How does a fan stay sane during a long turbulent season in the NFL when all the talking heads either love or or hate your team from week to week. Even when your local media joins in the chorus of panic and overreaction. I'm learning you just tune them out. You turn off the radio you turn off the T.V. and you just go on with your life.
By all accounts the Patriots are headed for disaster at 5-2. They got soundly beaten on Sunday by a Steelers team that heard nothing but how the Patriots had won 6 of the last 8 times they had played. I'm learning it is really hard to beat a good team multiple times. And I'm sure many a player in a locker room will tell you that.
The Steelers game was tough to watch but I'm not as a fan about to turn my back on my team. Thanks sports radio and ESPN and Boston Globe and all the other sports outlets for your analysis and over reaction. I'll take it all with a grain and salt and trust the best coach in the NFL over the last decade to get the team to play to win. Its called just win baby... I'll start freaking out when they lose more games.
The Pats needed a game like this in the middle of the season not in the playoffs when you are one and done. Plus a game like this makes the season oh so much more interesting. One of Bellicheks lines is, it matters most how you are playing after thanksgiving and last I checked Thanksgiving is 3 weeks away.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
It is officially over
The 2011 Red Sox, called the Best Team Ever by the Herald back in March before they played a game is now over. OVA...
At the end of August they had a one game division lead, which means they were ahead of the Yankees, then the slide of the century began. They could not win back to back games the entire month of Sept. In total they won 7 games out of I think 26. What insanity! It was a sinking ship taking on water that is now at the bottom of the ocean. What an epic collapse. Not even sure what to say. They were 9 games up in the wildcard on September 3rd, this is considered one of the biggest epic collapses in sports history.
The last couple of innings of last nights game was just a microcosm of the whole month for the Sox. Scutaro gets thrown out at home in the eighth. The catcher comes up in the eight with bases loaded and pops into a double play, so they can't extend the 1 run lead. Papelbon strikes out first 2 guys then gives up, a double, a single, then another double. Crawford drops the ball that would end the inning tied and the Orioles score...game over! Sigh... Then to add insult to injury and misery Evan Longoria of the Rays hits a walk off home run and send the Rays to the playoffs as the AL wildcard team. Season over....Ship sunk, tires deflated...
I'm not just disappointed in this team. I'm mad! They sleep walked through the first 2 weeks of the season and then just tanked in Sept. They are still giving excuses about injuries. Injuries or not they were still better than the Orioles. One of the worst teams in baseball, but the Orioles played with more heart, passion, intensity and fight than any player on the Sox. They thought the playoffs were their right and they were proved otherwise by a .400 win team and a 40 million dollar payroll team.
Have a good off season Redox you deserve it!
At the end of August they had a one game division lead, which means they were ahead of the Yankees, then the slide of the century began. They could not win back to back games the entire month of Sept. In total they won 7 games out of I think 26. What insanity! It was a sinking ship taking on water that is now at the bottom of the ocean. What an epic collapse. Not even sure what to say. They were 9 games up in the wildcard on September 3rd, this is considered one of the biggest epic collapses in sports history.
The last couple of innings of last nights game was just a microcosm of the whole month for the Sox. Scutaro gets thrown out at home in the eighth. The catcher comes up in the eight with bases loaded and pops into a double play, so they can't extend the 1 run lead. Papelbon strikes out first 2 guys then gives up, a double, a single, then another double. Crawford drops the ball that would end the inning tied and the Orioles score...game over! Sigh... Then to add insult to injury and misery Evan Longoria of the Rays hits a walk off home run and send the Rays to the playoffs as the AL wildcard team. Season over....Ship sunk, tires deflated...
I'm not just disappointed in this team. I'm mad! They sleep walked through the first 2 weeks of the season and then just tanked in Sept. They are still giving excuses about injuries. Injuries or not they were still better than the Orioles. One of the worst teams in baseball, but the Orioles played with more heart, passion, intensity and fight than any player on the Sox. They thought the playoffs were their right and they were proved otherwise by a .400 win team and a 40 million dollar payroll team.
Have a good off season Redox you deserve it!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Offensive production
Well the first 2 weeks of the NFL regular season are just about in the books. The Pats are 2-0 and I am about to be 0-2 in fantasy. My team Victor Bravo Hoodies seems to be injury plagued. But back to the Patriots, the offense is clicking and the defense I believe is a work in progress. Yesterday they played the Chargers and they did an amazing job of making Antonio Gates a non factor and causing a few turnovers. As much as I dislike the Chargers they are a good team and Vincent Jackson is a legit receiver with legit skills. He made some highlight worthy grabs yesterday. I'll take the win any day any how.
First and 10: Brady has been amazing the first 2 games over 900 yards and 7 touchdowns. There were a few hold your breath moments when couple of Chargers got tangled up around Brady's knees. But all good.
2nd down: Ocho Cinco had a better game this week with a couple of catches. Those were hopefully confidence boosters. He's taken some heat since he got here for not catching on soon enough. Then, after the win in Miami he tweeted that it "was amazing to watch such a well oiled machine", and that took on a life of its own with everyone from local sports talk radio to the big guys at ESPN leading with it. Oh social media what have you done to us?
3rd down: The injuries are piling up for my fantasy team. Vick gets hurt last night and Steven Jackson is out too. I may need to over haul my receiving core, a total of 2 points yesterday with one more guy to play in MNF. Not good is what I say.
4th and forever, the Bills are up Next for the Pats and they seem to be playing well and scoring points in buckets. Another shoot out? We'll see.
Turnover on downs with a little baseball and hockey thrown in. The Red, one the best teams in MLB all season is fighting for a wild card spot to get in the playoffs. They have looked awful this month and when the middle of your lineup goes1 hit for about 20 plate appearances in 2 pivitol games then something is wrong. Even if they hang on to the wildcard with 10 games to go, I really don't see them going far in the playoffs. Lastly the Bruins are back in action with their regular season about 3 weeks away. It was a fun summer following the Stanley Cup win. They are now the hunted, but they are young team with a lot of depth so they have a chance to keep it going.
First and 10: Brady has been amazing the first 2 games over 900 yards and 7 touchdowns. There were a few hold your breath moments when couple of Chargers got tangled up around Brady's knees. But all good.
2nd down: Ocho Cinco had a better game this week with a couple of catches. Those were hopefully confidence boosters. He's taken some heat since he got here for not catching on soon enough. Then, after the win in Miami he tweeted that it "was amazing to watch such a well oiled machine", and that took on a life of its own with everyone from local sports talk radio to the big guys at ESPN leading with it. Oh social media what have you done to us?
3rd down: The injuries are piling up for my fantasy team. Vick gets hurt last night and Steven Jackson is out too. I may need to over haul my receiving core, a total of 2 points yesterday with one more guy to play in MNF. Not good is what I say.
4th and forever, the Bills are up Next for the Pats and they seem to be playing well and scoring points in buckets. Another shoot out? We'll see.
Turnover on downs with a little baseball and hockey thrown in. The Red, one the best teams in MLB all season is fighting for a wild card spot to get in the playoffs. They have looked awful this month and when the middle of your lineup goes1 hit for about 20 plate appearances in 2 pivitol games then something is wrong. Even if they hang on to the wildcard with 10 games to go, I really don't see them going far in the playoffs. Lastly the Bruins are back in action with their regular season about 3 weeks away. It was a fun summer following the Stanley Cup win. They are now the hunted, but they are young team with a lot of depth so they have a chance to keep it going.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
My Division Rankings
Some friends and I tried to rank the teams in all the NFL divisions in the AFC and NFC a few weeks ago and before the season started I thought I would take a shot at it. It will be fun to go back and see how off or on I was.
Starting with the AFC
AFC east: Pats (Yes I know the Jets went to the AFC championship game but I'm sticking by my team here)
Jets, Dolphins and finally the Bills. Can the Bills be competitive or are they on the path of Destiny for Andrew Luck in the '12 draft?
ACF North: Steelers, Ravens Browns and the Hapless cut off your nose to spite your face Bengals.
ACF South: Colts, Texans and vying for last place Titans or Jaguars. The Texans could actually win this division if they play up to potential and if Peyton Manning's injury prevents him from starting the season. This is one race I'm looking forward too.
AFC West: Chargers, Chiefs, Raiders and Bronco's. Can the Chargers start fast and got out of their own way?
NFC East: Dream Team Eagles (They landed the most prized free agent and a bunch of other talent) Cowboys (they did finish behind the Giants) Giants have a ton of injuries (Can they field a full 53 roster at this point), Redskins.
NFC North: Superbowl champs the Packers (They are the hunted this year), Gotta go Bears, Lions (Lions are looking to eat prey, can they topple both the Bears and Pack) and Vikings.
NCF South: Pretty competitive division, Saints, Falcons, Buccaneers and the Panthers (Can Cam Newton be a good NFL QB)
Finally the NFC West (Weakest division, with a 7-9 playoff team last season) Ram, Cardinals, Seahawks, and 49er's. You can easily switch the order in this one. Who comes out on top?
Let the games begin, some of the above are sure to change.
Starting with the AFC
AFC east: Pats (Yes I know the Jets went to the AFC championship game but I'm sticking by my team here)
Jets, Dolphins and finally the Bills. Can the Bills be competitive or are they on the path of Destiny for Andrew Luck in the '12 draft?
ACF North: Steelers, Ravens Browns and the Hapless cut off your nose to spite your face Bengals.
ACF South: Colts, Texans and vying for last place Titans or Jaguars. The Texans could actually win this division if they play up to potential and if Peyton Manning's injury prevents him from starting the season. This is one race I'm looking forward too.
AFC West: Chargers, Chiefs, Raiders and Bronco's. Can the Chargers start fast and got out of their own way?
NFC East: Dream Team Eagles (They landed the most prized free agent and a bunch of other talent) Cowboys (they did finish behind the Giants) Giants have a ton of injuries (Can they field a full 53 roster at this point), Redskins.
NFC North: Superbowl champs the Packers (They are the hunted this year), Gotta go Bears, Lions (Lions are looking to eat prey, can they topple both the Bears and Pack) and Vikings.
NCF South: Pretty competitive division, Saints, Falcons, Buccaneers and the Panthers (Can Cam Newton be a good NFL QB)
Finally the NFC West (Weakest division, with a 7-9 playoff team last season) Ram, Cardinals, Seahawks, and 49er's. You can easily switch the order in this one. Who comes out on top?
Let the games begin, some of the above are sure to change.
Can I rant Just a little
Well the Preseason is over with the Pats coming out mostly injury free. Yippee! Bring on the regular season.
My rant is about the impatience of fans and Boston media with Chad Ochocinco. I know Ocho can be a bit of a diva and self promoter so its with a grain of salt I defend him. The hew and cry for the last few weeks has been his slow grasp of the Pat's offense and not looking great this preseason in action with only three catches. But lets all stop just one minute and realize that he's been in the offense now for a month. There was no offseason, no passing camps and the like where QB's and receivers spend time working on things like timing and communication. I think alot of fans and media thought that Ocho was going to burst on the scene like Moss, that is just not the case and in all reality. Moss and Brady had an entire offseason to develop some amazing chemistry. He has a learning curve and I'm willing to wait a few games before hanging him out to dry.
That's my rant now bring on the regular season!
My rant is about the impatience of fans and Boston media with Chad Ochocinco. I know Ocho can be a bit of a diva and self promoter so its with a grain of salt I defend him. The hew and cry for the last few weeks has been his slow grasp of the Pat's offense and not looking great this preseason in action with only three catches. But lets all stop just one minute and realize that he's been in the offense now for a month. There was no offseason, no passing camps and the like where QB's and receivers spend time working on things like timing and communication. I think alot of fans and media thought that Ocho was going to burst on the scene like Moss, that is just not the case and in all reality. Moss and Brady had an entire offseason to develop some amazing chemistry. He has a learning curve and I'm willing to wait a few games before hanging him out to dry.
That's my rant now bring on the regular season!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Blitzing thoughts
Well the NFL Preseason is underway and its been both exciting and mindnumbing, But the Awesome thing is, that this is the last weekend with out any football until mid February. How cool is that?? Get excited folks!
The Pats have played 3 preseason games thus far and have 1 more before their Monday night tilt against the Dolphins. The results have been mixed, but I think the outcome especially of lasts night dud against the lions serves to give some perspective and lessen the hype. It amazes me how fans in New England can swing the pendulum from one end to the other. I'm sure other fans of other teams do it to but I'm just saying people calm down...
Lets blitz through a few things before I end this post
1st down: The NFL salary cap is a joke. I don't see how teams go from being over the cap by millions and then sign players to mega money and then suddenly that players cap hit is less then team A gets under the cap. Teams are robbing Peter to pay Paul. But hey I am no Cap whiz and the good GM's and teams no what they are doing to get around the Cap.
2nd down: A wide receiver is going to make 50 million, really? I like Larry Fitzgerald and all but an annual salary of 17million and he ain't throwing the ball??
3rd down: The Chris Johnson hold out is absolutely obnoxious and ridiculous. He wants to be paid like a "top playmaker" not just a running back. Last I checked top playmakers take their teams to the playoffs. Don't think the Titans have made the playoffs with him as their running back.
4th down time to punt: The new NFL rule reviewing all scoring plays is silly and will prolong games unnecessarily. It just seems like its not streamlined, you have the booth review then the ref has to go under the hood, etc... etc and then ref has to get on the mike and then explain in detail why this and not that. Really it is just not needed.
Kickoff out of bounds: The season is starting and I'm am pumped and jacked and ready to go. Fantasy football draft is this weekend and thinking of changing my team name. Any suggestions? My teams current name is Victor Bravo.
The Pats have played 3 preseason games thus far and have 1 more before their Monday night tilt against the Dolphins. The results have been mixed, but I think the outcome especially of lasts night dud against the lions serves to give some perspective and lessen the hype. It amazes me how fans in New England can swing the pendulum from one end to the other. I'm sure other fans of other teams do it to but I'm just saying people calm down...
Lets blitz through a few things before I end this post
1st down: The NFL salary cap is a joke. I don't see how teams go from being over the cap by millions and then sign players to mega money and then suddenly that players cap hit is less then team A gets under the cap. Teams are robbing Peter to pay Paul. But hey I am no Cap whiz and the good GM's and teams no what they are doing to get around the Cap.
2nd down: A wide receiver is going to make 50 million, really? I like Larry Fitzgerald and all but an annual salary of 17million and he ain't throwing the ball??
3rd down: The Chris Johnson hold out is absolutely obnoxious and ridiculous. He wants to be paid like a "top playmaker" not just a running back. Last I checked top playmakers take their teams to the playoffs. Don't think the Titans have made the playoffs with him as their running back.
4th down time to punt: The new NFL rule reviewing all scoring plays is silly and will prolong games unnecessarily. It just seems like its not streamlined, you have the booth review then the ref has to go under the hood, etc... etc and then ref has to get on the mike and then explain in detail why this and not that. Really it is just not needed.
Kickoff out of bounds: The season is starting and I'm am pumped and jacked and ready to go. Fantasy football draft is this weekend and thinking of changing my team name. Any suggestions? My teams current name is Victor Bravo.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Headlines
The NFL is back baby! That was my first twitter post after the lockout was officially over.
The last few weeks were so insane in the NFL the headlines were crazy. The Patriots made some of those headlines by trading for some controversial players in Chad Ochocinco and Albert Haynesworth and today they signed former Jet Shaun Ellis.
You had the best free agent player cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha going to the Eagles. I think that was the most surprising, all the so called experts had him going to the Jets. Thank goodness Phillly swooped in and nabbed him away. Philly now has the nickname the Heat 2.0. They now become the superbowl favorites. They have collected a ridiculos amount of talent. Lets see if they can handle the pressure and if Vick is the QB to lead them.
Back to the Pats, they always do something to completely surprise you. The Haynesworth move can go one of two ways, he can have a dominant season and help the defense or he can be a complete bust. His rap sheet is pretty impressive. To say he has done some bad stuff is putting it mildly. We'll see if the experiment works. Will he be motivated is the big question?
The Shaun Ellis move adds some more beef to the the defensive line and bonus it tweaks the Jets just a little.
Right now all the teams are in the same boat building and fortifying teams on the fly. The season should be interesting. Stay tuned for more.
Stanley cup update: The Cup just spent the day with the Coach Cluade Julien (Handsome Ralph) and his family no stories like Nathan Horton's. After its tour of Ontario the cup is heading back to British Columbia. Lets see what type of reception it gets. It might hurt just a little....
The last few weeks were so insane in the NFL the headlines were crazy. The Patriots made some of those headlines by trading for some controversial players in Chad Ochocinco and Albert Haynesworth and today they signed former Jet Shaun Ellis.
You had the best free agent player cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha going to the Eagles. I think that was the most surprising, all the so called experts had him going to the Jets. Thank goodness Phillly swooped in and nabbed him away. Philly now has the nickname the Heat 2.0. They now become the superbowl favorites. They have collected a ridiculos amount of talent. Lets see if they can handle the pressure and if Vick is the QB to lead them.
Back to the Pats, they always do something to completely surprise you. The Haynesworth move can go one of two ways, he can have a dominant season and help the defense or he can be a complete bust. His rap sheet is pretty impressive. To say he has done some bad stuff is putting it mildly. We'll see if the experiment works. Will he be motivated is the big question?
The Shaun Ellis move adds some more beef to the the defensive line and bonus it tweaks the Jets just a little.
Right now all the teams are in the same boat building and fortifying teams on the fly. The season should be interesting. Stay tuned for more.
Stanley cup update: The Cup just spent the day with the Coach Cluade Julien (Handsome Ralph) and his family no stories like Nathan Horton's. After its tour of Ontario the cup is heading back to British Columbia. Lets see what type of reception it gets. It might hurt just a little....
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Late Arrival
Well it looks like we NFL lockout just might be over. Nothing is official yet but everyone in the media is reporting that all the major hurdles have been scaled. I am so excited! The guys on the radio have actually been talking football. When the NFL opens for business some time next week its going to be unprecedented madness. Teams will have like 72 hours to sign free agents (players without contracts) and then its training camp, then 2 weeks later the first preseason game! Unbelievable, we are going to go from no football to having it everywhere in a matter of days. Glory!! in twitter language #Ican'twait!
Stanley Cup update: It sounds like the Cup has had quite the eventful day. It was supposed to leave Logan at 8am to travel to Buffalo then be driven to Ontario, but its seems like the cup was checked into Logan a wee bit late. Horton's wife tweeted that the Cup was lost at first but then it was figured out that it just got to Logan late. The Cup did make it to its destination in Ontario, it was supposed to be in a parade with Nathan Horton and family but the parade went on with out it. Oh well I guess stuff happens, but I'm sure they were frustrated. It is sort of funny though. One hopes that Horton can have some of his time with the Cup made up. He deserves it! Check out the AP story. http://espn.go.com/boston/nhl/story/_/id/6777788/stanley-cup-delayed-en-route-day-boston-bruins-nathan-horton
Stanley Cup update: It sounds like the Cup has had quite the eventful day. It was supposed to leave Logan at 8am to travel to Buffalo then be driven to Ontario, but its seems like the cup was checked into Logan a wee bit late. Horton's wife tweeted that the Cup was lost at first but then it was figured out that it just got to Logan late. The Cup did make it to its destination in Ontario, it was supposed to be in a parade with Nathan Horton and family but the parade went on with out it. Oh well I guess stuff happens, but I'm sure they were frustrated. It is sort of funny though. One hopes that Horton can have some of his time with the Cup made up. He deserves it! Check out the AP story. http://espn.go.com/boston/nhl/story/_/id/6777788/stanley-cup-delayed-en-route-day-boston-bruins-nathan-horton
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Landscaping
Its slow days in Boston Sports so this post is just a quick rundown in what's happening in and around Boston Sports. I think the city is starting to come down off the high of the Bruins Stanley Cup win. It was an exciting time. I think NESN is replaying a couple games this week Maybe I'll watch.
The big news these days are the Red Sox, they finally have our attention. The thing about these Sox is that they have been wildly inconsistent. The awful start is well behind them but they go through these amazing stretches where they play great and look like the best team in Baseball, and then you have a games where the pitching sucks and they can't buy a hit with guys on base. This week is the All-star break with a couple of days off to get the starting pitching rotation back to tip top shape. Right now the staff is being held together by duct tape. Oh, lets not forget Jekyll and Hyde Lackey, he creates lots of fodder for conversation on sports radio, but he was decent today so that's all that counts.
Is there light at the end of the tunnel for the NFL lockout? I don't know. Everything I've read and heard has put an imaginary deadline at July 15th. That's the end of this week, we'll see. There is too much money at stake for the players and the owners to not get a deal done. When this deal gets done its going to be madness in the NFL, with signing rookies and free agents. There is something like 400 free agents, these are guys with out a team to play for in 2011. I feel bad for the rookies they are definitely getting the short end of the stick in this. In all reality its not going to be too short, they'll be making more money than the average entry level college graduate when things get started up again.
The NBA is in a lookout too, but there is definitely no hope for them right now. I think both sides right now are settled in for a long hard battle. Where in the NFL they are not making as much money as before the NBA is losing money. Does the lockout help or hurt the Celtics? Not sure, some opinions say no and some say yes. A shorter season could be good for the old guys if they get a deal done by January. But, a shorter season also means a more back to back games and the Celts struggled with those games this past season. This NBA lockout is going to move at a snails pace, its wait and see with this one.
Like I said above it seems like the city is coming down from Bruins high. The Cup is starting to make its way around with all the players now. I'll be on the look out for it and let you all know.
The big news these days are the Red Sox, they finally have our attention. The thing about these Sox is that they have been wildly inconsistent. The awful start is well behind them but they go through these amazing stretches where they play great and look like the best team in Baseball, and then you have a games where the pitching sucks and they can't buy a hit with guys on base. This week is the All-star break with a couple of days off to get the starting pitching rotation back to tip top shape. Right now the staff is being held together by duct tape. Oh, lets not forget Jekyll and Hyde Lackey, he creates lots of fodder for conversation on sports radio, but he was decent today so that's all that counts.
Is there light at the end of the tunnel for the NFL lockout? I don't know. Everything I've read and heard has put an imaginary deadline at July 15th. That's the end of this week, we'll see. There is too much money at stake for the players and the owners to not get a deal done. When this deal gets done its going to be madness in the NFL, with signing rookies and free agents. There is something like 400 free agents, these are guys with out a team to play for in 2011. I feel bad for the rookies they are definitely getting the short end of the stick in this. In all reality its not going to be too short, they'll be making more money than the average entry level college graduate when things get started up again.
The NBA is in a lookout too, but there is definitely no hope for them right now. I think both sides right now are settled in for a long hard battle. Where in the NFL they are not making as much money as before the NBA is losing money. Does the lockout help or hurt the Celtics? Not sure, some opinions say no and some say yes. A shorter season could be good for the old guys if they get a deal done by January. But, a shorter season also means a more back to back games and the Celts struggled with those games this past season. This NBA lockout is going to move at a snails pace, its wait and see with this one.
Like I said above it seems like the city is coming down from Bruins high. The Cup is starting to make its way around with all the players now. I'll be on the look out for it and let you all know.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Celebration and Withdrawl
Well today marks one week since the Bruins won the Stanley Cup. There has been lots of celebration by the team to say the least and by the city. The Bruins have had some well publicized celebrations over the last few days, but they earned it. To play that intense brand of hockey for 25 extra games, wow! But it has been kind of cool seeing how accessible these guys have been and their willingness to share the mystique of the Stanley Cup. I for one am hooked and now I'm following @wheresthecup on twitter. I must say though that now the NHL playoffs are over I'm not sure what to do with myself. Anyone else feel that way?
After living here for almost 10 years and witnessing all the other teams championship runs I had never been downtown to one of the rolling rallies. Can you blame me? They were all in the middle of the week, and for the Patriots in the middle of winter. All that being said this time I made it downtown to the Bruins rolling rally. There were people everywhere! I've read that it was close to 1.5 million people. Yikes! My friends and I watched the rally in Copley square. It was a neat moment when the Duck Boat with Chara and the Cup came by. I got a picture not a great one but a picture nonetheless of the famed Stanley Cup. People were going crazy, one of the duck boats was blowing black and gold confetti everywhere, the players were all waving and trying to capture the moment on their camera's. Really cool! Getting out of the crush of people after it was over, is another story for another day.
In all honesty my favorite part of the celebration weekend was seeing the Bruins at the Red Sox game where they were honored the next day. I watched it on TV and it just seemed a like a really special moment in time for both teams. It was comical watching all the Bruins try to throw out the ceremonial first pitch to a row of Red Sox players.
The team celebration happened after the rally on Saturday as the Bruins went to Foxwoods and left their wives and girlfriends at home. It sounded and looked like those guys had a grand time with the Cup, each other and lots of liquor. They had such a good time that they racked up 156K bill. Which was a little deceiving since the most expensive item on the bill was a 100,000 30 liter bottle of champagne that was according a Chara and Sean Thornton a gift. All I have to say is WOW! Go check out the receipt http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/gallery/bruins_bar_tab/.
Now that the playoffs are over I'm at a loss. I don't think I realized just how much time I spent watching the B's playoff run. Ooops. It was intense, stressful, maddening but worth it in the end. I'm so excited that they won! Now the NFL just needs to get it act together and give me back my first sports love.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Where is Lord Stanley?
Well its official the Boston Bruins are the 2010 -2011 NHL Stanley Cup Champions! Its been a fun ride! I was and am completely hooked. The emotional nature of the sport draws you in. Well me at least. I watched most of all the games of all 4 series. They played 25 extra games and in those series they went seven games 3 times. That has never been done. Again the maddening nature of the Bruins makes you shrug your shoulders and shout at the TV because they definitely could have and should won at least the final series in 5 games.
The Stanley Cup finals had drama and more drama that I don't think even a Hollywood writer could come up with. Or maybe they could if they were immersed in hockey 24/7. First there was the Vancouver Cannucks player biting Patrice Bergeron. Is this the NHL or preschool? Then to add insult to injury that same guy scored the game winner in game 2 because the NHL wilted and chose to ignore clear evidence of the "Bite" and not suspend him,Then came the taunting from the Cannucks. I think the final straw for the B's was the all out late and awful hit on Nathan Horton in game 3. Bergeron admitted today in an interview that the Cannucks "poked the bear one to many times". I think it was after that I decided that the Cannucks could not win, I think the B's decided the same thing.
Anyway the Bruins showed more resiliency, character and heart than those, whining, flopping, yappping Cannucks. They won the Finals by beating the supposed best team. I guess I would have more respect of the Cannucks if they did not turn out to be this too small no heart dirty not tough team. I know they are peeps out there that would say the B's are a dirty team too but, but I believe there is a difference between physical and playing the game on the edge to actually going over the edge. But that's a different argument for a different day with those more knowledgeable about the game than I.
Now all all that brings us to the Stanley Cup, the awesome trophy that the NHL awards to the winner of the NHL championship . I was reading about the Cup and apparently the Cup has a "keeper" that goes with it everywhere. Each member of the team actually gets to take the cup for a day or two to wherever they please. I think that's kind of cool. So far the Cup has been to a few places in the North and South end here in Boston and to NYC for some media appearances. I think that I read the Chara was pushing it in a baby carriage at one point during the day. Anyway its going to be funny following the chronicles of the Cup this summer. I'll probably try to keep you all updated.
Its been super fun to follow this team and this playoff run. I'm planning on learning more about hockey and I'll keep following the B's if not the entire NHL.
The Stanley Cup finals had drama and more drama that I don't think even a Hollywood writer could come up with. Or maybe they could if they were immersed in hockey 24/7. First there was the Vancouver Cannucks player biting Patrice Bergeron. Is this the NHL or preschool? Then to add insult to injury that same guy scored the game winner in game 2 because the NHL wilted and chose to ignore clear evidence of the "Bite" and not suspend him,Then came the taunting from the Cannucks. I think the final straw for the B's was the all out late and awful hit on Nathan Horton in game 3. Bergeron admitted today in an interview that the Cannucks "poked the bear one to many times". I think it was after that I decided that the Cannucks could not win, I think the B's decided the same thing.
Anyway the Bruins showed more resiliency, character and heart than those, whining, flopping, yappping Cannucks. They won the Finals by beating the supposed best team. I guess I would have more respect of the Cannucks if they did not turn out to be this too small no heart dirty not tough team. I know they are peeps out there that would say the B's are a dirty team too but, but I believe there is a difference between physical and playing the game on the edge to actually going over the edge. But that's a different argument for a different day with those more knowledgeable about the game than I.
Now all all that brings us to the Stanley Cup, the awesome trophy that the NHL awards to the winner of the NHL championship . I was reading about the Cup and apparently the Cup has a "keeper" that goes with it everywhere. Each member of the team actually gets to take the cup for a day or two to wherever they please. I think that's kind of cool. So far the Cup has been to a few places in the North and South end here in Boston and to NYC for some media appearances. I think that I read the Chara was pushing it in a baby carriage at one point during the day. Anyway its going to be funny following the chronicles of the Cup this summer. I'll probably try to keep you all updated.
Its been super fun to follow this team and this playoff run. I'm planning on learning more about hockey and I'll keep following the B's if not the entire NHL.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Easy to understand
So after hanging out wih some great girls last night there was a request for an easy to understand information about the local, national and college sports scene. A couple of other sports loving girls and I are going to try to oblige.
The first thing that comes to mind is hockey because the Boston Bruins are in the middle of deep play off run. I'll be honest I'm a new hockey fan, but its been great fun following the Bruins and I've learned some stuff.
The Boston globe had a great article on if you were just jumping on board with hockey were they broke down some the hockey terms. It was pretty cool. I learned what a "five hole" goal was. Its a goal that is scored by shooting the puck between the goalies legs.
http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/articles/2011/05/10/hockey_cheat_sheet/. Check it out its great!
Anyway a hockey playoff series is 7 games so best of 4. The series between the Tampa Bay Lightening (Yes Tampa Bay has a hockey team, I think they said the Temp is Tampa Bay on Sat was 90 degrees) and the Bruins is tied at 2. I'm really hoping that the B's can pull it out. The emotional swings in hockey, as fans especially, B's fans is pretty interesting. From game to game it can go from the B's are the best team in the league to the worst team.
Anyway from watching the game as even as a new fan the Bruins can be maddening to watch as they don't play consistent. I really hope they can win. The B's have not been to the Stanley cup playoffs since 1990. Thats a long time!
The first thing that comes to mind is hockey because the Boston Bruins are in the middle of deep play off run. I'll be honest I'm a new hockey fan, but its been great fun following the Bruins and I've learned some stuff.
The Boston globe had a great article on if you were just jumping on board with hockey were they broke down some the hockey terms. It was pretty cool. I learned what a "five hole" goal was. Its a goal that is scored by shooting the puck between the goalies legs.
http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/articles/2011/05/10/hockey_cheat_sheet/. Check it out its great!
Anyway a hockey playoff series is 7 games so best of 4. The series between the Tampa Bay Lightening (Yes Tampa Bay has a hockey team, I think they said the Temp is Tampa Bay on Sat was 90 degrees) and the Bruins is tied at 2. I'm really hoping that the B's can pull it out. The emotional swings in hockey, as fans especially, B's fans is pretty interesting. From game to game it can go from the B's are the best team in the league to the worst team.
Anyway from watching the game as even as a new fan the Bruins can be maddening to watch as they don't play consistent. I really hope they can win. The B's have not been to the Stanley cup playoffs since 1990. Thats a long time!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Feeling a Draft of Chaos
Well the NFL draft is here! Its actually on of my favorite times of the NFL calender. All the craziness with the mock drafts learning about all the players that you would otherwise not pay any attention too. But its just fun to imagine the possibilities and play imaginary GM.
The Patriots are probably going to be big players in the draft as they own 6 of the first 75 or so picks. Just a little crazy. I think the one thing I've come away with from following the Pats is you never know what BB and co. will do and to expect the unexpected.
I do think that the Pats need to go Defense specifically the front seven. I heard an interesting fact today, that in 12 years that BB has never drafted a blue chip outside linebacker/D-end. Is this the year that changes? Well we shall see this Thursday right. The other must for the Pats is offensive line, a tackle or guard. There are really good prospects at each position.
Another big deal for the Pats is do they trade up, stay put, or trade back. I've heard and read all the opinions. I think unless you are completely sure of a guy and all of the top 10 guys with an exception or two all have flaws and question marks to their game. All that being said I think the Pats stay put at 17, but definitely will trade out of 28 and or 33. I'll have my opinions and thoughts of all the draft happenings during the weekend.
Oh yeah the chaos, the NFL Lockout or lifted lock out is now creating chaos, no one really knows what to do. The Owners keep taking hits in this fight. They need a deal done and soon.
The Patriots are probably going to be big players in the draft as they own 6 of the first 75 or so picks. Just a little crazy. I think the one thing I've come away with from following the Pats is you never know what BB and co. will do and to expect the unexpected.
I do think that the Pats need to go Defense specifically the front seven. I heard an interesting fact today, that in 12 years that BB has never drafted a blue chip outside linebacker/D-end. Is this the year that changes? Well we shall see this Thursday right. The other must for the Pats is offensive line, a tackle or guard. There are really good prospects at each position.
Another big deal for the Pats is do they trade up, stay put, or trade back. I've heard and read all the opinions. I think unless you are completely sure of a guy and all of the top 10 guys with an exception or two all have flaws and question marks to their game. All that being said I think the Pats stay put at 17, but definitely will trade out of 28 and or 33. I'll have my opinions and thoughts of all the draft happenings during the weekend.
Oh yeah the chaos, the NFL Lockout or lifted lock out is now creating chaos, no one really knows what to do. The Owners keep taking hits in this fight. They need a deal done and soon.
Monday, April 11, 2011
SI has it in for Boston
So I am not into curses. I believe that Jesus came to break the curse of sin and death to set us free. But man does Sports illustrated hamper our teams. 3 months ago they put Wilfork on the cover then picked the Pats to win it all and they then went out and lost in amazing fashion to the hated jets. Now 3 months later Sports illustrated and the rest of the Baseball world for that matter declared the Red Sox kings of baseball and now look what's happened. The Sox are off to the worst start of their storied history. I'm sure the picked the Celtics to win too. There goes that!
That the Red Sox have been so awful so early is a puzzling and frustrating, but I'm pretty sure that they will turn it around and then we'll forget about the horrendous start. With tonight's game they continue to have the worst team ERA and have given up 20 plus home runs. That is pretty pathetic. The momentum from Beckett's gem on Sunday was knocked away in the 2nd inning tonight. All that being said I'm sticking with this team. We'll see how far they go.
That the Red Sox have been so awful so early is a puzzling and frustrating, but I'm pretty sure that they will turn it around and then we'll forget about the horrendous start. With tonight's game they continue to have the worst team ERA and have given up 20 plus home runs. That is pretty pathetic. The momentum from Beckett's gem on Sunday was knocked away in the 2nd inning tonight. All that being said I'm sticking with this team. We'll see how far they go.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Is It Really Spring?
Well the calendar says it is spring and Baseball says its spring but in Boston the weather has something else to say. Last week was baseball opening day and it was snowing and raining in Boston. Yes this is the city we chose to live in. Last week I was in the Caribbean and it was awesome. Sunny and Breezy a few showers sprinkled in but nothing crazy. I guess I brought the snow back with me, but because I was nice and relaxed and had my share of sunshine for a week I did not let the snow bother me. Despite the lack of spring weather we'll move on to spring like happenings such as baseball, playoffs for the Bruins and the Celtics and Brady v. the NFL. Here are a couple downs with Browne.
Down 1: The Red Sox got rocked this weekend, what an epic failure of an opening weekend for the Sox! I'm sure there are fans ready to jump off bridges around the city. But, hold on it was only 3 games, come down from the ledge. Yes the pitching was horrendous, they gave up 11 home runs, but again it was 3 games against the reigning AL champs. I take this as a dose of reality for Sox and us as fans, no they will not go 162-0 but they can and will win. The pitching just needs to get on the right track. Yes I'm an optimist!
Down 2: The Bruins won their division we'll see how far they can go in the playoffs, and the Celtics again come up limping. I'm not sure about this Celtics team winning it all, they are old, bruised and battered. But they do have proven winners unlike the Bruins, so I will not be shocked if they do win it all. The Bruins are choke artist so fans will believe it when they see it.
Down 3: The players lawsuit against the NFL will be heard this week in court. My thinking is they will eventually get a deal done but in the meantime lets hurry up and wait. I'm interested in what this back and forth in the courts will eventually do the game and to fans. I'll have more to say on that in another post along with the draft and who the Pat's will target.
Down 4: March Madness is about to end my bracket blew up weeks ago. I did not even get one of the final four teams right no wonder its called "March Madness". Butler is back in the championship game and I really hope they win. Its kind of unbelievable that this mid major school could be back in this game for a second time. Butler has a student body of under 5000. I say let the small school come out on top so go Bulldogs.
OK that's all I have for now!
PS. Here is an encouragement for you all out there in blog world: Do not fear little flock for it your fathers good pleasure to give you the Kingdom. Luke 12:32.
Down 1: The Red Sox got rocked this weekend, what an epic failure of an opening weekend for the Sox! I'm sure there are fans ready to jump off bridges around the city. But, hold on it was only 3 games, come down from the ledge. Yes the pitching was horrendous, they gave up 11 home runs, but again it was 3 games against the reigning AL champs. I take this as a dose of reality for Sox and us as fans, no they will not go 162-0 but they can and will win. The pitching just needs to get on the right track. Yes I'm an optimist!
Down 2: The Bruins won their division we'll see how far they can go in the playoffs, and the Celtics again come up limping. I'm not sure about this Celtics team winning it all, they are old, bruised and battered. But they do have proven winners unlike the Bruins, so I will not be shocked if they do win it all. The Bruins are choke artist so fans will believe it when they see it.
Down 3: The players lawsuit against the NFL will be heard this week in court. My thinking is they will eventually get a deal done but in the meantime lets hurry up and wait. I'm interested in what this back and forth in the courts will eventually do the game and to fans. I'll have more to say on that in another post along with the draft and who the Pat's will target.
Down 4: March Madness is about to end my bracket blew up weeks ago. I did not even get one of the final four teams right no wonder its called "March Madness". Butler is back in the championship game and I really hope they win. Its kind of unbelievable that this mid major school could be back in this game for a second time. Butler has a student body of under 5000. I say let the small school come out on top so go Bulldogs.
OK that's all I have for now!
PS. Here is an encouragement for you all out there in blog world: Do not fear little flock for it your fathers good pleasure to give you the Kingdom. Luke 12:32.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Really
It has been a few days since the NFL and NFLPA talks broke down, resulting in NFLPA decertification and the NFL locking out the players. My first reaction was "Really"! You have the biggest, most popular sport in the country and 9 billion dollars and it has come down to this. The owners don't trust the players and the players don't trust the owners, which makes it hard to do business. I don't really care who comes out on top, just stop sniping at each other and act like men that control 9 billion dollars!
The biggest issue in all of this is MONEY!! The players got a great deal in the last CBA and really don't see the need to give the owners back any of that money. And since the owners won't open the books the players will play hardball by taking this to court and suing the NFL. The owners won't open books to "employees', and the NFLPA thinks of itself as having a partnership with the NFL and that partnership entitles them to request the "books". Now each side is playing a game of leverage and a game of public opinion.
The owners looked bad when the court recently ruled that they did not negotiate TV contracts from the major networks fairly. As the NFL is required to negotiate deals fairly and they are also required to take the deal that is fair and pays the most as the revenue from those deals is split with the players. So the court ruling made the owners look greedy and underhanded as they were looking out for their own interests. Here is an article on the ruling that's pretty concise http://bit.ly/hiZCbA.
If you are really interested I'm sure you can find the actual ruling.
Now the NFLPA is looking petty and insensitive by asking top prospects in this years NFL draft that are invited to NYC to "boycott" the draft. They have since changed the wording by saying they are encouraging the prospects not to attend and they (the NFLPA) will create a similar experience for them. What absolute BS and the completely wrong move! The Draft is a fan event and dragging the paying fans and the undrafted players is not the move they should be making in the court of public opinion. How can these established players take this once in a life time opportunity from these young guys. This move will have fans turning on these players and who ever is leading them. Lastly I say BS because as part of the lawsuit the players are bringing they are claiming that the draft is illegal. If the draft is illegal then why try to "create a similar" experience.
This whole thing gets me pretty fired up. Would love to hear what you all think about this. Also forward the blog to others who may be interested.
The biggest issue in all of this is MONEY!! The players got a great deal in the last CBA and really don't see the need to give the owners back any of that money. And since the owners won't open the books the players will play hardball by taking this to court and suing the NFL. The owners won't open books to "employees', and the NFLPA thinks of itself as having a partnership with the NFL and that partnership entitles them to request the "books". Now each side is playing a game of leverage and a game of public opinion.
The owners looked bad when the court recently ruled that they did not negotiate TV contracts from the major networks fairly. As the NFL is required to negotiate deals fairly and they are also required to take the deal that is fair and pays the most as the revenue from those deals is split with the players. So the court ruling made the owners look greedy and underhanded as they were looking out for their own interests. Here is an article on the ruling that's pretty concise http://bit.ly/hiZCbA.
If you are really interested I'm sure you can find the actual ruling.
Now the NFLPA is looking petty and insensitive by asking top prospects in this years NFL draft that are invited to NYC to "boycott" the draft. They have since changed the wording by saying they are encouraging the prospects not to attend and they (the NFLPA) will create a similar experience for them. What absolute BS and the completely wrong move! The Draft is a fan event and dragging the paying fans and the undrafted players is not the move they should be making in the court of public opinion. How can these established players take this once in a life time opportunity from these young guys. This move will have fans turning on these players and who ever is leading them. Lastly I say BS because as part of the lawsuit the players are bringing they are claiming that the draft is illegal. If the draft is illegal then why try to "create a similar" experience.
This whole thing gets me pretty fired up. Would love to hear what you all think about this. Also forward the blog to others who may be interested.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Football in March
So it's March and we may have no football "hotstove" offseason, but I can still talk football right?
Here's the deal, I am by no means an expert, actually I'm still learning, but I'll share my humble opinions on the Pat's, the NFL, and the Boston sports scene. I live here and I love it and people are always interested in it. I encourage you my friends and fans of other teams to get involved. Mike Felger on the sportshub likes to say "fact not opinion" I will say, these are my opinions not necessarily the facts.
Onward to football in March: the NFL and its players may not have a contract as soon as March 4th, this means no offseason info on any of our favorite teams, actually players and coaches and organizations can have no contact. What of the rookies you ask, well they are also left out in the cold after the draft. I think that the owners and players need to stop being disingenuous and get a deal done. Many of your normal sites of sports news are trying to keep us informed and are doing decent job of explaining the major issues so check them out.
The NFL combine just concluded and there are plenty of players that seem like they are going to be the next big thing or the next big bust, but I'm hoping the Pats get the next best thing. I think the Pat's need to go defense (front seven) and Offensive Line. Move up? Maybe, but I think the needs and the players available meet pretty well in the middle so I say the should stay put and not give up the house and car to move into the top 10. I'll have more thoughts on this in a few weeks but chime and let me know what you think.
Here's the deal, I am by no means an expert, actually I'm still learning, but I'll share my humble opinions on the Pat's, the NFL, and the Boston sports scene. I live here and I love it and people are always interested in it. I encourage you my friends and fans of other teams to get involved. Mike Felger on the sportshub likes to say "fact not opinion" I will say, these are my opinions not necessarily the facts.
Onward to football in March: the NFL and its players may not have a contract as soon as March 4th, this means no offseason info on any of our favorite teams, actually players and coaches and organizations can have no contact. What of the rookies you ask, well they are also left out in the cold after the draft. I think that the owners and players need to stop being disingenuous and get a deal done. Many of your normal sites of sports news are trying to keep us informed and are doing decent job of explaining the major issues so check them out.
The NFL combine just concluded and there are plenty of players that seem like they are going to be the next big thing or the next big bust, but I'm hoping the Pats get the next best thing. I think the Pat's need to go defense (front seven) and Offensive Line. Move up? Maybe, but I think the needs and the players available meet pretty well in the middle so I say the should stay put and not give up the house and car to move into the top 10. I'll have more thoughts on this in a few weeks but chime and let me know what you think.
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