Monthly Archive: September 2012

Sep 29

It’s WAR for the American League MVP

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MLB

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Los Angeles Angels’ outfielder Mike Trout and Detroit Tigers’ third baseman Miguel Cabrera

With five games left in the Major League Baseball season, the two distinguished candidates for the American League MVP, are the Detroit Tigers‘ third-baseman, Miguel Cabrera and the Los Angeles Angels outfielder, Mike Trout.  If you were to look at the history of baseball statistics, it would be fair to say that this debate, is one of ‘old-school’ versus ‘new-school’.

Let’s start with Miguel Cabrera.  Cabrera is leading the American League in batting, with a .346 average.  He is leading the league in runs-batted-in, with 133.  And is just one home-run behind, Texas Rangers’ outfielder, Josh Hamilton, with 42.  He is, oh so close, to that long coveted, Triple-Crown, a feat that has not been accomplished in 45 years.  The last triple-crown winner in either league, was Carl Yazstremski of the Boston Red Sox, during their historic ‘Impossible Dream’ season of 1967.

Traditionalists of the sport would easily claim Cabrera as the undisputed MVP, even if he falls just short in home-runs.  While the numbers definitely support the argument for Cabrera, there has been a statistical revolution over the past 15 years that could make a difference.  Brought to the forefront by baseball statistician, Bill James, sabermetrics has been the new specialized way of analyzing the in-game productivity of players.  Described by James himself, sabermetrics is “the search for objective knowledge about baseball”.  It attempts to answer subjective questions, such as who contributed the most to their team’s offense, defense, or both.  One of the new statistics provided by sabermetrics, is WAR (wins above replacement). While many feel it is impossible to accurately measure such a statistic, it still makes a remarkable point of consideration.  This is where Mike Trout comes into the argument for MVP.

First off, here are Trout’s traditional offensive stats;  .321 batting-average,  79 runs-batted-in, and 29 home-runs.  Those are still remarkable numbers for any player, let alone a 21-year-old rookie.  And oh yeah, he leads the league in stolen bases with 46.   Also WAR doesn’t just consist of offensive statistics, it includes defensive stats as well.  While Cabrera has improved his defensive skills, he remains primarily an offensive force.  Trout, on the other hand is a five-tool player.  He excels at hitting, hitting for power, base-running, fielding and he has a hell of an arm.  Not since Ken Griffey Jr., has baseball seen a guy like this.

Carl Yazstremski was Major League Baseball’s last Triple Crown Winner in 1967

When you consider sabermetrics, particularly WAR, Trout is ahead of everyone.  And not just ahead, he is out of this world, and out-of-sight ahead.  Currently, he has a WAR of 10.6, whereas Cabrera has a WAR of 6.7.  What makes this so remarkable, is that you could add the current WAR’s of some other all-star-type players, such as Prince Fielder‘s 4.1, Matt Holiday‘s 3.9 and Josh Hamilton’s 3.8, to simply equal or get close to Trout’s.  If you just look at WAR, you could say that Fielder and Cabrera equals Trout!.  To give this statistic some historical perspective, only eleven players since 1946 have posted a plus-10 WAR for an entire season.  Starting with Ted Williams in ’46, these names include such Hall of Famer’s as Stan Musial, Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Carl Yastremski and Cal Ripken.  Out of these eleven, ten of them went on to win the MVP, whereas six out of all ten triple-crown winners in history, went on the win the MVP.

Baseball can’t go wrong with either choice.  Whether you are ‘old school’ or ‘new school’, both Miguel Cabrera and Mike Trout represent the best of the best in the American League.

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Sep 28

“U” Better Handle Business Against The NC State Wolfpack

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NCAA

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After an impressive road victory over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, the Miami Hurricanes return home to take on the North Carolina State Wolfpack in an ACC showdown. The last meeting between the two programs was in 2008, where the Wolfpack prevailed 38-28.

The Hurricanes have shown football fans something that is not expected out of most young squads: mental toughness. In the first game of the season, Miami found themselves in a two-touchdown deficit right from the start. The ‘Canes battled back to beat Boston College. In their last game the same situation transpired; Miami fell behind 36-19 on the road against the Yellow Jackets in the third quarter. The “U” battled back and won in an OT victory. See where I’m going with this? The ‘Canes have proven themselves over and over again and have an amazing opportunity to become 4-1 for the first time under Al Golden.

North Carolina State Wolfpack, on the other hand, is also 3-1 and look to continue their strong start against Miami. The ‘Pack have beaten the likes of Connecticut, South Alabama and Citadel, but did lose to the once ranked Tennessee Volunteers. Quarterback Mike Glennon has thrown the ball well enough to lead his Wolfpack to three wins, but hasn’t played up to his potential. What better way to showcase those very talents in NC State’s first Atlantic Coastal Conference match of the season in Miami?

Prediction: The Hurricanes will run the ball consistently with the illusive running back duo in Freshman Duke Johnson and Senior Mike James. With a steady running game eating the clock, Miami will be able to control the pace of the game and keep NC State’s defense on the field. NC State is ranked 27th in points allowed in the nation (15.8). This stat will prove undeserving when the ‘Canes run the ball down the throat of the Wolfpack. In regards to the ‘Pack, I don’t believe they have enough firepower to keep up with the running attack that I mentioned above. They are understaffed against the Hurricanes and it will be exposed on Saturday.

Final score: 35-13 in favor of the Miami Hurricanes.

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Sep 28

Week 5 College Game of the Week

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NCAA

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For the first time this season, HSH’s college game of the week takes us outside the state of Florida. The Gators have a week off, and while the Seminoles play at USF (which could be a trap game), there’s a contest in the Big 10 that’s too good to ignore. #14 Ohio State travels to East Lansing to take on #20 Michigan State.

Neither team has been all too thrilled with their performances so far this season. Ohio State is undefeated, but has looked sloppy in every game except their week 1 thrashing of Miami (Ohio). The defense has given up more points than it would like or should give up to a team like Cal, who traveled 2,500 miles, and had a real shot to win late in the 4th quarter.

Ohio State’s offense is their strong suit, led by QB Braxton Miller. It’s going to scary to see what Urban Meyer can do with Miller when he has more than a few months to mold him from the typical Big 10, almost NFL style, offense, to a spread offense like Meyer ran with huge success at Florida.

The Buckeyes defense is giving up almost 400 yards a game against such offensive “powerhouses” as UAB and UCF. That shouldn’t set well with Urban Meyer, who’s Bucks have their first real test of the season. That’s going to sit well with the Spartans who average just over 400 yards of total offense per game. Ohio State is hoping that their defense can apply the bend but not break method.

Michigan State hasn’t scored more than 17 points against opponents that are respectable. You can hang 41 on Central Michigan all day, but when you can only muster 3 at home against Notre Dame, you’re anything but comfortable in your offense. The Jeckyll and Hyde offense is not how you win games in a major conference. Consistency is key, and right now, neither of these teams have it.

The Spartans have already been tested this year, beating Boise State the first game of the season. They also know how it feels to lose at home to a ranked opponent after struggling mightily against Notre Dame two weeks ago. RB Le’Veon Bell has been the shining star of Sparty’s offense. He’s rushed for 310 yards and 5 TDs, and is coming off a huge game in which he rushed for 253 and a TD last week. If the Spartans can get Bell going early, it will open the play action for WR Dion Sims to be open down field. Sims is coming off his first 100+ yard effort of the season and all of East Lansing is hoping that momentum will carry over to this week.

While Ohio State can’t compete in the post season, this game is a good measuring stick to see exactly where both teams stand in the Big 10.

HSH Prediction: OSU 30 – MSU 24

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Sep 27

Who Will Be Playing in the MLB Postseason?

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MLB

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With the Major League Baseball playoff picture taking shape in the last week of the regular season, there are still a few very exciting races to be won.

In the National League, the playoff spots are pretty much set.  The Washington Nationals (94-61) are going to win the East.  The Cincinnati Reds (94-62) have already claimed the Central and the San Francisco Giants (90-65) have won the West.  In the first year of the two wild-card system, the Atlanta Braves (90-65) have grabbed the first wild-card spot and it’s looking like the St. Louis Cardinals (84-72) are going to hold onto the second one, as the last team in.

It’s in the American League where this last week will be the most interesting.  The New York Yankees (90-65) are clinging onto their one-and-a-half game lead over the Baltimore Orioles (89-67) for first in the East.  If the Orioles do not surpass the Yankees, they will likely get one of the wild-card spots.  Also in the East, the Tampa Bay Rays (85-70) are technically alive, but realistically, the only shot for them is a wild-card.

In the Central, it’s winning the division or nothing for the Detroit Tigers (84-72) and Chicago White Sox (82-73).  The surprising White Sox have been the front-runners in this race, leading by no more than a few games throughout the season.  But as of late, the Tigers (thanks to potential Triple-Crown winner, Miguel Cabrera) have made a resurgence and have gone up by one game on the ‘South-siders’.  It very well could come down to the final day between these two.  Next week the Tigers will wrap up their regular season in Kansas City, whereas the White Sox will be in Cleveland.

In the West the Texas Rangers (91-64) are likely to beat out the Oakland Athletics (88-67).  They have a three-game-lead with their magic number now at five.  While the A’s are not going to catch the Rangers, they are still likely to make the playoffs.  Probably the most surprising team of 2012, the A’s have a two-game-lead over the Los Angeles Angels (86-69) for the last wild-card spot.

So here we are.  If the Yankees and Rangers are to hold onto their respective divisions, we have the Orioles, A’s, Angels and Rays all fighting for the two AL wild-card spots.  This year’s new format will give us a one-game playoff between any of these two teams on Friday, October 5th.  On the same day we will see the Braves host the Cardinals in the NL wild-card game.

 

HSH Playoff Prediction:

AL: Orioles beat the A’s at home in the wild-card game, then lose to the Rangers in the ALDS

Tigers beat the Yankees in the ALDS

Rangers beat the Tigers in the ALCS to go to their third straight World Series

Rangers win the 2012 World Series

 

NL: Braves beat the Cardinals at home in the wild-card game, then lose to the Reds in the NLDS

Giants beat the Nationals in the NLDS

Giants beat Reds in the NLCS

 

WORLD SERIES:  Even without home-field advantage, the Texas Rangers get revenge in a rematch against the Giants to win their first World Championship

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Sep 27

Why Are NFL Players Head Hunting?

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NFL, Opinion Spot

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Before both sides reached an agreement late last night, the biggest story of the NFL season has been the lockout of the “regular” referees . But that may not have had the biggest impact on the players themselves. The NFL’s head hunting nature has resurfaced, and it seems that the league is turning its head because it was too caught up in trying to figure out the situation with the officials. For an organization that, especially within the last few years, has prided itself in protecting it’s players, the NFL has let a lot slide this year.

There have been hits every week in every game that in any other season would have been ridiculed up and down the major sports media. I haven’t seen one talking-head address it. Every talking point has been how bad Roger Goodell was screwing up the league’s integrity by not bending over backwards to get Ed Hochuli back in his extra medium sized zebra shirt on Sunday afternoons. Before the referee lockout ended, I really thought it was going to take someone getting seriously hurt for Goodell to realize that it’s not just the calls that are being missed, but the policing of the game as well.

Baltimore Ravens safety, Ed Reed, launched at Patriots wide receiver, Deion Branch last Sunday night  like a missile, using his forearm to nearly decapitate Branch. Branch popped right up unscathed, but he was lucky. The hit Reed laid on him was a perfect example of a hit that, even last season, would have warranted a hefty fine. This year, not a whisper. Nothing. Not even a reprimand from the red headed fuehrer of the NFL.

Derius Heyward-Bey was knocked unconscious from a similar hit on Sunday. I was watching, and thought he was dead. Seriously. The CBS cameras stayed fixated on Heyward-Bey as he lay motionless, surrounded by medical staff at the goal line for nearly 15 minutes. We all wanted to know if he was going to get up, but it was in poor taste not to switch to another game until there was some kind of update. Steelers safety, Ryan Mundy, was fined $21 thousand for that hit. That doesn’t seem like a big number when you consider in 2010, when the new rule protecting the players’ heads was first implemented, Steelers line backer, James Harrison, was fined $75 thousand for a hit on Browns’ receiver, Mohamed Massaquoi, that DIDN’T almost kill him. That same afternoon, Falcons cornerback,  Dunta Robinson, put a hit on DeSean Jackson that ended the same way Mundy’s hit on Heyward-Bey did. Robinson was fined $50 thousand. Was Mundy’s hit less than half as damaging than Robinson’s was two years ago?

The fines for these hits, while big numbers to the average Joe’s like you and me, are miniscule to NFL players. Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins was fined just over $15 thousand for a hit that saw him, like Reed against Branch, launch in to Redskins’ tight end Fred Davis. Seahawks wide receiver, Golden Tate, who is now known for “catching” the game winning Hail Mary touchdown on MNF, hit Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee right on the chin with the crown of his helmet. His fine? A measly $21 thousand.

Then, look at the hits that haven’t garnished a penalty, much less a fine. Buccaneers’ defensive tackle, Gerald McCoy, hit Cowboys’ quarterback, Tony Romo, on a sack that should have been flagged making McCoy lighter in the wallet. Nothing. And THAT was a hit on a quarter back, who are protected like daddy Goodell’s favorite child.

Is the players’ safety really at the forefront here? Obviously it is not. The NFL and king Goodell are worried about the checks they receive, which is why there was no real rush to get the refs back. It will be interesting when the details of the new CBA between the league and the NFLRA are released. I would bet that the refs gave up more than the league, because they couldn’t stand to watch the horrific “officiating” that was taking place. The league had no reason to bend to the NFLRA. The checks are still rolling in just the same. Probably more so now, because people who normally wouldn’t tune in are watching to exactly how bad the refs were going to screw up that particular game.

Why have the players regressed back to their head hunting ways? Because they know the league office has bigger things on its plate, and isn’t worried about a couple of concussions. “We fined them,” they’ll say. That’s just not enough anymore. The consequences should grow as more players are getting accustomed to the rules. The NFL needs to take a stand on helmet-to-helmet hits once and for all. No more pussy-footing around, pretending like what they’re doing is really having an impact.

At Hinton’s Sports Highlights, we have a solution, and here it is:

When you hit someone helmet-to-helmet, there are multiple things that happen immediately. Number one, is a 15-yard penalty for unnecessary roughness, the same as it is now. Number two, is an instant ejection from the game in instances where you launch, or deliberately use your helmet to hit someone. The ejection should strip you of your game check for that week. Number three, is another fine on top of losing your game check. The fine starts at $50 thousand for the first offense, and doubles every time you get flagged for a helmet-to-helmet hit for the rest of the year. We here at HSH believe you would see exactly zero of these hits after the league enforces it the first time.

If Roger Goodell and the NFL want the players, owners, coaches, and fans to really believe that they’re doing all they can to keep the players safe, the punishment for these hits has to be consistent. Hopefully, with the referee lockout over, the players themselves will tone down the aggression a touch, because they KNOW there will be laundry on the field and green backs going missing from their wallet.

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Sep 26

NFL Fines Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick Ridiculous And Unwarranted Amount

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NFL

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The NFL has made the unconscious decision to fine Patriots head coach Bill Belichick $50,000 big ones. The hooded -mastermind was fined for grabbing an official’s arm after New England’s loss to Baltimore on Sunday.

For those who haven’t seen or heard of the arm-grabbing by Bellichick, it came on the final play of the game. The play was a contested field goal that appeared to have sailed wide resulting in the kick being no good. This play sent Belichick chasing after the officials as they tried to leave the field. Belichick ran after the official seeking an explanation as to why he wouldn’t get a replay on the winning field goal. After his failed attempts, Belichich reached out and grabbed the referees arm.

Of course, this came after Belichick’s relentless effort’s in trying to get the referees attention. The referee continued to ignore Belichich and pretended to trot as if no one was speaking to him.  His grip didn’t leave bruises or irreversible damage to the arm of the referee; it was merely used to get his attention.

On Monday Belichick said, “I’ve coached in this league a long time and never been penalized, never had any incidents with officials or anything like that. I have never meant any disrespect or in any way tried to abuse or be disrespectful to the officials and the job that they do,” Belichick said. “I’m trying to get an explanation for obviously an important call, play, in that game. That’s the number one thing between coaches and officials. It’s always at the forefront. It’s just communication of what’s going on, of what’s happening.”

The technical term the league used to justify this outrageous fine is “impermissible physical contact with an official.” This has to be the most ridiculous and unwarranted fine the NFL has handed out to either a player or coach. The NFL has to enforce the rule which forbids all contact with league officials, but the amount of the fine is overly preposterous.  What about 49er’s head coach Jim Harbaugh? He reportedly bumped an official while trying to call a timeout earlier in the game and was not fined Wednesday.

The NFL prides themselves as being one of the most organized sports in the world, but clearly aren’t. This smear on the NFL is nauseating. It goes against what past superstars have worked so hard to establish and is being tarnished with every passing day. It is also a slap in the face to all NFL fans. The NFL front office is putting out an atrocious product and we continue to accept it. This isn’t the players fault, they continue to put on a display and the league spits on them. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has to react fast and get this resolved. On a side-note, NFL representatives have stated referees could be back on the field as early as this weekend, according to reports.

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Sep 25

Brandon Marshall Rips Warren Sapp After Sapp Calls Him A “Retard”

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NFL

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Friday on the Dan Patrick show Warren Sapp proceeded to call Brandon Marshall a “retard”. There is no acceptable reason for Sapp to have used such a derogatory term when referring to Marshall. But in Sapp’s mind it is acceptable. Sapp apparently feels disrespected from all current players in the NFL specifically Marshall. Dan Patrick begins to explain how Cam Newton did his routine superman dance while being down 23-0 when Sapp interrupted him.

Sapp went on to state “These kids that play the game today have no relevance for the past. Have no conscious of what it is,” Sapp said. “I mean, Brandon Marshall talking about Shannon Sharpe, who is he to talk? He’s the first 100 catch receiver, back-to-back, retard.” Sapp stated.

“What you just did in Denver for three years. You don’t know this? No, of course he doesn’t, because it’s not about Brandon Marshall, it ain’t about (inaudible), it ain’t about the past, it’s about me”.

Sapp went on to describe how younger players the NFL make the game about themselves, “ It’s about personal success, pay me, and now I’ll think about being a team guy.”

Not to be out done by Sapp, Marshall resorted to being a video tough guy and responded like any true man with social media capabilities would, I guess? Marshall held no punches and went after Sapp’s past both professionally and personally.

“Good morning, world,” Marshall said in the video. “Listen, I got a very disturbing heads up on something Warren Sapp said. He called me ‘retarded.’ That’s really disappointing to hear that from an NFL Legend. But I’m going to take this as a lesson. I think we all can learn from this. Be very careful who you take advice from. You want to surround yourself with good people, Godly people. Warren Sapp, I can’t go to him and talk about finances because he filed for bankruptcy,” Marshall stated.

Brandon continued to attack Sapp by saying, “I can’t go to him and talk about my marriage because he filed for divorce. I can’t go to him and talk about being a great father, because one day I’m going to have kids, because he’s not active in his children’s life”.

“The lesson that we should all learn here is to surround yourself with good people and be careful who you take counsel from. I’m not saying he’s been there on my side giving me counsel. That’s not a guy that I can go to. Football doesn’t make us. There’s more to life than just playing football. Make sure you have a great balance in your life and surround yourself with good people. Guys like. Warren Sapp, I feel sorry for. Hopefully, one day he’ll change his life. We’ll pray for him. Instead of using words to destroy, he’ll use words to uplift.”

Marshall apparently wasn’t satisfied with his first video and felt the need to respond with another video. In this video he talks about holding Sapp accountable. “All we can do is try to encourage him to be better, but at the same time, we’re going to hold you accountable, Warren,” Marshall said. “Just like I’m held accountable. I’ve made my fair share of mistakes and I’m going to continue to make my own mistakes, but I’m never going to put myself on a platform or podium where I think I’m invisible, untouchable. Warren, take this as words of encouragement and not words to criticize you or destroy you. This is out of truth and love.”To watch the video, please click here.
Keep in mind… Brandon Marshall isn’t perfect either, with domestic violence and a few other incidents under his belt. HSH thinks the both of you should quit crying and focus on the real things which matter most right now. Say an issue like umm, I don’t know, getting the replacement referees off the field.

 

 

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Sep 25

Who Are They? Newest Addition Of The Heisman Trophy Watch List

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NCAA

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Another crazy week in college football leads to a shake-up of HSH’s Heisman Watch List. Does Matt Barkley fall completely off the list? Did EJ Manuel do enough in one game to become a legit contender? Can Collin Klein or Braxton Miller finally get some love? Let’s get you updated.

1. Geno Smith – QB West Virginia
At this point, Geno is in the driver’s seat. The Heisman is his to lose, as it was Matt Barkley’s to lose before the season. Smith had another 300+ yards and 3 TDs with 0 INTs against Maryland. He hasn’t thrown for less than 323 yards or 3 TDs in any game this season, and is currently completing 81% of his passes. Out of the Mountaineers 9 remaining games, 5 teams are ranked in the top 25, with Texas Tech who will probably find itself among the top 25 after this week, and Oklahoma State, who will be ranked if they upset #14 Texas on Saturday. This would mean that 7 out of 9 teams left on the schedule for West Virginia will be ranked when they play. There will be no denying Smith the trophy if the Mountaineers make it out unscathed.

2. De’Anthony Thomas – RB Oregon
Thomas’s problem is that he’s not getting any touches in the 2nd half against opponents because the Ducks are blowing people out. He had only 4 2nd half touches in the 49-0 beat down of Arizona. While this wasn’t one of his best statistical games, he remains 2nd on the list because of his potential to go off at any time. In the next couple of weeks, he’ll need to start accumulating those big numbers in big games or he’ll drop down the list pretty quickly.

3. Braxton Miller – QB Ohio State
In order for Miller to have a shot at winning the Heisman, he either needs to start maintaining over 300 yards of total offense per game. Last week’s game against UAB saw him pass for 143 yards and rush for 64. Those aren’t Heisman worthy numbers. Luckily for Miller and Ohio State, their remaining schedule, after the next two weeks, is relatively easy. The Buckeyes go to Michigan State, and then play Nebraska at home. After that, the toughest game will be at the disappointing Wisconsin, or at home against Michigan the last week of the season. Miller also has the fact that they Buckeyes are on NCAA sanctioned probation for “Tattoo-Gate” under former coach Jim Tressel. Unless his numbers are undeniable, the NCAA won’t want to give the award to a player on a team who can’t even play in the post season.

4. EJ Manuel – QB Florida State
One game is all it takes to make a name for yourself in college football. That’s exactly what happened in Tallahassee on Saturday. Manuel had a monster game against Clemson, completing 77% of his passes for 380 yards and 2 TDs. He also rushed for another 102 yards, and was the second leading rusher of the game, behind only Chris Thompson, FSU’s running back. Most blogs and experts have Manuel higher on the list, but HSH isn’t ready to put him on a pedestal quite yet. His numbers in previous games have been a little better than pedestrian, averaging 175 yards passing per game before last week. FSU has only 1 ranked opponent left on their schedule, playing the 11th ranked Gators the last week of the regular season. That means there are plenty of mediocre teams to beat up on and pad his stats. Another big game this weekend at South Florida will move Manuel up past the Heisman hopefuls who are maintaining decent numbers.

5. Matt Barkley – QB USC
Barkley stays on the list because there’s really no one else to put here. Barkley is one “non-monster” game away from falling completely off the list. He threw for another 2 INTs against Cal, brining his season total to 5. USC plays at Utah this week, and then travels to Washington next weekend. If Barkley shines in these 2 games, he could find himself crawling back up the list. In order to re-win the Heisman this year, Barkley and Trojans can’t lose, and have to put up gaudy offensive numbers. While not likely, there’s not anyone who’s numbers or performance demand they be put on this list as of right now.

As usual, we’ll take a look at who to watch this weekend to see who could end up on this list next week. Georgia QB Aaron Murray has been plugging along all season and big games against Tennessee this weekend, and at #6 South Carolina will put him in the top 5. Kansas State QB Collin Klein is already on a lot of people’s Heisman radar, but he hasn’t done quite enough for us here at HSH. He hasn’t thrown for more than 230 yards, or rushed for more than 85 in one game yet this year. Klein will likely fade down the stretch. The Wildcats’ last 6 opponents should be ranked when they play (#9 West Virginia, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, #15 TCU, #25 Baylor, #12 Texas).

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Sep 25

Can The Miami Heat Repeat?

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NBA

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Last year, the Miami Heat captured the oh-so coveted NBA championship when they defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder in five games in a seven-game series. LeBron James received both the league and NBA Finals Most Valuable Player awards, which has been done by only four other players (Michael Jordan, Tim Duncan, Shaquille O’neal and Hakeem Olajuwan.) Need-less to say, Miami couldn’t have asked for a better year coming off a disappointing season just one year ago. So what will the Miami Heat have to do in order to repeat as the NBA Champions of the basketball world?

 

A LeBron James’ MVP challenge is manditory: Not to say that he needs another MVP trophy, but a MVP caliber season is expected out of James if the Heat are to hoist the championship at season’s end. This is his team now; Miami will go as far as LeBron can take them.

Dwyane Wade needs to stay healthy: Dwyane Wade has never played an entire season for the Heat in his nine-year career. He had knee surgery during the off-season and looks to be on track to be ready for training camp. Wade’s health will be key throughout the season in their quest to repeat as NBA champions.   

Ray Allen and Reshard Lewis for Threeeeee. Sharp-shooters Ray Allen and Reshard Lewis, once teammates on the Seattle Supersonics, must shoot at a high-level throughout the 2012-13 campaign. These two players were brought onto this team to spread the floor and knock down open jumpers. If they can do that consistently while staying healthy, Miami becomes even more dangerous than they were previously. Isn’t that a scary thought.

Mario Chalmers needs to silence the critics: Chalmers is not a traditional point-guard, we all get that. Most people believe that in order to be a great PG, you need to average ten assists, like a Steve Nash, Derrick Rose, Deron Williams, ect. Chalmers isn’t that type of player. Besides, with two players in Dwyane Wade and LeBron James doing most of the distribution, all ‘Rio can do is get open and rally on either Wade or James to make the right decision. All Mario Chalmers has to do in the upcoming season is play great defense and shoot lights-out from downtown.

With all of that being said, Miami have an unbelievable opportunity to repeat as NBA champions. I don’t believe it’s going to be a cake-walk for the Heat. A team in the Western Conference called the Los Angeles Lakers is particularly strong as well. The Lakers acquired both Steve Nash and Dwight Howard to go along with Kobe Bryant aka the Black Mamba. This season, we all might witness what could be the match-up of decade: Heat versus Lakers; LeBron versus Kobe.

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Sep 24

Throwing The Flag On The NFL

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NFL

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The NFL’s replacement refs are continuing to hurt the game

These replacement referees have got to go, period.  We desperately need the real guys back.  What is happening in the National Football League right now is a disgrace.  Because these zebras have no idea what they’re doing, this season is quickly getting out of hand.  They have absolutely no control over the games, and it’s only going to get worse.  They continue to make horrible calls they shouldn’t and miss the ones they should.  When such inept officiating negatively affects the games like this, it becomes a complete farce.  Especially in the close games, it is extremely difficult for anyone to determine who actually won or was the better team because so many points are being put up on the board that shouldn’t be.

Where did the NFL even get these guys?  Certainly they’re not division one college refs because those guys already have good jobs.  Why would any of them give up their position and jeopardize their reputation by throwing themselves into this NFL fiasco?  Were they high school refs?  Arena League?  Saturday flag football?  Where did they come from?!

The point is that Roger Goodell makes $20 million a year while the refs make dirt.  In the NBA, NHL and MLB, referees and umpires earn around $125,000 to $140,000 a year, whereas the NFL refs only take in anywhere from $25,000 to $70,000 at best.  Goodell should be ashamed of himself.  Why can’t he sacrifice some of his own dough for the sake of the game?  And where exactly does he invest the money that the league gets from when he fines a player or coach every other second, for sneezing, or saying something politically incorrect?  In the sports world, the NFL is a powerhouse beyond powerhouses.  It’s even bordering on being a monopoly.  While Goodell and the NFL continue to rake in millions, the refs are earning less than your average truck driver.  Every game the refs are surrounded by people making 400 to 500 times the amount a year, to what they make.  And out of any job in the sports, referee is by far the least rewarding.  Even the real refs are verbally abused every week.  They receive none of the credit while receiving all the blame.  They deserve more.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell makes 400 times the amount a year to that of the league referees

At this rate we could have one of the worst ever NFL season on our hands.  If the replacement refs continue to call these games, something really, really bad might happen.  It’s only week three and already we have ‘heads being called for’.  Not only are the replacements inept at officiating, they cannot put their foot down and take control of the games.  They are like ‘substitute teachers’ who lack any kind of authority.  Players are constantly fighting and getting away with penalties, while coaches are berating and harassing them, running up and down the sidelines, running onto the field and even chasing them into the locker rooms.  It’s becoming a circus.  And it’s sad.  It’s time Goodell wakes up because the integrity of game is in question.  Because of concussions and the overall dangerous nature of the sport, the league is already losing future fans.  And now with this referee debacle, the future of the NFL doesn’t seem so bright.

As much as we all hate referees, it is now time we show them their deserved respect.  We need them back desperately.  You don’t know what you have until you lose it.  And if Goodell doesn’t respect these guys and give them what they want, we all might lose something even bigger.

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