Texas Tech has fired head football coach Mike Leach. Former coach Leach will likely be suing Texas Tech. It may not be long before we learn that what instigated the firing was NOT really the doings involving Adam James and his concussion, but something more sinister.
Were officials at Texas Tech looking desperately for a reason to fire the highly successful coach prior to December 31st to keep an $800-thousand bonus from having to be paid?
The Dallas Morning News reportedly obtained some e-mails purporting to be from officials at Texas Tech dated as far back as last February which were complaining that Leach really was not on the same track as other top coaches--like Mack Brown at Texas--and didn't deserve the money. Those e-mails will no doubt be used by Leach's defense to claim the deck was stacked against him and that the discipline handed down for his reported treatment of an injured James was used as an opening salvo with the belief that the ego driven Leach would follow up with something else that could bring him down.
Even the firing with the reason given as being a "defiant act of insubordination" when he sought a court to intervene in his suspension from the Alamo Bowl will no doubt come in question down the line.
There definitely are points Leach's defense can make.
For instance there is no question Leach ran his football program the way he wanted to. He made players go to class and had a commendable percentage of them graduate. If the object of a college experience is to get a degree then Leach was a good coach.
Texas Tech can also make some points too. Unfortunately for them some of those points may not work in a legal case although still valid.
However, like his fellow former Texas Tech coach--Bob Knight in basketball-- Leach was a very difficult man to keep under institutional control. He made more money than anyone in the school while his football team generated more money than anything else in the school. Football was almost a department in itself. That is not unusual with many of the larger universities especially in the southern half of the country, but it hardly makes for a happy athletic department.
Its a cliche now, but the old line, "The bigger they are, the harder they fall," fits here perfectly. Mike Leach made himself very big at Tech. He took the largess of the school and alumni with open arms while still trying to get the attention of the other guys in the room. No question Leach had courted and in some cases been courted for other jobs. Now he will be free to pursue them in earnest--if his defiant attitude toward Texas Tech doesn't put him on some secret persona non grata list.
From a pure won-lost and student graduation standpoint Leach should be the sort of coach anyone would want. As a coach his teams were 84-43 in ten years with bowl appearances every season.
Having had to deal with Bob Knight and Mike Leach at the same time likely aged both athletic directors who were on the scene during that Tech era by ten years. They loved that their teams gave the school national recognition and success. The price they had to pay behind the scenes was severe. In many ways both Knight and Leach are exactly what college sports needs guiding programs. They made their players be students. They were excellent at teaching their respective sports. Knight had a temper he often failed to control. Leach came across as believing he was just smarter than everyone else. Both had a failing adopting to the current era in player-coach discipline and relations. That ultimately is what broke them down. Knight was able to play it out, though. He finally got tired and gave it up. Leach had things taken away from him.
Another comparison? Well, Knight made his name at Indiana before being fired. He moved on to to Tech in getting another chance. Leach made his name at Texas Tech. At some point if he wishes he will move on and have a chance for resurrection, too.
First, however, Mike will have to use that legal degree he owns in helping his attorneys build a case for himself against Texas Tech. Will it be a long and dirty fight or will some accommodations be reached? Time will tell on that. In the meantime Texas Tech needs a new coach. An era is over.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Top Houston Sports Stories 2009
The list is not long, but it is significant: The top Houston Sports Stories for 2009. From the Sports Library I have my ideas.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
A Little of This..and a Little of That
Wondering this morning AGAIN why we have so many post season bowl games with the vast majority of them meaning absolutely nothing. No disrespect for bowls like the Independence, but Shreveport in late December is hardly a prime destination. It is cold up there. Before the Visitor's Bureau writes I am aware of the casinos and entertainment that has been added in the last twenty years. That, however, hardly ties into college football.
Texas A&M again showed how far the football program is from real respectability in losing 44-20 to an under achieving Georgia Bulldog team. Oh for the glory years of R.C. Slocum!...
Is Mike Leach's "benching" as coach of the Texas Tech Red Raiders in their upcoming bowl game an over-reaction? Was the whole situation a result of complaints from a player who felt under-used and supported by a family with major football and media ties? Is the whole thing a way to make Leach uncomfortable enough that he will actually take one of the coaching offers that may have come his way in recent years? Do school administrators think Leach has become too BIG? OR, was what Leach did simply a very bad move in possibly pressuring a player to practice who should have been held out while his concussion totally cleared up? The answer is likely somewhere in the middle. What Leach may have done is simply "old school". Unfortunately the old school has been closed for years and in this age it will always bring criticism. Next will be to see what the fallout actually is...
That boob move by the Indianapolis Colts and staff to pull the vets before they had clinched a win over the New York Jets on Sunday has direct effect on the Texan's playoff chances. Two of the three scenarios for the Texans to make the field involve the Jets losing. Had Indy kept its unbeaten season alive and used the regulars on Sunday the Jets would have been eliminated already...still steamed on this because the Colts could have justified resting their guys in the final game this week against a team NOT contending for anything--the Buffalo Bills. They jumped the gun and have affected the NFL standings...
The ONE NHL game of the season I never miss is coming up. Its the Jan 1 game (sorry Bowl games) that is played outside. I got hooked when they played in Buffalo in the snow two years ago. Last year they were at Wrigley Field. This year they play hockey at Fenway Park. I love it. Word is, Yankee Stadium is going to be the site next year.... Now that Minnesota is getting an outdoor park for the Twins I can't wait till they play in -15 degrees with snow up there some day...I'll be happy to watch on TV...
Surely no one is surprised that Tracy McGrady and the word "trade" are now linked. This is addition by subtraction... The Rockets simply need to move him and his salary. They don't need any players (draft picks would be OK) for the good of the team. The chemistry on this team is so important and losing any of the key guys even to get players of better talent, but with less of that same hustle and hard nosed play of the current group might be a mistake....
Looking forward to Friday when we can start saying, "Twenty-ten" as the year instead of "Two-thousand one...or Two thousand nine." Just nice and shorter and clean...more like "Nineteen ninety nine', what we have all lived our lives with until the 2000s started.
Texas A&M again showed how far the football program is from real respectability in losing 44-20 to an under achieving Georgia Bulldog team. Oh for the glory years of R.C. Slocum!...
Is Mike Leach's "benching" as coach of the Texas Tech Red Raiders in their upcoming bowl game an over-reaction? Was the whole situation a result of complaints from a player who felt under-used and supported by a family with major football and media ties? Is the whole thing a way to make Leach uncomfortable enough that he will actually take one of the coaching offers that may have come his way in recent years? Do school administrators think Leach has become too BIG? OR, was what Leach did simply a very bad move in possibly pressuring a player to practice who should have been held out while his concussion totally cleared up? The answer is likely somewhere in the middle. What Leach may have done is simply "old school". Unfortunately the old school has been closed for years and in this age it will always bring criticism. Next will be to see what the fallout actually is...
That boob move by the Indianapolis Colts and staff to pull the vets before they had clinched a win over the New York Jets on Sunday has direct effect on the Texan's playoff chances. Two of the three scenarios for the Texans to make the field involve the Jets losing. Had Indy kept its unbeaten season alive and used the regulars on Sunday the Jets would have been eliminated already...still steamed on this because the Colts could have justified resting their guys in the final game this week against a team NOT contending for anything--the Buffalo Bills. They jumped the gun and have affected the NFL standings...
The ONE NHL game of the season I never miss is coming up. Its the Jan 1 game (sorry Bowl games) that is played outside. I got hooked when they played in Buffalo in the snow two years ago. Last year they were at Wrigley Field. This year they play hockey at Fenway Park. I love it. Word is, Yankee Stadium is going to be the site next year.... Now that Minnesota is getting an outdoor park for the Twins I can't wait till they play in -15 degrees with snow up there some day...I'll be happy to watch on TV...
Surely no one is surprised that Tracy McGrady and the word "trade" are now linked. This is addition by subtraction... The Rockets simply need to move him and his salary. They don't need any players (draft picks would be OK) for the good of the team. The chemistry on this team is so important and losing any of the key guys even to get players of better talent, but with less of that same hustle and hard nosed play of the current group might be a mistake....
Looking forward to Friday when we can start saying, "Twenty-ten" as the year instead of "Two-thousand one...or Two thousand nine." Just nice and shorter and clean...more like "Nineteen ninety nine', what we have all lived our lives with until the 2000s started.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Colts Coaches Blow It
The Indianpolis Colts coaches showed disdain for the fans, players, a potential historical unbeaten season and the NFL with their poor decision on Sunday. I have some thoughts from the Sports Library.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
What's It Gonna Take?
With just two weeks in the NFL season and the Houston Texans set to take on the Miami Dolphins on Sunday many wonder just what it will take for the Texans to make the playoffs.
The answer is...two wins by Houston and the right teams losing the right games.
If the Texans are going to make the post season as a wild card they have to finish 9-7 and hope that two other teams can't reach the same mark. If three teams do the Texans are very likely out of luck due to the tiebreaker procedure.
That's where having the right teams lose at the right time is crucial.
This weekend the Texans obviously have to beat Miami since the Dolphins are in the hunt. Only one other game pits teams vying for the AFC wild card. That is Baltimore at Pittsburgh. Baltimore and Denver currently hold the wild card spots at 8-6. The Texans have to hope no more than one of those teams finishes 9-7. So, Pittsburgh at 7-7 has to win that game to get the Ravens back down with the rest of the wild card challengers. Pittsburgh would be 8-7, but they are in Miami to end the season. The Dolphins--after a loss to Houston Sunday--would be 7-8. So they would need to beat Pittsburgh to drop the Steelers to 8-8 and bring themselves back to 8-8.
The Texans would be ahead of both of those teams if they won out.
Denver needs to lose at Philadelphia this week. That drops them to 8-7. Next week they host KC and that will be a tall order for the Chiefs. So, if Denver wins and finishes 9-7 they would clinch one wild card.
That leaves one spot open for the 9-7 Texans.
New Jersey must lose at Indianapolis Sunday. That drops them to 7-8 with 8-8 the best they can do. An upset win over the Colts would still not be a clincher since they would have to finish vs Cincinnati next week.
Jacksonville is another team that absolutely must lose this week. They play New England. A loss drops them to 7-8. They should be able to win their final game at Cleveland. So, another 8-8 team perhaps.
Will everything hold together? Will the Texans hold up their end starting with a win at Miami on Sunday? Odds are still against the Texans. Heck they may shoot themselves in the foot, lose to the Dolphins and make all of this a moot point.
However, there IS a chance. The odds are not impossibly long. They just ARE against Houston.
As for next week? The New England Patriots are the Texans opponents. If it turned out a playoff spot was on the line with the outcome that would make for some game. Let us just hope it turns out to be the biggest game in Houston Texan history.
The answer is...two wins by Houston and the right teams losing the right games.
If the Texans are going to make the post season as a wild card they have to finish 9-7 and hope that two other teams can't reach the same mark. If three teams do the Texans are very likely out of luck due to the tiebreaker procedure.
That's where having the right teams lose at the right time is crucial.
This weekend the Texans obviously have to beat Miami since the Dolphins are in the hunt. Only one other game pits teams vying for the AFC wild card. That is Baltimore at Pittsburgh. Baltimore and Denver currently hold the wild card spots at 8-6. The Texans have to hope no more than one of those teams finishes 9-7. So, Pittsburgh at 7-7 has to win that game to get the Ravens back down with the rest of the wild card challengers. Pittsburgh would be 8-7, but they are in Miami to end the season. The Dolphins--after a loss to Houston Sunday--would be 7-8. So they would need to beat Pittsburgh to drop the Steelers to 8-8 and bring themselves back to 8-8.
The Texans would be ahead of both of those teams if they won out.
Denver needs to lose at Philadelphia this week. That drops them to 8-7. Next week they host KC and that will be a tall order for the Chiefs. So, if Denver wins and finishes 9-7 they would clinch one wild card.
That leaves one spot open for the 9-7 Texans.
New Jersey must lose at Indianapolis Sunday. That drops them to 7-8 with 8-8 the best they can do. An upset win over the Colts would still not be a clincher since they would have to finish vs Cincinnati next week.
Jacksonville is another team that absolutely must lose this week. They play New England. A loss drops them to 7-8. They should be able to win their final game at Cleveland. So, another 8-8 team perhaps.
Will everything hold together? Will the Texans hold up their end starting with a win at Miami on Sunday? Odds are still against the Texans. Heck they may shoot themselves in the foot, lose to the Dolphins and make all of this a moot point.
However, there IS a chance. The odds are not impossibly long. They just ARE against Houston.
As for next week? The New England Patriots are the Texans opponents. If it turned out a playoff spot was on the line with the outcome that would make for some game. Let us just hope it turns out to be the biggest game in Houston Texan history.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Derrick Roland's Plight Teaches a Lesson
Derrick Roland is expected to recover fully from his severely broken right leg, but his Texas A&M hoops career is over. It could happen to anyone. I've got some thoughts.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Basketball and Other Stuff
After now having seen and worked a Baylor Men's Basketball game for the first time this season I am ready to proclaim my thoughts on the Big 12 Conference season which gets underway next month.
It will be won by either Texas or Kansas with everyone else battling for third.
Of course, that battle for third should be a dandy. Kansas State is full of high school All American's from all over. Coach Frank Martin has players from Harlem, NY, Washington, D.C., Fort Lauderdale, Fl., Landover, MD, Bronx, NY, St. Paul, MN, Maywood, Il., Dallas, Puerto Rico and Nigeria.
Oh yes, there is on walk-on player from Kansas. The recruiting budget for Kansas State must be better than most. None of those, "Let's drive over to Center City to check out that guard." It's more like, "What's the next flight to Miami that connects in New York and Baltimore on the way?" As a result of building this international all star team the Wildcats are loaded with talent. If it can build into a team style needed to win big games the Wildcats could challenge the "Big 2" before it is all over.
No one else looks likely to challenge either Texas or Kansas, but Baylor is very good with two or three quick and agile big men plus two starting guards who can really play. Texas A&M is well coached and talented, but likely too small to hang with the top three over a long season.
Other teams like Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech will have their moments and wins during league play probably including an upset or two, but can't compare with the top two or three teams in the league.
TEXANS IN SAME BOAT
In the NFL the Texans are like those Big 12 basketball teams in the bottom half. They can pull off a nice win now and then, but aren't on the level with the big boys. In the NFL that means they are a tick or two below playoff calibre. Sure, they still could make the field if they win out and the right other clubs lose some games, but it is not likely.
Sunday's game in St. Louis was the latest example of the club lacking what it takes. They won the game, but not by much over a team that had only one once. Houston did not play well. They played on the level of the Rams. Truly good teams do not do that.
Are there bright spots? Yes for sure there are. The Texans defense on the whole is the best it has ever been. The quarterbacking is the best it has ever been. The receiving corp is the best it has ever been. That is about it though. The offensive line continues to be below average although Matt Schaub has been protected well. The running backs are all below average. That combination of poor power blocking to open holes and weak running backs is the most significant major hole that has to be addressed. It will be....for 2010!
LANDRY MAY BE TOOTHLESS, BUT ROCKETS ARE FAR FROM IT
The word should be out around the NBA that if you want to beat the Houston Rockets you had better figuring on playing hard for all 48 minutes. The Rockets will.
Despite losing players for a game here and a game there for various reasons...and now star rookie Chase Buddinger will be sidelined with a sprained ankle, but the Rockets just keep playing hard.
If he can handle it this could open more minutes for Tracy McGrady with Buddinger out. Up to now every time a gap has appeared on the team someone has filled it. If the back court has a poor scoring game someone else opens it up and when they go big others just play different roles.
If the Rockets can continue this pace-winning 15 of every 26-- they will not only make the playoffs, but be TEAM of the year even if they don't win in the post season. Rick Adelman? He is the Coach of the Year in waiting. And next season with Yao Ming back and money available to fill any other holes the Rockets will be legitimate contenders for the title. That is just as long as they don't forget how hard they played the game this season and keep it up.
COULD BRETT MYERS PASS THE TEST?
There is speculation in baseball that Philadelphia free agent pitcher Brett Myers could wind up re-uniting with his former GM with the Phillies, Ed Wade, in Houston. That is a legitimate guess since quite often players and GMs are reunited in new locations for both. The Astros would not mind a pitcher like Myers competing for a spot in the rotation or bullpen. However, there are several considerations. At last check the Astros 40 man roster was full. Would Myers accept a minor league spring training contract? He is, after all, coming back from hip surgery but was able to pitch late in 2009. Secondly, Myers has a skeleton in his closet that might be too serious for owner Drayton McLane to accept. Myers was involved in a physical altercation with his wife a few years ago. The same sort of thing ended Julio Lugo's Astro career. Are the circumstances different enough that the owner might OK the acquisition?
Right now it is a moot point. Yet Myers name keeps coming up possibly linked with Houston.
It will be won by either Texas or Kansas with everyone else battling for third.
Of course, that battle for third should be a dandy. Kansas State is full of high school All American's from all over. Coach Frank Martin has players from Harlem, NY, Washington, D.C., Fort Lauderdale, Fl., Landover, MD, Bronx, NY, St. Paul, MN, Maywood, Il., Dallas, Puerto Rico and Nigeria.
Oh yes, there is on walk-on player from Kansas. The recruiting budget for Kansas State must be better than most. None of those, "Let's drive over to Center City to check out that guard." It's more like, "What's the next flight to Miami that connects in New York and Baltimore on the way?" As a result of building this international all star team the Wildcats are loaded with talent. If it can build into a team style needed to win big games the Wildcats could challenge the "Big 2" before it is all over.
No one else looks likely to challenge either Texas or Kansas, but Baylor is very good with two or three quick and agile big men plus two starting guards who can really play. Texas A&M is well coached and talented, but likely too small to hang with the top three over a long season.
Other teams like Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech will have their moments and wins during league play probably including an upset or two, but can't compare with the top two or three teams in the league.
TEXANS IN SAME BOAT
In the NFL the Texans are like those Big 12 basketball teams in the bottom half. They can pull off a nice win now and then, but aren't on the level with the big boys. In the NFL that means they are a tick or two below playoff calibre. Sure, they still could make the field if they win out and the right other clubs lose some games, but it is not likely.
Sunday's game in St. Louis was the latest example of the club lacking what it takes. They won the game, but not by much over a team that had only one once. Houston did not play well. They played on the level of the Rams. Truly good teams do not do that.
Are there bright spots? Yes for sure there are. The Texans defense on the whole is the best it has ever been. The quarterbacking is the best it has ever been. The receiving corp is the best it has ever been. That is about it though. The offensive line continues to be below average although Matt Schaub has been protected well. The running backs are all below average. That combination of poor power blocking to open holes and weak running backs is the most significant major hole that has to be addressed. It will be....for 2010!
LANDRY MAY BE TOOTHLESS, BUT ROCKETS ARE FAR FROM IT
The word should be out around the NBA that if you want to beat the Houston Rockets you had better figuring on playing hard for all 48 minutes. The Rockets will.
Despite losing players for a game here and a game there for various reasons...and now star rookie Chase Buddinger will be sidelined with a sprained ankle, but the Rockets just keep playing hard.
If he can handle it this could open more minutes for Tracy McGrady with Buddinger out. Up to now every time a gap has appeared on the team someone has filled it. If the back court has a poor scoring game someone else opens it up and when they go big others just play different roles.
If the Rockets can continue this pace-winning 15 of every 26-- they will not only make the playoffs, but be TEAM of the year even if they don't win in the post season. Rick Adelman? He is the Coach of the Year in waiting. And next season with Yao Ming back and money available to fill any other holes the Rockets will be legitimate contenders for the title. That is just as long as they don't forget how hard they played the game this season and keep it up.
COULD BRETT MYERS PASS THE TEST?
There is speculation in baseball that Philadelphia free agent pitcher Brett Myers could wind up re-uniting with his former GM with the Phillies, Ed Wade, in Houston. That is a legitimate guess since quite often players and GMs are reunited in new locations for both. The Astros would not mind a pitcher like Myers competing for a spot in the rotation or bullpen. However, there are several considerations. At last check the Astros 40 man roster was full. Would Myers accept a minor league spring training contract? He is, after all, coming back from hip surgery but was able to pitch late in 2009. Secondly, Myers has a skeleton in his closet that might be too serious for owner Drayton McLane to accept. Myers was involved in a physical altercation with his wife a few years ago. The same sort of thing ended Julio Lugo's Astro career. Are the circumstances different enough that the owner might OK the acquisition?
Right now it is a moot point. Yet Myers name keeps coming up possibly linked with Houston.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Bet You've Never Seen That Before!
The Rockets overtime win over the Mavericks on Friday night had a lot to talk about. The very way the game went down to the wire in regulation play--after the Rockets blew an eight point very late lead-- to the way the guards Aaron Brooks and Kyle Lowry took over the bulk of the scoring duties.
The numerous long delays for replays and/or discussions among the officials was a negative, but in many cases they were necessary due to the heat of the game. Multiple technical fouls, overly agressive fouls and just plain hard play was the rule all night.
Nothing was stranger, however, than the collision between Maverick star Dirk Nowitzski and Rocket power forward Carl Landry. It left Landry with five teeth either loosened, broken or knocked out and it left Nowitzski with part of those choppers imbedded in his arm.
It also knocked both players out of the game.
Now, I know Dallas fans are going to say that cost them the game. Dirk is their star player. They might be right, but on the other hand losing Landry by the Rockets is hardly insignificant.
Landry has been the teams third leading scorer and often top rebounder. He can play low or pop out and hit the 15 footer. He is a better defender than Nowitzski. So hold on when you automatically think Dirk's loss was more costly that Carl's.
The effect of the collision may have much greater negative impact on the Rockets than the Mavericks over a longer term. Nowitzski should be able to play right away. That may not be the case for Landry.
Landry is meeting with an oral surgeon Saturday. Hopefully, he will still be able to play on Saturday night. Depending on the amount of work required, however, that may be a bit optimistic. Unless he decides to go "toothless" until the season is over and repairs can be made then, he is going to need a mask of some sort for awhile anyway it would seem. He conceivably might need to have his jaw wired to keep any work done in place while it heals. That affects ability to eat solid food. That would be very rough on a professional athlete in mid season.
As I write this there has been no determination as to the course of repair. If repairs can wait until the season is over, Carl may look a bit funny when he smiles till then, but at least with him still active the Rockets might have more chances to smile as a team.
The numerous long delays for replays and/or discussions among the officials was a negative, but in many cases they were necessary due to the heat of the game. Multiple technical fouls, overly agressive fouls and just plain hard play was the rule all night.
Nothing was stranger, however, than the collision between Maverick star Dirk Nowitzski and Rocket power forward Carl Landry. It left Landry with five teeth either loosened, broken or knocked out and it left Nowitzski with part of those choppers imbedded in his arm.
It also knocked both players out of the game.
Now, I know Dallas fans are going to say that cost them the game. Dirk is their star player. They might be right, but on the other hand losing Landry by the Rockets is hardly insignificant.
Landry has been the teams third leading scorer and often top rebounder. He can play low or pop out and hit the 15 footer. He is a better defender than Nowitzski. So hold on when you automatically think Dirk's loss was more costly that Carl's.
The effect of the collision may have much greater negative impact on the Rockets than the Mavericks over a longer term. Nowitzski should be able to play right away. That may not be the case for Landry.
Landry is meeting with an oral surgeon Saturday. Hopefully, he will still be able to play on Saturday night. Depending on the amount of work required, however, that may be a bit optimistic. Unless he decides to go "toothless" until the season is over and repairs can be made then, he is going to need a mask of some sort for awhile anyway it would seem. He conceivably might need to have his jaw wired to keep any work done in place while it heals. That affects ability to eat solid food. That would be very rough on a professional athlete in mid season.
As I write this there has been no determination as to the course of repair. If repairs can wait until the season is over, Carl may look a bit funny when he smiles till then, but at least with him still active the Rockets might have more chances to smile as a team.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
News is Out... Astros almost sold in 2008
In a Wednesday story in the Houston Chronicle Jesus Ortiz and Richard Justice provided details on the Astros near sale to Jim Crane in late 2008. I have some thoughts on the would be buyer.
McGrady back...McLane listening?
Lots of fans were very pleased to see Tracy McGrady make his Rocket debut on Tuesday night. The Rockets had little trouble in dispatching the visiting Detroit Pistons and McGrady's short stint in the first half had to be considered a success.
He only took two shots--totally working within the well established Houston offense--and ran the floor well. One of his two field goal attempts was a very smooth and successful three pointer.
When reporting to Toyota Center prior to the game McGrady had no idea he would finally be activated, but coach Rick Adelman decided that with Trevor Ariza suspended for the game and with the Rockets at the top end of a very rough part of the schedule they could use the extra body. Tracy played just under eight minutes in his season debut.
McGrady won't be needed to play much or in some games maybe at all. At the same time this will give him game experience and the Rockets will have another vet ready to fill any gaps until he reaches the point where his body will allow a heavier load.
ASTRO OWNER ADMITS CLUB ALMOST SOLD... IN 2008
While it may have surprised the majority of Astro fans that club owner Drayton McLane was very near selling the club after the 2008 baseball season it was not a secret to many close to the club. Virtually everything Drayton said about the near sale had been private if not public knowledge. The deal with Jim Crane apparently was killed by the economic crisis of late 2008 which changed Mr. Crane's net worth. Now, however, things seem to have improved judging from his effort to buy both the Chicago Cubs and Texas Rangers.
Both those efforts failed, although the Rangers situation isn't final...only that current owner Tom Hicks will be negotiating a sale with a group headed by Pittsburgh attorney Chuck Greenberg and including Nolan Ryan. Should that deal not happen or be denied by Major League Baseball Jim Crane ostensibly could be involved again... unless he buys the Houston Astros first.
As Drayton McLane stated in the story printed by the Chronicle on Wedneday there are no deals for the club currently in the works. He also said, "Nothing lasts forever."
He only took two shots--totally working within the well established Houston offense--and ran the floor well. One of his two field goal attempts was a very smooth and successful three pointer.
When reporting to Toyota Center prior to the game McGrady had no idea he would finally be activated, but coach Rick Adelman decided that with Trevor Ariza suspended for the game and with the Rockets at the top end of a very rough part of the schedule they could use the extra body. Tracy played just under eight minutes in his season debut.
McGrady won't be needed to play much or in some games maybe at all. At the same time this will give him game experience and the Rockets will have another vet ready to fill any gaps until he reaches the point where his body will allow a heavier load.
ASTRO OWNER ADMITS CLUB ALMOST SOLD... IN 2008
While it may have surprised the majority of Astro fans that club owner Drayton McLane was very near selling the club after the 2008 baseball season it was not a secret to many close to the club. Virtually everything Drayton said about the near sale had been private if not public knowledge. The deal with Jim Crane apparently was killed by the economic crisis of late 2008 which changed Mr. Crane's net worth. Now, however, things seem to have improved judging from his effort to buy both the Chicago Cubs and Texas Rangers.
Both those efforts failed, although the Rangers situation isn't final...only that current owner Tom Hicks will be negotiating a sale with a group headed by Pittsburgh attorney Chuck Greenberg and including Nolan Ryan. Should that deal not happen or be denied by Major League Baseball Jim Crane ostensibly could be involved again... unless he buys the Houston Astros first.
As Drayton McLane stated in the story printed by the Chronicle on Wedneday there are no deals for the club currently in the works. He also said, "Nothing lasts forever."
Monday, December 14, 2009
Texans, Uniforms, Rockets, Astros and Cowboys
Those guys wearing the PROPER uniforms on Sunday were the Houston Texans everyone thinks they should be every week. Admittedly, even the best and most proven NFL teams can't play every week as well as the Texans did on Sunday. They really looked good. Of course, the fact I was finally watching a game in HD at home for the first time might have made them look good even if they had not played as well.
I will say this... those dark navy jerseys, dark navy helmets and white pants are what I see when I think Houston Texans. Those are power colors. None of this battle red stuff. Seems to me when the Texans have pulled those jerseys out they have lost every time this year. When they got a national TV game on ESPN they didn't look like the Texans are supposed to look. They had one game where they wore red jerseys with red pants topped by the navy blue helmets. Sort of looked like a bunch of blood clots running around on the field.
On the road the Texans are white jerseys with navy blue pants. A team calling itself the Texans but wearing anything else is not them.
The team we saw play on Sunday was the Texans as we would like to remember them always. They came out with aggressiveness. They played very hard on both sides of the ball the whole game. The big players on the team all played big. Sure, they gave away at least ten points by making mistakes. What's the deal with all the botched third down and short plays? They scored enough and defended enough they didn't need those ten points or so they didn't get.
Do the Texans need to win the rest of the games to save the coaching staff? It is too early to tell. One can speculate about that all one wants. Only once the season is over will the story be told. The team has holes still needed to be filled. Yet, they have a strong talent base. A whole lot of teams in the NFL--even some with better records right now--can't say that.
ROCKETS DUE
The Houston Rockets stumbled out of the gate in Toronto and although they rallied could not overcome that poor start and awful long range shooting and lost on Sunday. It was one of those TV "flip back and forth" games with the Texans going head to head on another channel. With past Rocket teams there would be moaning and groaning about losing to Toronto. Not with this Rocket team. They play hard every game. They will lose some when the shots don't fall, but won't lose because of lack of effort. Rick Adelman has his team playing harder on a game to game basis than any team I have ever seen in my years following the NBA. They can be out-talented on occasion, but never out-worked.
ASTROS IN OK SHAPE
The Houston Astros came out of the baseball winter meetings in good shape. They lost a closer and a set up man, but acquired a closer and set up man. Talent equality? That will be determined during the 2010 season. Certainly, the players lost--set up man LaTroy Hawkins and closer Jose Valverde--have longer successful track records than the newly acquired duo of Matt Lindstrom and Brandon Lyon. The lost pair also have nine more years of age on them and a pile of more money in their contracts. No deal or change can be determined to be a success or failure until a season is played of course. I like what Ed Wade did.
Pedro Feliz comes in to be the club's number one third baseman. That should be an improvement offensively from 2010, but right now the Astros left side of the infield and offense in general--unless Lance Berkman gets back to his former level and Hunter Pence moves to the next level-- figures to be well below what it was in 2009. Miguel Tejada, although still not signed by anyone, would have to come back to Houston at shortstop to change that. Tejada coming back is about as likely as the Texans getting rid of those battle red alternate jerseys. I would like both to occur, but am not holding my breath.
When one takes into account all the things Ed Wade must deal with in trying to improve the club he deserves applause. He is not finished, but he has gotten off to a nice start.
Oh, by the way, you may now call him The King and not The Captain for 2010. Astro radio voice Milo Hamilton was crowned King of Baseball at the winter meeting closing banquet. The honor doesn't give him any more power than he already has, but you can call him King Milo if you like.
COWBOYS IN HOUSTON
I have lived in Houston since late 1982. Before that I lived and worked in San Antonio for nearly three years. During my time in San Antonio I used to host a weekly radio show with Dallas Cowboy GM Tex Schramm. The Cowboys were on top of the NFL in those days. Tex was a big time promoter. Dallas was San Antonio's team. I understood that. San Antonio didn't have a team.
What I never understood once I moved to Houston was why so many long time Houston residents are Cowboy fans and not fans of the teams that play in their own city? I have no problem with folks who once lived in North Texas and moved here. It is those who never lived in North Texas that I wonder about.
By now it shouldn't matter that the Cowboys have won some Super Bowls and the Oilers/Texans have not won anything other than early AFL championships for the Oilers. Since the Texans came into the league they have not won a playoff game. Neither have the Cowboys during that same period! The Cowboys are hardly in a class with the New York Yankees, but many of their fans seem to think they are. I don't care if the folks in the Arlington/Dallas area think that. The Cowboys are their team. The just are NOT Houston's.
Finally, thanks to the staff at the Rainbow Lodge where my wife and I had an anniversary dinner. Knowing I was with Astros television they personalized a free dessert with " Happy Anniversary" and "Go Astros" scripted. I know the Astros are very happy fans are thinking of them in mid-December.
I will say this... those dark navy jerseys, dark navy helmets and white pants are what I see when I think Houston Texans. Those are power colors. None of this battle red stuff. Seems to me when the Texans have pulled those jerseys out they have lost every time this year. When they got a national TV game on ESPN they didn't look like the Texans are supposed to look. They had one game where they wore red jerseys with red pants topped by the navy blue helmets. Sort of looked like a bunch of blood clots running around on the field.
On the road the Texans are white jerseys with navy blue pants. A team calling itself the Texans but wearing anything else is not them.
The team we saw play on Sunday was the Texans as we would like to remember them always. They came out with aggressiveness. They played very hard on both sides of the ball the whole game. The big players on the team all played big. Sure, they gave away at least ten points by making mistakes. What's the deal with all the botched third down and short plays? They scored enough and defended enough they didn't need those ten points or so they didn't get.
Do the Texans need to win the rest of the games to save the coaching staff? It is too early to tell. One can speculate about that all one wants. Only once the season is over will the story be told. The team has holes still needed to be filled. Yet, they have a strong talent base. A whole lot of teams in the NFL--even some with better records right now--can't say that.
ROCKETS DUE
The Houston Rockets stumbled out of the gate in Toronto and although they rallied could not overcome that poor start and awful long range shooting and lost on Sunday. It was one of those TV "flip back and forth" games with the Texans going head to head on another channel. With past Rocket teams there would be moaning and groaning about losing to Toronto. Not with this Rocket team. They play hard every game. They will lose some when the shots don't fall, but won't lose because of lack of effort. Rick Adelman has his team playing harder on a game to game basis than any team I have ever seen in my years following the NBA. They can be out-talented on occasion, but never out-worked.
ASTROS IN OK SHAPE
The Houston Astros came out of the baseball winter meetings in good shape. They lost a closer and a set up man, but acquired a closer and set up man. Talent equality? That will be determined during the 2010 season. Certainly, the players lost--set up man LaTroy Hawkins and closer Jose Valverde--have longer successful track records than the newly acquired duo of Matt Lindstrom and Brandon Lyon. The lost pair also have nine more years of age on them and a pile of more money in their contracts. No deal or change can be determined to be a success or failure until a season is played of course. I like what Ed Wade did.
Pedro Feliz comes in to be the club's number one third baseman. That should be an improvement offensively from 2010, but right now the Astros left side of the infield and offense in general--unless Lance Berkman gets back to his former level and Hunter Pence moves to the next level-- figures to be well below what it was in 2009. Miguel Tejada, although still not signed by anyone, would have to come back to Houston at shortstop to change that. Tejada coming back is about as likely as the Texans getting rid of those battle red alternate jerseys. I would like both to occur, but am not holding my breath.
When one takes into account all the things Ed Wade must deal with in trying to improve the club he deserves applause. He is not finished, but he has gotten off to a nice start.
Oh, by the way, you may now call him The King and not The Captain for 2010. Astro radio voice Milo Hamilton was crowned King of Baseball at the winter meeting closing banquet. The honor doesn't give him any more power than he already has, but you can call him King Milo if you like.
COWBOYS IN HOUSTON
I have lived in Houston since late 1982. Before that I lived and worked in San Antonio for nearly three years. During my time in San Antonio I used to host a weekly radio show with Dallas Cowboy GM Tex Schramm. The Cowboys were on top of the NFL in those days. Tex was a big time promoter. Dallas was San Antonio's team. I understood that. San Antonio didn't have a team.
What I never understood once I moved to Houston was why so many long time Houston residents are Cowboy fans and not fans of the teams that play in their own city? I have no problem with folks who once lived in North Texas and moved here. It is those who never lived in North Texas that I wonder about.
By now it shouldn't matter that the Cowboys have won some Super Bowls and the Oilers/Texans have not won anything other than early AFL championships for the Oilers. Since the Texans came into the league they have not won a playoff game. Neither have the Cowboys during that same period! The Cowboys are hardly in a class with the New York Yankees, but many of their fans seem to think they are. I don't care if the folks in the Arlington/Dallas area think that. The Cowboys are their team. The just are NOT Houston's.
Finally, thanks to the staff at the Rainbow Lodge where my wife and I had an anniversary dinner. Knowing I was with Astros television they personalized a free dessert with " Happy Anniversary" and "Go Astros" scripted. I know the Astros are very happy fans are thinking of them in mid-December.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Ed Wade Did Real Well in Indy
I have to believe Ed Wade was the "winner" at the Winter Meetings. Several Astro "holes" were filled. More from my Baseball Library.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Astro Fans Feel Better Now
Just when things were looking to be quite unproductive for the Astros at the Baseball Winter Meetings Ed Wade pulled off a couple deals that have a chance at really helping the club.
After having closer Jose Valverde decline arbitration which almost certainly meant he would be pitching elsewhere in 2010 and seeing set up man LaTroy Hawkins ink a two year deal with the Brewers, Ed went to work.
He had irons in the fire with a couple teams and worked out a deal with the Florida Marlins for hard throwing reliever Matt Lindstrom. Then, just a few hours later he signed free agent reliever Brandon Lyon. Both Lindstrom and Lyon have served as closers and set up men.
Certainly, neither are considered "can't miss" successes for the Astros, but they both fill the needs of the club. Both are only about 30 years old..have major league back of the bullpen experience...and have had some success in that role.
Lindstrom's numbers for 2009 are not overly impressive--especially his earned run average. On a smaller scale one might compare his season to that of Brad Lidge in Philadelphia. When Lindstrom was good he was very very good. When he was bad he was horrid. He was only horrid in three or four games, but that was enough to spike that ERA. Still, you have to like relievers who can hit 100+ with their fastball. Lindstrom can do just that.
Lyon was used as a set up man by the Tigers in 2009 and he had 15 holds. He had a National League leading 35 holds setting up Jose Valverde in Arizona in 2007. The next season when Valverde moved to Houston he took over as the closer and was 26-31 before moving on to Detroit.
It would appear that the Astros can go into spring training and decide then exactly which of the two will close and which will be the setup man. Or, the Astros have the option of using either in either role if circumstances dictate.
In any event you can pretty much check off any more needs in the bullpen for the Astros. What they do at catcher and pinch-hitter/backup outfielders and possible extra aid on the left side of the infield are the last areas of concern. Of course, the RIGHT extra starter would be nice, but they have already enough pitchers to provide competition for a starter's job now. The season is still several months away. It only took Ed Wade a few hours to take care of the bullpen holes. He has time.
After having closer Jose Valverde decline arbitration which almost certainly meant he would be pitching elsewhere in 2010 and seeing set up man LaTroy Hawkins ink a two year deal with the Brewers, Ed went to work.
He had irons in the fire with a couple teams and worked out a deal with the Florida Marlins for hard throwing reliever Matt Lindstrom. Then, just a few hours later he signed free agent reliever Brandon Lyon. Both Lindstrom and Lyon have served as closers and set up men.
Certainly, neither are considered "can't miss" successes for the Astros, but they both fill the needs of the club. Both are only about 30 years old..have major league back of the bullpen experience...and have had some success in that role.
Lindstrom's numbers for 2009 are not overly impressive--especially his earned run average. On a smaller scale one might compare his season to that of Brad Lidge in Philadelphia. When Lindstrom was good he was very very good. When he was bad he was horrid. He was only horrid in three or four games, but that was enough to spike that ERA. Still, you have to like relievers who can hit 100+ with their fastball. Lindstrom can do just that.
Lyon was used as a set up man by the Tigers in 2009 and he had 15 holds. He had a National League leading 35 holds setting up Jose Valverde in Arizona in 2007. The next season when Valverde moved to Houston he took over as the closer and was 26-31 before moving on to Detroit.
It would appear that the Astros can go into spring training and decide then exactly which of the two will close and which will be the setup man. Or, the Astros have the option of using either in either role if circumstances dictate.
In any event you can pretty much check off any more needs in the bullpen for the Astros. What they do at catcher and pinch-hitter/backup outfielders and possible extra aid on the left side of the infield are the last areas of concern. Of course, the RIGHT extra starter would be nice, but they have already enough pitchers to provide competition for a starter's job now. The season is still several months away. It only took Ed Wade a few hours to take care of the bullpen holes. He has time.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Are the Astros Making You a Bit Nervous Yet?
As the Baseball Winter Meetings continue and essentially conclude on Thursday there has been virtually no news or even rumors involving the Houston Astros that offer hope for 2010 yet.
Jose Valverde declining arbitration, word from GM Ed Wade that the chances of Miguel Tejada agreeing to a new contract are slim and competition for the services of LaTroy Hawkins which apparently have been lost to Milwaukee are what we have been hearing. Where is the positive news?
Ed Wade says the club does have some irons in the fire for trades that might bring in a late inning reliever and there are still some free agent closers available. So far, however, those irons are just getting hotter and not ready to brand anyone with an Astros logo.
The team DID announce agreements with eight non roster players who will work out with the club in spring training and either make the big club or play in the minors. Unfortunately none of the names revealed exactly sparks excitement.
Reliever Gary Majewski is a local product. Other than the Astros outfield making the club in the bullpen will be one of the toughest jobs in the spring. In that area of pitching the Astros seem to be nearly set except for the set up and closer roles which are both most important--and open. Majewski has not been that sort of pitcher.
Three names may be worth following. Lefthanded hitting outfielder Alex Romero could find himself in contention for a bench/pinch hitter job, especially if Darren Erstad does not return. Righhanded hitting Chris Shelton who has played both first and third for Detroit and could serve in the righthanded pinch hit role if that job is open, along with righthanded pitcher Ryan Sadowski could be Astros in 2010.
Sadowski is 27 years old and had some good moments as a starter with the Giants in 2009 including seven shutout innings against the Astros last July. Sadowski could be a contender for one of the openings in the Astro rotation. Unlike some of the non roster pitching candidates from the past Ryan is still young, is not coming off injuries and still could have a number of seasons in front of him.
Astro fans are patient, but the club has not made any impact off season moves in either of the last two years so far. Not only do most clubs need to make them to improve on the field. They are also keys to improving at the box office as well.
There is still time. Opening day is still about four months away. Its just that some fans are getting a bit nervous.
Jose Valverde declining arbitration, word from GM Ed Wade that the chances of Miguel Tejada agreeing to a new contract are slim and competition for the services of LaTroy Hawkins which apparently have been lost to Milwaukee are what we have been hearing. Where is the positive news?
Ed Wade says the club does have some irons in the fire for trades that might bring in a late inning reliever and there are still some free agent closers available. So far, however, those irons are just getting hotter and not ready to brand anyone with an Astros logo.
The team DID announce agreements with eight non roster players who will work out with the club in spring training and either make the big club or play in the minors. Unfortunately none of the names revealed exactly sparks excitement.
Reliever Gary Majewski is a local product. Other than the Astros outfield making the club in the bullpen will be one of the toughest jobs in the spring. In that area of pitching the Astros seem to be nearly set except for the set up and closer roles which are both most important--and open. Majewski has not been that sort of pitcher.
Three names may be worth following. Lefthanded hitting outfielder Alex Romero could find himself in contention for a bench/pinch hitter job, especially if Darren Erstad does not return. Righhanded hitting Chris Shelton who has played both first and third for Detroit and could serve in the righthanded pinch hit role if that job is open, along with righthanded pitcher Ryan Sadowski could be Astros in 2010.
Sadowski is 27 years old and had some good moments as a starter with the Giants in 2009 including seven shutout innings against the Astros last July. Sadowski could be a contender for one of the openings in the Astro rotation. Unlike some of the non roster pitching candidates from the past Ryan is still young, is not coming off injuries and still could have a number of seasons in front of him.
Astro fans are patient, but the club has not made any impact off season moves in either of the last two years so far. Not only do most clubs need to make them to improve on the field. They are also keys to improving at the box office as well.
There is still time. Opening day is still about four months away. Its just that some fans are getting a bit nervous.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Winter Meetings and Heisman Finalists
The Baseball Winter Meetings in Indianapolis are already sending out some ominous news for Astro fans. The St. Louis Cardinals have reportedly signed pitcher Brad Penny to a one year contract to strengthen their rotation. At the same time word is that the Cards are expected to be able to retain Joel Piniero as well. If that occurs the Cards will be set in their rotation and all their focus can be directed toward trying to hold on to left fielder Matt Holliday.
Needless to say if that takes place as well the Cards will enter 2010 as a strong pick to retain their division title. The Brewers are going hard to improve their starting rotation as well and are in the hunt for Randy Wolf among others.
Meanwhile the only Astro news so far is that Jose Valverde declined arbitration after he felt the Astros didn't really want him back. At least that was the feeling obtained after reading some of his words to Chronicle reporter Jesus Ortiz on Chron.com.
Up North in Arlington the sale of the Rangers is reportedly moving along. One of the leading groups headed by former agent Dennis Gilbert may be the leading candidate to buy the club from Tom Hicks for something in the $500-million range.
The Rangers may have a catching problem with word that Pudge Rodriguez may be about to agree to a two year deal with the Washington Nationals. With Jason Saltalamacchia called back from winter ball due to a recurring arm problem, Texas could have used Pudge.
HEISMAN FINALISTS
As Expected Colt McCoy of the Texas Longhorns is a finalist and possibly the leading candidate to win the Heisman Trophy for 2009. Please excuse him, however, if he spends time in New York later this week looking over his shoulder. Another finalist is Ndamukony Suh of Nebraska who sacked Colt 4 1/2 times in the Big 12 Championship game on Saturday. Tim Tebow, Mark Ingram and Tody Gerhart of Stanford are the other finalists. If not McCoy many think the award will go to Ingram...
BASKETBALL NOTES...
The Rockets will welcome...uh is welcome the right word... LaBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. A real test of whether a club (the Rockets) that have to be ultimate team players can hold off a club led by one major superstar. That should be fun to see....On Saturday the Texas Aggies invade Houston/Rice/HBU/TSU country as the home team at Toyota Center in a big non conference hoops battle with New Mexico.
It will be the latest superb non conference test for the Aggies who rank #16 right now and will gain even more if they can parlay a win against the Lobos with their win Monday night against North Texas. The Aggies should be ready. They will be rested after a tough stretch of games and pumped, no doubt, by the many Aggie grads living in the Houston area who will be offering support. Game time is 5pm Saturday. If you can't make it you can watch with Jim Haller and I providing the play by play on Fox Sports Net's FS-Houston and FS-SW. Check your local cable/satellite schedule for channel on your Texas affiliate.
Needless to say if that takes place as well the Cards will enter 2010 as a strong pick to retain their division title. The Brewers are going hard to improve their starting rotation as well and are in the hunt for Randy Wolf among others.
Meanwhile the only Astro news so far is that Jose Valverde declined arbitration after he felt the Astros didn't really want him back. At least that was the feeling obtained after reading some of his words to Chronicle reporter Jesus Ortiz on Chron.com.
Up North in Arlington the sale of the Rangers is reportedly moving along. One of the leading groups headed by former agent Dennis Gilbert may be the leading candidate to buy the club from Tom Hicks for something in the $500-million range.
The Rangers may have a catching problem with word that Pudge Rodriguez may be about to agree to a two year deal with the Washington Nationals. With Jason Saltalamacchia called back from winter ball due to a recurring arm problem, Texas could have used Pudge.
HEISMAN FINALISTS
As Expected Colt McCoy of the Texas Longhorns is a finalist and possibly the leading candidate to win the Heisman Trophy for 2009. Please excuse him, however, if he spends time in New York later this week looking over his shoulder. Another finalist is Ndamukony Suh of Nebraska who sacked Colt 4 1/2 times in the Big 12 Championship game on Saturday. Tim Tebow, Mark Ingram and Tody Gerhart of Stanford are the other finalists. If not McCoy many think the award will go to Ingram...
BASKETBALL NOTES...
The Rockets will welcome...uh is welcome the right word... LaBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. A real test of whether a club (the Rockets) that have to be ultimate team players can hold off a club led by one major superstar. That should be fun to see....On Saturday the Texas Aggies invade Houston/Rice/HBU/TSU country as the home team at Toyota Center in a big non conference hoops battle with New Mexico.
It will be the latest superb non conference test for the Aggies who rank #16 right now and will gain even more if they can parlay a win against the Lobos with their win Monday night against North Texas. The Aggies should be ready. They will be rested after a tough stretch of games and pumped, no doubt, by the many Aggie grads living in the Houston area who will be offering support. Game time is 5pm Saturday. If you can't make it you can watch with Jim Haller and I providing the play by play on Fox Sports Net's FS-Houston and FS-SW. Check your local cable/satellite schedule for channel on your Texas affiliate.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
I Presume You Watched
Needless to say the eyes of most football fans in Houston were glued to the TV Sunday in watching the Houston Texans find another way not to win a game. It is now likely past "miracle time" for the home team to make the playoffs...maybe even finish .500.
Something obviously has to change.
There seems to be little doubt the coaching staff will see changes along with the usual number of player moves. Assuming that is what happens what direction is best?
The Texans have tried the veteran coach route who had also worked with an expansion team. Then when they made a change they went with an "up and comer" who had been a long time top assistant with a teams that had been successful.
About all that is left is to hire a veteran experienced (and likely expensive) coach who has been a big winner himself.. or a college coach.
There are no guarantees. The college coach option is not a good one no matter how successful he may have been. There are just too many differences. Most of them are in handling players. Yet, Jimmy Johnson was only a college coach when he led the Cowboys to their last era of greatness. The difference was both he and the team had time to grow together. Remember his first season was awful. They had a lot of new and young players. The Texans have to win next year. The clock is ticking on their better players. They are not a rookie team.
So, you want to hire a veteran experienced winner? There are some out there, but no guarantees come there either. Bill Parcells couldn't get the Cowboys over the top. Joe Gibbs was hardly a success in Washington in his return. Everyone likes names like Mike Shanahan or Bill Cowher but would they have the same success in Houston as they did in Denver and Pittsburgh? Jimmy Johnson was not so hot in Miami as he had been with Dallas.
Needless to say if the Texans make a coaching change deciding on direction and the right man will be a major issue.
Notice I didn't mention Sunday's "play that will live in infamy." It was only a symptom of what has been wrong with the Texans and not the whole story. No, it wasn't even the whole story in the loss to Jacksonville, but it was a large chapter.
Something obviously has to change.
There seems to be little doubt the coaching staff will see changes along with the usual number of player moves. Assuming that is what happens what direction is best?
The Texans have tried the veteran coach route who had also worked with an expansion team. Then when they made a change they went with an "up and comer" who had been a long time top assistant with a teams that had been successful.
About all that is left is to hire a veteran experienced (and likely expensive) coach who has been a big winner himself.. or a college coach.
There are no guarantees. The college coach option is not a good one no matter how successful he may have been. There are just too many differences. Most of them are in handling players. Yet, Jimmy Johnson was only a college coach when he led the Cowboys to their last era of greatness. The difference was both he and the team had time to grow together. Remember his first season was awful. They had a lot of new and young players. The Texans have to win next year. The clock is ticking on their better players. They are not a rookie team.
So, you want to hire a veteran experienced winner? There are some out there, but no guarantees come there either. Bill Parcells couldn't get the Cowboys over the top. Joe Gibbs was hardly a success in Washington in his return. Everyone likes names like Mike Shanahan or Bill Cowher but would they have the same success in Houston as they did in Denver and Pittsburgh? Jimmy Johnson was not so hot in Miami as he had been with Dallas.
Needless to say if the Texans make a coaching change deciding on direction and the right man will be a major issue.
Notice I didn't mention Sunday's "play that will live in infamy." It was only a symptom of what has been wrong with the Texans and not the whole story. No, it wasn't even the whole story in the loss to Jacksonville, but it was a large chapter.
Close Call Saturday
It has been quite awhile that so many sporting events of significance have come down to the wire on the same day. Remember Saturday December 5, 2009-- Heartbreak and Hero Saturday.
The heroes included University of Texas football kicker Hunter Lawrence whose 46 yard field goal kept the Longhorn's undefeated at 13-0 and headed to the so called BCS national championship game. Had time expired on the previous play--which it nearly did--or Lawrence missed--there would have been no heartbreak in either Lincoln, Nebraska--or Fort Worth, Texas.
Had the Longhorn's fallen there would have been a very good chance Texas Christian University would have been playing for the national championship in the Rose Bowl Stadium. The Horned Frog's entered the weekend ranked fourth. Two of the teams ahead of them, Florida--by virtue of their one sided loss to Alabama--and Texas had they lost to Nebraska--would have been bumped making room for the unbeaten Frogs to take on unbeaten Alabama.
But one second on the clock and a 46 yarder by Lawrence ended those dreams.
The Houston Cougars game at East Carolina also went down to the wire. Unlike the Longhorns, however, they were not able to pull it out and win a conference title as a potential game winning pass by the Coogs was deflected and then intercepted in the end zone. The Cougars "throw it up there and see what happens" offense hurt as well as helped them in the same game. They only lost three games, but may have a hard time holding on to a ranking in the top 25 after the loss.
In the NBA the Rockets were taken out by the slimmest of margins at Portland. This is the same Portland team that last season's full strength Rockets had lots of trouble with. This year's edition of hustlers and scrappers has played them very tough. Tough wasn't enough late Saturday night.
The Rice Owls played a game against North Texas that was decided by a single basket. The 5-2 visitors won it, but not before ten lead changes in the second half. How the game ended was not exactly thrilling with teams exchanging free throws with an occasional three point basket added. But it was another of our "Heartbreak and Hero" Saturday highlights.
By the way, North Texas will be featured against the Texas A&M Aggies in our next College Hoops telecast featuring the Aggies on Monday night at 7pm. Check your local cable/satellite affiliate. It will be aired in most of the FS-Houston and FS-SW region within Texas.
The heroes included University of Texas football kicker Hunter Lawrence whose 46 yard field goal kept the Longhorn's undefeated at 13-0 and headed to the so called BCS national championship game. Had time expired on the previous play--which it nearly did--or Lawrence missed--there would have been no heartbreak in either Lincoln, Nebraska--or Fort Worth, Texas.
Had the Longhorn's fallen there would have been a very good chance Texas Christian University would have been playing for the national championship in the Rose Bowl Stadium. The Horned Frog's entered the weekend ranked fourth. Two of the teams ahead of them, Florida--by virtue of their one sided loss to Alabama--and Texas had they lost to Nebraska--would have been bumped making room for the unbeaten Frogs to take on unbeaten Alabama.
But one second on the clock and a 46 yarder by Lawrence ended those dreams.
The Houston Cougars game at East Carolina also went down to the wire. Unlike the Longhorns, however, they were not able to pull it out and win a conference title as a potential game winning pass by the Coogs was deflected and then intercepted in the end zone. The Cougars "throw it up there and see what happens" offense hurt as well as helped them in the same game. They only lost three games, but may have a hard time holding on to a ranking in the top 25 after the loss.
In the NBA the Rockets were taken out by the slimmest of margins at Portland. This is the same Portland team that last season's full strength Rockets had lots of trouble with. This year's edition of hustlers and scrappers has played them very tough. Tough wasn't enough late Saturday night.
The Rice Owls played a game against North Texas that was decided by a single basket. The 5-2 visitors won it, but not before ten lead changes in the second half. How the game ended was not exactly thrilling with teams exchanging free throws with an occasional three point basket added. But it was another of our "Heartbreak and Hero" Saturday highlights.
By the way, North Texas will be featured against the Texas A&M Aggies in our next College Hoops telecast featuring the Aggies on Monday night at 7pm. Check your local cable/satellite affiliate. It will be aired in most of the FS-Houston and FS-SW region within Texas.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Aggies Doing it Right
The non conference portion of college basketball schedules are often confusing. If you have a major D1 program should you "pad" your schedule with a number of games against teams you most certainly can beat? Or, should you schedule games against teams that will certainly give you a test and maybe even beat you?
Coaches are divided on this. Often with a young team a coach wants some easy pickings early so that his charges can use the games as glorified practices to help them gain confidence and experience before the conference season begins.
Other coaches think if a team is going to be ready to win in the conference and go even further than that they must play the best as often as possible.
Texas A&M and Texas are both in the latter category. Their non conference schedules are loaded with "trap" games. That is to both of their credit. For the Longhorns it is all part of trying to take a highly talented and ranked team into a top seed and positive spot in the NCAA tournament. For the Aggies it is an effort to be sure their squad is battle tested and ready to make a move in the B12 and in the NCAA tournament to follow.
The Aggies most recent test was Friday's home game against Akron. Akron? you say! Yes, Akron. The Zips have won over 20 games in each of the last four seasons. They have been a tourney team in each of the last three. They are the pre-season pick to win the Mid American Conference. They are EXACTLY the sort of team the Aggies should be playing in the pre-conference season.
The Ags won their game 74-62. It wasn't a twelve point game, but it was a game the Aggies were able to control by playing hard for 40 minutes. Had the Aggies sloughed off at any point Akron was capable of taking over and even winning. The Aggies have to be sure to play that way every night. It was a very good game for them to play.
Kudos for coach Mark Turgeon for scheduling a foe at home that would be a test. Kudos for the coach for knowing that if his players did not play hard all night they could lose. Kudos for the coach for not scheduing a "walk over" foe.
No coach can schedule a full set of games like that...or the North Texas game on Monday which pits another pre-season (Sun Belt) conference pick...but having as many as possible is what Turgeon told Jim Haller and me has always been his philosophy.
Some games need to be scheduled to help out teams from lower level conferences earn some money. Some games have to be scheduled with teams from closer to home for financial reasons. Some games have to be scheduled to give your team a breather.
Still, the more competitive foes on the schedule the better. Better for your team in the long run. Also better for basketball fans, too.
Now, just a few more Aggie, Longhorn, Baylor and Texas Tech games featuring teams like TCU, SMU, Houston, Rice and Arkansas--former league mates from the SWC-- and I'd be a happy fan.
Coaches are divided on this. Often with a young team a coach wants some easy pickings early so that his charges can use the games as glorified practices to help them gain confidence and experience before the conference season begins.
Other coaches think if a team is going to be ready to win in the conference and go even further than that they must play the best as often as possible.
Texas A&M and Texas are both in the latter category. Their non conference schedules are loaded with "trap" games. That is to both of their credit. For the Longhorns it is all part of trying to take a highly talented and ranked team into a top seed and positive spot in the NCAA tournament. For the Aggies it is an effort to be sure their squad is battle tested and ready to make a move in the B12 and in the NCAA tournament to follow.
The Aggies most recent test was Friday's home game against Akron. Akron? you say! Yes, Akron. The Zips have won over 20 games in each of the last four seasons. They have been a tourney team in each of the last three. They are the pre-season pick to win the Mid American Conference. They are EXACTLY the sort of team the Aggies should be playing in the pre-conference season.
The Ags won their game 74-62. It wasn't a twelve point game, but it was a game the Aggies were able to control by playing hard for 40 minutes. Had the Aggies sloughed off at any point Akron was capable of taking over and even winning. The Aggies have to be sure to play that way every night. It was a very good game for them to play.
Kudos for coach Mark Turgeon for scheduling a foe at home that would be a test. Kudos for the coach for knowing that if his players did not play hard all night they could lose. Kudos for the coach for not scheduing a "walk over" foe.
No coach can schedule a full set of games like that...or the North Texas game on Monday which pits another pre-season (Sun Belt) conference pick...but having as many as possible is what Turgeon told Jim Haller and me has always been his philosophy.
Some games need to be scheduled to help out teams from lower level conferences earn some money. Some games have to be scheduled with teams from closer to home for financial reasons. Some games have to be scheduled to give your team a breather.
Still, the more competitive foes on the schedule the better. Better for your team in the long run. Also better for basketball fans, too.
Now, just a few more Aggie, Longhorn, Baylor and Texas Tech games featuring teams like TCU, SMU, Houston, Rice and Arkansas--former league mates from the SWC-- and I'd be a happy fan.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Snow at the Window Prompts Hoop Thoughts
As I sat at my computer in my home office Friday morning I saw snowflakes falling. That is a rare enough sight in Houston, but not so in the part of the country I grew up. It was always the harbinger of basketball season in Indiana.
And so, today's thoughts turn to the early power of the Big 12--and not just against teams of much lower rank. The Big 12 has been crushing the Pac-10 in their early season matchups. On top of that Kansas and Texas are ranked one and two in the nation. That has never happened before. Texas Tech has gotten off to its best start in 80 years. You knew there would be a resurgence in basketball in Lubbock with Knight on the job. I just bet you never thought it would with with Pat Knight and not Bobby.
The Baylor Bears were were picked to finish near the bottom of the league are rolling. Of course, they got off to a great start last season and cratered. This year, though, they are winning games against much better competition than last.
I could go on about Texas A&M, Oklahoma State, too. I will let it ride for awhile. Still, with the few flakes of snow that flittered past my window I had to think hoops.
ROCKETS FIND A "GO TO" GUY?
Moving between the Baylor-Arizona State game on FS-SW and the Rockets-Golden State game on FS-Houston was a treat. Both games went down to the wire. The Rockets finish may have meant more than just a 111-109 win. They may have found their "go-to guy" down the stretch.
He is point guard Aaron Brooks. The Chris Rock look-alike used his speed and driving ability for some key hoops. With the court spread he was able to either penetrate all the way to the basket himself or pass off for assists. On the game winning basket he convinced his head coach Rick Adelman to let him take over instead of trying to run a pick and roll which can congest the defenders. That is not always the best situation for a player as diminutive as Brooks. Instead he went down the lane and when stopped took a mid range jumper. He was fouled and converted both.
Perhaps the most important aspect of the play and final possessions is that Brooks is not afraid to take charge when it matters most and has the ability to pull it off.
Meanwhile, the Rockets continue to be one of the most enjoyable teams to watch for their hustle and style in the league.
TEXAS A&M-AKRON ON FS-HOUSTON FRIDAY
My first close look at the Texas A&M Aggies takes place Friday night from College Station when Jim Haller and I handle the game against Akron. The Aggies are running at 6-1 with a couple of wins over ranked teams. That has enabled them to be ranked at #19 by AP.
Akron will not be a typical December home game blow out foe. The Zips were an NCAA team that had 23 wins last season and have most of their players back. Game time is 7pm. Some FS-SW viewers will find the game on an alternate channel due to scheduling conflicts. FS-Houston will have it on the regular channel.
And so, today's thoughts turn to the early power of the Big 12--and not just against teams of much lower rank. The Big 12 has been crushing the Pac-10 in their early season matchups. On top of that Kansas and Texas are ranked one and two in the nation. That has never happened before. Texas Tech has gotten off to its best start in 80 years. You knew there would be a resurgence in basketball in Lubbock with Knight on the job. I just bet you never thought it would with with Pat Knight and not Bobby.
The Baylor Bears were were picked to finish near the bottom of the league are rolling. Of course, they got off to a great start last season and cratered. This year, though, they are winning games against much better competition than last.
I could go on about Texas A&M, Oklahoma State, too. I will let it ride for awhile. Still, with the few flakes of snow that flittered past my window I had to think hoops.
ROCKETS FIND A "GO TO" GUY?
Moving between the Baylor-Arizona State game on FS-SW and the Rockets-Golden State game on FS-Houston was a treat. Both games went down to the wire. The Rockets finish may have meant more than just a 111-109 win. They may have found their "go-to guy" down the stretch.
He is point guard Aaron Brooks. The Chris Rock look-alike used his speed and driving ability for some key hoops. With the court spread he was able to either penetrate all the way to the basket himself or pass off for assists. On the game winning basket he convinced his head coach Rick Adelman to let him take over instead of trying to run a pick and roll which can congest the defenders. That is not always the best situation for a player as diminutive as Brooks. Instead he went down the lane and when stopped took a mid range jumper. He was fouled and converted both.
Perhaps the most important aspect of the play and final possessions is that Brooks is not afraid to take charge when it matters most and has the ability to pull it off.
Meanwhile, the Rockets continue to be one of the most enjoyable teams to watch for their hustle and style in the league.
TEXAS A&M-AKRON ON FS-HOUSTON FRIDAY
My first close look at the Texas A&M Aggies takes place Friday night from College Station when Jim Haller and I handle the game against Akron. The Aggies are running at 6-1 with a couple of wins over ranked teams. That has enabled them to be ranked at #19 by AP.
Akron will not be a typical December home game blow out foe. The Zips were an NCAA team that had 23 wins last season and have most of their players back. Game time is 7pm. Some FS-SW viewers will find the game on an alternate channel due to scheduling conflicts. FS-Houston will have it on the regular channel.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Big 12 Men's Hoops Looks Solid
There is no basketball conference in the country off to a better non-conference start than the Big 12. Not only do Kansas and Texas rank #1 and #2 in the country, but the league as a whole has a dominating 66-14 (.825) record so far. None of the twelve teams has a sub .500 record.
Texas Tech, though not ranked yet, has the best record at 7-0. Kansas is 6-0 and Texas 5-0.
The Texas A&M Aggies are running at 6-1 and ranked as high as #19. KU, UT and the Ags are the only Big 12 schools in the top 25, but that may be about to change.
Kansas State is loaded with very young, but very talented stars recruited nationally. Oklahoma State will be good again. And the Baylor Bears, although picked low in the Big 12, have already shown abilities above that prognostication.
Several Big 12 teams have already appeared on the FS-Houston and FS-SW networks, but the first of the in-state productions will be aired on Friday when Akron visits Texas A&M. Jim Haller, the former Baylor coach and long time FS-SW analyst will join me on the telecast. Check your local listings. It will be live on FS-Houston, but some professional team obligations may require alternate channel airings in other parts of the state.
Usually, the early season non conference games are one sided. The game Friday may not be. Akron was an NCAA team last season after 23 wins. They have four starters back plus a highly recruited young big man. They were the pre-season pick to win the Mid America Conference East. This will be a real test for the Aggies. They have already survived some big tests. Wins over both Clemson and Minnesota and a very close loss to West Virginia in the Anaheim tournament have allowed them to grow as a team much quicker than usual.
Air time Friday is 7pm.
Texas Tech, though not ranked yet, has the best record at 7-0. Kansas is 6-0 and Texas 5-0.
The Texas A&M Aggies are running at 6-1 and ranked as high as #19. KU, UT and the Ags are the only Big 12 schools in the top 25, but that may be about to change.
Kansas State is loaded with very young, but very talented stars recruited nationally. Oklahoma State will be good again. And the Baylor Bears, although picked low in the Big 12, have already shown abilities above that prognostication.
Several Big 12 teams have already appeared on the FS-Houston and FS-SW networks, but the first of the in-state productions will be aired on Friday when Akron visits Texas A&M. Jim Haller, the former Baylor coach and long time FS-SW analyst will join me on the telecast. Check your local listings. It will be live on FS-Houston, but some professional team obligations may require alternate channel airings in other parts of the state.
Usually, the early season non conference games are one sided. The game Friday may not be. Akron was an NCAA team last season after 23 wins. They have four starters back plus a highly recruited young big man. They were the pre-season pick to win the Mid America Conference East. This will be a real test for the Aggies. They have already survived some big tests. Wins over both Clemson and Minnesota and a very close loss to West Virginia in the Anaheim tournament have allowed them to grow as a team much quicker than usual.
Air time Friday is 7pm.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Astros Take a Chance with Valverde
The Astros offered Jose Valverde arbitration. They need a closer, but don't really need him to accept the offer. Chances aren't he won't, but still could wind up with Houston. I've got more on this and why neither Tejada or Hawkins were offered the same. Its on my Baseball Library report.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Its Not Just Corporate Execs
When word came down on Monday that Charlie Weis had been fired as head football coach at Notre Dame it was also noted that his contract had six years left to run and he would be paid millions and millions of dollars. I bet some fans of Notre Dame who were so eager to have Weis replaced are also among the number of Americans railing about excessive corporate pay packages and most specifically those execs who are given "golden parachute" deals regardless of how their companies performed.
What is the difference? Charlie Weis--or any number of other coaches-- fired with plenty of time left on a contract or those execs?
It is way past time those athletic directors, school presidents, alumni AND corporate boards of directors change their ways. It is a totally BOGUS argument that the pay has to be that high...or long term...to recruit the best. It may require that much to recruit those with the biggest names and past achievement. However, a search committee made up of the right people can find more eager and yes, even better candidates for almost any job if they are willing to work hard enough.
No, its just so easy for Notre Dame to go after Bob Stoops or Urban Meyer who can then hold up the bank for the job than to really search for a coach THEY at Notre Dame can watch grow.
How about REALLY doing some research and not just go after someone with a built in record somewhere else. I guess that's too much work.
SPORTS TALK RADIO IN A RUT
Houston is blessed to have four all sports talk radio stations. All four are heavy with local talk. Right now, though, the local talk is awful. It is almost all the same thing ad nauseam. The fresh stuff all comes when the stations cede some time to national shows from Fox Sports Radio, Sporting News Radio or ESPN Radio.
Locally, it is Texans and their plight--which has not changed from the game Sunday--to how wonderful Vince Young is and how he is a winner---to, uh, well more of the same.
It's getting old folks. After all the Rockets ARE playing right now. They have many games per week and it wouldn't be so bad if someone could talk about those games a bit more.
There IS one bright spot and it is there are fewer Dallas Cowboys callers than in past years. Maybe more fans realize that this IS Houston and the Cowboys play 270 miles away in Arlington. They don't even play in the same conference so they aren't real rivals either. Yes, they are better than the Texans right now, but haven't won any more playoff games than Houston in the last seven years.
State boundaries are interesting things. Texas is recognized by most outside the state to be the most insular of all states. Folks in Los Angeles care little about anything out of San Francisco. The reverse is also true. The same follows in Ohio with Cleveland and Cincinnati. Yet, in Texas there is a lot more "in state" connection. I mean 270 miles is almost the distance from Chicago to Cincinnati or Indianapolis to Cleveland. Philadelphia and New York are only about 100 miles apart and those are two different worlds.
ONE MORE THING ABOUT VY
Vince Young is a leader and that's why his teams do well when he is at quarterback. That's what all his backers are saying. I have no doubt he has leadership qualities. Most quarterbacks, by virtue of the job have to have them. However, I think his success is a bit more basic than that. Vince Young can run. He has ability to slip tackles. He has the ability to run over defenders. That, plus his strong--if sometimes erratic arm-- make him very difficult to defend.
Vince doesn't pile up 100 yard rushing games. That is not his value. It is his ability to use that running skill when needed for that big third down play or when everything is breaking down and the defense has penetrated.
If Vince Young can avoid injury with this style he will continue to lead his team to a number of wins. The over-riding concern in pro football is always whether he can avoid being hurt.
What is the difference? Charlie Weis--or any number of other coaches-- fired with plenty of time left on a contract or those execs?
It is way past time those athletic directors, school presidents, alumni AND corporate boards of directors change their ways. It is a totally BOGUS argument that the pay has to be that high...or long term...to recruit the best. It may require that much to recruit those with the biggest names and past achievement. However, a search committee made up of the right people can find more eager and yes, even better candidates for almost any job if they are willing to work hard enough.
No, its just so easy for Notre Dame to go after Bob Stoops or Urban Meyer who can then hold up the bank for the job than to really search for a coach THEY at Notre Dame can watch grow.
How about REALLY doing some research and not just go after someone with a built in record somewhere else. I guess that's too much work.
SPORTS TALK RADIO IN A RUT
Houston is blessed to have four all sports talk radio stations. All four are heavy with local talk. Right now, though, the local talk is awful. It is almost all the same thing ad nauseam. The fresh stuff all comes when the stations cede some time to national shows from Fox Sports Radio, Sporting News Radio or ESPN Radio.
Locally, it is Texans and their plight--which has not changed from the game Sunday--to how wonderful Vince Young is and how he is a winner---to, uh, well more of the same.
It's getting old folks. After all the Rockets ARE playing right now. They have many games per week and it wouldn't be so bad if someone could talk about those games a bit more.
There IS one bright spot and it is there are fewer Dallas Cowboys callers than in past years. Maybe more fans realize that this IS Houston and the Cowboys play 270 miles away in Arlington. They don't even play in the same conference so they aren't real rivals either. Yes, they are better than the Texans right now, but haven't won any more playoff games than Houston in the last seven years.
State boundaries are interesting things. Texas is recognized by most outside the state to be the most insular of all states. Folks in Los Angeles care little about anything out of San Francisco. The reverse is also true. The same follows in Ohio with Cleveland and Cincinnati. Yet, in Texas there is a lot more "in state" connection. I mean 270 miles is almost the distance from Chicago to Cincinnati or Indianapolis to Cleveland. Philadelphia and New York are only about 100 miles apart and those are two different worlds.
ONE MORE THING ABOUT VY
Vince Young is a leader and that's why his teams do well when he is at quarterback. That's what all his backers are saying. I have no doubt he has leadership qualities. Most quarterbacks, by virtue of the job have to have them. However, I think his success is a bit more basic than that. Vince Young can run. He has ability to slip tackles. He has the ability to run over defenders. That, plus his strong--if sometimes erratic arm-- make him very difficult to defend.
Vince doesn't pile up 100 yard rushing games. That is not his value. It is his ability to use that running skill when needed for that big third down play or when everything is breaking down and the defense has penetrated.
If Vince Young can avoid injury with this style he will continue to lead his team to a number of wins. The over-riding concern in pro football is always whether he can avoid being hurt.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
