The Mr. Will Show 12/8/09

Mr. Will has a blast with Tiger Woods, the BCS Bowls, and Tim Tebow.

Dick Jauron is First to be Fired... Really?

With all of the hoop-la surrounding the firing of Dick Jauron, I have to ask: how was he the first coach fired during this NFL season (I understand that Jim Zorn was stripped and crucified as a coach, but he was not fired)?

What about Eric Mangini? How in the world does he still have a job? Here is a guy who has more player grievances filed against him than he has wins.

With the stellar 1-7 season, the fines that he throws around like Gatorade cups on the sideline, and the musical chairs that he plays with his starting quarterback position; I am in shock and awe that he remains on Cleveland's sideline while Jauron becomes the first officially fired coach of the season.

Chalk another one up for the unfailing logic of the NFL.

The Mr. Will Show 11/17/09

Breaking news: Dick Jauron is out of Buffalo.
Also in this episode: Mr. Will takes on Bill Belichick, LeBron James, and the "politically correct" sports world.

The Mr. Will Show 10/30/09

It's the most wonderful time of the year! The World Series, the NBA, the NFL, and College Football all happening at the same time...and Mr. Will hits all of it.

In this episode, Mr. Will discusses the BCS, Sam Bradford, NFL standings, Brett Favre, and his hatred toward the Yankees.

The Mr. Will Show 10/12/09

Mr. Will takes on the NFL regarding Rush... that's pretty much it.

The Mr. Will Show 9/16/09

Mr. Will is finally back after his computer got rocked by the Ebola Virus! Hear his NFL and college picks along with his take on the U.S. Open and Shaq.

The Mr. Will Show: 8/14/09

Mr. Will is back from vacation with a vengence. Favre, Halladay, Pitino, Lewis, Ortiz, and Vick are among the featured topics.

David Ortiz Used PED's in 2003...Wow, What a Shock

David Ortiz becomes yet another name off of what used to be referred to as the "A-Rod List." So, the list of 104 classified names is now down to the list of 100 classified names.

The Mr. Will Show: 7/28/09

Mr. Will discusses Vick, Vick, more Vick, and a little Plaxico Burress.

The Mr. Will Show: 7/23/09

Mr. Will discusses the disappointing outcome of the British Open, the trade of Roy Halladay, the pending NCAA lawsuit, and Shaq on reality TV.

Tom and Tiger: Day One

The story of the day from the British Open: Tom Watson shoots sixty-five at Turnberry to finish the day one stroke out of the lead. Watson’s showing in the first round is reminiscent of his epic 1977 showdown with Jack Nicklaus, which is spawning the question: will it last? Of course it won’t last; but is it a great storyline? Absolutely.

Tiger Woods, on the other hand, is not exactly playing up to par (pardon the pun). He finished the day even; and if he continues to play the kind of unintelligent golf that he has showcased during round one, I predict him to finish the four rounds well above par.

Tiger, stop with the driver already! Use the three wood, or maybe…I don’t know…your laser three iron! That’s all you need. Turnberry is not a course where you have to rock the driver in order to compete; and not one of your drives has found the fairway. Take those two points, add a little common sense, and save yourself from ending up plus ten. Woods, put the driver down, hit the range with it, and bust it back out for the next tournament.

The Mr. Will Show: 7/15/09

Let the hate mail flow… Mr. Will rips: King James, Urban Meyer (but NOT Tim Tebow…remember that), and the baseball “fans” of Tampa Bay. He also discusses the second half of the Major League Baseball season.

The Mr. Will Show: 7/6/09

Mr. Will discusses Steve McNair, Wimbledon, Manny Ramirez, and the mentality of a winner.

The Mr. Will Show: 6/29/09

Mr. Will discusses Shaq, Phil Jackson, Tyler Hansbrough, and even Michael Jackson.

Team USA Soccer

Team USA closes out a major upset over Spain in the Confederations Cup, and will now advance to the Cup Finals...

And in important news... the NFL season begins in 75 days!

The Mr. Will Show: 6/23/09

Mr. Will discusses the U.S. Open, Wimbledon, the NBA Draft, and A-Rod.

Kevin Smith: Still Talking

My man, Kevin Smith of the Detroit Lions, is on the rage again. You might recall his, "Detroit to the playoffs this coming season" guarantee a while back. Well, this time Smith is throwing down with the, "not only will Detroit make it to the playoffs, but I will lead them there" guarantee.

In a recent blog entry, Smith states the following:

For me being in shape and ready to go is a must. It’s not even an issue. I feel I’m a tempo-setter, so I have to be in great shape and looking and feeling good for this training camp.
I feel I have the mentality that I’m the lead dog and I’m going to set the tempo. It’s a mentality I like to take on and you can do it if you have the killer instinct. When you lead by example, there are always some guys who notice you and want to go in the same direction, which is great as long as it’s a positive direction.

I love this guy, and he is exactly what the 0-16 Detroit Lions need going into this season: if he can deliver. His mouth and his blog are writing all kinds of checks that his legs and his head are going to have to cash on the field.

I will say, though, that he has the talent and potential to make good on his playoff promises; and if he can turn an 0-16 team into a playoff contender (even if they lose 75-0 in the first round), he will have solidified instant superstar status.

Read the blog in it's entirety at the following link:

http://www.smith34.com/blog.html

The Mr. Will Show: 6/19/09

Mr. Will discusses Favre, Stallworth, Sosa, the U.S. Open, and the NBA Finals outcome (I know, it's about time).

The Penguins Take the Stanley Cup

Congratulations to the Pittsburgh Penguins on their game 7 victory over the Detroit Red Wings (in Detroit, mind you).

The Steelers take the Super Bowl, the Penguins take the Cup; now for a total miracle, let's see if the Pirates can take the World Series!

Wow...that's funny... no, really, the Pirates are awful... really awful...and they've been awful for quite some time now.

Regardless, it's good to be a Pittsburgian!

Going for Game Three

I am about to sit down and watch game three of the Magic/Lakers series. I'm pulling for the Magic; so hopefully they can make something happen, as they have many times in these playoffs, with their backs against the wall.

I think Nelson needs to ride the bench, and Alston needs to lead at the point guard position. Partly to stroke Alston's ego (whatever it takes to win, even if it means pandering to whining, grown, millionaire, men), and partly because Alston is rusty. I think he was brought back abruptly, and way too quickly.

Dwight Howard needs to be the defensive force that we all know he can be, and Turkaglu needs to drain the threes. These two guys are the Magic's dynamic duo, and they have to perform as such.

The Magic are an offensive team. They win by outscoring the opponent, not keeping the opponent from scoring. They are not a outstanding defensive force, and there is no need to try to be as long as they can get into a rhythm with their jump shots.

It's a must win tonight for the Orlando underdogs, but that's a position that I think they have become accustomed to.

Conratulations Randy Johnson

See...I told you he'd pull it out.

Randy Johnson to Join Elite Company

Randy Johnson goes for win 300 again today. Due to the rainout yesterday, he was unable to seal the deal.

Arguably, the most dominant left-hander in the history of the game, Johnson will join only five other left-handed pitchers with 300 or more wins (they include: Warren Spahn, Steve Carlton, Ed Plank, Tom Glavine, Lefty Grove).

Is there really any question that today is the day? Does anyone really think that Randy Johnson won’t nail number 300? I mean, on a bad day, I could pitch up a win against the Nationals. Watch out Randy! Those Nationals are gunning for you with their amazing 14-36 record.

Sure, San Francisco dropped the first game of the series (10-6), but I don’t think so much that Washington won it as much as I think that San Francisco lost it. Besides, who pitched the first game? Not The Big Unit.

Andy Roddick Out of French Open

Roddick is out of The French Open at the hands of Gael Monfils! I use an exclamation point because this excites me. I know that Andy Roddick is American, but I really love it when he loses. Mainly, because I can't wait to hear the new excuse he pulls out of his rear. He did not disappoint.

He lost because it was too dark. Of course he did. It couldn't possible be because Gael Monfils is better, and owned Roddick in straight sets. No! No one could ever be better than the Mighty Roddick! It must have been something else, case-in-point, "I couldn't see the ball!"

Andy Roddick is quite possibly the most arrogant athlete in the world with absolutely nothing to back it up. How many majors has he won? Oh right...the U.S. Open... in 2003. Go you. Why in the world do people still care about him? He's a whining punk! He always has been, and barring some miracle, always will be.

Let me demystify Andy Roddick: he is not a great tennis player, he's a great tennis server.

Celebration in Mouse Town

The Orlando Magic get it done in convincing fashion! For the first time since the 1994-1995 season, the Magic are headed to the NBA Championship series. It's Disneyland vs. Disney World in this season's sexy championship match-up.

Now, on to the difficult decision: who takes the series, and gets the ring? Although I do think that Los Angeles has the deeper, more talented team; after watching the Magic defy all odds twice (beating Boston and Cleveland), I can't help but think that this club will find a way to pull out the win.

If Howard can own the paint, and Turkoglu can sniper those threes, I think Orlando has a legitimate shot, and I will take them over the Lakers in seven.

Welcome to the Ump Show

At what point did umpires decide that they were the stars of the show? Last time I checked, I watch baseball to see baseball players; yet for some reason those goofy umpires (with their dramatic hooks, and perfectly choreographed spin moves) seem to be vying for the center stage spotlight.

Case-in-point, Todd Tichenor, the 32 year-old umpire of yesterdays Red Sox/Twins game decided to, quite theatrically, eject Ron Gardenhire, Mike Redmond, Terry Francona, and Jason Varitek all within the span of ten minutes.

Granted, I have no idea what was said to prompt each ejection; but four ejections stemming from separate arguments within a single inning? It looked to me like Tichenor had quite the itchy trigger finger. Coming up from the minor leagues (Triple-A Pacific Coast League), he was either nervous and attempting to maintain control by “laying down the law”, or he was showboating his authority in search of his fifteen minutes of fame. My gut leans me toward the latter.

Again, officials in all sports need to maintain order; but they need to do so while fading into the background. I don’t need to see a seven minute Broadway dance number every time a guy strikes out; and unless the benches clear and fists are flying, I most definitely don’t need to see the “ejection jig” four times in a single inning.

The Premature Crowning of King James

My condolences to David Stern, as well as to the mass sports media. It would seem that your man-crush is on his way to watching the NBA Championship series from his living room.

Don’t get me wrong, I like LeBron James: he’s a tremendous basketball player, but I am completely over the media whirlwind praising him as the next (or better than) Michael Jordan. Come on guys… really? How many rings does James have? Again, he’s good, really good; he has the potential to be the best ever, but at this moment he is no where near Jordan. Let the man play, and let the future play out.

I love watching the Cavaliers go down 3-1, and yet still during every commercial break see three out of five commercials hailing Kobe and LeBron as the national championship match-up. What in the world are Nike and Vitamin Water going to do when LeBron is eliminated, and all of those “NBA Champion LeBron James” commercials (which you know have already been filmed) are essentially worthless?

The New Magic Act From Orlando

Ever since the drama of Game 5, the Orlando Magic have stepped their game up. Perhaps all that they needed was a little star player/coach throwdown. Whatever the cause, the Magic have owned the role of underdog, and accomplished what many have called impossible.

This newfound heart began with the amazing comeback from being down 3-2 to the defending champion Boston Celtics; to not only winning the series, but taking game seven in the Garden: a feat which had never been accomplished (Boston, until now, was a perfect 32-0 when up 3-2 in a best-of-seven series). This amazing win fueled the fire, and paved the way for last night’s stellar performance.

I kept hearing from everyone, “How are the Magic going to stop Lebron James?” The answer, after last night’s game, is pretty straightforward: you don’t have to. James, even with his playoff career high 49 points in last night’s game couldn’t lead the Cavaliers to victory. It proves what I have believed forever: a team cannot be built around one player.

So, last night’s Magic win was indeed a huge one, but will this momentum carry over throughout the series? It very well could, and the mighty Cavaliers could very well fall; but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. One game at a time, and we might have the biggest upset of the season on our hands. Do you know what I would love? NBA Championship: Nuggets vs. Magic. It’s not out of the question, but it will depend on who shows up to play, and who wants it more.

Michael Vick's Return to the Land of the Free

Michael Vick was released this morning after spending the past 19 months in a federal penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas. Vick will be making the journey back to his home in Hampton, Virginia where he will spend the next two months under house arrest.

With his future in the NFL still undecided, my take on it is simple: if he can still play, let him play. He has served his time, and by doing so paid his debt to society. Therefore, if he wants to go get a job in the NFL, and someone is willing to hire him; more power to him.

While I’m on this topic of Vick getting an NFL job, I need to make one point very clear. Yes, playing in the NFL is a job, and I am so sick of the morons who like to throw around, “playing in the NFL is a privilege.” Shut up and sit down…no it’s not: it’s a job; and quite a difficult job at that. No one is going to “bestow the honor” of playing football at the NFL level upon Michael Vick. He will have to work, interview, and prove himself just like any other NFL prospect. So what, if instead of an NFL quarterback Vick was a computer programmer for Microsoft; would anyone say, “there is no way he should get to go back to work. Working for Microsoft is a privilege?” Absolutely not, but because Mike Vick happens to work in a high profile field, and because PETA is a bunch of attention seeking nutjobs willing to step on everyone in order to use them as a platform; we want to crucify him.

Don’t misunderstand, I think that what Michael Vick did was beyond reprehensible, but he served his time. The Courts decided on a set amount of time as being an appropriate punishment for this particular crime. In two months, that amount of time will have been satisfied (along with three years of probation), and if a team wants him (there are many that should), they have every right to hire him.

The Yankees are Coming!

There are two types of people in the world: those who love the Yankees, and those who hate the Yankees. I happen to fall into the latter (and for all of you Yankee fans, that means the second one), however, I am not above giving credit where credit is due.

I can't help but wonder if the New York Yankees are beginning their trek to the top of the AL East on the heals of this six game winning streak, the return of Alex Rodriguez, and new found pitching consistency. Sitting pretty between the Boston Red Sox (22-16) and the Tampa Bay Rays (20-20), the Yankees (21-17) are looking better with every game (too bad they can't sell any tickets behind home plate).

Could this be the season for the pinstriped boys from The Bronx? Could A-Rod actually have transcended the whirlwind of drama that is his life? Will Teixeira take the MVP, and Sabathia the Cy Young? All I can say is... I hope not.

Rachael Alexandra: I am Woman

She did it! Rachael Alexandra becomes the first filly to win the Preakness since 1924.

So, the question is: can a jockey win a triple crown? Calvin Borel, the jockey of Mine That Bird for the Kentucky Derby victory, made a great call when he decided to ride Rachael Alexandra over Mine That Bird in the Preakness.

Generally, the Belmont is not all that exciting when a Triple Crown is not possible, but this time I think the excitement is mounting. We have a 50-1 shot taking the Derby, and the first filly in 85 years taking the Preakness; both of which have stirred up incredible fan support. Imagine another sport which leaves the choice: the underdog, or the underdog?

Who is my Belmont pick? I say that the filly takes two out of three Triple Crown events, and wins the Belmont by at least one length. So much for a man’s game.

Losing the Magic

After two days of choking, I’m pretty sure the Orlando Magic are dead.

Let’s recap: the Magic led by ten with six minutes left in the fourth quarter, and lost by four-- now that’s impressive. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to completely fall apart like that.

By now I’m sure that you have all heard Howard’s postgame whining about not getting the touches that he should have, and I’ve got to say that I agree with him. However, if you are the star player you have to demand those touches. Make yourself available, open, and heard. If you have questions about the game plan: speak up during the game, and before you lose; not in the post-game press conference (you see Dwight, postgame means “after the game.” Hence, the game is over and there’s nothing you can do anymore). That being said, there is absolutely no reason for your star player to go without the ball for the last six minutes, in a critical situation, during a critical game.

Though Howard is the headline, I find Stan Van Gundy’s comments the most entertaining. "I thought that we were trying to run out the clock," Van Gundy said. "We would not push the ball up the floor. Four minutes ... that's forever in a NBA game.” You know what Stan? You’re right. Someone should have told them that…someone like…oh I don’t know…their coach?

I can’t help but think that the great prophet, The Shaq, was right on target when he foretold the postseason coming of “The Master of Panic.”

Long Awaited Man Ram Comments

I will make this short and sweet: Manny Ramirez is either a complete idiot or a complete liar.

So, he claims that his doctor prescribed the medication that caused him to fail the drug test, and that he (Ramirez) was unaware that the substance was banned. Really? You didn't know?

Let's just say that Manny is telling the truth, and he really had no idea that he was taking a banned substance. How hard is it to get a definitive answer?

Manny: Hello Office of Major League Baseball, this is Manny Ramirez, and my doctor just prescribed for me x,y, and z. Can I take these?

Major League Baseball: Well, no...actually those are on our list of banned substances.

Manny: Okay...thanks.

Wow...that was rough. Look, I know that Manny is a busy guy, but come on: it is part of your job to know what you are putting in your body, and whether or not it's a banned substance.

Manny Ramirez Suspended for Positive Performance Enhancing Drugs Test

Manny Ramirez will serve the first of a fifty game suspension tonight as the L.A. Dodgers take on the Washington Nationals. What do you think about that? Expect my comments shortly (I want to see how Man Ram himself explains it all).

For the complete L.A. Times article, visit the link below:

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-manny-ramirez8-2009may08,0,6324894.story

Brett Favre...Retired?

So...Favre as a Viking? Really? I mean, I know that's the team he wanted to go to last season, but he's retired for good, right? I'm not so sure anymore.

Do I think Favre still has game? Absolutely. Do I think he is still starting quarterback material? Absolutely. My issue with Brett Favre is this: if you want to play, then play; if you want to retire, then retire.

I understand that people see last season as Brett's failure, but come on. Remember that the Jets finished 9-7 last season, and the only reason that they didn't make the post season was because of a couple of critical losses toward the end of the regular season. Losses that were not entirely Favre's fault. Let's not forget about the Jet's defense, or lack thereof. So it is entirely unreasonable to throw the entirety of the blame onto Brett's shoulders.

During Brett Favre's season with the Jets, he fulfilled the job description of an NFL quarterback: the scapegoat of his team.

For the complete story of Favre's potential comeback check out the following link, and post some comments. Let me know what you think.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=chadiha_jeffri&id=4121065

Countdown to Derby Day

The Run for the Roses is upon us. This years Kentucky Derby boasts a close field of 20 with I Want Revenge rounding out as the favorite in the absence (due to hoof injury) of Quality Road.

My bet, however, goes to a young colt, Pioneer of the Nile, who currently maintains a four race winning streak over synthetic track. Among these four wins include two victories over the Derby’s favorite, I Want Revenge. The key for Pioneer of the Nile is, of course, making the switch from the synthetic track to the dirt of the Derby.

In Monday’s workout, Pioneer of the Nile turned in a time of 1:01 over five furlongs. Not the most impressive of times; but for a colt who has never run on dirt I think that it’s more important for Pioneer of the Nile to get comfortable on the new surface; and the speed will be there on Derby Day.

Noah and Miller: the Stars of Game Six

Just when you think that this series can’t get any more riveting; the boys from Chicago come from a double digit deficit late in the fourth quarter to pull a triple overtime win, and force a game seven. Clearly, both of these teams deserve major credit. Plain and simple: the Chicago Bulls and the Boston Celtics are clutch.

That being said, the star of last night’s game six was, hands down, Joakim Noah. How many guys are going to (in the third overtime mind you) steal the ball, drive the length of the court, hammer a dunk, get fouled (a foul that benched Paul Pierce), and turn a three point play all within four seconds? This guy was explosive last night.

A close runner up to Noah, of course, was Brad Miller who more than made up for his bricked free throws at the end of game five. He got his payback with interest in this one.

I think that Chicago has given Boston all they can handle in this series, and I believe that game seven belongs to the Bulls. Chicago has the drive and determination to take this series, and have clearly proven that they refuse to stay down. I predict a close Bulls win in the eighth overtime of the series.

Bull Fighting in Boston

I don’t know about you, but I cannot get enough of this Bulls/Celtics series! This is a first round match-up, and I feel like I’m watching game seven of the championship series every time these two teams take the court. It’s phenomenal Basketball.

A couple of posts ago I gave my NBA playoff picks, and I had Boston beating Chicago to move on to the second round. I have to be honest: I’m really pulling for the Bulls to take this round. I think that this Bulls team is the embodiment of why people love sports. They have the will, the desire, the heart, and the skill to take on the role of underdog, and eliminate the defending champions in the first round. What a story that would be. Chicago has not been an NBA contender since the days of Jordan and Pippen; and I think that this season marks the beginning of a new championship era in Bulls’ history.

People say, “Oh…well what about KG? If he were playing, Chicago wouldn’t have a chance.” To those I say, “Who cares.” The reality is this: Kevin Garnett is not playing, nor will he. On top of that, I don’t think that one player makes a championship team, and if Boston can’t win without him then they don’t deserve to make it past the first round. Championship rosters are deep, and when a star player falls there must be someone in that locker room to step up his game, and fill the void.

So, major props to the Bulls, and I am looking forward to the Bulls / Magic face-off (though if I were the Magic, I would be far more worried about matching up against Chicago than Boston).

Draft Reflections

In my estimation, there were two clear winners in this year’s draft: the Jets and the Eagles. The Jets got, in my opinion, a future star quarterback along with a great backfield threat in Greene. Though I don't think that they will be a playoff threat this year, they are definitely on their way in the coming seasons.

The Eagles were clearly out to give Donavan McNabb some early Christmas presents. With the newly shored up offense, I think that the Eagles have officially placed their name in the Super Bowl contender hat.

On the other hand, the draft had two very clear losers: the Raiders and the Vikings. Why in the world would anyone draft Heyward-Bey when Michael Crabtree is still on the board? Oh…right… because Al Davis is senile, and won’t sit down, shut up, and let his coaching staff do their job.

As far as the Vikings are concerned, I fully expect to see them in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. I get that you need receivers, but do you really need Percy Harvin? This is a guy who failed the drug test at the combine. That’s right- at the combine- when you know it’s coming. It’s not like he didn’t know when and where he was going to be tested months beforehand. That tells me one of two things: either he’s a flat out idiot, or he’s completely addicted. Either way, I don’t want him on my team.

The Detroit Lions Select...?

With the NFL Draft only three days away, the speculation continues to mount as to the best course of action for the 0-16 Detroit Lions. Should they take Stafford? Should they set their sights on Jason Smith to shore up their offensive line? Should they go in another direction all together? Though the majority of mock boards have Stafford going first to Detroit and Smith going second to St. Louis, I hope (for the sake of the Lions) that Detroit thinks this through a bit more before Saturday.

The first overall draft pick is a big investment, and when that first pick is a quarterback it becomes even more of a blow to a team’s salary cap. If you hit, and the quarterback becomes the next Peyton Manning, you’re sitting pretty. If you miss, and your quarterback becomes the next JaMarcus Russell, you've just destroyed your franchise for the next five years.

So, what’s the solution? Simple, the Detroit Lions have a workable quarterback in Daunte Culpepper, but they need help protecting him. Go for the left tackle. Do not gamble on a quarterback. Stafford was a good college player- not a great college player- and certainly not someone who justifies the paycheck that goes with being the first overall pick.

The Lions need help on the O-line, and Jason Smith is a much better business decision than Matthew Stafford. The choice is clear. Besides, I don’t care if Stafford turns out to be a Hall of Fame quarterback; it’s really hard to complete passes while you’re lying on your back.

Mr. Will's NBA Playoff Picks

Western Conference

1st Round
- Lakers / Jazz
- Trail Blazers / Rockets
- Spurs / Mavericks
- Nuggets / Hornets

2nd Round
- Lakers / Trail Blazers
- Spurs / Nuggets

Conference Final
- Lakers / Spurs


Eastern Conference

1st Round
- Cavaliers / Pistons
- Hawks / Heat
- Magic / 76ers
- Celtics / Bulls

2nd Round
- Cavaliers / Hawks
- Magic / Celtics

Conference Final
- Magic / Cavaliers


NBA Championship
- Lakers / Cavaliers

NBA Champion
-Cavaliers

Mr. Will's MLB Picks

AL East: Rays

AL Central: White Sox

AL West: Angels

AL Wildcard: Red Sox

NL East: Marlins

NL Central: Cubs

NL West: Dodgers

NL Wildcard: Cardinals

AL Champion: Rays

NL Champion: Cubs

World Series Champion: Rays

Reflections on the Masters

Angel: Congratulations! Even though I wasn’t rooting for you (at all), you made it happen. You didn’t shoot the best four rounds, but you made the shots that you had to make.

Kenny: I was pulling for you, and you let me down. You have got to be able to finish. Those bogeys at the end were all pressure shots: those are the shots you have to make, and on any other day they would have been no problem for you. Eyes on the prize, focus on the game, block out the pressure, get the job done, and finish the game!

Phil: Perhaps I would care about your performance a bit more if you cared a bit more. Yeah…you beat Tiger… woo freaking hoo! You lost the tournament. You weren’t out there to beat Tiger; you were out there to get a new green jacket, and you didn’t. Doesn’t that bother you…even a little bit? People get behind the guy who wants to compete, the guy who pours all of himself into the tournament, the guy who cares whether or not he comes out on top, and if he does lose he wants to tear up the clubhouse after the final round. Apparently that guy is not you.

Tiger: You are the competitor that Phil is not. You had an off tournament this time, but you are on the rise again.

Shingo: I love the hat!

Who Will Master the Masters?

The Masters is underway, and the burning question is: Tiger or the field? Now, although I would expand that a bit to: Tiger, Phil, Padraig, or the field; I believe that ultimately it will come down to the player with the best iron work.

The greens of Augusta are some of the most unforgiving greens on the tour schedule with their hard breaks and changing elevations. This being said, everyone automatically jumps to putting as the be-all, end-all of conquering this course.

I understand that if you can’t putt, you can’t win; but in the case of Augusta I think that smart ball placement on the green could save a lot of strokes. Being in a position to putt a twelve footer uphill, on this course, may be better than having to putt a six footer downhill. Hence, these guys need to make great friends with their irons.

So, who will take home the green jacket? I’m going with Tiger. I think he will average 70 per day, and 280 will be strong enough to take the tournament.

The NCAA Basketball National Championship: Three Hours I'll Never Get Back

The NCAA men’s basketball national championship: wow…what an utter disappointment that was. That never even tried to be a game. After the first five minutes of the game I found myself thinking, “you know…I bet there are some really funny Family Guy reruns on right about now,” and by halftime I was ready to pacify my boredom by reading passages from the Dictionary. This was the most anti-climactic championship game that I have ever seen.

I am so disappointed, in fact, that I can’t even write anymore. So I will leave you with Mike Bianchi, of The Orlando Sentinel, who put it best in an article published this morning:

“Mercifully and finally, the worst NCAA Tournament I can ever remember is now dead and done.
If this had been a home loan, America would have walked out on it and the bank would have been forced to foreclose.
This wasn't the Big Dance; it was the Big Disappointment.
March Madness?
This was March Badness at its most mundane and mediocre. There were very few upsets, too many blowouts and hardly any drama. The last time I watched a sporting event so devoid of excitement, the Magic took Reece Gaines with the 15th pick of the 2003 NBA draft.”

Detroit: Home Sweet Home

March Madness is coming to an end tonight, and it all comes down to Michigan State and North Carolina. Under normal circumstances, Carolina would be a lock. They are clearly the most talented team in college basketball; and boasting the deepest roster, one would have to be a couple cans short of a six-pack to even think about betting against this legendary basketball university, right? Not so fast. Do not forget that this year’s national championship will feature Michigan State playing in Detroit (about an hour and a half drive from the Spartan’s campus): and that could make all the difference.

I have always said that home court advantage, in college sports, can make or break a team. Let’s face it; these are kids, not pros. At the NBA level, these athletes are playing for millions of dollars, endorsement deals, and long-term contracts: they are professionals. This is what they do. An arena full of booing fans, and five-hundred spirit sticks waving behind the backboard during free throws should not amount to jack to these elite athletes. However, throw a bunch of 18-22 year olds into the same situation, and you are in for some major mental breakdowns.

I am going with a Michigan State upset tonight for that simple reason. Home court advantage matters in college sports. Ford Field will be a sea of green tonight, and the remnant of the Tar Heel fan will be thoroughly lost.

Pressure Cooking in Denver

For the first time in NFL history; a rookie coach, who inherited a pro-bowl, potential franchise quarterback just entering his prime, decides to trade said quarterback.

The immature fiasco that is the Denver Broncos finally decide to give in to the demands of quarterback Jay Cutler and trade him to the Chicago Bears in exchange for Kyle Orton and two first-round (and one third round) draft picks. So the burning question is: who is under more pressure to succeed in this upcoming NFL season?

The answer is simple. Josh McDaniels has just thrown himself into the proverbial pressure cooker. A 32 year old, rookie head coach would generally have somewhat of a “honeymoon period” to build his team, compete, and develop his own style. However, any grace goes thoroughly out the window when his first major move as head coach is to trade his pro-bowl quarterback. When you mismanage a situation such as the Cutler ordeal, you had better be right. He has to produce. If Orton has an off year it is absolutely McDaniels’ head on the chopping block because he had every opportunity to resolve this situation before it came to trading Jay Cutler.

As for Cutler, he can chalk up any potential shortcomings to “learning the playbook” or “assimilating into a new offensive system.” Despite Chicago’s high hopes of deep playoff contention or possible Super Bowl (this is the first potential franchise quarterback since Jim McMahon after all), I think they will be more than willing to give him a season to get acclimated. Besides, it’s not like Cutler is coming into an explosive offense. He is now the pro-bowl quarterback who has to throw to third string receivers at best. Sorry Jay, but your cannon arm doesn’t mean much when you’re handing off 30 plays a game.

So basically, Cutler, regardless of the fact that he went to Chicago on his trike with his blankey firmly in tow, is sitting on not only a grace period, but a potentially fat contract at the conclusion of the upcoming season; while Josh McDaniels is officially coaching for his job.

Congratulations Baby Jay: you win. You found someone to stroke your ego, while at the same time thoroughly screwing your previous Denver teammates.