have played the median number of games (7). If you're good with math than you know this without thinking and better than me getting headaches over single numbers. Three teams from the East {New York, Chicago, and Indiana} and one team from the West {Utah} have played the most number of games (8).By the way, I have a headache as I type this. No sarcasm garbage here.
The Cleveland Lebrons...errr...the Cavaliers started losing three of their first four games. ESPN commentators were debating whether we should be concerned, uh...no. Let's not get carried away. Cleveland won on Friday in Denver. They were on a west coast road trip, 2-3 time zones away from Ohio. On Monday, they returned home and defeated New Orleans. Cleveland is 3-3 after a 1-3 start.
Injuries also play a role in misjudging teams based upon success in previous years and expectations for future years. Two teams who exemplify this are the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Indiana is without All-Star Paul George for the season after breaking his right leg in a Team USA Basketball practice. In addition to George, the Pacers are missing David West, George Hill, C.J. Watson, and Rodney Stuckey due to injuries. OKC are without last season's NBA most valuable player Kevin Durant for an undetermined time, due to a fracture in his right foot, and fellow All-Star Russelll Westbrook broke his right hand during the first game of the season and is out for 4-6 weeks. The Thunder are 2-5 in the West while the Pacers are 2-6 in the East. Again, these teams aren't this bad, when your team's best players get hurt, the worse results occur in most cases. The good news is there are 82 games in the NBA regular season, nobody has played 10 games yet, forget 20, 30, or 40.
I would wait until around Christmas time to give a more well-rounded look at the NBA. That's six weeks. Am I that number-savvy? No...I counted the Tuesdays after this one and allegedly came up with six. I would then give a mid-season report card when everyone plays 41 games. Then, I want to reexamine after play on February 12. There's a break of six days between games due to the NBA All-Star Weekend and extended weekday break. Finally, check-ups are mandatory on March 1, April 1, and a full prognosis after games on April 15, the season's final night. I sound like a doctor, I don't play one on TV, just the Internet. Everybody, it's early, relax.
Monday, November 10, 2014
Steelers fans and sports media show lack of judgment in aftermath of loss vs. Jets
Depending upon how you look at things, either the Pittsburgh Steelers lost or the New York Jets won their head-to-head NFL matchup. There are reasons why the 1-8Jets defeated the 6-3 Steelers on Sunday. New York played its best game of the season. Arguably, Pittsburgh played their worst, they did lose at home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in September. That is the Bucs' only victory this season against eight losses. Maybe the Steelers played down to their competition. These are valid reasons explaining Sunday's outcome.
Here is the most-talked about reason for why the Steelers lost, singer Justin Bieber showed up at the team's bible study on Saturday. Yes, this is the reason why they didn't beat the Jets. I'm not whether to laugh or cry. It's so laughable that a person could bring bad luck to a team.
Sports fans believe in curses or jinxes. Announcers get criticized often for saying a pitcher throwing a no-hitter in baseball or a goalie is shutting out the opponent in hockey. Because the Red Sox sold Babe Ruth to the Yankees, Boston didn't win a World Series in baseball from 1918 to 2004. Yes, and I am 6'4", 220 pounds. I'm closer to 5'5" and 120, for the record. In reality, Boston had really successful teams but never the best team until 2004. The Jets haven't won a Super Bowl since 1969. They've just been bad to mediocre, no Joe Namath guarantee reverse jinx.
Steelers fans and sports media blaming the Steelers loss on Bieber meeting the team at a religious event is IDIOTIC, GUTLESS, AND HEARTLESS! Would these people say these things about their son, their brother, their cousin, their friend? Is it in spite? Is it jealously? HECK YEAH!What did Bieber do that was so wrong? All of the players who were in pictures with Bieber seemed to enjoy his company and vice-versa. Can't we all get along? Please, Bieber has done some bad things but is trying to make up for it now. Give him a chance.
Here is the most-talked about reason for why the Steelers lost, singer Justin Bieber showed up at the team's bible study on Saturday. Yes, this is the reason why they didn't beat the Jets. I'm not whether to laugh or cry. It's so laughable that a person could bring bad luck to a team.
Sports fans believe in curses or jinxes. Announcers get criticized often for saying a pitcher throwing a no-hitter in baseball or a goalie is shutting out the opponent in hockey. Because the Red Sox sold Babe Ruth to the Yankees, Boston didn't win a World Series in baseball from 1918 to 2004. Yes, and I am 6'4", 220 pounds. I'm closer to 5'5" and 120, for the record. In reality, Boston had really successful teams but never the best team until 2004. The Jets haven't won a Super Bowl since 1969. They've just been bad to mediocre, no Joe Namath guarantee reverse jinx.
Steelers fans and sports media blaming the Steelers loss on Bieber meeting the team at a religious event is IDIOTIC, GUTLESS, AND HEARTLESS! Would these people say these things about their son, their brother, their cousin, their friend? Is it in spite? Is it jealously? HECK YEAH!What did Bieber do that was so wrong? All of the players who were in pictures with Bieber seemed to enjoy his company and vice-versa. Can't we all get along? Please, Bieber has done some bad things but is trying to make up for it now. Give him a chance.
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Arqam's Angle - Audio Edition
Today, we're going to try something a little bit different. Instead of one written post on a particular topic, we're going to give two audio posts on two different but similar topics regarding hockey coverage by the hockey media.
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First up, the hockey media's relationship with Washington Capitals player Alexander Ovechkin and comparisons between him and Pittsburgh Penguins player Sidney Crosby. (Length - 13:14)
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6iKgh1EqWPceUw5MEZDeHFubzR5N0xwbzZNMXB6LTExX1FV/edit
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Here is the second part of Arqam's Angle - Audio Edition.
This is about the NHL's and broadcast partner NBC's scheduling of the cable sports network's NBCSN Wednesday Night Rivalry. In addition, we discuss the branding of "Wednesday Night Rivalry". Is it completely accurate? (Length 15:46)
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6iKgh1EqWPcbHEtekJGUTJSaFBYajk0VHZYSnFObXZQYS1z/edit
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Please comment on if the audio file links do or don't work properly. Also, please give a few seconds for audio to start after hitting play. These were recorded off an iPhone. Thank you.
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First up, the hockey media's relationship with Washington Capitals player Alexander Ovechkin and comparisons between him and Pittsburgh Penguins player Sidney Crosby. (Length - 13:14)
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6iKgh1EqWPceUw5MEZDeHFubzR5N0xwbzZNMXB6LTExX1FV/edit
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Here is the second part of Arqam's Angle - Audio Edition.
This is about the NHL's and broadcast partner NBC's scheduling of the cable sports network's NBCSN Wednesday Night Rivalry. In addition, we discuss the branding of "Wednesday Night Rivalry". Is it completely accurate? (Length 15:46)
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6iKgh1EqWPcbHEtekJGUTJSaFBYajk0VHZYSnFObXZQYS1z/edit
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Please comment on if the audio file links do or don't work properly. Also, please give a few seconds for audio to start after hitting play. These were recorded off an iPhone. Thank you.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
The Washington Redskins Vs. The Media
You would think the Washington Redskins would be a little more careful about public relations and media matters considering the never-ending debate about the team's nickname. After a stunning 20-17 overtime upset win over the rival Dallas Cowboys two weeks ago, everybody at Redskin Park should be happy. A two-game winning streak jumped Washington to a 3-5 record with two games against losing teams coming up, Minnesota and Tampa Bay. Well, this wouldn't be the Redskins if there wasn't some sort of circus. Where are The Flying Wallendas? Where is the fire-eating person? Where are the jugglers? I'm rambling.
Anyway, the Redskins announced injured QB Robert Griffin III would start this past Sunday's game against Minnesota or did they? Many local and national reporters claimed through anonymous sources that this was the case. This was Wednesday, two days after Dallas and four days before Minnesota. Later, Redskins head coach Jay Gruden informed the media that no decision had been made. Basically, Griffin would practice with the first team along with then-starter Colt McCoy. If the Redskins' coaches felt Griffin was healthy to play, they would start Griffin. If not, McCoy would start. This is typical behavior for a team with an injured starting QB and a backup QB filling in as the temporary starter. The problem, lack of understanding and communication to the media.
So, Gruden said a decision would be made on Friday. No problem. Friday comes, Gruden says Griffin is the starting QB versus Minnesota. No problem. Sunday comes, problem. Britt McHenry and Adam Schefter of ESPN both reported issues with the Redskins and Griffin. First, Schefter claimed the Redskins decision to start Griffin was not made by head coach Jay Gruden. Schefter said , on ESPN's pregame show and in a story written by ESPN.com staffers, that owner Daniel Snyder and general manager Bruce Allen made the decision. It was interesting because neither Snyder or Allen said anything publicly.
The ESPN.com story's first sentence read, "multiple members of the Washington Redskins organization told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter this week that they believe the decision to go back to quarterback Robert Griffin III and away from Colt McCoy, who had led the team to two straight wins, is an owner- and general manager-driven decision".
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11808434/call-start-robert-griffin-iii-washington-redskins-came-top
Now the word "believe" was used by the people who talked to Schefter. "Believe" is different than "told" or "said". Schefter was "told" by sources who "believe" the decision was from upper-level management. Do the sources know for a fact? Do they not know? Was the story made up by Schefter? Could it be a misunderstanding?
Well, McHenry's negative Redskins story was about how one person said "Griffin has alienated himself" from the rest of the team. This statement was in response to a bizarre incident when Griffin was speaking to reporters on Friday. A group of players yelled and screamed and cheered so loud for so long that the interview needed to be moved out of the locker room. Griffin and the reporters relocated to a nearby hallway where the screaming continued. None of the two sports radio stations, four D.C. TV stations, or around a dozen writers from various newspapers reported anything.
After the Redskins lost to the Vikings, 29-26, Gruden and Griffin both denied friction between the team and the QB and claimed Gruden made the decision to start Griffin. Okay, so, WHAT IS GOING ON? Is this the football version of the old TV game show, "To Tell the Truth"? Maybe it's the old "Truth or Consequences" hosted by famed "The Price is Right" host Bob Barker? Well, I don't know whose telling the truth but there are consequences (thank you, I'll be at the DC Improv on Friday night, sarcasm).
Anyhow, this bizarre mystery gets even more mysterious when 106.7 The Fan's Redskins beat reporter Brian McNally says it wasn't directed at Griffin. Better yet, the group of shouting players were mad at the media. An athlete mad at a reporter, never hear or see that a lot in sports. Insert your joke, wait, I just did. McNally explained there was ongoing tension between the players and the Redskins PR department/news media.
http://washington.cbslocal.com/2014/11/03/another-pr-debacle-involving-rgiii-and-the-washington-redskins/
Among the highlights or lowlights were... "We’re trying to conduct an interview with Robert Griffin III in the middle of the locker room, and to have 12 to 15 guys just making a ruckus, yelling nonsense, interrupting what we were trying to do; it wasn’t funny — I don’t care what Ryan Clark said, I’ll go at him next time I see him, it’s ridiculous — it wasn’t lighthearted.”
In addition, McNally was asked by the radio hosts if the Redskins demanded he and other reporters to keep quiet. He told the station they reporters were "asked" but not "told" to not say anything if the Redskins punished their players behind closed doors. It was to be an agreement between and the media. In an interesting note, Britt McHenry, the ESPN reporter who reported the ruckus is based in the local Washington, D.C. area but acted as a national media person. McNally didn't single out McHenry and admitted a personal bias on her behalf while discussing the incident.
McNally sounded angry more toward the players involved at the end of one answer stating, “trust me, that bargain would not have been struck if any reporter thought that that was not going to be nipped in the bud, and I think Robert even referenced that — I think he said that in his press conference yesterday, that will not happen again, and it better not happen again". The question has to be asked, why did the local media not refuse the Redskins request to keep it private? Were the reporters afraid of more player backlash? For one thing, it didn't look good.
So, the Washington Redskins have insulted Native Americans by defending their racist team nickname, insulted their fans with two decades of mostly losing football, and insulted the local media with the actions of a few players. If it wasn't for the Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, Carolina Panthers, and Minnesota Vikings, the Redskins would win "Most Embarrassing Off-Field Behavior and PR for 2014".
In my opinion, Washington is a screwed-up organization with tons of locker room and media issues to fix. However, the Ravens, 49ers, and Panthers all planned on playing key star players (Ray Rice-Ravens, Ray McDonald-49ers, Greg Hardy-Panthers) following domestic violence arrests until media backlash forced them to change their mind. The Vikings in the month of September, Washington's opponent last week, were going to start Adrian Peterson the week after not allowing him to play due to a child abuse arrest then suspended him after fans protested.
At least, Washington hasn't had any arrests or suspensions for off-field conduct. One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind! Yes, that was completely sarcastic.
The Washington Redskins ownership, front office, public relations staff, coaches, and players need to show better cooperation and understanding with the media. The media are two-fold. Local reporters need to stand up for themselves and not let the team dictate things. National reporters need to use better perspective of a local story in relation to a national audience. They also have to provide names when mentioning sources. This is sports, this is professional football, nobody is exchanging political or military plans which could affect the world. It's one football team in one professional football league. People's lives and/or professional careers should not be at risk.
It's bad enough for a football team when they're 3-6 with only 7 games left, it's worse when that isn't even the main story.
Anyway, the Redskins announced injured QB Robert Griffin III would start this past Sunday's game against Minnesota or did they? Many local and national reporters claimed through anonymous sources that this was the case. This was Wednesday, two days after Dallas and four days before Minnesota. Later, Redskins head coach Jay Gruden informed the media that no decision had been made. Basically, Griffin would practice with the first team along with then-starter Colt McCoy. If the Redskins' coaches felt Griffin was healthy to play, they would start Griffin. If not, McCoy would start. This is typical behavior for a team with an injured starting QB and a backup QB filling in as the temporary starter. The problem, lack of understanding and communication to the media.
So, Gruden said a decision would be made on Friday. No problem. Friday comes, Gruden says Griffin is the starting QB versus Minnesota. No problem. Sunday comes, problem. Britt McHenry and Adam Schefter of ESPN both reported issues with the Redskins and Griffin. First, Schefter claimed the Redskins decision to start Griffin was not made by head coach Jay Gruden. Schefter said , on ESPN's pregame show and in a story written by ESPN.com staffers, that owner Daniel Snyder and general manager Bruce Allen made the decision. It was interesting because neither Snyder or Allen said anything publicly.
The ESPN.com story's first sentence read, "multiple members of the Washington Redskins organization told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter this week that they believe the decision to go back to quarterback Robert Griffin III and away from Colt McCoy, who had led the team to two straight wins, is an owner- and general manager-driven decision".
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11808434/call-start-robert-griffin-iii-washington-redskins-came-top
Now the word "believe" was used by the people who talked to Schefter. "Believe" is different than "told" or "said". Schefter was "told" by sources who "believe" the decision was from upper-level management. Do the sources know for a fact? Do they not know? Was the story made up by Schefter? Could it be a misunderstanding?
Well, McHenry's negative Redskins story was about how one person said "Griffin has alienated himself" from the rest of the team. This statement was in response to a bizarre incident when Griffin was speaking to reporters on Friday. A group of players yelled and screamed and cheered so loud for so long that the interview needed to be moved out of the locker room. Griffin and the reporters relocated to a nearby hallway where the screaming continued. None of the two sports radio stations, four D.C. TV stations, or around a dozen writers from various newspapers reported anything.
After the Redskins lost to the Vikings, 29-26, Gruden and Griffin both denied friction between the team and the QB and claimed Gruden made the decision to start Griffin. Okay, so, WHAT IS GOING ON? Is this the football version of the old TV game show, "To Tell the Truth"? Maybe it's the old "Truth or Consequences" hosted by famed "The Price is Right" host Bob Barker? Well, I don't know whose telling the truth but there are consequences (thank you, I'll be at the DC Improv on Friday night, sarcasm).
Anyhow, this bizarre mystery gets even more mysterious when 106.7 The Fan's Redskins beat reporter Brian McNally says it wasn't directed at Griffin. Better yet, the group of shouting players were mad at the media. An athlete mad at a reporter, never hear or see that a lot in sports. Insert your joke, wait, I just did. McNally explained there was ongoing tension between the players and the Redskins PR department/news media.
http://washington.cbslocal.com/2014/11/03/another-pr-debacle-involving-rgiii-and-the-washington-redskins/
Among the highlights or lowlights were... "We’re trying to conduct an interview with Robert Griffin III in the middle of the locker room, and to have 12 to 15 guys just making a ruckus, yelling nonsense, interrupting what we were trying to do; it wasn’t funny — I don’t care what Ryan Clark said, I’ll go at him next time I see him, it’s ridiculous — it wasn’t lighthearted.”
In addition, McNally was asked by the radio hosts if the Redskins demanded he and other reporters to keep quiet. He told the station they reporters were "asked" but not "told" to not say anything if the Redskins punished their players behind closed doors. It was to be an agreement between and the media. In an interesting note, Britt McHenry, the ESPN reporter who reported the ruckus is based in the local Washington, D.C. area but acted as a national media person. McNally didn't single out McHenry and admitted a personal bias on her behalf while discussing the incident.
McNally sounded angry more toward the players involved at the end of one answer stating, “trust me, that bargain would not have been struck if any reporter thought that that was not going to be nipped in the bud, and I think Robert even referenced that — I think he said that in his press conference yesterday, that will not happen again, and it better not happen again". The question has to be asked, why did the local media not refuse the Redskins request to keep it private? Were the reporters afraid of more player backlash? For one thing, it didn't look good.
So, the Washington Redskins have insulted Native Americans by defending their racist team nickname, insulted their fans with two decades of mostly losing football, and insulted the local media with the actions of a few players. If it wasn't for the Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, Carolina Panthers, and Minnesota Vikings, the Redskins would win "Most Embarrassing Off-Field Behavior and PR for 2014".
In my opinion, Washington is a screwed-up organization with tons of locker room and media issues to fix. However, the Ravens, 49ers, and Panthers all planned on playing key star players (Ray Rice-Ravens, Ray McDonald-49ers, Greg Hardy-Panthers) following domestic violence arrests until media backlash forced them to change their mind. The Vikings in the month of September, Washington's opponent last week, were going to start Adrian Peterson the week after not allowing him to play due to a child abuse arrest then suspended him after fans protested.
At least, Washington hasn't had any arrests or suspensions for off-field conduct. One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind! Yes, that was completely sarcastic.
The Washington Redskins ownership, front office, public relations staff, coaches, and players need to show better cooperation and understanding with the media. The media are two-fold. Local reporters need to stand up for themselves and not let the team dictate things. National reporters need to use better perspective of a local story in relation to a national audience. They also have to provide names when mentioning sources. This is sports, this is professional football, nobody is exchanging political or military plans which could affect the world. It's one football team in one professional football league. People's lives and/or professional careers should not be at risk.
It's bad enough for a football team when they're 3-6 with only 7 games left, it's worse when that isn't even the main story.
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
CBS confuses and frustrates viewers with hypocritical NFL bonus coverage
CBS Sports is usually good with their NFL coverage in regard to game distribution to markets and bonus coverage of in-progress games aired on their network. Yesterday, they sent conflicting messages to myself and other NFL fans. CBS elected to show the San Diego-Miami game to most of the country at 1:00 pm for the first game of their doubleheader. The only areas not assigned to that game were the states of New York (except cities Buffalo and Rochester) Connecticut, Vermont, Missouri, and Ohio and the cities of Scranton PA, Jacksonville, Orlando, Dallas, Cleveland, Houston, and Minneapolis.
The states of New York, Connecticut, Vermont, Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Oklahoma, and the city of Scranton, Pennsylvania received the NY Jets-Kansas City game.
The states of Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, western Pennsylvania, and the cities of Jacksonville, Orlando, Savannah GA, and Baltimore were assigned the Jacksonville-Cincinnati game.
San Diego-Miami was a blowout in favor of Miami by 20 to 0 at halftime and 37 to 0 at the end of the third quarter. At that time, NY Jets-Kansas City was into the fourth quarter with 13:31 remaining and KC leading 24-10. At the same time, Cincinnati was leading Jacksonville 19-10 with 3:49 left in the third quarter. CBS elected to switch many stations, including WUSA-TV in D.C., away away SD-MIA. Good move, right? Well, sort of good and bad. The game we joined was the Jets and Kansas City Chiefs even though the Jacksonville Jaguars-Cincinnati Bengals ballgame was closer. Once the Jets-Chiefs contest ended with KC winning 24-10, viewers who watched that game from the beginning and the neutral markets from the SD-MIA game were sent to the studio instead of to the JAX-CIN game. The Jaguars had just scored a touchdown to cut the Bengals lead to 26-23 with 8:13 left in the fourth quarter. Cincinnati did score a touchdown, an 80-yard run, right after Jacksonville's TD.
However, we should have seen both scores and that game until it finished. CBS' next set of games was set for 4:25 pm, well, next game. Their two games were Denver-New England and Oakland-Seattle. They heavily promoted Denver-New England which was a matchup of two future hall-of-fame quarterbacks, the Broncos' Peyton Manning and the Patriots' Tom Brady. Understandably, it got top billing but almost to an annoyance. It was like a "this has the potential for a good game, don't sell us short" feeling.
Well, it was oversold and underperformed pregame expectations. New England jumped ahead to a 27 to 7 lead at halftime. At the same time, the winless Oakland Raiders were playing the defending champion Seattle Seahawks. As expected, the as Seahawks were dominating at home with a 24-3 lead at the half. Denver doubled their first half scoring total (7) in the third quarter alone (14). The Broncos had 21 points but couldn't stop the Patriots from scoring. New England scored 10 more points in that quarter to lead 37-21 after three quarters. Okay, closer but not real competitive. In Seattle, the Seahawks were struggling with the winless Raiders. Oakland outscored Seattle by a count of 14 to 0 in the third quarter. It was suddenly 24-17, in favor of
Seattle.
So, one game was 37-21 and the other was 24-17. Which game do you think CBS goes to in areas outside New England and the Rocky Mountains? Remember, CBS switched the D.C. market to another game (NYJ-KC) during the middle of SD-MIA. How about the 24-17 game? Buzzzzzz, WRONG! It got worse, New England scored a touchdown to increase their lead to 43-21 with 13:36 remaining in the game. Still no switch. Seattle kicked a couple of field goals to lead 30-17. However, Oakland got another touchdown in the fourth quarter to make it 30-24. Still no switch. Seattle eventually held on to beat Oakland, 30-24. In fact, viewers of the Oakland-Seattle game were switched over to the Denver-New England blowout when their contest finished first.get it, it's Manning versus Brady, two of the best QBs ever, but there was a much better game going on at the same time.
This was contradictory and hypocritical to what happened earlier in the afternoon with the San Diego-Miami and NY Jets-Kansas City. The conspiracy theorist in me says CBS made the switch in the first game for stations like WUSA-TV in D.C. because they knew the Jets would lose their game in KC and do it before the Broncos-Patriots game kicked off at 4:25. The move was about getting as many viewers to the game they most advertised. The best NFL game televised last Sunday by CBS was winless Oakland at Seattle. Before Sunday, I would have said there's a better chance of me winning the lottery. Maybe I should go play "MegaMillions". Anyway, it seems the NFL and its TV partners care less and less about presenting quality but quantity in terms of money.
I should be happy I am not a diehard fan of the crime investigation show, "CSI". Two straight weeks now, CBS has preempted new episodes of "CSI" due to really long NFL games and their obsession with airing "60 Minutes" on-time but not delaying their lineup until all shows are shown in their entirety.
The states of New York, Connecticut, Vermont, Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Oklahoma, and the city of Scranton, Pennsylvania received the NY Jets-Kansas City game.
The states of Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, western Pennsylvania, and the cities of Jacksonville, Orlando, Savannah GA, and Baltimore were assigned the Jacksonville-Cincinnati game.
San Diego-Miami was a blowout in favor of Miami by 20 to 0 at halftime and 37 to 0 at the end of the third quarter. At that time, NY Jets-Kansas City was into the fourth quarter with 13:31 remaining and KC leading 24-10. At the same time, Cincinnati was leading Jacksonville 19-10 with 3:49 left in the third quarter. CBS elected to switch many stations, including WUSA-TV in D.C., away away SD-MIA. Good move, right? Well, sort of good and bad. The game we joined was the Jets and Kansas City Chiefs even though the Jacksonville Jaguars-Cincinnati Bengals ballgame was closer. Once the Jets-Chiefs contest ended with KC winning 24-10, viewers who watched that game from the beginning and the neutral markets from the SD-MIA game were sent to the studio instead of to the JAX-CIN game. The Jaguars had just scored a touchdown to cut the Bengals lead to 26-23 with 8:13 left in the fourth quarter. Cincinnati did score a touchdown, an 80-yard run, right after Jacksonville's TD.
However, we should have seen both scores and that game until it finished. CBS' next set of games was set for 4:25 pm, well, next game. Their two games were Denver-New England and Oakland-Seattle. They heavily promoted Denver-New England which was a matchup of two future hall-of-fame quarterbacks, the Broncos' Peyton Manning and the Patriots' Tom Brady. Understandably, it got top billing but almost to an annoyance. It was like a "this has the potential for a good game, don't sell us short" feeling.
Well, it was oversold and underperformed pregame expectations. New England jumped ahead to a 27 to 7 lead at halftime. At the same time, the winless Oakland Raiders were playing the defending champion Seattle Seahawks. As expected, the as Seahawks were dominating at home with a 24-3 lead at the half. Denver doubled their first half scoring total (7) in the third quarter alone (14). The Broncos had 21 points but couldn't stop the Patriots from scoring. New England scored 10 more points in that quarter to lead 37-21 after three quarters. Okay, closer but not real competitive. In Seattle, the Seahawks were struggling with the winless Raiders. Oakland outscored Seattle by a count of 14 to 0 in the third quarter. It was suddenly 24-17, in favor of
Seattle.
So, one game was 37-21 and the other was 24-17. Which game do you think CBS goes to in areas outside New England and the Rocky Mountains? Remember, CBS switched the D.C. market to another game (NYJ-KC) during the middle of SD-MIA. How about the 24-17 game? Buzzzzzz, WRONG! It got worse, New England scored a touchdown to increase their lead to 43-21 with 13:36 remaining in the game. Still no switch. Seattle kicked a couple of field goals to lead 30-17. However, Oakland got another touchdown in the fourth quarter to make it 30-24. Still no switch. Seattle eventually held on to beat Oakland, 30-24. In fact, viewers of the Oakland-Seattle game were switched over to the Denver-New England blowout when their contest finished first.get it, it's Manning versus Brady, two of the best QBs ever, but there was a much better game going on at the same time.
This was contradictory and hypocritical to what happened earlier in the afternoon with the San Diego-Miami and NY Jets-Kansas City. The conspiracy theorist in me says CBS made the switch in the first game for stations like WUSA-TV in D.C. because they knew the Jets would lose their game in KC and do it before the Broncos-Patriots game kicked off at 4:25. The move was about getting as many viewers to the game they most advertised. The best NFL game televised last Sunday by CBS was winless Oakland at Seattle. Before Sunday, I would have said there's a better chance of me winning the lottery. Maybe I should go play "MegaMillions". Anyway, it seems the NFL and its TV partners care less and less about presenting quality but quantity in terms of money.
I should be happy I am not a diehard fan of the crime investigation show, "CSI". Two straight weeks now, CBS has preempted new episodes of "CSI" due to really long NFL games and their obsession with airing "60 Minutes" on-time but not delaying their lineup until all shows are shown in their entirety.
Monday, November 3, 2014
Lebron and the city of Cleveland began reuniting after nasty divorce
On Thursday Night, Lebron James proved you can home again. The perennial NBA all-star and MVP forward returned to his hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers. After a four-year split, Lebron and the Cavaliers have reconciled the differences. Yes, that was a marriage joke. Yes, this marriage between superstar player and local team, owner, and fanbase fell apart resulting in a divorce. No, they did not go to "Divorce Court". They did what anyone in a public relationship would do...break up in bitter fashion through the media!
James announced he was leaving Cleveland in a made-for-TV special called "The Decision". Dan Gilbert, owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, wrote "The Letter" in response to "The Decision". Gilbert said James "deserted" the Cleveland Cavaliers and their fans. In Gilbert's words, James' choice "was announced with a several day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up" and said Cavaliers fans "don't deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal". Finally, Gilbert made a fiery proclamation, "I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER 'KING' WINS ONE". He added "you can take it to the bank" as more bravado.
As far as James, "The Decision" to leave Cleveland for the Miami Heat was a well-reasoned one from a basketball point of view. James would join fellow free agent Chris Bosh in teaming with at the time free agent but Heat property Dwyane Wade. The trio of individuals in Cleveland, Toronto, and Miami, would be almost unstoppable as one team. However, their egos got out of control. James embarrassed the city of Cleveland by not only leaving the hometown Cavs but also doing it on national television on ESPN. During the introduction news conference/celebration, Lebron claimed they would win "NOT ONE, NOT TWO, NOT THREE, NOT FOUR, NOT FIVE,..."championships as members of the Miami Heat. In their four years together from November 2010-June 2014, the Heat won two NBA titles (2012, 2013) and played in the NBA finals in the other years (2011, 2014).
For the record, Gilbert exclaimed the Cavs would win a title before Lebron. Final verdict, wrong. James and the Heat won the NBA title in 2012, James' 2nd year in Miami. Cleveland missed the playoffs in each of the first two post-Lebron years. Furthermore, the Cavaliers didn't qualify in either of the next two years. Meanwhile, the Miami Heat did get two championships in a row in 2012 and 2013. However, Lebron and friends didn't get three or four or five as they predicted. During last season's NBA Finals, the Heat were overmatched by the more motivated and team-oriented San Antonio Spurs. Chris Bosh was nowhere to be found for Miami. Well, he was on the court but not as effective. Age and injuries slowed Dwyane Wade down to an effective but not game-breaking superstar like in previous years. Also, finances came into play. Could the Heat keep everybody together? Would they even try to pay or rebuild? James, Bosh, and Wade all opted out of their contracts in expectation of resigning at a lower cost. Bosh and Wade resigned but James changed his mind and returned to Cleveland.
Well, wait a minute, I thought Dan Gilbert hated Lebron and Lebron didn't want to go back to his hometown. For goodness sakes, one Cavs fan burned a Lebron jersey on live TV after "The Decision". Well, let's kiss and make up shall we. The infamous letter written by Gilbert was taken down, curiously a few days before James opened negotiations with Cleveland. Early in July, James and Gilbert officially reconciled their differences as they agreed to a new contract.
Back to Thursday, everything was too perfect. The Cavaliers were at home for their game in the Lebron James 2.0 era against the New York Knicks. The night before on Wednesday, the Knicks lost by 24 points in New York to the Chicago Bulls. The stage was set, literally. There was an outdoor concert. Inside, many celebrities flew in to watch Lebron's return to Cleveland including Usher, Justin Bieber, Kevin Hart, Charles Barkley, and Michael Strahan were all courtside. Barkley, while a NBA studio analyst for TNT, was assigned by the network to call the actual game with Marv Albert and Reggie Miller.
The Cavaliers struggled offensively for most of the game. They only scored 90 points and lost 94-90. According to ESPN, which did an special on-site "SportsCenter" show from Cleveland, James had scored less than 20 points, made less than 5 assists, and committed 8 or more turnovers in a game for the first time in his NBA career. The crowd was so high at the beginning and so low at the end. They seemed to be shell-shocked and stunned with disappointment.
What was more disappointing was they booed Justin Bieber when he was shown on the big video screen. We're a Bieber fan. We think he's a good guy, great singer whose ability isn't showcased as well as it could, and a kid who is trying to be a better person in recent months. Yes, he's done some stupid things but haven't we all? We're trying to figure out why people hate him so much and choose to boo him.
For Cleveland fans, they're a weird bunch. They cheered Lebron James' every move until he left the Cavaliers. In his first game in Cleveland as a member of the Heat, James was booed mercifully! You would have though he was public enemy number one! Then, they turn around and cheer James again when he resigns with the Cavaliers! Gimme a break! Cleveland fans are schizophrenics! Okay, that's harsh even from me. Schizophrenia is a considering it's a serious health condition. Let's go with the "a lot of Cleveland Cavaliers fans are hypocritical morons" category for $500, Alex Trebek.
For Dan Gilbert, we hope he actually has apologized to Lebron personally and to the world publicly for that disgusting diatribe back in 2010. Gilbert has tons of money and pride, too much of both at times. Hopefully, Gilbert will be smart about how he spends his money with regard to free agents. The NFL's Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys spend millions of dollars on old players who don't fit their system. Gilbert does not want to become the NBA's Daniel Snyder or Jerry Jones. Also, we hope Gilbert acts more like an adult rather than a whiny child.
For Lebron James, we hope he realizes his mistakes in making "The Decision". While the decision to leave his hometown team in Cleveland was somewhat controversial, the process and eventual execution was too controversial in a selfish sort of way. James had great on-court success with the Miami Heat but off-the-court media and fan backlash followed him everywhere. Hopefully, he matures as a basketball player and as an individual thinking more about "we" than "me"
James announced he was leaving Cleveland in a made-for-TV special called "The Decision". Dan Gilbert, owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, wrote "The Letter" in response to "The Decision". Gilbert said James "deserted" the Cleveland Cavaliers and their fans. In Gilbert's words, James' choice "was announced with a several day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up" and said Cavaliers fans "don't deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal". Finally, Gilbert made a fiery proclamation, "I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER 'KING' WINS ONE". He added "you can take it to the bank" as more bravado.
As far as James, "The Decision" to leave Cleveland for the Miami Heat was a well-reasoned one from a basketball point of view. James would join fellow free agent Chris Bosh in teaming with at the time free agent but Heat property Dwyane Wade. The trio of individuals in Cleveland, Toronto, and Miami, would be almost unstoppable as one team. However, their egos got out of control. James embarrassed the city of Cleveland by not only leaving the hometown Cavs but also doing it on national television on ESPN. During the introduction news conference/celebration, Lebron claimed they would win "NOT ONE, NOT TWO, NOT THREE, NOT FOUR, NOT FIVE,..."championships as members of the Miami Heat. In their four years together from November 2010-June 2014, the Heat won two NBA titles (2012, 2013) and played in the NBA finals in the other years (2011, 2014).
For the record, Gilbert exclaimed the Cavs would win a title before Lebron. Final verdict, wrong. James and the Heat won the NBA title in 2012, James' 2nd year in Miami. Cleveland missed the playoffs in each of the first two post-Lebron years. Furthermore, the Cavaliers didn't qualify in either of the next two years. Meanwhile, the Miami Heat did get two championships in a row in 2012 and 2013. However, Lebron and friends didn't get three or four or five as they predicted. During last season's NBA Finals, the Heat were overmatched by the more motivated and team-oriented San Antonio Spurs. Chris Bosh was nowhere to be found for Miami. Well, he was on the court but not as effective. Age and injuries slowed Dwyane Wade down to an effective but not game-breaking superstar like in previous years. Also, finances came into play. Could the Heat keep everybody together? Would they even try to pay or rebuild? James, Bosh, and Wade all opted out of their contracts in expectation of resigning at a lower cost. Bosh and Wade resigned but James changed his mind and returned to Cleveland.
Well, wait a minute, I thought Dan Gilbert hated Lebron and Lebron didn't want to go back to his hometown. For goodness sakes, one Cavs fan burned a Lebron jersey on live TV after "The Decision". Well, let's kiss and make up shall we. The infamous letter written by Gilbert was taken down, curiously a few days before James opened negotiations with Cleveland. Early in July, James and Gilbert officially reconciled their differences as they agreed to a new contract.
Back to Thursday, everything was too perfect. The Cavaliers were at home for their game in the Lebron James 2.0 era against the New York Knicks. The night before on Wednesday, the Knicks lost by 24 points in New York to the Chicago Bulls. The stage was set, literally. There was an outdoor concert. Inside, many celebrities flew in to watch Lebron's return to Cleveland including Usher, Justin Bieber, Kevin Hart, Charles Barkley, and Michael Strahan were all courtside. Barkley, while a NBA studio analyst for TNT, was assigned by the network to call the actual game with Marv Albert and Reggie Miller.
The Cavaliers struggled offensively for most of the game. They only scored 90 points and lost 94-90. According to ESPN, which did an special on-site "SportsCenter" show from Cleveland, James had scored less than 20 points, made less than 5 assists, and committed 8 or more turnovers in a game for the first time in his NBA career. The crowd was so high at the beginning and so low at the end. They seemed to be shell-shocked and stunned with disappointment.
What was more disappointing was they booed Justin Bieber when he was shown on the big video screen. We're a Bieber fan. We think he's a good guy, great singer whose ability isn't showcased as well as it could, and a kid who is trying to be a better person in recent months. Yes, he's done some stupid things but haven't we all? We're trying to figure out why people hate him so much and choose to boo him.
For Cleveland fans, they're a weird bunch. They cheered Lebron James' every move until he left the Cavaliers. In his first game in Cleveland as a member of the Heat, James was booed mercifully! You would have though he was public enemy number one! Then, they turn around and cheer James again when he resigns with the Cavaliers! Gimme a break! Cleveland fans are schizophrenics! Okay, that's harsh even from me. Schizophrenia is a considering it's a serious health condition. Let's go with the "a lot of Cleveland Cavaliers fans are hypocritical morons" category for $500, Alex Trebek.
For Dan Gilbert, we hope he actually has apologized to Lebron personally and to the world publicly for that disgusting diatribe back in 2010. Gilbert has tons of money and pride, too much of both at times. Hopefully, Gilbert will be smart about how he spends his money with regard to free agents. The NFL's Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys spend millions of dollars on old players who don't fit their system. Gilbert does not want to become the NBA's Daniel Snyder or Jerry Jones. Also, we hope Gilbert acts more like an adult rather than a whiny child.
For Lebron James, we hope he realizes his mistakes in making "The Decision". While the decision to leave his hometown team in Cleveland was somewhat controversial, the process and eventual execution was too controversial in a selfish sort of way. James had great on-court success with the Miami Heat but off-the-court media and fan backlash followed him everywhere. Hopefully, he matures as a basketball player and as an individual thinking more about "we" than "me"
Thursday, October 30, 2014
You Can't Predict Baseball Is Dying When You Can't Predict Baseball, Game 7 Proves Theory
"You can't predict baseball", that's what New York Yankees radio announcer likes to say. That's what I proclaimed yesterday before game 7 of a uncompetitive, boring World Series. However, last night's deciding game was anything but boring. It was from the first pitch until the last batted ball landed in San Francisco third baseman Pablo Sandoval's glove. The San Francisco Giants defeated the Kansas City Royals by only one run, 3 to 2. Kansas City got the tying run to third base, ninety short feet from home plate, in the bottom of the 9th inning.
Today, people are arguing whether the Royals' Alex Gordon could have scored all the way from the batter's box through the four bases on his base hit. Down to his team's last out, Gordon hit a low line drive to center field. Giants' center fielder Gregor Blanco ran in toward the projected landing spot of the ball, stopped, and allowed the ball to bounce in front of him. That was a safe decision but as he was stopping Blanco slipped and the ball deflected off his glove and rolled to the wall. The ball was four hundred feet away as Gordon touched first base. As the Giants outfielders picked the ball up and relayed it towards the infield, Gordon was already around second base and a few steps from third.
Could he have scored if he wasn't stopped by himself and his third base coach? Maybe, Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford had the ball in his glove with his back turned away from Gordon. Maybe not, Crawford was moving into throwing position even though his back was facing the base runner. I'll admit as I watched live, two things were in my head, I wanted the Royals to win badly and the Giants to lose. I wanted Gordon to keep running but there is a unwritten rule or base running fundamental, never make the first or third out at third base. What about home plate? The Royals had another hitter Salvador Perez coming up next. Perez had performed well in the Series compared to earlier in the playoffs. Well, there's one problem, Perez had to face Giants pitcher Madison Bumgarner.
Bumgarner had pitched a complete-game shutout allowing only four hits on Sunday as a starting pitcher. He also won game 1 of the series and was a perfect 4-0 with a earned run average of 0.43 per game. Okay, maybe he's the best pitcher on the entire Giants team right now. Just a hunch. Now he was asked by his manager Bruce Bochy to be a relief pitcher for the last five innings on two days rest. Usually, a starting pitcher gets four days of non-game pitching action between starts. Is the move unusual? Yes. Does he (Bumgarner) have enough energy left to pitch? Well, he doesn't have to save any extra ammo. This is the last game. He's not pitching the next day, or the day after, or the day after the day after, or the day after the day after the day, or something like that. I lost track.
24 hours ago, social media was abuzz about whether baseball was dying. Now, we're arguing about plays in a game in a sport which we thought nobody cared about yesterday. We're some goofy people. As John Sterling says, "you can't predict baseball".
Today, people are arguing whether the Royals' Alex Gordon could have scored all the way from the batter's box through the four bases on his base hit. Down to his team's last out, Gordon hit a low line drive to center field. Giants' center fielder Gregor Blanco ran in toward the projected landing spot of the ball, stopped, and allowed the ball to bounce in front of him. That was a safe decision but as he was stopping Blanco slipped and the ball deflected off his glove and rolled to the wall. The ball was four hundred feet away as Gordon touched first base. As the Giants outfielders picked the ball up and relayed it towards the infield, Gordon was already around second base and a few steps from third.
Could he have scored if he wasn't stopped by himself and his third base coach? Maybe, Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford had the ball in his glove with his back turned away from Gordon. Maybe not, Crawford was moving into throwing position even though his back was facing the base runner. I'll admit as I watched live, two things were in my head, I wanted the Royals to win badly and the Giants to lose. I wanted Gordon to keep running but there is a unwritten rule or base running fundamental, never make the first or third out at third base. What about home plate? The Royals had another hitter Salvador Perez coming up next. Perez had performed well in the Series compared to earlier in the playoffs. Well, there's one problem, Perez had to face Giants pitcher Madison Bumgarner.
Bumgarner had pitched a complete-game shutout allowing only four hits on Sunday as a starting pitcher. He also won game 1 of the series and was a perfect 4-0 with a earned run average of 0.43 per game. Okay, maybe he's the best pitcher on the entire Giants team right now. Just a hunch. Now he was asked by his manager Bruce Bochy to be a relief pitcher for the last five innings on two days rest. Usually, a starting pitcher gets four days of non-game pitching action between starts. Is the move unusual? Yes. Does he (Bumgarner) have enough energy left to pitch? Well, he doesn't have to save any extra ammo. This is the last game. He's not pitching the next day, or the day after, or the day after the day after, or the day after the day after the day, or something like that. I lost track.
24 hours ago, social media was abuzz about whether baseball was dying. Now, we're arguing about plays in a game in a sport which we thought nobody cared about yesterday. We're some goofy people. As John Sterling says, "you can't predict baseball".
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Despite Blowout Ballgames, Baseball Is Better And Can Get Even Better
"You can't predict baseball," is a phrase used often by New York Yankees radio announcer John Sterling. It is so unpredictable like any other sport but especially in the 2014 postseason. Through six games of the World Series, the San Francisco Giants and the Kansas City Royals have won three games apiece. In terms of overall wins, the series is close but not the individual games. So far, there's only been a single game decided by one run, Kansas City's 3-2 victory in game 3. The other five games have been blowouts decided earlier in the game.
It's unfortunate and dumb luck. Major League Baseball has produced so many close and exciting games in the previous three rounds during this postseason, 14 one-run contests with 4 involving Kansas City and 5 involving San Francisco . There have been six extra-inning contests including 3 with KC and two with SF. This isn't World Wrestling Entertainment where there is a written storyline and everything is scripted with an exciting ending no matter who wins. For the record, we have no beef with professional wrestling. No, we're not going to throw any steel chairs at anyone. For goodness sakes, we can't body slam anybody even if we had dozens of other people helping us out. It just popped into our mind due to the comparison of scripted vs. non-scripted.
With non-scripted events like baseball, our fear of great expectations can be cancelled out by uncompetitive disappointing games. The Nationals lost to the Giants in the division series but those games were way more compelling. The scores in a three-games to one San Francisco series win were 3-2 SF, 2-1 SF in 18 innings (longest baseball playoff game ever), 4-1 WAS, and 3-2 SF. As a Nationals fan, I was ticked off because my team lost but at least the games were close. Neutral fans probably enjoyed that series more than Giants fans and even more than Nationals fans.
As a neutral fan in this World Series, the games are boring because they're uncompetitive, The scores from the six previous contests were 7-1 SF, 7-2 KC, 3-2 KC, 11-4 SF, 5-0 SF, and 10-0 KC. A lot has been made about the lower TV ratings in this year's World Series, I wonder why? Let's see, most of the games have been decided before the seventh inning. We think some people tune in expecting a close and exciting game but don't get it and fall asleep or change the channel. We don't know why some don't even bother watching but will watch the NFL's Super Bowl every year. This past February's pro football championship ended with a score of 43-8, Seattle over Denver.
The actual networks broadcasting baseball year-round and the mainstream sports media are both at fault for the decrease in viewers. FOX, ESPN, TBS, and MLB Network are Major League Baseball's broadcast partners and suffer too much from showcasing very few teams. It seemed like each week at least one game featured the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, or Los Angeles Dodgers. Usually, 2-3 games per week involved one of these teams.
The rivalry between the Yankees and the Red Sox is good but way overblown. You would think every meeting is baseball's version of the Civil War. I'm sorry I can't remember one significant game between these two teams since 2004 when the Red Sox beat the Yankees in the playoffs and finally won a World Series in 2004, the expectation was for the rivalry to be even better than before. Well, it's gotten worse. There is no good vs. evil or favorite vs. underdog angle anymore. Boston spends as much money as New York and has won more championships (2) than the Yankees (1) since 2004.
The St. Louis Cardinals are the TV team in the Midwest region. There isn't any thing really objectionable about the Cardinals outside of opposing fan jealously. St. Louis has won 2 World Series and played in every National League Championship series since the end of 2010.
The L.A. Dodgers are the worst of the bunch because they haven't even participated or won a World Series since 1988. I was five years old at that time, I'm 31 as I write this. Damn, that's a long time, 26 years. We've gone to the war in the Middle East twice with two different presidents named Bush and pulled out both times. Gas was a nickel in 1988! Okay, not that cheap but only a couple bucks per gallon. Compare that to today's "hey it's under four dollars" garbage and you have a bargain.
Meanwhile, general sports reporters not assigned to a specific sport move around between events during the season. It's NFL and College Football in the fall into early winter, a NBA-College Basketball-NHL mix through the winter into early spring, NBA and NHL playoffs in late spring and baseball in the summer into early fall. That's what it's supposed to be. As much as we love baseball, March Madness trumps Spring Training and NBA-NHL postseason takes priority from April to mid-June. Something odd happens after the indoor pro sports leagues finish their seasons, people seem to forget baseball is taking place. I can put up with soccer's World Cup and the Summer Olympics being publicized but not NFL practices. Training camps and preseason games in the NFL are viewed as more important than regular season MLB games.
Somebody cue former NBA star Allen Iverson, "WE TALKIN ABOUT PRACTICE! NOT A GAME! NOT A GAME! WE TALKIN ABOUT PRACTICE!". Was that quote taken out of context? Yes. Do I care? No. Does the general sports media take the NFL too seriously? Um....yes. The Redskins won all four of their preseason games last year. How many games did they win in the regular season? Three...OUT OF SIXTEEN GAMES! They were 4-0 in the practice ones and 3-13 in the real games.
Also, a lot of these mainstream media people are talking about how baseball is dying because fewer viewers are watching this year's World Series. The main topic of NFL discussion during their preseason and into early regular season was players beating their wives/girlfriends and the individual teams plus league looking the other way. Yes, this makes perfect sense...if you had a bunch of beers, a diehard football fan, or a clueless member of the media. Baseball is fine, nobody is getting beat up by their husband/boyfriend, no one is getting memory loss or broken bones from taking too many hits to the head, nobody is cheating using performance-enhancing drugs and treated with kid gloves. Baseball is doing good, it could be better on national TV but the sport is alright for now. MLB has stepped up its drug policy after looking the other way for years. They're looking to improve the game experience by making it faster. Better games would equal better TV ratings. However, as John Sterling says "you can't predict baseball".
It's unfortunate and dumb luck. Major League Baseball has produced so many close and exciting games in the previous three rounds during this postseason, 14 one-run contests with 4 involving Kansas City and 5 involving San Francisco . There have been six extra-inning contests including 3 with KC and two with SF. This isn't World Wrestling Entertainment where there is a written storyline and everything is scripted with an exciting ending no matter who wins. For the record, we have no beef with professional wrestling. No, we're not going to throw any steel chairs at anyone. For goodness sakes, we can't body slam anybody even if we had dozens of other people helping us out. It just popped into our mind due to the comparison of scripted vs. non-scripted.
With non-scripted events like baseball, our fear of great expectations can be cancelled out by uncompetitive disappointing games. The Nationals lost to the Giants in the division series but those games were way more compelling. The scores in a three-games to one San Francisco series win were 3-2 SF, 2-1 SF in 18 innings (longest baseball playoff game ever), 4-1 WAS, and 3-2 SF. As a Nationals fan, I was ticked off because my team lost but at least the games were close. Neutral fans probably enjoyed that series more than Giants fans and even more than Nationals fans.
As a neutral fan in this World Series, the games are boring because they're uncompetitive, The scores from the six previous contests were 7-1 SF, 7-2 KC, 3-2 KC, 11-4 SF, 5-0 SF, and 10-0 KC. A lot has been made about the lower TV ratings in this year's World Series, I wonder why? Let's see, most of the games have been decided before the seventh inning. We think some people tune in expecting a close and exciting game but don't get it and fall asleep or change the channel. We don't know why some don't even bother watching but will watch the NFL's Super Bowl every year. This past February's pro football championship ended with a score of 43-8, Seattle over Denver.
The actual networks broadcasting baseball year-round and the mainstream sports media are both at fault for the decrease in viewers. FOX, ESPN, TBS, and MLB Network are Major League Baseball's broadcast partners and suffer too much from showcasing very few teams. It seemed like each week at least one game featured the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, or Los Angeles Dodgers. Usually, 2-3 games per week involved one of these teams.
The rivalry between the Yankees and the Red Sox is good but way overblown. You would think every meeting is baseball's version of the Civil War. I'm sorry I can't remember one significant game between these two teams since 2004 when the Red Sox beat the Yankees in the playoffs and finally won a World Series in 2004, the expectation was for the rivalry to be even better than before. Well, it's gotten worse. There is no good vs. evil or favorite vs. underdog angle anymore. Boston spends as much money as New York and has won more championships (2) than the Yankees (1) since 2004.
The St. Louis Cardinals are the TV team in the Midwest region. There isn't any thing really objectionable about the Cardinals outside of opposing fan jealously. St. Louis has won 2 World Series and played in every National League Championship series since the end of 2010.
The L.A. Dodgers are the worst of the bunch because they haven't even participated or won a World Series since 1988. I was five years old at that time, I'm 31 as I write this. Damn, that's a long time, 26 years. We've gone to the war in the Middle East twice with two different presidents named Bush and pulled out both times. Gas was a nickel in 1988! Okay, not that cheap but only a couple bucks per gallon. Compare that to today's "hey it's under four dollars" garbage and you have a bargain.
Meanwhile, general sports reporters not assigned to a specific sport move around between events during the season. It's NFL and College Football in the fall into early winter, a NBA-College Basketball-NHL mix through the winter into early spring, NBA and NHL playoffs in late spring and baseball in the summer into early fall. That's what it's supposed to be. As much as we love baseball, March Madness trumps Spring Training and NBA-NHL postseason takes priority from April to mid-June. Something odd happens after the indoor pro sports leagues finish their seasons, people seem to forget baseball is taking place. I can put up with soccer's World Cup and the Summer Olympics being publicized but not NFL practices. Training camps and preseason games in the NFL are viewed as more important than regular season MLB games.
Somebody cue former NBA star Allen Iverson, "WE TALKIN ABOUT PRACTICE! NOT A GAME! NOT A GAME! WE TALKIN ABOUT PRACTICE!". Was that quote taken out of context? Yes. Do I care? No. Does the general sports media take the NFL too seriously? Um....yes. The Redskins won all four of their preseason games last year. How many games did they win in the regular season? Three...OUT OF SIXTEEN GAMES! They were 4-0 in the practice ones and 3-13 in the real games.
Also, a lot of these mainstream media people are talking about how baseball is dying because fewer viewers are watching this year's World Series. The main topic of NFL discussion during their preseason and into early regular season was players beating their wives/girlfriends and the individual teams plus league looking the other way. Yes, this makes perfect sense...if you had a bunch of beers, a diehard football fan, or a clueless member of the media. Baseball is fine, nobody is getting beat up by their husband/boyfriend, no one is getting memory loss or broken bones from taking too many hits to the head, nobody is cheating using performance-enhancing drugs and treated with kid gloves. Baseball is doing good, it could be better on national TV but the sport is alright for now. MLB has stepped up its drug policy after looking the other way for years. They're looking to improve the game experience by making it faster. Better games would equal better TV ratings. However, as John Sterling says "you can't predict baseball".
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Redskins turn Monday Night Masterpiece in Dallas
On Monday Night, the Washington Redskins overcame the doubters, the officiating, and the Dallas Cowboys to win their biggest game of the season. The Redskins' 20-17 overtime victory over the Cowboys in Dallas was their 3rd victory of the 2014 season and second in a row. It was their best performance so far this year. They played with emotion and intensity from the opening kickoff until the last Tony Romo pass was on the ground. The Redskins played a complete game getting contributions from all three areas of their squad, offense, defense, and special teams.
The offense, shockingly, was led by third-string quarterback Colt McCoy. McCoy came in relief during the second half last week for backup Kirk Cousins. McCoy threw a TD pass and was effective in a game-winning FG drive against Tennessee. This week, McCoy was starting as the regular QB on the road versus the 1st-place Cowboys, 6-1 record coming into Monday. McCoy looked nervous throughout the first half. He threw an interception in the endzone during the first quarter and underthrew a long pass to Desean Jackson, complete for 49 yards, which should've been an 87-yard touchdown.
However, he got better as the game got later. He didn't make any mistakes after those earlier ones. McCoy ran 7 yards for a touchdown early in the 4th quarter to give the Redskins a 20-17 lead. In overtime, McCoy showed great elusiveness to get away from Dallas defenders before floating a perfect pass to Jordan Reed for a 16-yard catch to the Dallas 29. It set up Kai Forbath's go-ahead 40-yard field goal. For McCoy, it was a special night. He played high school and college football in the state of Texas and with his family watching in the stands. Considering the circumstances, he played the best game of his life, 25 completed passes in 30 attempts for 299 yards and a rushing touchdown.
The defense was the key part of the Redskins success in the first half. They limited Dallas' high-powered offense to 7 points through 30 minutes. That was important because the Redskins offense only scored 3 points in the first 2 quarters. Jim Haslett, the defensive coordinator, has drawn a lot of criticism from local media and Redskins fans for the defense's poor play. Last season, they were 30th out of 32 teams in yards allowed per passing attempt at 7.1 yards and last out of 32 in allowing rushing touchdowns at 23.
This year, the defense has improved although they still struggle at times. They only allowed three rushing touchdowns entering Monday, second fewest. However, they surrender 15 passing touchdowns for the season before the Dallas game, fifth highest. Monday, the Redskins were much better against the pass while conceding rushing plays to the Dallas offense. The Redskins gave up only 278 passing yards. In addition, they sacked Dallas QB Tony Romo five times for 54 yards. The net total passing for Dallas was only 224 yards. In fact, the pass rush was so strong that it knocked Romo out of the game for a while with a back injury.
Keenan Robinson was the man who hammered Romo to the turf in the third quarter. Brandon Meriweather had a tremendous game with 2 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. Perry Riley and Ryan Kerrigan each had one sack. The defensive star was rookie Bashaud Breeland. Breeland was matched a lot of the game against Dez Bryant, the Cowboys top receiver. Bryant only caught 3 passes for 30 yards. Breeland also had four passes defended away from receivers including Dallas' last pass on 4th down in overtime.
Special teams for the Redskins was actually special, okay maybe good. Good is great for a unit that has been one of the worst in pro football in recent years. Earlier this year, they gave up a blocked punt against Houston for a touchdown and a 102-yard kickoff return TD. Last year versus Kansas City, the Redskins allowed a 74-yard punt return and a 95-yard kickoff return for touchdowns in the same game. Last night, the special teams units gave up only 63 yards combined on four punt/kickoff returns. Four other kicks were boomed all the way into the endzone for touchbacks and one was not returned at all. Kai Forbath was solid again kicking field goals. He missed a key go-ahead 33-yard attempt in a loss at Philadelphia. However, Forbath was money on Monday night. He booted a 44-yard field goal in the first quarter but more importantly nailed a 40-yard attempt in overtime for the winning margin.
In addition to battling the Cowboys, the Redskins had to fight adversity with a few controversial official calls not in their favor. On McCoy's interception, Cowboys cornerback J.J. Wilcox made a leaping catch but bobbled the ball as he tumbled down. Then in one motion, he stood up and was hit by Pierre Garcon which knocked the ball out of the endzone. It was ruled an interception. Replays showed the ball moving a little bit on Wilcox's stomach as he landed. NFL rules maintain a receiver or defender must hold onto the ball throughout the catch. This interception ruling was dicey. Late in the fourth quarter, Dallas had the ball at their own 5-yard line with a third and 8 yards to go. The Cowboys near their endzone decided to pass. Romo dropped back into the endzone and was rushed by two Redskins. He moved up and threw a completed pass to Terence Williams at the 23-yard line. However, replays showed Redskins defensive lineman Trent Murphy being held and taken down by Cowboys offensive lineman Tyron Smith inside the endzone. A penalty by the offensive team in their endzone is a safety and two points for the defense. The Redskins didn't get the call. They played through it though, forcing the Cowboys to punt after three plays and then stopping them in overtime.
The Redskins proved a lot of national critics wrong with their predictions as well. On CBS-TV's "The NFL Today" online preview for CBSSports.com, analyst Bill Cowher said Dallas turnovers were "the only thing that gives Washington a chance...is if...Dallas somehow hands them the opportunity and turns the football over". Fellow analyst Tony Gonzalez explained that the new starting QB Colt McCoy, "if he can do what he did last week, means no turnovers, he can be efficient with that ball, MAYBE, they have a chance". Cowher couldn't hold back laughter and commented back to Gonzalez, "you say Colt McCoy as if they have a chance". Gonzalez continued, describing the Dallas Cowboys stellar play until co-analyst Boomer Esiason shouted, "so does that mean they have no chance?". Gonzalez responded by saying, "I think they have no chance", which was met by laughter and smiles by everyone including Gonzalez.
On ESPN, a promo during the week for Monday night's matchup focused primarily on the Cowboys. Redskins defensive back Ryan Clark told reporters that the commercial was used as extra motivation. In addition, all of ESPN's nine pregame studio commentators picked the Cowboys to win the game. Teams always say nobody believes they can beat the opponent they're playing. In this case, it was true.
The offense, shockingly, was led by third-string quarterback Colt McCoy. McCoy came in relief during the second half last week for backup Kirk Cousins. McCoy threw a TD pass and was effective in a game-winning FG drive against Tennessee. This week, McCoy was starting as the regular QB on the road versus the 1st-place Cowboys, 6-1 record coming into Monday. McCoy looked nervous throughout the first half. He threw an interception in the endzone during the first quarter and underthrew a long pass to Desean Jackson, complete for 49 yards, which should've been an 87-yard touchdown.
However, he got better as the game got later. He didn't make any mistakes after those earlier ones. McCoy ran 7 yards for a touchdown early in the 4th quarter to give the Redskins a 20-17 lead. In overtime, McCoy showed great elusiveness to get away from Dallas defenders before floating a perfect pass to Jordan Reed for a 16-yard catch to the Dallas 29. It set up Kai Forbath's go-ahead 40-yard field goal. For McCoy, it was a special night. He played high school and college football in the state of Texas and with his family watching in the stands. Considering the circumstances, he played the best game of his life, 25 completed passes in 30 attempts for 299 yards and a rushing touchdown.
The defense was the key part of the Redskins success in the first half. They limited Dallas' high-powered offense to 7 points through 30 minutes. That was important because the Redskins offense only scored 3 points in the first 2 quarters. Jim Haslett, the defensive coordinator, has drawn a lot of criticism from local media and Redskins fans for the defense's poor play. Last season, they were 30th out of 32 teams in yards allowed per passing attempt at 7.1 yards and last out of 32 in allowing rushing touchdowns at 23.
This year, the defense has improved although they still struggle at times. They only allowed three rushing touchdowns entering Monday, second fewest. However, they surrender 15 passing touchdowns for the season before the Dallas game, fifth highest. Monday, the Redskins were much better against the pass while conceding rushing plays to the Dallas offense. The Redskins gave up only 278 passing yards. In addition, they sacked Dallas QB Tony Romo five times for 54 yards. The net total passing for Dallas was only 224 yards. In fact, the pass rush was so strong that it knocked Romo out of the game for a while with a back injury.
Keenan Robinson was the man who hammered Romo to the turf in the third quarter. Brandon Meriweather had a tremendous game with 2 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. Perry Riley and Ryan Kerrigan each had one sack. The defensive star was rookie Bashaud Breeland. Breeland was matched a lot of the game against Dez Bryant, the Cowboys top receiver. Bryant only caught 3 passes for 30 yards. Breeland also had four passes defended away from receivers including Dallas' last pass on 4th down in overtime.
Special teams for the Redskins was actually special, okay maybe good. Good is great for a unit that has been one of the worst in pro football in recent years. Earlier this year, they gave up a blocked punt against Houston for a touchdown and a 102-yard kickoff return TD. Last year versus Kansas City, the Redskins allowed a 74-yard punt return and a 95-yard kickoff return for touchdowns in the same game. Last night, the special teams units gave up only 63 yards combined on four punt/kickoff returns. Four other kicks were boomed all the way into the endzone for touchbacks and one was not returned at all. Kai Forbath was solid again kicking field goals. He missed a key go-ahead 33-yard attempt in a loss at Philadelphia. However, Forbath was money on Monday night. He booted a 44-yard field goal in the first quarter but more importantly nailed a 40-yard attempt in overtime for the winning margin.
In addition to battling the Cowboys, the Redskins had to fight adversity with a few controversial official calls not in their favor. On McCoy's interception, Cowboys cornerback J.J. Wilcox made a leaping catch but bobbled the ball as he tumbled down. Then in one motion, he stood up and was hit by Pierre Garcon which knocked the ball out of the endzone. It was ruled an interception. Replays showed the ball moving a little bit on Wilcox's stomach as he landed. NFL rules maintain a receiver or defender must hold onto the ball throughout the catch. This interception ruling was dicey. Late in the fourth quarter, Dallas had the ball at their own 5-yard line with a third and 8 yards to go. The Cowboys near their endzone decided to pass. Romo dropped back into the endzone and was rushed by two Redskins. He moved up and threw a completed pass to Terence Williams at the 23-yard line. However, replays showed Redskins defensive lineman Trent Murphy being held and taken down by Cowboys offensive lineman Tyron Smith inside the endzone. A penalty by the offensive team in their endzone is a safety and two points for the defense. The Redskins didn't get the call. They played through it though, forcing the Cowboys to punt after three plays and then stopping them in overtime.
The Redskins proved a lot of national critics wrong with their predictions as well. On CBS-TV's "The NFL Today" online preview for CBSSports.com, analyst Bill Cowher said Dallas turnovers were "the only thing that gives Washington a chance...is if...Dallas somehow hands them the opportunity and turns the football over". Fellow analyst Tony Gonzalez explained that the new starting QB Colt McCoy, "if he can do what he did last week, means no turnovers, he can be efficient with that ball, MAYBE, they have a chance". Cowher couldn't hold back laughter and commented back to Gonzalez, "you say Colt McCoy as if they have a chance". Gonzalez continued, describing the Dallas Cowboys stellar play until co-analyst Boomer Esiason shouted, "so does that mean they have no chance?". Gonzalez responded by saying, "I think they have no chance", which was met by laughter and smiles by everyone including Gonzalez.
On ESPN, a promo during the week for Monday night's matchup focused primarily on the Cowboys. Redskins defensive back Ryan Clark told reporters that the commercial was used as extra motivation. In addition, all of ESPN's nine pregame studio commentators picked the Cowboys to win the game. Teams always say nobody believes they can beat the opponent they're playing. In this case, it was true.
Monday, October 27, 2014
Local fan bias vs. National broadcast bias, PART 1
Sports fans complain constantly when listening to national TV broadcasters because of perceived bias. Usually, these are outlandish claims made by biased rooters of particular teams. Yours truly even feels there are some announcers who hate his teams. For this writer, the teams are the NFL's Washington Redskins and the NHL's Washington Capitals. In part one of this series, we examine TV coverage of the Washington Redskins.
With the Redskins, the perceived announcer bias varies depending upon the individual not one group. This stems from that particular person's use of the team's controversial nickname, "Redskins". By definition, it's a racial slur insulting Native Americans. The problem is the nickname was created in 1936 and just recently there's been a huge negative outcry.
On CBS-TV, lead game analyst Phil Simms went as far as proclaiming in an interview with Sports Illustrated that he wouldn't say "Redskins" during the network's Sept. 25th Washington-New York Giants telecast. That was enough to raise some eyebrows but throw in Simms is a former Super Bowl MVP quarterback with...the New York Giants. It was infuriating to listen to on a national broadcast. In addition, CBS' rules expert, former head referee Mike Carey previously asked the NFL not to assign him to Washington Redskins games as an official but worked this game as part of CBS and NFL Network's Thursday night series schedule. Play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz did use the "Redskins" nickname in a normal manner as with other NFL teams.
Meanwhile, CBS has televised two other Redskins contests this season with different broadcast crews in each case. Spero Dedes and Solomon Wilcots called the Week 2 game versus the Jacksonville Jaguars. There was nothing out of the ordinary with regard to the announcers favoring or opposing the name. It was used freely within the context of the game. The same holds true for the broadcast of last Sunday's game versus the Tennessee Titans featuring the team of Kevin Harlan and Rich Gannon.
Harlan, the play-by-play announcer, is an interesting case. Through his assignments on CBS-TV and Westwood One Radio for Monday Night Football, Harlan has called 2 Redskins games already this regular season. In fact, he has also called a preseason game on local TV as a substitute for regular announcer Kenny Albert in each of the last two seasons for the Redskins Broadcast Network. Whether locally on NBC4 and Comcast Sportsnet during preseason or nationally on CBS during the regular season, Harlan calls the Redskins games with no change in philosophy as far as stating the team's nickname. Washington, led by owner Daniel Snyder, has fiercely defended the name against opposition from national voices. Harlan, along with his CBS partner Rich Gannon, Spero Dedes, Solomon Wilcots, and Jim Nantz do not choose to give an opinion or hint at one through their commentary.
On FOX-TV, there were mixed viewpoints displayed. During the week 1 Washington-Houston game, play-by-play announcer Thom Brennaman frequently referred to the team as "Washington" while limiting "Redskins" mentions. For the broadcast of week 3's contest against the Philadelphia Eagles, FOX's top broadcast crew was assigned to the matchup. Main color analyst Troy Aikman was also asked before the season about the situation and said he would use "Redskins" as long as it remains the official team's nickname. Aikman is a Hall-of-Fame quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys, the Redskins arch rival. In this case, Aikman is in a difficult position as a national voice of the NFL but a former player of an Redskins divisional opponent. He elects to provide a neutral, unbiased statement.
On ESPN, Lead analyst Jon Gruden has said publicly he would still say "Redskins" as long as that was the team's name. Washington has appeared almost regularly at least once a year for the last decade. Play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico has called all of ESPN's Redskin games since 2006. Starting this year, Tirico has referred to the team more as "Washington" than "Redskins". Tirico can sympathize with the plight of Redskins fans. Tirico's college alma mater Syracuse University changed its mascot from a warrior to an orange and the school nickname from Orangemen and Orangewomen to Orange.
According to the Syracuse University Archives website, the warrior mascot was created through a fake story in the student newspaper during the 1930s. Apparently, false remains of an Indian chief named Big Chief Bill Orange were found during an on-campus excavation. The story was untrue but the Saltine Warrior was a celebrated figure in Syracuse lore until Native Americans protested. The mascot was abolished in 1978. In 2004, the school modified its nicknames for male and female sports to create one uniform color, Orange.
Here are a couple of links with detailed explanations:
(Syracuse University Mascots)
http://archives.syr.edu/history/mascots.html
(The Daily Orange: Syracuse changes nickname, logo)
http://dailyorange.com/2004/06/syracuse-changes-nickname-logo/
In summary with the Redskins, the perceived negativity is more toward a racist slur which is, unfortunately, part of the official name of the team. The anti-Redskins coverage towards Washington's team and fans is out of a mission for equality in a journalistic community where unequal representation leads to accusations of bias.
With the Redskins, the perceived announcer bias varies depending upon the individual not one group. This stems from that particular person's use of the team's controversial nickname, "Redskins". By definition, it's a racial slur insulting Native Americans. The problem is the nickname was created in 1936 and just recently there's been a huge negative outcry.
On CBS-TV, lead game analyst Phil Simms went as far as proclaiming in an interview with Sports Illustrated that he wouldn't say "Redskins" during the network's Sept. 25th Washington-New York Giants telecast. That was enough to raise some eyebrows but throw in Simms is a former Super Bowl MVP quarterback with...the New York Giants. It was infuriating to listen to on a national broadcast. In addition, CBS' rules expert, former head referee Mike Carey previously asked the NFL not to assign him to Washington Redskins games as an official but worked this game as part of CBS and NFL Network's Thursday night series schedule. Play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz did use the "Redskins" nickname in a normal manner as with other NFL teams.
Meanwhile, CBS has televised two other Redskins contests this season with different broadcast crews in each case. Spero Dedes and Solomon Wilcots called the Week 2 game versus the Jacksonville Jaguars. There was nothing out of the ordinary with regard to the announcers favoring or opposing the name. It was used freely within the context of the game. The same holds true for the broadcast of last Sunday's game versus the Tennessee Titans featuring the team of Kevin Harlan and Rich Gannon.
Harlan, the play-by-play announcer, is an interesting case. Through his assignments on CBS-TV and Westwood One Radio for Monday Night Football, Harlan has called 2 Redskins games already this regular season. In fact, he has also called a preseason game on local TV as a substitute for regular announcer Kenny Albert in each of the last two seasons for the Redskins Broadcast Network. Whether locally on NBC4 and Comcast Sportsnet during preseason or nationally on CBS during the regular season, Harlan calls the Redskins games with no change in philosophy as far as stating the team's nickname. Washington, led by owner Daniel Snyder, has fiercely defended the name against opposition from national voices. Harlan, along with his CBS partner Rich Gannon, Spero Dedes, Solomon Wilcots, and Jim Nantz do not choose to give an opinion or hint at one through their commentary.
On FOX-TV, there were mixed viewpoints displayed. During the week 1 Washington-Houston game, play-by-play announcer Thom Brennaman frequently referred to the team as "Washington" while limiting "Redskins" mentions. For the broadcast of week 3's contest against the Philadelphia Eagles, FOX's top broadcast crew was assigned to the matchup. Main color analyst Troy Aikman was also asked before the season about the situation and said he would use "Redskins" as long as it remains the official team's nickname. Aikman is a Hall-of-Fame quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys, the Redskins arch rival. In this case, Aikman is in a difficult position as a national voice of the NFL but a former player of an Redskins divisional opponent. He elects to provide a neutral, unbiased statement.
On ESPN, Lead analyst Jon Gruden has said publicly he would still say "Redskins" as long as that was the team's name. Washington has appeared almost regularly at least once a year for the last decade. Play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico has called all of ESPN's Redskin games since 2006. Starting this year, Tirico has referred to the team more as "Washington" than "Redskins". Tirico can sympathize with the plight of Redskins fans. Tirico's college alma mater Syracuse University changed its mascot from a warrior to an orange and the school nickname from Orangemen and Orangewomen to Orange.
According to the Syracuse University Archives website, the warrior mascot was created through a fake story in the student newspaper during the 1930s. Apparently, false remains of an Indian chief named Big Chief Bill Orange were found during an on-campus excavation. The story was untrue but the Saltine Warrior was a celebrated figure in Syracuse lore until Native Americans protested. The mascot was abolished in 1978. In 2004, the school modified its nicknames for male and female sports to create one uniform color, Orange.
Here are a couple of links with detailed explanations:
(Syracuse University Mascots)
http://archives.syr.edu/history/mascots.html
(The Daily Orange: Syracuse changes nickname, logo)
http://dailyorange.com/2004/06/syracuse-changes-nickname-logo/
In summary with the Redskins, the perceived negativity is more toward a racist slur which is, unfortunately, part of the official name of the team. The anti-Redskins coverage towards Washington's team and fans is out of a mission for equality in a journalistic community where unequal representation leads to accusations of bias.
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Hockey unites in America for support of Canada
Sports are a big business and a large aspect of the social lifestyle. It's a gathering place for different people of different sexes of different ethnic backgrounds. What is the same is the joy and passion showed based upon a particular team's or individual's performance. As fans we care, probably too much at times. There are much more important things going on in the world, like yesterday.
In the capital city of Canada, Ottawa, a terrible shooting took place inside the National War Memorial. Two people were killed, a soldier standing guard and eventually the deadly shooter. At three others were taken to a local hospital with injuries.
Later that night, the Ottawa Senators professional hockey club was scheduled to play a few miles away in suburban Kanata. The Senators were going to host the Toronto Maple
Leafs, their biggest and closest rival, in a National Hockey League game. The contest was postponed yesterday and rescheduled for November 6th by agreement of the NHL, the Senators, and the Maple Leafs.
Ottawa and Toronto are rival cities in the same province of Canada, Ontario. Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are rival cities in the same state in America, Pennsylvania. Last night, the Pittsburgh Penguins played host to the Philadelphia Flyers. The two teams and cities have such a hatred toward each other that NBC Sports, the American NHL TV rightsholder, scheduled them on their Wednesday Night Rivalry broadcast. "Wednesday Night Rivalry" is promoted by NBC as "the night you love to hate". However, before the game, it was all about love for Canada.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4FlJi84XDQ
First, O Canada, the Canadian national anthem was played by piano organ. For games involving two American-based teams except in U.S./Canada border city Buffalo, the American anthem is only sung. Buffalo is an exception due to its close proximity to Canada and the amount of Canadian fans of the Buffalo Sabres.
Only in special events like the All-Star Game and Winter Classic do you hear "O Canada" sung by the anthem singer.
Second, it was amazing to hear the Pittsburgh crowd sing the anthem themselves. While the anthem singer Jeff Jimerson performed "O Canada", the arena crowd could clearly be heard in the background. It was touching, great to watch, and more importantly, fabulous to listen.
In the capital city of Canada, Ottawa, a terrible shooting took place inside the National War Memorial. Two people were killed, a soldier standing guard and eventually the deadly shooter. At three others were taken to a local hospital with injuries.
Later that night, the Ottawa Senators professional hockey club was scheduled to play a few miles away in suburban Kanata. The Senators were going to host the Toronto Maple
Leafs, their biggest and closest rival, in a National Hockey League game. The contest was postponed yesterday and rescheduled for November 6th by agreement of the NHL, the Senators, and the Maple Leafs.
Ottawa and Toronto are rival cities in the same province of Canada, Ontario. Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are rival cities in the same state in America, Pennsylvania. Last night, the Pittsburgh Penguins played host to the Philadelphia Flyers. The two teams and cities have such a hatred toward each other that NBC Sports, the American NHL TV rightsholder, scheduled them on their Wednesday Night Rivalry broadcast. "Wednesday Night Rivalry" is promoted by NBC as "the night you love to hate". However, before the game, it was all about love for Canada.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4FlJi84XDQ
First, O Canada, the Canadian national anthem was played by piano organ. For games involving two American-based teams except in U.S./Canada border city Buffalo, the American anthem is only sung. Buffalo is an exception due to its close proximity to Canada and the amount of Canadian fans of the Buffalo Sabres.
Only in special events like the All-Star Game and Winter Classic do you hear "O Canada" sung by the anthem singer.
Second, it was amazing to hear the Pittsburgh crowd sing the anthem themselves. While the anthem singer Jeff Jimerson performed "O Canada", the arena crowd could clearly be heard in the background. It was touching, great to watch, and more importantly, fabulous to listen.
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Baseball's Wild Card World Series Is Too Wild
Major League Baseball's championship round, the World Series began last night. The San Francisco Giants and the Kansas City Royals are the two best teams after six months of regular season games and one month of postseason contests. The caveat is neither team were the best in their during the regular season.
Of the five playoff teams in the National League, San Francisco had the worst record. In the American League, Kansas City had the second worst record among playoff qualifiers. It isn't an insult toward the franchises or their respective fanbases. The Giants and Royals were in the top ten in wins during the season.
Ten out of thirty teams make the playoffs in Major League Baseball, one-third. To be exact, 33 percent of the league qualifies. This percentage is the lowest of the four major professional sports. In the National Football League, 37.5 percent are eligible for postseason play, 12 out of 32 clubs.
North America's two major professional indoor sports leagues, the NBA and NHL, are even worse in terms of separating good from bad (or mediocre). In both sports, 16 teams make the playoff rounds and 14 do not qualify. For those of you scoring at home, more teams are in then out, 53 percent of them play in the postseason.
The L.A. Kings have won the NHL's Stanley Cup in two of the last three seasons. In 2012, the Kings were the eight and last seed in the Western Conference and ranked 14th out of 16 playoff teams. In 2014, they had the sixth best record in their conference and tied for only tenth in the entire regular season but won the playoff rounds. Essentially, the regular seasons in the NHL are becoming more meaningless.
MLB is not at this stage yet but getting closer. Getting back to this year's World Series, neither league champion won 90 games during the 162-game regular season. San Francisco, champions of the National League, won 88 ballgames. Kansas City, champions of the American League, compiled 87 wins. It's the first time ever in the modern era of baseball.
Both teams won "wild-card" games before advancing through the division series and league championship series. Again, this isn't an indictment on the Giants or the Royals. The Giants eliminated the NL's best team, the Washington Nationals, 3 games to 1 in the division series round. Then, they beat the third-seeded St. Louis Cardinals, four games to one. The Royals completed a three-game sweep of the L.A. Angels, the team with the record in the AL and a four-game sweep of the second-seeded Baltimore Orioles.
The problem is the "wild-card" games are an extra round of playoffs added in because of one baseball event and one competing sport.
Thanks to St. Louis and Tampa Bay completing historical comebacks to win the single wild cards in each league on the last night of the 2011 regular season, MLB decided to add another wild card spot and a special game. 2011 was unique, STL and TB had to win their respective games while Atlanta and Boston had to lose. It was a once in a lifetime scenario. Now the new playoff game round seems out of place. It's only one game compared 5,7, and games for the following rounds.
Also, baseball wanted to take the spotlight away from the National Football League. To be fair, casual fans' minds shift from baseball to football beginning in August and right through September, baseball's ending to its regular season. There is too much football talk during baseball's homestretch. Football should be front and center starting in November for non-hardcore football fans and the general sports media.
Major League Baseball needs to be careful of trying too hard to make their end of season worthwhile and losing focus on the beginning and the middle. In addition, they should stop worrying about football. MLB must watch and act swiftly if the new playoff format starts to devalue the six months of regular season.
Of the five playoff teams in the National League, San Francisco had the worst record. In the American League, Kansas City had the second worst record among playoff qualifiers. It isn't an insult toward the franchises or their respective fanbases. The Giants and Royals were in the top ten in wins during the season.
Ten out of thirty teams make the playoffs in Major League Baseball, one-third. To be exact, 33 percent of the league qualifies. This percentage is the lowest of the four major professional sports. In the National Football League, 37.5 percent are eligible for postseason play, 12 out of 32 clubs.
North America's two major professional indoor sports leagues, the NBA and NHL, are even worse in terms of separating good from bad (or mediocre). In both sports, 16 teams make the playoff rounds and 14 do not qualify. For those of you scoring at home, more teams are in then out, 53 percent of them play in the postseason.
The L.A. Kings have won the NHL's Stanley Cup in two of the last three seasons. In 2012, the Kings were the eight and last seed in the Western Conference and ranked 14th out of 16 playoff teams. In 2014, they had the sixth best record in their conference and tied for only tenth in the entire regular season but won the playoff rounds. Essentially, the regular seasons in the NHL are becoming more meaningless.
MLB is not at this stage yet but getting closer. Getting back to this year's World Series, neither league champion won 90 games during the 162-game regular season. San Francisco, champions of the National League, won 88 ballgames. Kansas City, champions of the American League, compiled 87 wins. It's the first time ever in the modern era of baseball.
Both teams won "wild-card" games before advancing through the division series and league championship series. Again, this isn't an indictment on the Giants or the Royals. The Giants eliminated the NL's best team, the Washington Nationals, 3 games to 1 in the division series round. Then, they beat the third-seeded St. Louis Cardinals, four games to one. The Royals completed a three-game sweep of the L.A. Angels, the team with the record in the AL and a four-game sweep of the second-seeded Baltimore Orioles.
The problem is the "wild-card" games are an extra round of playoffs added in because of one baseball event and one competing sport.
Thanks to St. Louis and Tampa Bay completing historical comebacks to win the single wild cards in each league on the last night of the 2011 regular season, MLB decided to add another wild card spot and a special game. 2011 was unique, STL and TB had to win their respective games while Atlanta and Boston had to lose. It was a once in a lifetime scenario. Now the new playoff game round seems out of place. It's only one game compared 5,7, and games for the following rounds.
Also, baseball wanted to take the spotlight away from the National Football League. To be fair, casual fans' minds shift from baseball to football beginning in August and right through September, baseball's ending to its regular season. There is too much football talk during baseball's homestretch. Football should be front and center starting in November for non-hardcore football fans and the general sports media.
Major League Baseball needs to be careful of trying too hard to make their end of season worthwhile and losing focus on the beginning and the middle. In addition, they should stop worrying about football. MLB must watch and act swiftly if the new playoff format starts to devalue the six months of regular season.
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