Today a number of sports items caught my eye starting with word from Indianapolis that the NFL may be considering a change in the overtime rules for playoff games only. The proposal would require a sudden death overtime only to end on the first possession if a touchdown was scored. Kicking a field goal would get the other club the ball with a chance to tie or win with a touchdown of their own. I like the idea. Only I would like it better if the same rule were also used in the regular season...
Did you read where Atlanta Brave third baseman Chipper Jones says he will retire after the 2010 season with two years left on his contract if he can't bounce back from his poor 2009 season? Leaving all that money on the table would be hard, but it also shows the pride Chipper has in his performance. Chipper has been frustrated the last several seasons anyway with injuries cutting his playing time. Last year he played in 143 games and that was the most he had been able to make since 2003. But 2009 was also the most unproductive of his career. After winning the NL batting championship with a .364 average in 2008 he dropped off 100 points to .264 --second lowest of his 16 year career--in 2009. In addition he hit only 18 home runs, a career low, coupled with a career low 71 runs batted in.
At 38 years old in late April it cannot be expected that Jones still will have much left and improving significantly over 2009 will not be easy. What has been a great and likely future Hall of Fame career may be coming closer to an end than his contract status calls for.
HOW ABOUT THOSE AGGIES...AND HORNS?
The Texas Longhorns ran into a Texas Aggie men's basketball team on Saturday that would not be denied. There is no better scrapping, hustling, or well coached team in the Big 12 than the Ags. They don't have the depth or raw talent of any of the other top teams in the league, but they play harder and with more focused effort more than any of them. The Longhorns, on the other hand, have simply lost what it takes to win big games. They are often disorganized, make too many poor decisions and while very athletic often can't use those skills in a productive basketball manner. Too many stars...or players who still think they are the same high school stars they once were? I can't make that accusation myself since I have not been around the program this year, but I have heard others who have been make it.
AS FOR THE ROCKETS--THE DEFENSE HAS LEFT THE BUILDING
If you gave the average basketball fan a choice he or she would prefer to see exciting offensively oriented play. Slow, walk the ball up the court and use the whole shot clock basketball often is not attractive. Neither are styles predicated on defense first--unless it is a gambling defense that results in steals and fast breaks.
At the same time teams that play very strong defense and are careful not to take too many poor shots are the same teams that win. Admittedly, some teams with great athleticism and basketball skill can take lower percentage shots--because they still hit them-- or gamble a bit on defense because they are quick enough to recover and be exciting winners. But most teams without as many gifted players have to play as a team and keep the other club off the scoreboard.
The current situation with the Houston Rockets doesn't fit either scenario. Top to bottom they are not one of the more gifted athletically teams. And at the same times they look like they are trying to play like one. That is how they can lose and give up 133 points in a game as they did Saturday in Salt Lake City.
We can speculate all we want about how the defense will be better next season with a healthy Yao Ming to plug up the middle. But unless others on the team learn to play defense Yao will be in foul trouble every night after trying to clean up other's mistakes. The time is now for the Rockets to emphasize defense and only that the rest of the season. Rick Adelman has to know who CAN and who WILL play defense in making decisions for next year.
Kevin Martin and Aaron Brooks will never be a great defensive pair in the back court. However, they will score some points and keep the sagging defense on Yao Ming honest. The Rockets will have to have solid defense from both forward positions and at least a couple of players in the rotation off the bench. This thing of giving up 120 to 133 points just can't continue.
ASTROS CAMP QUIET
I am not scheduled to spend any time at Astros spring training this year so until the season begins about everything I write here will be second hand or analysis. One thing I can say is that camp has started very quietly. Feature profiles from various players are about all that is being written. Maybe that is good. If the Astros are going to be a surprise in the NL Central this season they will have to do some sneaking up on people. So let the stealth needed begin.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Emotion Needs to be Part of Sports
I have been working in the radio-tv sports arena since the mid 60s starting college. So I can rightfully be considered a grizzled old veteran. I have seen or announced a whole lot of games during that period. Yet, I can still get a lump in the throat and maybe tears in the eyes when I see an athlete overcome by the joy of success.
I remember when I called the final out of Kenny Rogers' perfect game for the Texas Rangers in 1994 I was almost choked up for words. The emotion of the moment hit me.
Thursday night while sitting on the couch in my home the same thing happened when I saw Korean figure skater Kim Yu Na perform what one of the NBC commentators called the most perfect long program in the history of the sport.
Certainly the joy in her face and the crowd reaction would have sent chills up the spine of even the most jaded. It was that special.
Imagine having a whole nation behind one person. Imagine the pressure on the 19 year old to fulfill her nation's dream of winning the gold in figure skating. Imagine the relief when the routine was finished and perfection had been achieved. That is what I was thinking of when I saw Kim Yu Na's face.
While I still work some college basketball and college baseball games the bulk of my career has been spent with major league baseball and the NBA. There is no question the quality of ability is at its highest on the major professional levels, but the emotion, the joy of winning and the heartbreak of losing is not that evident.
In fact, unless a player hits a game winning home run...or a hoopster scores a winning basket..or maybe a pitcher tosses a perfect game it barely exists.
That's too bad. I don't mind occasionally being moved to those chills or even tears of joy of happiness for the success of others. Maybe that is why I have continued to work in my field for all my adult life.
I remember when I called the final out of Kenny Rogers' perfect game for the Texas Rangers in 1994 I was almost choked up for words. The emotion of the moment hit me.
Thursday night while sitting on the couch in my home the same thing happened when I saw Korean figure skater Kim Yu Na perform what one of the NBC commentators called the most perfect long program in the history of the sport.
Certainly the joy in her face and the crowd reaction would have sent chills up the spine of even the most jaded. It was that special.
Imagine having a whole nation behind one person. Imagine the pressure on the 19 year old to fulfill her nation's dream of winning the gold in figure skating. Imagine the relief when the routine was finished and perfection had been achieved. That is what I was thinking of when I saw Kim Yu Na's face.
While I still work some college basketball and college baseball games the bulk of my career has been spent with major league baseball and the NBA. There is no question the quality of ability is at its highest on the major professional levels, but the emotion, the joy of winning and the heartbreak of losing is not that evident.
In fact, unless a player hits a game winning home run...or a hoopster scores a winning basket..or maybe a pitcher tosses a perfect game it barely exists.
That's too bad. I don't mind occasionally being moved to those chills or even tears of joy of happiness for the success of others. Maybe that is why I have continued to work in my field for all my adult life.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Many of Us Missed a Wonderful Cougar Win
I am as guilty as anyone in Houston in rarely making it out to Hofheinz Arena to see the Houston Cougars play basketball. So, I am in the vast majority that missed a whale of a game Wednesday night. Houston actually beat Memphis for the first time in 12 games.There were 4063 fans in the building--less than half the capacity. They saw the Cougars win convincingly playing what many Cougar fans think was the best 40 minutes played for over 20 years.
The numbers would seem to justify that analysis. Houston took out the annual C-USA champs 92-75 with an offensive show led by Aubrey Coleman that was un-stoppable. Coleman, who has led the nation in scoring most of the season, scored 34 points while adding eight rebounds and four assists.
The win only moved the Cougars one game over .500 at 14-13 and to within one game of .500 at 6-7 in conference play. But it gave them heart and the knowledge that on a given night they can play with and beat anyone else who plays in C-USA.
Some of those "negative thinkers" might translate to meaning the team has played well below it's potential this year. Others might simply think the team rose to the occasion on this one night. In reality perhaps both ways of thinking have some merit. The bottom line is that the Cougar's win means they can't be automatically discounted when C-USA tournament play begins. That is all they can hope for.
ROCKETS NOT MAKING PROGRESS
Meanwhile, the sorry state of the Houston Rockets has not changed yet. Against Orlando the club was totally outmatched. At this moment the Rockets are playing the worst basketball in the NBA. The loss of Carl Landry is really showing. Not only is his presence inside missed, but the other half of the power forward combo--Luis Scola--has been ineffective. It wouldn't matter quite so much if the new Rockets had gotten out of the gate well. But they are all still behind the gate it seems. Hopefully, the gates will open pretty quick as the Rockets need their new players to live up to their potential or track records before it is too late.
If there is one positive out of all this--particularly the amazingly poor defense--is just may keep the "anti-Yao" crowd quiet for awhile. The Rockets have no defense in the middle with Yao Ming missing. Don't confuse athletic or jumping ability with interior defense. That is nice to have, but the Rockets had a defense "wall" inside with Yao Ming. He affects shots and makes clubs think twice about challenging. Sure, on occasion Yao Ming can be "posturized" with slams over him. But in the big picture he keeps teams honest. No one is keeping middle "honest" now.
The numbers would seem to justify that analysis. Houston took out the annual C-USA champs 92-75 with an offensive show led by Aubrey Coleman that was un-stoppable. Coleman, who has led the nation in scoring most of the season, scored 34 points while adding eight rebounds and four assists.
The win only moved the Cougars one game over .500 at 14-13 and to within one game of .500 at 6-7 in conference play. But it gave them heart and the knowledge that on a given night they can play with and beat anyone else who plays in C-USA.
Some of those "negative thinkers" might translate to meaning the team has played well below it's potential this year. Others might simply think the team rose to the occasion on this one night. In reality perhaps both ways of thinking have some merit. The bottom line is that the Cougar's win means they can't be automatically discounted when C-USA tournament play begins. That is all they can hope for.
ROCKETS NOT MAKING PROGRESS
Meanwhile, the sorry state of the Houston Rockets has not changed yet. Against Orlando the club was totally outmatched. At this moment the Rockets are playing the worst basketball in the NBA. The loss of Carl Landry is really showing. Not only is his presence inside missed, but the other half of the power forward combo--Luis Scola--has been ineffective. It wouldn't matter quite so much if the new Rockets had gotten out of the gate well. But they are all still behind the gate it seems. Hopefully, the gates will open pretty quick as the Rockets need their new players to live up to their potential or track records before it is too late.
If there is one positive out of all this--particularly the amazingly poor defense--is just may keep the "anti-Yao" crowd quiet for awhile. The Rockets have no defense in the middle with Yao Ming missing. Don't confuse athletic or jumping ability with interior defense. That is nice to have, but the Rockets had a defense "wall" inside with Yao Ming. He affects shots and makes clubs think twice about challenging. Sure, on occasion Yao Ming can be "posturized" with slams over him. But in the big picture he keeps teams honest. No one is keeping middle "honest" now.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Rambling Time
The stories say coach Herb Magee has passed Bob Knight as the winningest NCAA college coach ever. Not so for several reasons. Number one only Knight won 903 games on the highest level college basketball plays. All of his wins were in NCAA Division I.
This isn't to downgrade Magee at all. Winning 903 games is quite a feat. But don't compare apples or oranges. For that matter what about Harry Statham of McKendree University. Last time I looked he had over 1000 wins. Of course that was in NAIA, which by the way, is hardly a step below NCAA DII where Magee has all his wins at Philadelphia University.
Philadelphia University exists. Before today I had never heard of it. I had heard of Philadelphia Textile which is what Philadelphia University was known as until recent years.
If you want get REALLY picky consider that Pat Head Summitt is still coaching in NCAA Division I with over 1000 wins. Of course, she is doing it in women's basketball.
All I am saying is give Magee, Statham and Summitt their due respect. But Bob Knight is the winningest big time coach of all time.
MOSI TATUPU IS DEAD
Many of you may remember him as a hard running and blocking back for the New England Patriots a number of years ago. I remember him as an unstoppable runner for Punahou High School in Honolulu in the early 70s. Tatupu was one of the fore-runners for the Samoan football stars that later began to star in great numbers at various college and some NFL teams. Tatupu was a great high school running back. He was Earl Campbell in style. Some thought he was so good his age was even questioned. One enterprising reporter ran down Tatupu's birth certificate in American Samoa to prove he was not over age. The form showed he was born April 26, 1955 at Pago Pago, Samoa. That meant that Tatupu who died of un reported causes in New England was 54...exactly what news reports for his death cited.
JOBS TO LOSE IN ASTROLAND
The Astros are welcoming a full camp of players this week but the biggest story remains in the starting rotation. After Roy Oswalt, Wandy Rodriguez and Brett Myers who will be the final two starters? The word is that both Bud Norris and Felipe Paulino will start the spring in those slots and they will be theirs to lose. That doesn't sound all that positive, but it makes sense. Both Bud and Felipe have shown the capability of being rotation starters in the major leagues. But neither has a long enough track record to be given the jobs in advance of the season. They will have to earn them. Furthermore, if either or neither is deemed ready they CAN be optioned to the minors to start the season and get themselves together.
Needless to say this means Brian Moehler, Wesley Wright and two or three others are on "stand by" to determine their roles on the club. Moehler will be around for sure either as one of the starters or the long man. Wright could slide back into the bullpen or be sent to Round Rock to work as a starter. That is a decision spring games will determine.
ROCKETS NEED TO LOOK GOOD... AND WINNING WOULDN'T HURT EITHER
Now that the Rockets have had some time to practice with their new manpower it is time for them to start looking like a credible team again. Starting with Wednesday night's game fans would like to see a much more cohesive offense and a whole lot more defense than has been shown the last few games. The Rockets truly have their backs to the wall in making the playoffs right now. Still, getting everyone on the same page can get the club on the right track with enough time left. Keep your fingers crossed...maybe your toes too.
THE BEST TEAMS DON'T FALL IN LOVE WITH ALL THEIR PLAYERS
With the news that the Texans and Dunta Robinson are likely parting ways brings up a very important point. Often the teams that DO NOT win are the ones with a lot of long term, but non all star or all pro players on the roster. In other words if a player never reaches the top level of the league he is not the star that his loyal fans may think.
Just shuffling the roster year to year doesn't work in any sport either. What DOES work is talent evaluation that moves players who are not really on the "star" level and retains the players that are. Just being "the best you have" is not enough. The really good teams in any sport are able to determine which players are expendable and which are not.
This isn't to downgrade Magee at all. Winning 903 games is quite a feat. But don't compare apples or oranges. For that matter what about Harry Statham of McKendree University. Last time I looked he had over 1000 wins. Of course that was in NAIA, which by the way, is hardly a step below NCAA DII where Magee has all his wins at Philadelphia University.
Philadelphia University exists. Before today I had never heard of it. I had heard of Philadelphia Textile which is what Philadelphia University was known as until recent years.
If you want get REALLY picky consider that Pat Head Summitt is still coaching in NCAA Division I with over 1000 wins. Of course, she is doing it in women's basketball.
All I am saying is give Magee, Statham and Summitt their due respect. But Bob Knight is the winningest big time coach of all time.
MOSI TATUPU IS DEAD
Many of you may remember him as a hard running and blocking back for the New England Patriots a number of years ago. I remember him as an unstoppable runner for Punahou High School in Honolulu in the early 70s. Tatupu was one of the fore-runners for the Samoan football stars that later began to star in great numbers at various college and some NFL teams. Tatupu was a great high school running back. He was Earl Campbell in style. Some thought he was so good his age was even questioned. One enterprising reporter ran down Tatupu's birth certificate in American Samoa to prove he was not over age. The form showed he was born April 26, 1955 at Pago Pago, Samoa. That meant that Tatupu who died of un reported causes in New England was 54...exactly what news reports for his death cited.
JOBS TO LOSE IN ASTROLAND
The Astros are welcoming a full camp of players this week but the biggest story remains in the starting rotation. After Roy Oswalt, Wandy Rodriguez and Brett Myers who will be the final two starters? The word is that both Bud Norris and Felipe Paulino will start the spring in those slots and they will be theirs to lose. That doesn't sound all that positive, but it makes sense. Both Bud and Felipe have shown the capability of being rotation starters in the major leagues. But neither has a long enough track record to be given the jobs in advance of the season. They will have to earn them. Furthermore, if either or neither is deemed ready they CAN be optioned to the minors to start the season and get themselves together.
Needless to say this means Brian Moehler, Wesley Wright and two or three others are on "stand by" to determine their roles on the club. Moehler will be around for sure either as one of the starters or the long man. Wright could slide back into the bullpen or be sent to Round Rock to work as a starter. That is a decision spring games will determine.
ROCKETS NEED TO LOOK GOOD... AND WINNING WOULDN'T HURT EITHER
Now that the Rockets have had some time to practice with their new manpower it is time for them to start looking like a credible team again. Starting with Wednesday night's game fans would like to see a much more cohesive offense and a whole lot more defense than has been shown the last few games. The Rockets truly have their backs to the wall in making the playoffs right now. Still, getting everyone on the same page can get the club on the right track with enough time left. Keep your fingers crossed...maybe your toes too.
THE BEST TEAMS DON'T FALL IN LOVE WITH ALL THEIR PLAYERS
With the news that the Texans and Dunta Robinson are likely parting ways brings up a very important point. Often the teams that DO NOT win are the ones with a lot of long term, but non all star or all pro players on the roster. In other words if a player never reaches the top level of the league he is not the star that his loyal fans may think.
Just shuffling the roster year to year doesn't work in any sport either. What DOES work is talent evaluation that moves players who are not really on the "star" level and retains the players that are. Just being "the best you have" is not enough. The really good teams in any sport are able to determine which players are expendable and which are not.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Negativity is Too Much
I am always ready to analyze the chances of a particular team based on facts, experience, and odds of success. But to be on a constant negativity trip? No way. Yet, since the advent of the internet with forums, comment sections and blogs too many fans only see the dark side of things. At least that is how I see it.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
OK, So T-Mac Was Good
I know what many Rocket fans are thinking this morning. "Why didn't the Rockets let Tracy McGrady play?"
Based on one game Saturday night that seems like a valid question. McGrady can still produce and the Rockets knew he probably could.
But the Rockets officials also probably don't think he will be able to produce 26 points on 10-17 shooting very often. And at his stage of career with his injury history it was time to "cut the cord" and move into a new direction.
The fact that McGrady's contract is up after this season was a major consideration make no mistake about that. Had this whole thing been going on a year ago the Rockets would likely have played him more trying to get him ready for next season when Yao Ming is back and the Rockets would be ready to contend again.
Coupled with the fact that the Rockets were horrible in losing at home to one of the worst teams in the NBA East, Indiana, made Saturday a great night for "I told you so."
That is correct--for one night. Let us see how things shakedown over a period of time. As long as Kevin Martin's poor shooting is not being caused by a chronic problem from the broken bone he suffered earlier in the season he will likely return to the form he has shown in the past. He is younger than McGrady and likely more hungry to win.
What is more troubling is the continued slide of the Rockets as a defensive team. Certainly a 125-115 game under Rick Adelman is more entertaining for many fans than 82-75 which was often the case when Jeff Van Gundy was in charge. However, WINNING either of the games regardless of score is the MOST fun.
Whatever it takes has to be the Rocket mantra. Now they may have more potential scoring with Martin in the fold. And they WILL have more scoring next season when Yao Ming returns. But they had better play better defense in both cases on there won't be any new championship banners for awhile.
That is the case whether Tracy McGrady is scoring 30 points a night for New York and Kevin Martin keeps throwing up bricks. The Rockets can win with better defense and team play on offense. It just takes hard work every game.
Based on one game Saturday night that seems like a valid question. McGrady can still produce and the Rockets knew he probably could.
But the Rockets officials also probably don't think he will be able to produce 26 points on 10-17 shooting very often. And at his stage of career with his injury history it was time to "cut the cord" and move into a new direction.
The fact that McGrady's contract is up after this season was a major consideration make no mistake about that. Had this whole thing been going on a year ago the Rockets would likely have played him more trying to get him ready for next season when Yao Ming is back and the Rockets would be ready to contend again.
Coupled with the fact that the Rockets were horrible in losing at home to one of the worst teams in the NBA East, Indiana, made Saturday a great night for "I told you so."
That is correct--for one night. Let us see how things shakedown over a period of time. As long as Kevin Martin's poor shooting is not being caused by a chronic problem from the broken bone he suffered earlier in the season he will likely return to the form he has shown in the past. He is younger than McGrady and likely more hungry to win.
What is more troubling is the continued slide of the Rockets as a defensive team. Certainly a 125-115 game under Rick Adelman is more entertaining for many fans than 82-75 which was often the case when Jeff Van Gundy was in charge. However, WINNING either of the games regardless of score is the MOST fun.
Whatever it takes has to be the Rocket mantra. Now they may have more potential scoring with Martin in the fold. And they WILL have more scoring next season when Yao Ming returns. But they had better play better defense in both cases on there won't be any new championship banners for awhile.
That is the case whether Tracy McGrady is scoring 30 points a night for New York and Kevin Martin keeps throwing up bricks. The Rockets can win with better defense and team play on offense. It just takes hard work every game.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
What a Busy Wednesday It Was!
ROCKETS MAKE MOVE--FINALLY
The question concerning many fans on Thursday morning following the reported deal ending the Tracy McGrady career as a Rocket had nothing to do with the club's all time leading per game scorer, but the OTHER players lost--namely Carl Landry.
Fans are concerned the loss of Landry who really came into his own as a key player and one of the top scorers on the club will be a missing ingredient on the club that will hurt more than the aquisition of guard Kevin Martin will help. Only time will tell on that just as only time will reveal whether any of the other names in the deal, Joey Dorsey to Sacramento with McGrady and Landry or Kenny Thomas, Hilton Armstrong or Sergio Rodriguez will help the Rockets.
Early indications by many fans on the blogs and forums is the opinion is not overly positive.
DON'T DISCOUNT THOSE "AMATEUR" BLOGGERS
While it was often common for those who made their living writing and reporting on sports to discount entries on blogs by fans who had other jobs as their primary source of income or were far removed from the day to day scene that has become a passe thought. More and more bloggers take their "work" very seriously and do much--or even more-- "digging" than the guys who report for a living.
Chip Bailey who writes a daily blog on the Houston Chronicle web site is a very strong example. Chip is a long time Houston Astro fan who lives in Louisiana. But his blog is not just opinions from a fan. He spends hours doing research and following up. For example Chip has uncovered that pitcher Felipe Paulino would NOT be lost by the Astros if they felt he was not ready to earn a regular spot on the pitching staff this spring. Paulino has an option left after all. This was a fact that even the Astros only recently learned. For Chip's full story and the ramifications that have given the Astros a little roster freedom I refer you to the Chronicle web site and Chip's blog.
NO DEEP RESEARCH NEEDED FOR LONGHORNS
Nothing needs to be researched on the Texas Longhorn's men's basketball team. The cold facts show the team is still in a fall within the Big 12. With Wednesday night's loss at Missouri the Longhorns dropped to 6-5 in the Big12 and now rest in 6th place. That is a mighty drop for a team that at one point this season had been ranked #1 in the nation.
I didn't cover any Longhorn games this season, but from what I see on television coach Rick Barnes has a team with as many athletes as he has ever had. Sometimes though that doesn't transfer into team, court smart, basketball players. It has been a struggle for Barnes' preferred coaching style to be followed with so many athletically gifted players on the court. His team this year does not perform well when it deviates from a more "coached" style yet it deviates far too much on both offense and defense. There is still time to correct it.
ROCKETS ROLL
Lost in the talk about the long awaited Tracy McGrady deal was the Rockets dominating win at Milwaukee on Wednesday night. The three pointers were falling and the offense was clicking. It was the sort of game Rocket fans wished they could see all the time. One of the key players was Carl Landry who made his last appearance in a Houston uniform.
TRADE DETAILS TO BE CONFIRMED TODAY
One final note about the Rocket trade. Officially it has not yet occurred since as of early Thursday morning it had not been confirmed. Yet, sources as reliable as the Chronicle's Jonathan Feigen and several internet reports including The Sporting News Online were reporting the essense of the deal--the key names, McGrady, Martin and Landry, were all involved.
The question concerning many fans on Thursday morning following the reported deal ending the Tracy McGrady career as a Rocket had nothing to do with the club's all time leading per game scorer, but the OTHER players lost--namely Carl Landry.
Fans are concerned the loss of Landry who really came into his own as a key player and one of the top scorers on the club will be a missing ingredient on the club that will hurt more than the aquisition of guard Kevin Martin will help. Only time will tell on that just as only time will reveal whether any of the other names in the deal, Joey Dorsey to Sacramento with McGrady and Landry or Kenny Thomas, Hilton Armstrong or Sergio Rodriguez will help the Rockets.
Early indications by many fans on the blogs and forums is the opinion is not overly positive.
DON'T DISCOUNT THOSE "AMATEUR" BLOGGERS
While it was often common for those who made their living writing and reporting on sports to discount entries on blogs by fans who had other jobs as their primary source of income or were far removed from the day to day scene that has become a passe thought. More and more bloggers take their "work" very seriously and do much--or even more-- "digging" than the guys who report for a living.
Chip Bailey who writes a daily blog on the Houston Chronicle web site is a very strong example. Chip is a long time Houston Astro fan who lives in Louisiana. But his blog is not just opinions from a fan. He spends hours doing research and following up. For example Chip has uncovered that pitcher Felipe Paulino would NOT be lost by the Astros if they felt he was not ready to earn a regular spot on the pitching staff this spring. Paulino has an option left after all. This was a fact that even the Astros only recently learned. For Chip's full story and the ramifications that have given the Astros a little roster freedom I refer you to the Chronicle web site and Chip's blog.
NO DEEP RESEARCH NEEDED FOR LONGHORNS
Nothing needs to be researched on the Texas Longhorn's men's basketball team. The cold facts show the team is still in a fall within the Big 12. With Wednesday night's loss at Missouri the Longhorns dropped to 6-5 in the Big12 and now rest in 6th place. That is a mighty drop for a team that at one point this season had been ranked #1 in the nation.
I didn't cover any Longhorn games this season, but from what I see on television coach Rick Barnes has a team with as many athletes as he has ever had. Sometimes though that doesn't transfer into team, court smart, basketball players. It has been a struggle for Barnes' preferred coaching style to be followed with so many athletically gifted players on the court. His team this year does not perform well when it deviates from a more "coached" style yet it deviates far too much on both offense and defense. There is still time to correct it.
ROCKETS ROLL
Lost in the talk about the long awaited Tracy McGrady deal was the Rockets dominating win at Milwaukee on Wednesday night. The three pointers were falling and the offense was clicking. It was the sort of game Rocket fans wished they could see all the time. One of the key players was Carl Landry who made his last appearance in a Houston uniform.
TRADE DETAILS TO BE CONFIRMED TODAY
One final note about the Rocket trade. Officially it has not yet occurred since as of early Thursday morning it had not been confirmed. Yet, sources as reliable as the Chronicle's Jonathan Feigen and several internet reports including The Sporting News Online were reporting the essense of the deal--the key names, McGrady, Martin and Landry, were all involved.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Best Wishes to Baylor and Texas A&M
Now is the time to wish both the Baylor Bears and Texas A&M Aggies good luck and best wishes for the rest of the college basketball season. The games that are produced by Fox Sports Southwest and aired on both FS-SW and Fox Sports Houston are finished for another season.
Jim Haller and I had some good ones this season. A couple of notable telecasts were not positive for either the Bears or Aggies. Texas A&M's loss to at the time unheralded New Mexico at Toyota Center was a great game. So was Kansas States' win at Baylor. We were on hand when Texas A&M set a new all time single game attendance record for Reed Arena that was broken just a few days ago when Kansas came to town.
We also saw some great individual and team efforts by both the Aggies and Bears. Both teams are very solid this season. Both teams will keep playing into the NCAA tournament. Jim and I will be rooting for both do go as far as they can.
Now, we also want everyone else in the Big 12 to do well. It is just that our relationship with Baylor and Texas A&M is closer. Certainly the Texas Longhorns and Texas Tech have our support. (We are all for all the teams based in Texas including non Big 12 schools like Rice, Houston, HBU, TCU, SMU and all the members of the Southland and SWAC. We have pride in the number of top level athletic programs.)
So,while OUR basketball season comes to an end for another year there are still some great games yet to be played. We'll be following the action for sure.
COLLEGE BASEBALL NEXT UP
On Friday the 2010 College Baseball season officially opens. Check your local schedules for games in your area. I had a chance to chat with Baylor head coach Steve Smith. He thinks the teams pitching may very well be strong enough to have the Bears do better than finish sixth in the league as a poll of his fellow coaches expects. The Big 12 has a lot of questions with a number of programs right now which is a major reason why Texas was a unanimous choice to win the league title in 2010. It isn't unanimous, but Texas is also the pre-season#1 team in the nation in every poll.
We will see most, but not all of the ten schools that play baseball in the Big 12 in our FSN college baseball package to be seen on FS-SW and FS-Houston as well as several other regional FSN networks starting March 28th with Texas Tech hosting.
Jim Haller and I had some good ones this season. A couple of notable telecasts were not positive for either the Bears or Aggies. Texas A&M's loss to at the time unheralded New Mexico at Toyota Center was a great game. So was Kansas States' win at Baylor. We were on hand when Texas A&M set a new all time single game attendance record for Reed Arena that was broken just a few days ago when Kansas came to town.
We also saw some great individual and team efforts by both the Aggies and Bears. Both teams are very solid this season. Both teams will keep playing into the NCAA tournament. Jim and I will be rooting for both do go as far as they can.
Now, we also want everyone else in the Big 12 to do well. It is just that our relationship with Baylor and Texas A&M is closer. Certainly the Texas Longhorns and Texas Tech have our support. (We are all for all the teams based in Texas including non Big 12 schools like Rice, Houston, HBU, TCU, SMU and all the members of the Southland and SWAC. We have pride in the number of top level athletic programs.)
So,while OUR basketball season comes to an end for another year there are still some great games yet to be played. We'll be following the action for sure.
COLLEGE BASEBALL NEXT UP
On Friday the 2010 College Baseball season officially opens. Check your local schedules for games in your area. I had a chance to chat with Baylor head coach Steve Smith. He thinks the teams pitching may very well be strong enough to have the Bears do better than finish sixth in the league as a poll of his fellow coaches expects. The Big 12 has a lot of questions with a number of programs right now which is a major reason why Texas was a unanimous choice to win the league title in 2010. It isn't unanimous, but Texas is also the pre-season#1 team in the nation in every poll.
We will see most, but not all of the ten schools that play baseball in the Big 12 in our FSN college baseball package to be seen on FS-SW and FS-Houston as well as several other regional FSN networks starting March 28th with Texas Tech hosting.
Tuesday Morning Ramblings-Willy T to Nats
The Astros former starting center fielder on the 2005 Worlds Series team, Willy Taveras, has opted to sign a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals instead of returning to the Astros fold. It was a good move for Willy.
The best Taveras could have done with the Astros was make the team as a back up outfielder with the only chance to get significant playing time if Michael Bourn suffered an injury or went into a very long slump. Putting WillyT in left field late in games to replace Carlos Lee defensively would have been his main job. Most clubs need backup outfielders to be able to serve as pinch hitters with at least the potential of power hitting. That is not Taveras. So, not signing on with the Astros was a good decision for both sides. He would have probably spent the season in Round Rock.
In Washington Willy T may wind out a starting outfielder if he has a good spring. Nyjer Morgan pretty much has center field locked and Josh Willingham has some power out of left field. Right field is Elijah Dukes to lose. He could lose it. He is not a power hitter or base stealer and hit just .250 in 2009.
Had Taveras signed with Houston he was not going to beat out any of the Astro starters. In Washington he may not, but his chances of making the team and maybe even winning one slot DOES exist.
ANOTHER 2005 WORLD SERIES VET STILL PLAYING
The Florida Marlins have signed Jason Lane to the minor league contract. That keeps Lane alive in baseball after his free fall from the major leagues with the Astros a few years ago. Lane has been struggling almost from the day he was called up to the Astros following a very good minor league development career. He will never be a star, but Lane loves the game and apparently plans to play as long as teams will let him.
BIG WHOOPS AND HOOPS IN AGGIELAND
Another record setting crowd--this time 13,657 fans--squeezed into Reed Arena in College Station Monday night. The fans saw a game pitting the #1 Kansas Jayhawks against the home town Texas A&M Aggies. TAMU had a four point lead with just over six and a half minutes left. But they only scored two points over the last six minutes and the Jayhawks took it 59-54 to remain unbeaten in the Big 12.
Texas A&M's defense and hustle was outstanding, but the offense--including free throw shooting which has been a problem several times this season--was sub par. Now 18-7 overall and 7-4 in the Big 12 the battle for second place heats up. Tuesday night (on some FSN Texas affiliates secondary channels--Rockets and Mavericks take the main stages-- Baylor will host Texas Tech. The Bears can equal Texas A&M's 7-4 league record with a win.
No matter what happens tonight it has been a very good season for Baylor. The pre-season pick for 10th in the Big12 the Bears very well could finish as high as second and thus acquire a nice seed in the NCAA tournament in March. All they have to do is keep winning. But isn't that always the case?
The best Taveras could have done with the Astros was make the team as a back up outfielder with the only chance to get significant playing time if Michael Bourn suffered an injury or went into a very long slump. Putting WillyT in left field late in games to replace Carlos Lee defensively would have been his main job. Most clubs need backup outfielders to be able to serve as pinch hitters with at least the potential of power hitting. That is not Taveras. So, not signing on with the Astros was a good decision for both sides. He would have probably spent the season in Round Rock.
In Washington Willy T may wind out a starting outfielder if he has a good spring. Nyjer Morgan pretty much has center field locked and Josh Willingham has some power out of left field. Right field is Elijah Dukes to lose. He could lose it. He is not a power hitter or base stealer and hit just .250 in 2009.
Had Taveras signed with Houston he was not going to beat out any of the Astro starters. In Washington he may not, but his chances of making the team and maybe even winning one slot DOES exist.
ANOTHER 2005 WORLD SERIES VET STILL PLAYING
The Florida Marlins have signed Jason Lane to the minor league contract. That keeps Lane alive in baseball after his free fall from the major leagues with the Astros a few years ago. Lane has been struggling almost from the day he was called up to the Astros following a very good minor league development career. He will never be a star, but Lane loves the game and apparently plans to play as long as teams will let him.
BIG WHOOPS AND HOOPS IN AGGIELAND
Another record setting crowd--this time 13,657 fans--squeezed into Reed Arena in College Station Monday night. The fans saw a game pitting the #1 Kansas Jayhawks against the home town Texas A&M Aggies. TAMU had a four point lead with just over six and a half minutes left. But they only scored two points over the last six minutes and the Jayhawks took it 59-54 to remain unbeaten in the Big 12.
Texas A&M's defense and hustle was outstanding, but the offense--including free throw shooting which has been a problem several times this season--was sub par. Now 18-7 overall and 7-4 in the Big 12 the battle for second place heats up. Tuesday night (on some FSN Texas affiliates secondary channels--Rockets and Mavericks take the main stages-- Baylor will host Texas Tech. The Bears can equal Texas A&M's 7-4 league record with a win.
No matter what happens tonight it has been a very good season for Baylor. The pre-season pick for 10th in the Big12 the Bears very well could finish as high as second and thus acquire a nice seed in the NCAA tournament in March. All they have to do is keep winning. But isn't that always the case?
Monday, February 15, 2010
Arlington Needs Some Love
At the midpoint between Fort Worth and Dallas lies Arlington, Texas. I think it deserves equal billing in the metroplex because of it's sports committment that the other larger cities in the area don't seem to have. Hosting the largest crowd ever to see basketball ever is a star in the city's crown...even if most of those 108,713 had no idea what was really going on with those tiny figures running up and down the court.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Is This the Beginning of the End?
Maybe it is only a contract negotiation ploy. Or maybe NBA Commissioner David Stern is right. Maybe the NBA IS on pace to lose $400-million this season on top of the "hundreds of millions" the loop has dropped in recent years.
Or maybe not.
While I tend to lean more toward ownership's side in contract negotiations since, after all, they are the ones taking the chances. They are the ones who have invested heavily in their teams with no guarantee of positive return. (Selling a team for five times what one paid for it doesn't count since operating costs for all those years of ownership have to be regarded.) If you bought your house for $100-thousand twenty years ago and sold it for $200-thousand this year did you REALLY make a $100-thousand profit? Just think back how much you invested in repairs, renovation, new air conditioning or heating units, new roofs, paint or siding, etc.
It is the same with sports team owners only on a much greater scale.
I don't let the owners off the hook with that line of thinking though. I take David Stern's figures with a great deal of suspicion. You see, in business it is not uncommon to call something a loss because expected income levels were not met. How much of that reported $400-million was real dollar loss and how much was compared to budgetary expectations? Maybe the NBA office can show the union it was all real dollar losses and maybe not.
Those semantics aside it is not hard to see the NBA is not doing as well as hoped in most cities. Buildings are not selling out for full prices as they had in the past. Thanks in large part to the unreasonable salary levels in the league (my opinion) teams must sell out or come darn near close to pay them. There is not as much overhead in the NBA as in MLB or the NFL thanks to smaller rosters, but the average salaries of those in the league makes up for that--especially when one considers the league also is working with limited capacity facilities and the television and additional advertising revenue does not equal the NFL or MLB.
For years some have opined that the end of rising salaries in the major professional sports must come. Could the NBA be the first league to face that prospect for real? Or is all of this just contract negotiation talk?
BIG 12 HOOPS BATTLE FOR SECOND
The Big 12 men's basketball battle for second place appears headed to the wire with some interesting battles still ahead. Kansas, with a 10-0 conference record will finish first. But Texas A&M and Kansas State are both 7-3 with Texas, Baylor and Missouri all 6-4.
Texas A&M has a huge home game Monday night against Kansas. Baylor hosts 4-6 Texas Tech on Tuesday. (That game will be aired on the FSN networks in Texas.) Kansas State may have the easiest run to finish 2nd with games left against Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas Tech and Missouri. The expected toughest of those--Missouri-- will be played at Kansas State the final weekend of the regular season. Texas and Texas A&M still have their battle in College Station left. The Aggies also remain Baylor's likely biggest test when they meet the Bears in Waco February 24th.
The Big 12 could get as many as eight teams in the NCAA field..and could have as many as ten involved in post season action of some sort.
OLYMPICS? OH YEAH THEY ARE GOING ON TOO!
Not much to add to the thousands of words and pictures coming out of Vancouver for the Winter Olympics except for one thought. When there is more snow in North Texas than at the Winter Olympic site there is something wrong.
Or maybe not.
While I tend to lean more toward ownership's side in contract negotiations since, after all, they are the ones taking the chances. They are the ones who have invested heavily in their teams with no guarantee of positive return. (Selling a team for five times what one paid for it doesn't count since operating costs for all those years of ownership have to be regarded.) If you bought your house for $100-thousand twenty years ago and sold it for $200-thousand this year did you REALLY make a $100-thousand profit? Just think back how much you invested in repairs, renovation, new air conditioning or heating units, new roofs, paint or siding, etc.
It is the same with sports team owners only on a much greater scale.
I don't let the owners off the hook with that line of thinking though. I take David Stern's figures with a great deal of suspicion. You see, in business it is not uncommon to call something a loss because expected income levels were not met. How much of that reported $400-million was real dollar loss and how much was compared to budgetary expectations? Maybe the NBA office can show the union it was all real dollar losses and maybe not.
Those semantics aside it is not hard to see the NBA is not doing as well as hoped in most cities. Buildings are not selling out for full prices as they had in the past. Thanks in large part to the unreasonable salary levels in the league (my opinion) teams must sell out or come darn near close to pay them. There is not as much overhead in the NBA as in MLB or the NFL thanks to smaller rosters, but the average salaries of those in the league makes up for that--especially when one considers the league also is working with limited capacity facilities and the television and additional advertising revenue does not equal the NFL or MLB.
For years some have opined that the end of rising salaries in the major professional sports must come. Could the NBA be the first league to face that prospect for real? Or is all of this just contract negotiation talk?
BIG 12 HOOPS BATTLE FOR SECOND
The Big 12 men's basketball battle for second place appears headed to the wire with some interesting battles still ahead. Kansas, with a 10-0 conference record will finish first. But Texas A&M and Kansas State are both 7-3 with Texas, Baylor and Missouri all 6-4.
Texas A&M has a huge home game Monday night against Kansas. Baylor hosts 4-6 Texas Tech on Tuesday. (That game will be aired on the FSN networks in Texas.) Kansas State may have the easiest run to finish 2nd with games left against Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas Tech and Missouri. The expected toughest of those--Missouri-- will be played at Kansas State the final weekend of the regular season. Texas and Texas A&M still have their battle in College Station left. The Aggies also remain Baylor's likely biggest test when they meet the Bears in Waco February 24th.
The Big 12 could get as many as eight teams in the NCAA field..and could have as many as ten involved in post season action of some sort.
OLYMPICS? OH YEAH THEY ARE GOING ON TOO!
Not much to add to the thousands of words and pictures coming out of Vancouver for the Winter Olympics except for one thought. When there is more snow in North Texas than at the Winter Olympic site there is something wrong.
Friday, February 12, 2010
All This Talk of the Big 10(11)
Richard Justice of the Chronicle started this and the newspaper has uncovered more that seems to indicate someone with the Big 10 at least floated an idea past Texas about joining the Big 10 as its 12th member.
There are lots of reasons why it would be a good move for both Texas and the Big 10. But there are lots of reasons why it would be unwieldy as well.
Right now Texas is the big dog of the Big 12. Oh, they lose some games. They don't win everything, but they contend in everything and they generate far more revenue than anyone else. At the present time if they moved to the Big 10 the same would result. Michigan and Ohio State would both rival the 'Horns in revenue generation, but Texas would still be on top. The value of the Big 10 network which can already been seen on cable and satellite homes in Texas would suddenly rise.
RIVALRIES LOST?
If Texas changed conferences what would that do to rivalries with Oklahoma and Texas A&M? Many worry about that, but they shouldn't. There is no reason they should not continue. Oklahoma and Texas played for years when not in the same league. So could Texas and Texas A&M. In fact, in the lower revenue sports those schools SHOULD play every year.
DISTANCE BETWEEN SCHOOLS?
A move to the Big 10 would increase travel costs. However, schools with far less revenue have been going cross country for years. There is a lower division football league that has teams ranging from Ohio to California (Pioneer League). Houston Baptist plays in a basketball league that stretches from the Canadian border to the Mexican border. It is certainly not ideal, but if those schools can handle the costs the programs with much greater revenue can handle it.
Schools like Texas and others in the Big 10 can charter planes (or buy planes) and get their teams to and fro quite quickly. There would be little if any extra time lost from classes.
FANS?
It is true fans would not travel quite as much. However, few fans travel much now except for big games. When Texas played at Ohio State in football a couple years back the Longhorns were well represented. If they played there every other year would the attraction be the same? Probably not. There is little basketball or other sport travel now. If Texas moved to the Big 10 it might work out well for other cities in Texas since there would be even more incentive to schedule UH or TCU or SMU or Rice in addition to Texas A&M for the alums and fans in the Metroplex and Houston to be able to see their team in action.
ITS ALL REALLY ABOUT MONEY
Make no mistake about it though. This whole thing about moving to the Big 10 is all about money. From that standpoint it might work. It is doubtful, however, if it is really best for Texas and certainly not the best for the Big 12. Not only does the geography cause a problem--especially for the lower revenue producing or non revenue producing sports--but there are regional differences.
HOW ABOUT THOSE LOWER REVENUE SPORTS?
In Texas baseball is a huge sport. The Longhorns are contenders for the national title nearly every year. In the Big 10 because of weather issues few schools have put in as much revenue to build the baseball programs. Michigan, Ohio State and Minnesota have tried to build things up, but they are still miles behind Texas.
On the other hand Wisconsin, Minnesota and the Michigan Schools are hockey power houses. Something just doesn't' quite fit.
THERE IS AN ANSWER--SPORTS SPECIFIC LEAGUES
Hockey brings up an interesting point and possible solution. The hockey playing schools in the United States have their own leagues outside the boundaries of their primary conferences. Perhaps the same should be done with all lower or non revenue sports. This would also cut down travel costs since many of these sports are regional. Hockey is strong in the North. Baseball is strong in the South. Wrestling is stronger in the Midwest. Golf is stronger in the South.
Actually the precedent has already been set in some sports. The Pac 10 has actually broken regarding baseball the past with some of the Northern teams adding other schools that are not Pac 10 members to form a baseball league. Notre Dame plays basketball in the Big East, but is not a football playing member of the loop. For years they had their low revenue teams playing in a Midwestern based league.
COULD THAT BE THE FUTURE? SUPER LEAGUES FOR MAJOR SPORTS ONLY?
So, the thought comes to mind. Could establishment of power leagues for the two largest revenue producing sports allow the other sports to break away and form alliances more in keeping with geographic boundaries? Could the Big 12 baseball league include Texas, Texas A&M, Baylor, Texas Tech, Rice, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Nebraska, TCU and Houston?
Could this still work even if Texas moved its main affiliation to the Big 10 and Rice and Houston were still primarily C-USA teams and TCU with the Mountain West?
I don't know the answer. I don't know if Texas would seriously consider switching from the Big 12 to Big 10. I tend to doubt it will happen. All I do know is that the current conference affiliations will not stay set in stone forever. They actually never have historically. It is just that now things move faster.
There are lots of reasons why it would be a good move for both Texas and the Big 10. But there are lots of reasons why it would be unwieldy as well.
Right now Texas is the big dog of the Big 12. Oh, they lose some games. They don't win everything, but they contend in everything and they generate far more revenue than anyone else. At the present time if they moved to the Big 10 the same would result. Michigan and Ohio State would both rival the 'Horns in revenue generation, but Texas would still be on top. The value of the Big 10 network which can already been seen on cable and satellite homes in Texas would suddenly rise.
RIVALRIES LOST?
If Texas changed conferences what would that do to rivalries with Oklahoma and Texas A&M? Many worry about that, but they shouldn't. There is no reason they should not continue. Oklahoma and Texas played for years when not in the same league. So could Texas and Texas A&M. In fact, in the lower revenue sports those schools SHOULD play every year.
DISTANCE BETWEEN SCHOOLS?
A move to the Big 10 would increase travel costs. However, schools with far less revenue have been going cross country for years. There is a lower division football league that has teams ranging from Ohio to California (Pioneer League). Houston Baptist plays in a basketball league that stretches from the Canadian border to the Mexican border. It is certainly not ideal, but if those schools can handle the costs the programs with much greater revenue can handle it.
Schools like Texas and others in the Big 10 can charter planes (or buy planes) and get their teams to and fro quite quickly. There would be little if any extra time lost from classes.
FANS?
It is true fans would not travel quite as much. However, few fans travel much now except for big games. When Texas played at Ohio State in football a couple years back the Longhorns were well represented. If they played there every other year would the attraction be the same? Probably not. There is little basketball or other sport travel now. If Texas moved to the Big 10 it might work out well for other cities in Texas since there would be even more incentive to schedule UH or TCU or SMU or Rice in addition to Texas A&M for the alums and fans in the Metroplex and Houston to be able to see their team in action.
ITS ALL REALLY ABOUT MONEY
Make no mistake about it though. This whole thing about moving to the Big 10 is all about money. From that standpoint it might work. It is doubtful, however, if it is really best for Texas and certainly not the best for the Big 12. Not only does the geography cause a problem--especially for the lower revenue producing or non revenue producing sports--but there are regional differences.
HOW ABOUT THOSE LOWER REVENUE SPORTS?
In Texas baseball is a huge sport. The Longhorns are contenders for the national title nearly every year. In the Big 10 because of weather issues few schools have put in as much revenue to build the baseball programs. Michigan, Ohio State and Minnesota have tried to build things up, but they are still miles behind Texas.
On the other hand Wisconsin, Minnesota and the Michigan Schools are hockey power houses. Something just doesn't' quite fit.
THERE IS AN ANSWER--SPORTS SPECIFIC LEAGUES
Hockey brings up an interesting point and possible solution. The hockey playing schools in the United States have their own leagues outside the boundaries of their primary conferences. Perhaps the same should be done with all lower or non revenue sports. This would also cut down travel costs since many of these sports are regional. Hockey is strong in the North. Baseball is strong in the South. Wrestling is stronger in the Midwest. Golf is stronger in the South.
Actually the precedent has already been set in some sports. The Pac 10 has actually broken regarding baseball the past with some of the Northern teams adding other schools that are not Pac 10 members to form a baseball league. Notre Dame plays basketball in the Big East, but is not a football playing member of the loop. For years they had their low revenue teams playing in a Midwestern based league.
COULD THAT BE THE FUTURE? SUPER LEAGUES FOR MAJOR SPORTS ONLY?
So, the thought comes to mind. Could establishment of power leagues for the two largest revenue producing sports allow the other sports to break away and form alliances more in keeping with geographic boundaries? Could the Big 12 baseball league include Texas, Texas A&M, Baylor, Texas Tech, Rice, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Nebraska, TCU and Houston?
Could this still work even if Texas moved its main affiliation to the Big 10 and Rice and Houston were still primarily C-USA teams and TCU with the Mountain West?
I don't know the answer. I don't know if Texas would seriously consider switching from the Big 12 to Big 10. I tend to doubt it will happen. All I do know is that the current conference affiliations will not stay set in stone forever. They actually never have historically. It is just that now things move faster.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Astros, Rockets and C-USA
Astro telecaster Bill Brown made an interesting presentation to member of Houston's chapter of the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) on Tuesday night. You may have already read the gist of it in a column he posted on Foxsportshouston.com.
The gist of it was that fans can expect the Astros to be better in 2010 than in 2009 if only the pitching is improved. Brownie cited numerous instances where the team showed great improvement in just one season when the earned run average was considerably better.
The question is not who is playing third base, shortstop or catching. It is how well the men on the mound are able to do their jobs.
Oh, the offensive players have to provide some runs to be sure, but they don't have to be supermen if only the pitching can knock some off the team ERA.
There is a very good chance this team can do that. Certainly, the main men have to be healthy. That includes both ace Roy Oswalt and the newly acquired Brett Myers for whom there may be doubts. Roy says his back feels fine after the off season and special workouts that have included swimming. Myers proved himself capable late last season when he was able to re-join the Phillies after recovering from his hip injury.
Even so, success for failure for the Astros or any team is always a run of good or bad luck away.
TAKE THE ROCKETS
The Houston Rockets are an example of this. Early in the season they were the talk of the town and even the NBA. This team full of unproven or almost unknown players was "wowing" NBA followers with their unselfish team play and running game on offense and some solid hustle filled aggressive defense and rebounding. It seemed there was a different star every night. Then, unfortunately the pace of playing on that level started to take it's toll. A few nagging injuries contributed to the slow down, too.
The Rockets started to struggle. Some of it was caused by the "book" other teams had on Rick Adelman's club. They knew more what to expect. Some of it was caused by the inability of the Rockets themselves to continue to play on that same level throughout the NBA season. For this team to win consistently they have to be consistently at the highest level of their game each and every night. No team in the history of the NBA including the very best of all time have ever been able to to that. The difference is that that those great teams had so much talent they could still win when not playing as hard or as well. The 2009-2010 Rockets can not.
Give then credit, though. They still TRY to do the best they can. Sometimes it is just not there. The loss at Miami where they scored only 66 points is the best example. They did a lot wrong to be sure, but every man on that team--including the deep bench which saw considerable action-- WANTED to get it done. They simply could not. The All Star break is very much needed.
AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT
The topic switches to college baseball. While the season won't start till the end of the month, head coach Wayne Graham of the Rice Owls is ready to go. Why not? His team is ranked as high as 5th by several pre season polls. He has his entire starting lineup back and thinks while his pitching will be good he is not ready to classify it with the all time Rice bests yet.
Graham's team which already plays one of the nation's toughest schedules opens at Stanford. They will have games with #1 Texas including at the Minute Maid College Classic, plus play highly regarded Missouri and others all before Conference USA Play begins.
And Conference USA in baseball is very good. The league is much more highly regarded in Baseball than in either the more noted Football or Basketball. Graham thinks that in 2010 it may even be stronger than the Big 12. Based on pre season rankings he may well be correct since only Texas at #1 finds itself in all the polls.
In addition to the Owls, East Carolina is loaded. Southern Mississippi is strong and Central Florida is a power-in-waiting according to Graham. He also says city rival Houston has some very powerful pitching arms.
College baseball obviously is not on the sports radar of most fans who prefer professional sports or only the colleges for football and basketball, but there is a nice following in Houston for the Owls, in Austin for the Longhorns and College Station for the Aggies. All those programs and others are top notch. And taking in top level college baseball is not a bad way to spend a sunny afternoon in the early spring in Texas.
The gist of it was that fans can expect the Astros to be better in 2010 than in 2009 if only the pitching is improved. Brownie cited numerous instances where the team showed great improvement in just one season when the earned run average was considerably better.
The question is not who is playing third base, shortstop or catching. It is how well the men on the mound are able to do their jobs.
Oh, the offensive players have to provide some runs to be sure, but they don't have to be supermen if only the pitching can knock some off the team ERA.
There is a very good chance this team can do that. Certainly, the main men have to be healthy. That includes both ace Roy Oswalt and the newly acquired Brett Myers for whom there may be doubts. Roy says his back feels fine after the off season and special workouts that have included swimming. Myers proved himself capable late last season when he was able to re-join the Phillies after recovering from his hip injury.
Even so, success for failure for the Astros or any team is always a run of good or bad luck away.
TAKE THE ROCKETS
The Houston Rockets are an example of this. Early in the season they were the talk of the town and even the NBA. This team full of unproven or almost unknown players was "wowing" NBA followers with their unselfish team play and running game on offense and some solid hustle filled aggressive defense and rebounding. It seemed there was a different star every night. Then, unfortunately the pace of playing on that level started to take it's toll. A few nagging injuries contributed to the slow down, too.
The Rockets started to struggle. Some of it was caused by the "book" other teams had on Rick Adelman's club. They knew more what to expect. Some of it was caused by the inability of the Rockets themselves to continue to play on that same level throughout the NBA season. For this team to win consistently they have to be consistently at the highest level of their game each and every night. No team in the history of the NBA including the very best of all time have ever been able to to that. The difference is that that those great teams had so much talent they could still win when not playing as hard or as well. The 2009-2010 Rockets can not.
Give then credit, though. They still TRY to do the best they can. Sometimes it is just not there. The loss at Miami where they scored only 66 points is the best example. They did a lot wrong to be sure, but every man on that team--including the deep bench which saw considerable action-- WANTED to get it done. They simply could not. The All Star break is very much needed.
AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT
The topic switches to college baseball. While the season won't start till the end of the month, head coach Wayne Graham of the Rice Owls is ready to go. Why not? His team is ranked as high as 5th by several pre season polls. He has his entire starting lineup back and thinks while his pitching will be good he is not ready to classify it with the all time Rice bests yet.
Graham's team which already plays one of the nation's toughest schedules opens at Stanford. They will have games with #1 Texas including at the Minute Maid College Classic, plus play highly regarded Missouri and others all before Conference USA Play begins.
And Conference USA in baseball is very good. The league is much more highly regarded in Baseball than in either the more noted Football or Basketball. Graham thinks that in 2010 it may even be stronger than the Big 12. Based on pre season rankings he may well be correct since only Texas at #1 finds itself in all the polls.
In addition to the Owls, East Carolina is loaded. Southern Mississippi is strong and Central Florida is a power-in-waiting according to Graham. He also says city rival Houston has some very powerful pitching arms.
College baseball obviously is not on the sports radar of most fans who prefer professional sports or only the colleges for football and basketball, but there is a nice following in Houston for the Owls, in Austin for the Longhorns and College Station for the Aggies. All those programs and others are top notch. And taking in top level college baseball is not a bad way to spend a sunny afternoon in the early spring in Texas.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Big 12 Has Real Race...for Second Place!
If there were any doubters about which team is the class of the Big 12 in men's basketball before Monday night those doubts have been answered. It is the Kansas Jayhawks without a doubt.
Actually the Jayhawks may be even better than that. They may very well be the best team in the whole NCAA D1 world. Their ranking most of the year has been right there and it does not look like a fluke.
Unfortunately the #1 spot that was held by Texas for a time several weeks ago DOES look like it WAS a fluke. The Longhorns did not look to be in the Jayhawk class in their 80-68 loss to Kansas in Austin on Tuesday.
Kansas was one of the most aggressive hustling teams seen by the Horns all season. They were merciless on defense and ball hungry off the backboards. Out rebounding Texas 45-34 and holding the Longhorn shooting percentage to a paltry 37% was all it took to dominate.
Admittedly a 22 point run was easily the difference in the game and other than that Texas held its own, but not without extreme effort. Nothing was wrong with the Texas defensive effort. Kansas only shot 40% itself. But the Jayhawks, thanks to their rebounding and shot blocking--they had 10 of those--got more shots and 14 more points.
Kansas' depth was very impressive, too. Only Marcus Morris scored more than 15 points. He had 18. Sheron Collins and Xavier Henry added 15. But the bench was superb. Everyone who played scored and all but one player in the game scored seven point or more.
Texas was essentially a two man show. Damion James scored 24 points to go with ten rebounds. Port Arthur's J'Covan Brown netted 28 points off the bench for the entire bench total for Texas.
The most bewildered Longhorn was big man Dexter Pittman. He was too slow and lacking in leaping ability to stick with the aggressive Jayhawks close to the basket. Pittman was held to just three points on one for five shooting and three rebounds and was never a factor in the game.
After the win Kansas jumped to 9-0 in the Big 12. They have virtually clinched the regular season title. They are also now 23-1 while Texas has fallen to 5-4 in the league and 19-5 overall.
The only real question left is who will finish second. There are now several contenders. Maybe the battle for the top is over, but second place is very much still up for grabs.
As for the Longhorns, they still have time to get things together and be a factor the rest of the season and in the post season as well. They just have to use the rest of this season to learn from what the Jayhawks taught them. It won't be easy and it will require work. Don't bury Texas just yet. There is still plenty of talent on the team. Coach Rick Barnes' job is to get that talent combined with the right mental outlook, aggressiveness and burning desire to win--before it is too late.
Actually the Jayhawks may be even better than that. They may very well be the best team in the whole NCAA D1 world. Their ranking most of the year has been right there and it does not look like a fluke.
Unfortunately the #1 spot that was held by Texas for a time several weeks ago DOES look like it WAS a fluke. The Longhorns did not look to be in the Jayhawk class in their 80-68 loss to Kansas in Austin on Tuesday.
Kansas was one of the most aggressive hustling teams seen by the Horns all season. They were merciless on defense and ball hungry off the backboards. Out rebounding Texas 45-34 and holding the Longhorn shooting percentage to a paltry 37% was all it took to dominate.
Admittedly a 22 point run was easily the difference in the game and other than that Texas held its own, but not without extreme effort. Nothing was wrong with the Texas defensive effort. Kansas only shot 40% itself. But the Jayhawks, thanks to their rebounding and shot blocking--they had 10 of those--got more shots and 14 more points.
Kansas' depth was very impressive, too. Only Marcus Morris scored more than 15 points. He had 18. Sheron Collins and Xavier Henry added 15. But the bench was superb. Everyone who played scored and all but one player in the game scored seven point or more.
Texas was essentially a two man show. Damion James scored 24 points to go with ten rebounds. Port Arthur's J'Covan Brown netted 28 points off the bench for the entire bench total for Texas.
The most bewildered Longhorn was big man Dexter Pittman. He was too slow and lacking in leaping ability to stick with the aggressive Jayhawks close to the basket. Pittman was held to just three points on one for five shooting and three rebounds and was never a factor in the game.
After the win Kansas jumped to 9-0 in the Big 12. They have virtually clinched the regular season title. They are also now 23-1 while Texas has fallen to 5-4 in the league and 19-5 overall.
The only real question left is who will finish second. There are now several contenders. Maybe the battle for the top is over, but second place is very much still up for grabs.
As for the Longhorns, they still have time to get things together and be a factor the rest of the season and in the post season as well. They just have to use the rest of this season to learn from what the Jayhawks taught them. It won't be easy and it will require work. Don't bury Texas just yet. There is still plenty of talent on the team. Coach Rick Barnes' job is to get that talent combined with the right mental outlook, aggressiveness and burning desire to win--before it is too late.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Rice Baseball-- A Real Family
On Saturday the Rice Baseball Alumni gathered at Reckling Park to renew acquaintances and play a little baseball. On the beautiful day I stopped by for awhile and reflect on just how good the Rice baseball program has been under Wayne Graham from my Sports Library.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Its the NFL Championship Game. That's All.
There is nothing like the week before the Super Bowl. It changes my life every year. I rarely listen to sports talk radio. I read a much lower percentage of the sports section in the Chronicle. I spend much less time on general sports sites on the Internet. And I don't tune into the telecast of the game until less than 30 minutes before kickoff.
What is wrong with me. I must not be a true American! How could I not be caught up in the fever that is Super Bowl?
I prefer to think that I have the whole thing in it's proper perspective. The Super Bowl is the championship game of the NFL season. It is nothing more. It is the 7th game of the World Series. It is the final game of the NBA playoffs. It is the BCS championship game.
It is a GAME!
There was once a day in the United States when the actual game was what mattered. It was not all the ways to sell products. It was the enjoyment of watching the two teams compete. It was the fun of seeing how they went about doing it.
It was not asking a bunch of "celebrities" who have virtually no interest in the game, but feel they have to say something to be part of the crowd make predictions. And speaking of predictions anyone can have one. The only ones that really might matter would come from people who have been judged to be true psychics--if there really are any of them.
The Super Bowl hype has extended into hours and hours of talk about menus for parties...media that have no business being on site--or in the vicinity of the site--fooling their readers or listeners into thinking they are really finding news to report.
But it is still just a football game. The only thing that should make it special is that it is for the championship of a professional football league.
Despite the preference by United Staters (I don't use American, because that has to include all of North, South and Central America.) for our style of football the vast majority of the rest of the world doesn't understand why we like it so much. Futbol is the real sport for them and world-wide vastly more popular. I don't want to get into a discussion of this because frankly I think futbol's success is largely because it IS so old.
Now don't get me wrong. I will be watching the championship game today. I watch it every year. During the period when Houston was without an NFL team it was the only pro football game I watched from start to finish every year. I just won't be watching anything until the game starts.
I know that Payton Manning is one of the all time greats. I know that Austin's Drew Brees by way of Purdue is a great passer and he has more running back depth than the Colts. I know that Colt Dwight Freeney may play despite ligament damage in an ankle. I know that both teams had changes at unbeaten seasons but lost out in the final weeks. Indianapolis did it almost intentionally, but New Orleans lost to Dallas at home in a game they were trying to win to end their hopes. I know that Jim Caldwell is a rookie head NFL coach, after being on Tony Dungy's staff for years following only a mediocre college career. I know that Sean Payton of New Orleans is highly regarded as one of the NFL brightest young minds.
I don't know what is being served at Super Bowl parties. And I don't know who George Clooney has picked to win the game. I also don't care.
I know what is important and I don't need a whole week of TV, Radio, Internet and Print to tell me over and over and over. But the single most distasteful thing for me about the Super Bowl and football in general for me is not the game in any way. It is the way betting lines seem to be more important than the outcome. Some have said that if betting were not such a part of pro football the sport would never have captured so much popularity in the United States.
Call me naive. I just hate to have to believe that. Doesn't anyone watch sports for the pure fun of it? I still do. I just don't watch any of the "other stuff."
What is wrong with me. I must not be a true American! How could I not be caught up in the fever that is Super Bowl?
I prefer to think that I have the whole thing in it's proper perspective. The Super Bowl is the championship game of the NFL season. It is nothing more. It is the 7th game of the World Series. It is the final game of the NBA playoffs. It is the BCS championship game.
It is a GAME!
There was once a day in the United States when the actual game was what mattered. It was not all the ways to sell products. It was the enjoyment of watching the two teams compete. It was the fun of seeing how they went about doing it.
It was not asking a bunch of "celebrities" who have virtually no interest in the game, but feel they have to say something to be part of the crowd make predictions. And speaking of predictions anyone can have one. The only ones that really might matter would come from people who have been judged to be true psychics--if there really are any of them.
The Super Bowl hype has extended into hours and hours of talk about menus for parties...media that have no business being on site--or in the vicinity of the site--fooling their readers or listeners into thinking they are really finding news to report.
But it is still just a football game. The only thing that should make it special is that it is for the championship of a professional football league.
Despite the preference by United Staters (I don't use American, because that has to include all of North, South and Central America.) for our style of football the vast majority of the rest of the world doesn't understand why we like it so much. Futbol is the real sport for them and world-wide vastly more popular. I don't want to get into a discussion of this because frankly I think futbol's success is largely because it IS so old.
Now don't get me wrong. I will be watching the championship game today. I watch it every year. During the period when Houston was without an NFL team it was the only pro football game I watched from start to finish every year. I just won't be watching anything until the game starts.
I know that Payton Manning is one of the all time greats. I know that Austin's Drew Brees by way of Purdue is a great passer and he has more running back depth than the Colts. I know that Colt Dwight Freeney may play despite ligament damage in an ankle. I know that both teams had changes at unbeaten seasons but lost out in the final weeks. Indianapolis did it almost intentionally, but New Orleans lost to Dallas at home in a game they were trying to win to end their hopes. I know that Jim Caldwell is a rookie head NFL coach, after being on Tony Dungy's staff for years following only a mediocre college career. I know that Sean Payton of New Orleans is highly regarded as one of the NFL brightest young minds.
I don't know what is being served at Super Bowl parties. And I don't know who George Clooney has picked to win the game. I also don't care.
I know what is important and I don't need a whole week of TV, Radio, Internet and Print to tell me over and over and over. But the single most distasteful thing for me about the Super Bowl and football in general for me is not the game in any way. It is the way betting lines seem to be more important than the outcome. Some have said that if betting were not such a part of pro football the sport would never have captured so much popularity in the United States.
Call me naive. I just hate to have to believe that. Doesn't anyone watch sports for the pure fun of it? I still do. I just don't watch any of the "other stuff."
Friday, February 5, 2010
Berkman, Adams, Kramer, Hooton to TSHOF
The Texas Sports Hall of Fame will receive it's new inductees on February 9th. Among them are four with strong Houston ties. Plus, the new Southwest Conference wing for the building in Waco is open. I have more from my sports library.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
I Like the Baylor Bears More and More
Having done play by play for several Baylor Bears men's basketball games this year I am liking more and more of what I have seen from Scott Drew's team.
The club has some veteran leadership from players who also happen to have skills. They play unselfishly, have good size in the starting lineup, shoot the ball with the best of them and have a sparkplug off the bench. They also play hard every night.
Those ingredients are what they used to upset Texas in Austin over the weekend. On Wednesday night in Waco they used the same in easily handling Iowa State.
The Iowa State game could have been one of those trap games. Coming off a win at Texas and with Texas A&M next on the schedule it could have been easy for the Bears to subconsciously think this game with the 13-8 Cyclones would not be that tough and then lose.
In the first have Baylor was not on top of its game, but still led by six at the break. In the second half they put the game away. Lacedarius Dunn led the scoring with 19 points, Ekpe Udoh scored 19 with ten rebounds and veteran point guard Tweety Carter ran the offense to perfection and added 14 points himself. How many of these Baylor Bears will play on the next level (NBA)? Maybe none of them. Kansas has some. Texas has some. Kansas State has some. Iowa State has some. Playing on the next level is not what wins college basketball games now. The Bears are a real team. Their record of 17-4 is well above what was expected when they were picked to finish 10th in the pre season Big 12 poll. And don't look now, but the Bears are only one game back in the loss column for second place in the league.
There is no way of predicting how the rest of the season will roll for Baylor. But they will be a post season NCAA team. And that makes the season a success.
BRILES HAPPY WITH FOOTBALL SIGNINGS
I had a chance to talk briefly with Baylor head football coach Art Briles earlier Wednesday. He says he is happy with the schools recruiting as they filled some positions of need. He noted the class was not a large one, but that it was a large as the Bears needed.
Baylor returning QB Robert Griffin is more important than any of the recruits. He returns after missing most of last season following knee surgery. Briles says they will take it easy with him during spring drills, but he is expected to be 100% by the fall.
Even so, the school is taking no chances. They signed another Robert Griffin. Only thing is...this one's job will be to help protect the other one. The newcomer Griffin is a 345 offensive lineman who is already in school after transferring from junior college.
The club has some veteran leadership from players who also happen to have skills. They play unselfishly, have good size in the starting lineup, shoot the ball with the best of them and have a sparkplug off the bench. They also play hard every night.
Those ingredients are what they used to upset Texas in Austin over the weekend. On Wednesday night in Waco they used the same in easily handling Iowa State.
The Iowa State game could have been one of those trap games. Coming off a win at Texas and with Texas A&M next on the schedule it could have been easy for the Bears to subconsciously think this game with the 13-8 Cyclones would not be that tough and then lose.
In the first have Baylor was not on top of its game, but still led by six at the break. In the second half they put the game away. Lacedarius Dunn led the scoring with 19 points, Ekpe Udoh scored 19 with ten rebounds and veteran point guard Tweety Carter ran the offense to perfection and added 14 points himself. How many of these Baylor Bears will play on the next level (NBA)? Maybe none of them. Kansas has some. Texas has some. Kansas State has some. Iowa State has some. Playing on the next level is not what wins college basketball games now. The Bears are a real team. Their record of 17-4 is well above what was expected when they were picked to finish 10th in the pre season Big 12 poll. And don't look now, but the Bears are only one game back in the loss column for second place in the league.
There is no way of predicting how the rest of the season will roll for Baylor. But they will be a post season NCAA team. And that makes the season a success.
BRILES HAPPY WITH FOOTBALL SIGNINGS
I had a chance to talk briefly with Baylor head football coach Art Briles earlier Wednesday. He says he is happy with the schools recruiting as they filled some positions of need. He noted the class was not a large one, but that it was a large as the Bears needed.
Baylor returning QB Robert Griffin is more important than any of the recruits. He returns after missing most of last season following knee surgery. Briles says they will take it easy with him during spring drills, but he is expected to be 100% by the fall.
Even so, the school is taking no chances. They signed another Robert Griffin. Only thing is...this one's job will be to help protect the other one. The newcomer Griffin is a 345 offensive lineman who is already in school after transferring from junior college.
Don't Get Too Excited
The Rockets looked like the Rockets are supposed to on Tuesday night. They whipped their foe on the home court handily. Just about everyone contributed and got to play. It was fun.
It was also against the Golden State Warriors. What a sorry franchise that team has become. Last in their division. Well under .500. They play little or no defense. They play with little or no desire. They play with only a small amount of talent.
The Warriors are not a hard team to beat. But the Rockets at least did what they were supposed do. They deserve credit for that.
HIGH SCHOOLS RE-ALIGN...WHY?
I have lived in Texas for thirty years. My school boy years were not here. Maybe that is why I wonder about the high school re-alignments we have in Texas every two years. Are they really necessary?
When I was growing up teams were in leagues. The schools stayed together nearly forever. I remember that the North Central Conference in Indiana had the state's largest high school at the time, Indianapolis Tech, with over 4000 students and Frankfort High School with barely 1000. My school had between 2500 and 3000. Tech was usually good but never one of the power house teams. Frankfort was not always last especially in basketball. The top three or four schools tended to have the best teams in part because they were larger and had more potential players. The smaller schools often had some teams that were better..maybe golf or tennis or bowling--the more individual sports--but in football and basketball they usually were in the second division.
The North Central Conference still exists. Frankfort and Indianapolis Tech both dropped out. Tech left to play more games in the city. Frankfort left to play more smaller schools. But the moves were both made by the schools. The state high school association had nothing to do with them.
No one complained. That was the way it was. It was sort of like Northwestern in the Big 10 or Vanderbilt in the SEC. They know they won't compete on the same level as Ohio State or Alabama in football or basketball, but they have occasionally good seasons. If any of those teams decided they wanted to change leagues they could. The NCAA would not be pulling the strings.
What Texas' UIL does would be like the NCAA actually moving the consistently good BCS teams into leagues of their own and putting the Northwesterns and Vanderbilts into a loop of similar size.
ONLY FOOTBALL IS WHERE SCHOOL SIZE MATTERS
The reality is that larger schools do have an advantage in football. In other sports that is not the case. Annually the best high school basketball team in Texas is not from 5A. In fact, it could be argued that the best teams are in 4A most consistently. Yet, the big status is winning the 5A title. Tell those guys at 4A Fort Worth Dunbar for so many years or Houston's Yates this year that they aren't on the level of the larger 5A schools.
KEEPING TRACK OF THINGS OVER TIME
The problem for fans is keeping track of where their alma mater..or current school is playing. No established leagues just numbers and letters. And those numbers and letters can change every two years. Geographic rivals? Only if the schools retain the same relative size otherwise its good-bye rival of twenty years.
Is this complaint of mine a big thing? Of course not. The UIL and other organizations in other states have reasons from moving athletic districts around. I will buy their reasoning with one major exception.
TREND HAS BEEN FOR EVERYONE TO WIN
That exception has been the trend that started to come in maybe twenty-five years ago that "everyone is a winner." Moving the schools around so similar sized schools can compete is an off shoot of that. Making sure every player on a losing team in youth league baseball or soccer gets a trophy is an off shoot of that.
In real life everyone is not a winner. The American dream is that everyone--if they apply themselves--has a CHANCE to be a winner. In real life it is the rare person who has everything handed to them. In youth sports you do not have to win to receive a trophy. In high school sports you still have to perform to win, but by moving around and re-aligning every two years it is made more possible.
It was also against the Golden State Warriors. What a sorry franchise that team has become. Last in their division. Well under .500. They play little or no defense. They play with little or no desire. They play with only a small amount of talent.
The Warriors are not a hard team to beat. But the Rockets at least did what they were supposed do. They deserve credit for that.
HIGH SCHOOLS RE-ALIGN...WHY?
I have lived in Texas for thirty years. My school boy years were not here. Maybe that is why I wonder about the high school re-alignments we have in Texas every two years. Are they really necessary?
When I was growing up teams were in leagues. The schools stayed together nearly forever. I remember that the North Central Conference in Indiana had the state's largest high school at the time, Indianapolis Tech, with over 4000 students and Frankfort High School with barely 1000. My school had between 2500 and 3000. Tech was usually good but never one of the power house teams. Frankfort was not always last especially in basketball. The top three or four schools tended to have the best teams in part because they were larger and had more potential players. The smaller schools often had some teams that were better..maybe golf or tennis or bowling--the more individual sports--but in football and basketball they usually were in the second division.
The North Central Conference still exists. Frankfort and Indianapolis Tech both dropped out. Tech left to play more games in the city. Frankfort left to play more smaller schools. But the moves were both made by the schools. The state high school association had nothing to do with them.
No one complained. That was the way it was. It was sort of like Northwestern in the Big 10 or Vanderbilt in the SEC. They know they won't compete on the same level as Ohio State or Alabama in football or basketball, but they have occasionally good seasons. If any of those teams decided they wanted to change leagues they could. The NCAA would not be pulling the strings.
What Texas' UIL does would be like the NCAA actually moving the consistently good BCS teams into leagues of their own and putting the Northwesterns and Vanderbilts into a loop of similar size.
ONLY FOOTBALL IS WHERE SCHOOL SIZE MATTERS
The reality is that larger schools do have an advantage in football. In other sports that is not the case. Annually the best high school basketball team in Texas is not from 5A. In fact, it could be argued that the best teams are in 4A most consistently. Yet, the big status is winning the 5A title. Tell those guys at 4A Fort Worth Dunbar for so many years or Houston's Yates this year that they aren't on the level of the larger 5A schools.
KEEPING TRACK OF THINGS OVER TIME
The problem for fans is keeping track of where their alma mater..or current school is playing. No established leagues just numbers and letters. And those numbers and letters can change every two years. Geographic rivals? Only if the schools retain the same relative size otherwise its good-bye rival of twenty years.
Is this complaint of mine a big thing? Of course not. The UIL and other organizations in other states have reasons from moving athletic districts around. I will buy their reasoning with one major exception.
TREND HAS BEEN FOR EVERYONE TO WIN
That exception has been the trend that started to come in maybe twenty-five years ago that "everyone is a winner." Moving the schools around so similar sized schools can compete is an off shoot of that. Making sure every player on a losing team in youth league baseball or soccer gets a trophy is an off shoot of that.
In real life everyone is not a winner. The American dream is that everyone--if they apply themselves--has a CHANCE to be a winner. In real life it is the rare person who has everything handed to them. In youth sports you do not have to win to receive a trophy. In high school sports you still have to perform to win, but by moving around and re-aligning every two years it is made more possible.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
96 Teams? Extension for Kubiak? I'm for both!
A couple of the bigger stories in sports during this usually slow week before the Super Bowl involve the potential expansion of the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament and the extension of Houston Texan's coach Gary Kubiak's contract.
As expected on sports talk radio the negatives tend to come to the fore. (Funny how most forum contributors and talk show callers tend toward the negative isn't it?)
Well, I am going to take the other side and tell you why I think both items are positive.
NCAA FIELD IS "NO HARM NO FOUL"
Expanding the NCAA tournament field makes very little difference except that it includes more teams--most of the newbies will be eliminated in their first game, but at the same time will allow for more potential upsets.
So what if #1 Baldwin State loses to #96 Podunk Central. That wouldn't ruin the tournament. If a #1 seed loses in the first round they shouldn't win the tournament anyway. I understand under some of the plans being circulated the majority of the "extra" teams will be paired down in "play-in" games before the bulk of the tournament field begins. So, in reality most of the added teams will knock each other off before they reach the top teams in the land.
In the parlance used by NBA officials 20 years ago, "No harm, no foul." At the same time an expanded field may be enticing to TV networks who might bid on the next contract. They love the early games in the tourney where upsets and surprise games do happen. Once the field gets down to the final sixteen there normally are fewer upsets as the cream of the crop rises.
Furthermore, the best example of "letting nearly everyone in" can be found in several state high school associations. The states are divided into regions with first round tournaments, 2nd round tournaments, third round tournaments and finally a state final four. There are no seedings.
For many years that is the form that made Indiana high school basketball famous. In no other manner could a team like "Hickory"--actually Milan High School-- win the state championship against a much larger school "South Bend Central"--actually Muncie Central--as they did in the early 1950s and portrayed in the movie, "Hoosiers."
Some argue that having a tournament like that makes league (or in Texas, district) championships less relevant. But that is not true. Teams cherished winning conference or district titles. It was a big thing. State tourney play was totally separate.
What messes up this situation in expanding the tournament in the NCAA are the conference tournaments. Many of them make money. If the field goes to 96 there is less need for a post season league tournament to help fill the field. If the Big 12 already gets eight teams in the NCAA field regardless of the conference tournament in a 64 team field, it only stands to reason the whole league might make the 96 team field.
Of course, those leagues that make money off their conference tournaments may well fight the expanded team field. It may be a tough decision, though, because those same leagues are the ones that are strong enough likely to gain more NCAA entrants under the expanded plan.
OFF TO KUBIAK
While the vast majority of Houston Texan fans were satisfied with the season just concluded, there were some games that could have been won that were not. But the team did finish over .500 for the first time and there is real reason for greater success in 2010.
So why is the news that owner Bob McNair has extended head coach Gary Kubiak's contract drawing criticism?
I call it "the grass is always greener" concept with fans. Names make news. Gary is not a big name coach--yet. He immediately becomes one when the club makes the playoff and has success. That very well could happen in 2010. Who had ever heard of Gary Payton or Bill Cowher or even Chuck Noll before their teams became winners? Tom Landry was nothing but a former New York Giant defensive back and failing coach for the first four seasons heading the Dallas Cowboys.
The point here is only those on the inside truly know how much work and how a particular coach fits in. Gary Kubiak fits in very well with the Houston Texans. Has he made mistakes? Does he sometimes make decisions not everyone agrees with? Of course he does. However, virtually every coach or manager that has ever held the job has done the same.
Even the most rabid anti-Kubiak fans out there must keep in mind if the team under performs Kubiak will not be around long. Coaches contracts are not part of the salary cap. If Bob McNair thinks a change is needed he can make a change. So calm down. Nothing lasts forever especially of it doesn't work. I just happen to think it will and it will be Gary Kubiak running the show when the Texans become a power in the NFL.
As expected on sports talk radio the negatives tend to come to the fore. (Funny how most forum contributors and talk show callers tend toward the negative isn't it?)
Well, I am going to take the other side and tell you why I think both items are positive.
NCAA FIELD IS "NO HARM NO FOUL"
Expanding the NCAA tournament field makes very little difference except that it includes more teams--most of the newbies will be eliminated in their first game, but at the same time will allow for more potential upsets.
So what if #1 Baldwin State loses to #96 Podunk Central. That wouldn't ruin the tournament. If a #1 seed loses in the first round they shouldn't win the tournament anyway. I understand under some of the plans being circulated the majority of the "extra" teams will be paired down in "play-in" games before the bulk of the tournament field begins. So, in reality most of the added teams will knock each other off before they reach the top teams in the land.
In the parlance used by NBA officials 20 years ago, "No harm, no foul." At the same time an expanded field may be enticing to TV networks who might bid on the next contract. They love the early games in the tourney where upsets and surprise games do happen. Once the field gets down to the final sixteen there normally are fewer upsets as the cream of the crop rises.
Furthermore, the best example of "letting nearly everyone in" can be found in several state high school associations. The states are divided into regions with first round tournaments, 2nd round tournaments, third round tournaments and finally a state final four. There are no seedings.
For many years that is the form that made Indiana high school basketball famous. In no other manner could a team like "Hickory"--actually Milan High School-- win the state championship against a much larger school "South Bend Central"--actually Muncie Central--as they did in the early 1950s and portrayed in the movie, "Hoosiers."
Some argue that having a tournament like that makes league (or in Texas, district) championships less relevant. But that is not true. Teams cherished winning conference or district titles. It was a big thing. State tourney play was totally separate.
What messes up this situation in expanding the tournament in the NCAA are the conference tournaments. Many of them make money. If the field goes to 96 there is less need for a post season league tournament to help fill the field. If the Big 12 already gets eight teams in the NCAA field regardless of the conference tournament in a 64 team field, it only stands to reason the whole league might make the 96 team field.
Of course, those leagues that make money off their conference tournaments may well fight the expanded team field. It may be a tough decision, though, because those same leagues are the ones that are strong enough likely to gain more NCAA entrants under the expanded plan.
OFF TO KUBIAK
While the vast majority of Houston Texan fans were satisfied with the season just concluded, there were some games that could have been won that were not. But the team did finish over .500 for the first time and there is real reason for greater success in 2010.
So why is the news that owner Bob McNair has extended head coach Gary Kubiak's contract drawing criticism?
I call it "the grass is always greener" concept with fans. Names make news. Gary is not a big name coach--yet. He immediately becomes one when the club makes the playoff and has success. That very well could happen in 2010. Who had ever heard of Gary Payton or Bill Cowher or even Chuck Noll before their teams became winners? Tom Landry was nothing but a former New York Giant defensive back and failing coach for the first four seasons heading the Dallas Cowboys.
The point here is only those on the inside truly know how much work and how a particular coach fits in. Gary Kubiak fits in very well with the Houston Texans. Has he made mistakes? Does he sometimes make decisions not everyone agrees with? Of course he does. However, virtually every coach or manager that has ever held the job has done the same.
Even the most rabid anti-Kubiak fans out there must keep in mind if the team under performs Kubiak will not be around long. Coaches contracts are not part of the salary cap. If Bob McNair thinks a change is needed he can make a change. So calm down. Nothing lasts forever especially of it doesn't work. I just happen to think it will and it will be Gary Kubiak running the show when the Texans become a power in the NFL.
Monday, February 1, 2010
MVP For Schaub plus Kudos to Big12
The NFL Pro Bowl is not a real football game, but it can be entertaining and Houston Texan QB Matt Schaub had a great day in Miami. I've got some thoughts on that plus raspberries for some Rocket fans and praise for the Big 12 hoopsters from my sports library.
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