Enter the Economic Crisis of 2008 that will leak over to 2009 and possibly many years to come. Families have lost jobs, gone out on the streets, and starve in the freezing snow of December. Governments have been bailing out banks and other companies in order to avoid bankrupcy. Mothers and fathers are scared for their children: they wish their children to find a job instead of living on the streets. Many are fighting for that extra cash.
And now enters Mark Texeira, CC Sabathia, and AJ Burnett, who each got lucrative offers from the "Dark Side" New York Yankees and will be pitching in the new "Death Star" that was built this year. A total of $423.5 million was spent on these three superstars, after the Yankees paid a 26.9 million luxury tax. If you were living under a tree, you would've never have thought that there was an economic crisis occuring in the United States.
Even MLB teams will be struggling to contend with the multiple superstar New York Yankees. With a smaller payroll than the Yankees, many teams feel bullied and are out-bid in each player they target. The only "superstar" left out there is Manny Ramirez, and his off-the-field troubles are many reasons why teams are fleeing from the idea of signing him.
This hasn't been a quiet topic. Milwaukee Brewers owner, Mark Attanasio, wrote to Bloomberg News, ""At the rate the Yankees are going, I'm not sure anyone can compete with them. Frankly, the sport might need a salary cap."
To Phil Sheridan, a writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Yankees represent the worst of America. http://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/phil_sheridan/20081224_Phil_Sheridan__Yankees_do_harm_to_sports.html
But why has this idea of a salary cap emerged so quickly and urgently? Because the people that hate the Yankees beforehand are even more pissed off now at them, causing them to voice their opinions. These opinions, however, are only hitting the surface and many don't really understand why at points, the salary cap is overrated.
First off, let's think at the basics. In both the CC Sabathia and Mark Texeira signings, the only true contenders out there to acquire these magnificent ballplayers were Los Angeles and Boston, two big-time teams with lots of money. In the CC Sabathia signing, the Los Angeles Dodgers were interested, but failed to put out a true offer to Sabathia, showing him that the Dodgers were truly interested. In the Mark Texeira signing, small payroll teams like the Nationals and the Orioles were interested, but Texeira was never interested in playing with poor teams.
Note (and I'll say it in Bold): Texeira didn't listen to Baltimore or Washington's offer not because the money was bad, but because he didn't want to be stuck in a losing team for 5-8 years.
And many MLB fans forget that the Yankees lost salaries from Jason Giambi, Carl Pavano, Andy Pettite, Bobby Abreu, and etc. Add that in plus a new stadium and the TV network ratings from YES network, you get a whole lot of cash. Even with the signings of the Three Amigos, the Yankees have a smaller payroll than last year.
Finally, it is absurd to think that the RedSox paid 50 million to Dice K to speak to him, but they are getting mad at the three signings the Yankees made? Give me a break!
To many small-teams, they should follow the example of the Tampa Bay Rays, who had a one-third of a payroll the Yankees had, and out-beat the Yankees and everyone else in the AL to the World Series. History has said that the teams with the big superstars doesn't translate into winning a championship.
I believe in a salary cap because it will level out the playing field for MLB. However, in all three signings the Yankees have made, there has never been a point where smaller teams were bullied by cash. Until that happens, that is the perfect time to have a salary cap. Many a whining and complaining that MLB needs to do something only because it is an reaction to what the "most hated" Yankees did.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Anything Can Happen on a Thursday Night
You never want to mess with sasquah; that's what I've learned from the commercials. But, you also never want to mess with teams or people on a thursday.
See, thursday night is a special time because everyone knows tomorrow you will wake up and it will be Friday - the last school day/work day of the week. After work/school, it's the weekend, and everyone is dying for that.
So when USC marched into Oregon to face off against the Oregon State Beavers, they should've been more careful. Because USC underestimated the fire the Beavers would bring to the game. No team wants to lose Thursday Night. Because if you lose, then your Fridays SUCK.
When USC headed north to face off against Oregon State, they thought it would be a walk in the park. A non-ranked AP Top 25 team who was 1-2 seemed like an easy Pac 10 win for #1 USC. Even though on the road, the Trojans were 20+ favorites to win. They must've felt confident because no #1 has ever lost on a Thursday Night. And yet, the Thursday Night ghosts were out to get the Trojans.
Much has been said about the Trojans' defense, and because of their dominance on the defensive side of the ball, they are ranked #1. But, this USC's D let up 343 yards along with 176 rushing yards, 11 more yards they gave up more than passing yards (167). Lyle Moevao completed 18 passes out of 28 attempts, had 167 yards and 2 TD's.
But the game ball had to go to Jacquizz Rodgers, the Beavers' freshman running back, who had 186 rushing yards along with 2 TD's. USC's Defense has not seen a running attack like this since Vince Young ran his way to a BCS Championship. Rodgers, like the rest of the Oregon State team, wanted to party on Friday night, and didn't want to lose on Thursday night. Which is why they were beating USC at halftime, 21-0.
This teaches a lesson to all the teams that are still undefeated: Do not play on Thursday night, but most importantly, play every game like it's an important game. This isn't College Basketball where a team can afford to have a couple of losses. With a couple of losses, a college football team wouldn't be in the Top 25 Polls. With one loss, a season could be over. Especially for USC, who doesn't play another Top 25 team that is currently positioned in the AP Top 25.
So, to especially Oklahoma, Georgia, LSU, Florida, Missouri, Texas, Alabama, Wisconsin, Texas Tech, BYU, Penn State, South Florida, Wake Forest, Utah, Boise State, Vanderbilt, and TCU: Don't get confident. Put this newspaper article on the bulletin board reminding every player what happened to USC this year, and last year when they lost to Stanford.
And, please, don't play on Thursday Night.
See, thursday night is a special time because everyone knows tomorrow you will wake up and it will be Friday - the last school day/work day of the week. After work/school, it's the weekend, and everyone is dying for that.
So when USC marched into Oregon to face off against the Oregon State Beavers, they should've been more careful. Because USC underestimated the fire the Beavers would bring to the game. No team wants to lose Thursday Night. Because if you lose, then your Fridays SUCK.
When USC headed north to face off against Oregon State, they thought it would be a walk in the park. A non-ranked AP Top 25 team who was 1-2 seemed like an easy Pac 10 win for #1 USC. Even though on the road, the Trojans were 20+ favorites to win. They must've felt confident because no #1 has ever lost on a Thursday Night. And yet, the Thursday Night ghosts were out to get the Trojans.
Much has been said about the Trojans' defense, and because of their dominance on the defensive side of the ball, they are ranked #1. But, this USC's D let up 343 yards along with 176 rushing yards, 11 more yards they gave up more than passing yards (167). Lyle Moevao completed 18 passes out of 28 attempts, had 167 yards and 2 TD's.
But the game ball had to go to Jacquizz Rodgers, the Beavers' freshman running back, who had 186 rushing yards along with 2 TD's. USC's Defense has not seen a running attack like this since Vince Young ran his way to a BCS Championship. Rodgers, like the rest of the Oregon State team, wanted to party on Friday night, and didn't want to lose on Thursday night. Which is why they were beating USC at halftime, 21-0.
This teaches a lesson to all the teams that are still undefeated: Do not play on Thursday night, but most importantly, play every game like it's an important game. This isn't College Basketball where a team can afford to have a couple of losses. With a couple of losses, a college football team wouldn't be in the Top 25 Polls. With one loss, a season could be over. Especially for USC, who doesn't play another Top 25 team that is currently positioned in the AP Top 25.
So, to especially Oklahoma, Georgia, LSU, Florida, Missouri, Texas, Alabama, Wisconsin, Texas Tech, BYU, Penn State, South Florida, Wake Forest, Utah, Boise State, Vanderbilt, and TCU: Don't get confident. Put this newspaper article on the bulletin board reminding every player what happened to USC this year, and last year when they lost to Stanford.
And, please, don't play on Thursday Night.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Week 3 of NFL - Can Some Teams Turn It Around?
For 10 teams, this week will determine whether all of those playoff hopes they had bundled up in the winter will come true. It's week three of the NFL, and to start 0-3 is not good. Not good at all. In the history of the NFL, a team is a dead man walking if they start a season 0-3. Making the playoffs, but starting 0-2 is possible. But the odds start becoming against you when you can't win your first three games of the season. This week, ten teams will play today 0-2. This could be a make it or break it for all of these teams. Let's look at the teams and see if they can turn it around.
Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks faced major blows with Nate Burleson out for the season. Now that Deion Branch isn't starting this week, Matt Hasselback will be having a tough time finding receivers down the field. Let's also not forget Bobby Engram, who is also out (shoulder). Key injuries are the reason why the Seahawks started the season 0-2. They lost their first game at Buffalo, who is looking good this year, but also lost to the 49ers at home, 33-30. They play St. Louis this week, and after a bye week, face off against the G-Men, where the Giants' D will show no mercy. The schedule doesn't get better; after that game, they play Green Bay. Donde16's Prediction: No, they will not turn it around.
San Diego Chargers: The Chargers are a different story than the Seahawks, and many other teams. They were predicted to be powerhouses, among others, in the AFC. However, with two heart-breaking losses one after the other, San Diego wants to bounce back and not end their season on week 3. The good news for the Chargers is that they play a very easy upcoming schedule: NY Jets at home, @ Oakland, and @ Miami, before playing New England at home on October 12. Donde16's Prediction: Yes, they will turn it around.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Although many believed the Jaguars would go to the Super Bowl, Jacksonville starts the season to a poor 0-2 record. The offensive stats have said it all and explain why they are 0-2. The main problem has been the riddled and injured offensive line. Their schedule? They play Indianapolis this week which could make or break the Jags season. After playing the Colts, the Jags play Houston and Pittsburgh at home, and then go on the road to face off Denver. If they Colts do beat the Jags, then the Jaguars will need to be perfect (more or less) to become that powerhouse everyone predicted them to be, and go deep into the playoffs. Donde16's Prediction: Yes, they will make the playoffs (Wild Card) but not go far
Cleveland Browns: After an incredible year last year with Braylon Edwards and Derek Anderson, the Browns look like the team they were two or three years ago. They start the season winless because of their poor offense: 31st in points, 30th in yards, 28th in pass yards, and 27th in rush yards. For the Browns to start a comeback, they need to get their offense rolling. Braylon Edwards has been silent, and needs to be the player he was last year in order for the Browns to be successful. The Browns schedule looks like this: @ Baltimore, @ Cincinnati, and after a bye week, play the Giants. However, down the stretch, the schedule becomes tough such as games like @ Jacksonville, at home against the Broncos, at home against the Colts, @ Philly, and @ Pit. Donde16's Prediction: No, they will not turn it around.
The season for most teams will come down on Sunday. Let's see how these 0-2 teams react on starting the season winless.
Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks faced major blows with Nate Burleson out for the season. Now that Deion Branch isn't starting this week, Matt Hasselback will be having a tough time finding receivers down the field. Let's also not forget Bobby Engram, who is also out (shoulder). Key injuries are the reason why the Seahawks started the season 0-2. They lost their first game at Buffalo, who is looking good this year, but also lost to the 49ers at home, 33-30. They play St. Louis this week, and after a bye week, face off against the G-Men, where the Giants' D will show no mercy. The schedule doesn't get better; after that game, they play Green Bay. Donde16's Prediction: No, they will not turn it around.
San Diego Chargers: The Chargers are a different story than the Seahawks, and many other teams. They were predicted to be powerhouses, among others, in the AFC. However, with two heart-breaking losses one after the other, San Diego wants to bounce back and not end their season on week 3. The good news for the Chargers is that they play a very easy upcoming schedule: NY Jets at home, @ Oakland, and @ Miami, before playing New England at home on October 12. Donde16's Prediction: Yes, they will turn it around.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Although many believed the Jaguars would go to the Super Bowl, Jacksonville starts the season to a poor 0-2 record. The offensive stats have said it all and explain why they are 0-2. The main problem has been the riddled and injured offensive line. Their schedule? They play Indianapolis this week which could make or break the Jags season. After playing the Colts, the Jags play Houston and Pittsburgh at home, and then go on the road to face off Denver. If they Colts do beat the Jags, then the Jaguars will need to be perfect (more or less) to become that powerhouse everyone predicted them to be, and go deep into the playoffs. Donde16's Prediction: Yes, they will make the playoffs (Wild Card) but not go far
Cleveland Browns: After an incredible year last year with Braylon Edwards and Derek Anderson, the Browns look like the team they were two or three years ago. They start the season winless because of their poor offense: 31st in points, 30th in yards, 28th in pass yards, and 27th in rush yards. For the Browns to start a comeback, they need to get their offense rolling. Braylon Edwards has been silent, and needs to be the player he was last year in order for the Browns to be successful. The Browns schedule looks like this: @ Baltimore, @ Cincinnati, and after a bye week, play the Giants. However, down the stretch, the schedule becomes tough such as games like @ Jacksonville, at home against the Broncos, at home against the Colts, @ Philly, and @ Pit. Donde16's Prediction: No, they will not turn it around.
The season for most teams will come down on Sunday. Let's see how these 0-2 teams react on starting the season winless.
Monday, September 1, 2008
The Race to a NL East Pennant Part 1
On June 18, the New York Mets were 35-36, 5.5 games back from the first place Phillies, and in fourth place. This was the day they fired Willie Randolph, and were looking to change the atmosphere of the clubhouse. Jerry Manuel was appointed the interim manager for this season, when many criticized Omar Minaya for firing Willie Randolph when the Mets traveled to Los Angeles to take on the Angels. Willie was told after the game, and had to fly back to New York.
Today, on September 1, things have changed. The Mets are now 76-61, in first place, and 1 game ahead of the "Phightin' Phils". Guys like Carlos Delgado and Mike Pelfrey turned it around in the second half of the season and are one reason why the Metropolitans are in first place. Johan Santana is now 12-7 with a 2.70 ERA, and Ryan Church has returned into the lineup after the concussion he received earlier in the season. Fernando Tatis has been one of the biggest pickups for Minaya this season, batting .293 with 11 homeruns and 43 RBI's.
However, the Mets have a problem that's bigger than Achilles' heel. Billy Wagner, their relying closer, has been out and the Mets are having trouble finding a replacement, and Aaron Heilman is not their solution because he makes every lefty hit well against him (.315 this season). Luis Ayala, who was picked up by Minaya after the trading deadline almost blew the game against the Marlins (when Beltran hit a grandslam in the top of the ninth) when he gave up 4 hits and 2 runs. Luckily, he got out of it.
I could go on and on about the Mets woes in the bullpen, but I'm not. Why: Because their is no qualified reliever to be the closer. Jerry Manuel will have to do this:
1. Mix and match relievers on their way to victory, and out-slug their bullpen problems
2. Find someone in the minors that can help this closer dilemma when the 40 man roster comes out.
The Mets have the starting pitching and the hitting to win games, and do well in the postseason. But they have to do well in every inning, not just 7. It puts the pressure on the starters to go deep into the game because they don't want a catastrophe in the 8th inning. Defense may win championships, but you have to get it done in the late innings as well.
The Mets have a crucial week these next seven days that could help of hurt their playoff hopes. They play Milwaukee away for three games and then back at home against Philadelphia. They have to find a way to stop their bullpen woes because that might be the ultimate reason why the Mets are playing October baseball, or sitting on the couch watching their 40 inch plasma screens.
Today, on September 1, things have changed. The Mets are now 76-61, in first place, and 1 game ahead of the "Phightin' Phils". Guys like Carlos Delgado and Mike Pelfrey turned it around in the second half of the season and are one reason why the Metropolitans are in first place. Johan Santana is now 12-7 with a 2.70 ERA, and Ryan Church has returned into the lineup after the concussion he received earlier in the season. Fernando Tatis has been one of the biggest pickups for Minaya this season, batting .293 with 11 homeruns and 43 RBI's.
However, the Mets have a problem that's bigger than Achilles' heel. Billy Wagner, their relying closer, has been out and the Mets are having trouble finding a replacement, and Aaron Heilman is not their solution because he makes every lefty hit well against him (.315 this season). Luis Ayala, who was picked up by Minaya after the trading deadline almost blew the game against the Marlins (when Beltran hit a grandslam in the top of the ninth) when he gave up 4 hits and 2 runs. Luckily, he got out of it.
I could go on and on about the Mets woes in the bullpen, but I'm not. Why: Because their is no qualified reliever to be the closer. Jerry Manuel will have to do this:
1. Mix and match relievers on their way to victory, and out-slug their bullpen problems
2. Find someone in the minors that can help this closer dilemma when the 40 man roster comes out.
The Mets have the starting pitching and the hitting to win games, and do well in the postseason. But they have to do well in every inning, not just 7. It puts the pressure on the starters to go deep into the game because they don't want a catastrophe in the 8th inning. Defense may win championships, but you have to get it done in the late innings as well.
The Mets have a crucial week these next seven days that could help of hurt their playoff hopes. They play Milwaukee away for three games and then back at home against Philadelphia. They have to find a way to stop their bullpen woes because that might be the ultimate reason why the Mets are playing October baseball, or sitting on the couch watching their 40 inch plasma screens.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
The Integrity of the NBA
This is becoming a nightmare for David Stern. He didn't want to see the events unfolding like this. He didn't believe that there were multiple refs "rigging" games besides Tim Donaghy. If this happened, the integrity of professional basketball could be ruined for a long time.
Yesterday, Tim Donaghy said that the 2002 Western Conference Finals, which featured the Los Angeles Lakers and the Sacramento Kings, was rigged by the referees. The Los Angeles Lakers did come back and win both games 6 and 7 to go on to the NBA Finals, but shot an incredible 21 of 27 free throws only in the fourth quarter. The Kings? Only 7 of 9 in the fourth quarter alone. Many Kings' players spoke to ESPN.com, or other sources, and everyone said basically the same thing: "I knew there was something wrong with those two games, they just didn't feel right. We weren't given a chance to win."
Phil Jackson, the current Lakers' head coach, who was the head coach back in 2002 responded differently. "Was that after the fifth game, after we had the game stolen away from us after a bad call out of bounds and gave the ball back to Sacramento and they made a 3-point shot?" he said. "There's a lot of things going on in these games and they're suspicious, but I don't want to throw it back to there."
Now, there are many views to look at this epidemic. Tim Donaghy may be an unreliable source because he is trying to decrease his sentencing which will be decided in July, and whatever he can say can ultimately lower his sentence. However, let's say the allegations he said were true. How badly can this affect the NBA? This could ruin the reputation of the NBA for a long period of time.
Of course, there are conspiracy theories created constantly, whether there are allegations about it or not. It's just that this time, there are allegations about games being rigged. It is unfortunate that the referees, who have a responsibility to call as fair of a game as they can, are bribed to alter games for various reasons.
However, the worst situation will be if the NBA executives bribed or told the referees in the 2002 Western Conference Finals to alter the series so it goes to 7 games. This is the worst situation because it will show the non-stability the league has, and the reputation they will get out of this. If TV executives and NBA executives are doing this, then it creates a lot of questions and doubts about the league and most importantly, about professional basketball. I don't believe David Stern had a say in rigging the games, and I don't think anyone did. From what I have seen and heard right now, it's either Tim Donaghy saving his a** or playing the "cat and mouse" type of game.
To avoid this situation from ever happening again, I suggest to the NBA that they have a group of members and their job is to make sure that this "ref rigging scandal" never happens again. Also, the NBA should make it mandatory that the referees go to press conferences after the game, and if there are any questionable calls, they explain their side of the story and show the media and the fans why they made the call they did. This is the only way in my opinion, to make sure that this is not going on.
After starting to lose the "thug" image of the NBA, it looks like if this scandal turns out badly, the NBA might have a new reputation that will be even harder to lose.
*donde16*
Yesterday, Tim Donaghy said that the 2002 Western Conference Finals, which featured the Los Angeles Lakers and the Sacramento Kings, was rigged by the referees. The Los Angeles Lakers did come back and win both games 6 and 7 to go on to the NBA Finals, but shot an incredible 21 of 27 free throws only in the fourth quarter. The Kings? Only 7 of 9 in the fourth quarter alone. Many Kings' players spoke to ESPN.com, or other sources, and everyone said basically the same thing: "I knew there was something wrong with those two games, they just didn't feel right. We weren't given a chance to win."
Phil Jackson, the current Lakers' head coach, who was the head coach back in 2002 responded differently. "Was that after the fifth game, after we had the game stolen away from us after a bad call out of bounds and gave the ball back to Sacramento and they made a 3-point shot?" he said. "There's a lot of things going on in these games and they're suspicious, but I don't want to throw it back to there."
Now, there are many views to look at this epidemic. Tim Donaghy may be an unreliable source because he is trying to decrease his sentencing which will be decided in July, and whatever he can say can ultimately lower his sentence. However, let's say the allegations he said were true. How badly can this affect the NBA? This could ruin the reputation of the NBA for a long period of time.
Of course, there are conspiracy theories created constantly, whether there are allegations about it or not. It's just that this time, there are allegations about games being rigged. It is unfortunate that the referees, who have a responsibility to call as fair of a game as they can, are bribed to alter games for various reasons.
However, the worst situation will be if the NBA executives bribed or told the referees in the 2002 Western Conference Finals to alter the series so it goes to 7 games. This is the worst situation because it will show the non-stability the league has, and the reputation they will get out of this. If TV executives and NBA executives are doing this, then it creates a lot of questions and doubts about the league and most importantly, about professional basketball. I don't believe David Stern had a say in rigging the games, and I don't think anyone did. From what I have seen and heard right now, it's either Tim Donaghy saving his a** or playing the "cat and mouse" type of game.
To avoid this situation from ever happening again, I suggest to the NBA that they have a group of members and their job is to make sure that this "ref rigging scandal" never happens again. Also, the NBA should make it mandatory that the referees go to press conferences after the game, and if there are any questionable calls, they explain their side of the story and show the media and the fans why they made the call they did. This is the only way in my opinion, to make sure that this is not going on.
After starting to lose the "thug" image of the NBA, it looks like if this scandal turns out badly, the NBA might have a new reputation that will be even harder to lose.
*donde16*
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Dominance at the French Open
Dominant - Exercising the most influence or control. Synonyms: Rafael Nadal (at French Open).
There are many words to describe Rafael Nadal in the French Open. Dominant, Beastly, Unstoppable, Extremely good, and etc. Watching Nadal cruise in the French Open, he makes it look too easy. He coasted through all of his opponents and made Roger Federer look like he was playing a second-round opponent. John McEnroe said that if Nadal and Bjorn Borg played in their primes at the French Open, he believes that Nadal would beat Borg. "He's one of the best clay court tennis players I have ever seen", said McEnroe.
Nadal is now 28-0 with 4 titles in the French Open. He plays perfectly on the clay court, which constantly frustrates opponents because clay court is so different than the courts in the U.S Open, Australian Open, and at Wimbledon. Nadal is the reason why Federer doesn't win every single tournament because Federer can't match Nadal's ability on the clay court.
Exactly how good is he on clay court? Like I said above, he's 28-0 at the French Open, but this year, he didn't lose a single set this year. A SINGLE SET! He destroyed Federer 6-1, 6-3, 6-0, and at no time in my opinion, I thought that Nadal would lose to Federer. Nadal's poise at France is remarkable, and mentally, Nadal must have put a huge dent on Federer's armor. Want a better stat? Nadal is 41-0 in 5 set matches on clay courts. Beast, monster, just plain dominant.
Now, we can't crown Nadal as the best clay court tennis player YET. Bjorn Borg, Nadal's trainer ironically, has two more French Open titles than Nadal has. However, Nadal will equal that, and add a couple more titles to possibly become the greatest clay court player ever. Seeing Nadal have perfect topspin along with some flatballs, some nice slices, and constantly changing directions makes Nadal a champion on clay court.
Note to any students taking english exams: If you see the vocab word "dominance" on the exam, and forget the definition, just think of Rafael Nadal.
*donde16*
There are many words to describe Rafael Nadal in the French Open. Dominant, Beastly, Unstoppable, Extremely good, and etc. Watching Nadal cruise in the French Open, he makes it look too easy. He coasted through all of his opponents and made Roger Federer look like he was playing a second-round opponent. John McEnroe said that if Nadal and Bjorn Borg played in their primes at the French Open, he believes that Nadal would beat Borg. "He's one of the best clay court tennis players I have ever seen", said McEnroe.
Nadal is now 28-0 with 4 titles in the French Open. He plays perfectly on the clay court, which constantly frustrates opponents because clay court is so different than the courts in the U.S Open, Australian Open, and at Wimbledon. Nadal is the reason why Federer doesn't win every single tournament because Federer can't match Nadal's ability on the clay court.
Exactly how good is he on clay court? Like I said above, he's 28-0 at the French Open, but this year, he didn't lose a single set this year. A SINGLE SET! He destroyed Federer 6-1, 6-3, 6-0, and at no time in my opinion, I thought that Nadal would lose to Federer. Nadal's poise at France is remarkable, and mentally, Nadal must have put a huge dent on Federer's armor. Want a better stat? Nadal is 41-0 in 5 set matches on clay courts. Beast, monster, just plain dominant.
Now, we can't crown Nadal as the best clay court tennis player YET. Bjorn Borg, Nadal's trainer ironically, has two more French Open titles than Nadal has. However, Nadal will equal that, and add a couple more titles to possibly become the greatest clay court player ever. Seeing Nadal have perfect topspin along with some flatballs, some nice slices, and constantly changing directions makes Nadal a champion on clay court.
Note to any students taking english exams: If you see the vocab word "dominance" on the exam, and forget the definition, just think of Rafael Nadal.
*donde16*
Friday, June 6, 2008
Pierce's Knee, A Bit Exaggerated?
Last night in the Celtics-Lakers game, Paul Pierce was the hero that sparked the Celtics to comeback and beat the Lakers in the first game of the NBA Finals. After crashing into Kendrick Perkins, Paul Pierce was on the floor in "terrible pain". In that instant moment, millions thought that the series was over: with Paul Pierce put in a wheelchair in so much pain meant only one thing - Lakers winning 2008 NBA Finals. Many thought it was over.
But was it? A minute and a half later (5 minutes in "real life"), Paul Pierce came sprinting out and ready to sub into the game. Celtics fans were going crazy: they weren't going to lose the Finals after all. With Pierce back, he was 5 for 5, with 15 points in the third quarter. He brought the energy back to the Celtics team, and was the big reason why the Celtics won game 1, 98-88.
Comeon, this was a bit exaggerated to say the least. Jalen Rose put it best, "I've seen only two players taken off the court in a wheelchair: Dwayne Wade, when he dislocated his shoulder, and now Paul Pierce." Funny how Wade had season-ending surgery. Pierce? He was out 300 seconds.
Don't give me the bull, and say, "Sometimes people can believe that an injury is worse and start freaking out." Ok, but Paul Pierce didn't need to be carried out on a stretcher. Alonzo Mourning was carried off by two teammates after tearing his ACL. So, Paul Pierce had to be taken out on a wheelchair? He couldn't put even the slightest of pressure on it? If he couldn't put any pressure on his knee, then why was he out for only 300 seconds?
Comeon, Paul Pierce. Choose one or the other: Be in complete pain and get taken out in a wheelchair, or walk if off and don't make a fool out of yourself and arrive 5 minutes later. You weren't even limping when you RAN out from the tunnel ready to play again.
I wish the Oscars had fan voting. My write-in: Paul Pierce.
*donde16*
But was it? A minute and a half later (5 minutes in "real life"), Paul Pierce came sprinting out and ready to sub into the game. Celtics fans were going crazy: they weren't going to lose the Finals after all. With Pierce back, he was 5 for 5, with 15 points in the third quarter. He brought the energy back to the Celtics team, and was the big reason why the Celtics won game 1, 98-88.
Comeon, this was a bit exaggerated to say the least. Jalen Rose put it best, "I've seen only two players taken off the court in a wheelchair: Dwayne Wade, when he dislocated his shoulder, and now Paul Pierce." Funny how Wade had season-ending surgery. Pierce? He was out 300 seconds.
Don't give me the bull, and say, "Sometimes people can believe that an injury is worse and start freaking out." Ok, but Paul Pierce didn't need to be carried out on a stretcher. Alonzo Mourning was carried off by two teammates after tearing his ACL. So, Paul Pierce had to be taken out on a wheelchair? He couldn't put even the slightest of pressure on it? If he couldn't put any pressure on his knee, then why was he out for only 300 seconds?
Comeon, Paul Pierce. Choose one or the other: Be in complete pain and get taken out in a wheelchair, or walk if off and don't make a fool out of yourself and arrive 5 minutes later. You weren't even limping when you RAN out from the tunnel ready to play again.
I wish the Oscars had fan voting. My write-in: Paul Pierce.
*donde16*
Monday, June 2, 2008
My Turn - Celtics vs. Lakers, The Best Matchup
Many fans have walked away from the NBA because "it has become a thug sport" and "it's not as exciting to watch compared to college basketball". But right now, the NBA is shedding that "thug" image bringing exciting players to the sport. So many young point guards coming into the league that bring so much excitement: Chris Paul and Deron Williams and many can agree that it has been an exciting playoffs.
But to end it, to put the cherry on the top of the ice-cream, the NBA Finals will be amazing. Lakers vs. Celtics. Brings back so many memories of Magic-Bird going at it constantly, and ruled the NBA Finals along with Jordan back in the 80's. This is what every fan wanted: to see the past reunite along with the present. Everyone will be watching Kobe, Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen. The tv ratings will go off the charts, because no one will want to miss this. So many questions: How will the Celtics stop Kobe, the MVP? How will Kevin Garnett, Pierce, and Ray Allen perform? Writing about it right now gets me pumped up because four of the best players in the league are in this game.
Seeing the incredible Kobe, who is so clutch that many of the time, he flashes moments of Jordan, and lives for the clutch. He comes alive in the second half of every game in the playoffs. Then you have Kevin Garnett, who brings so much effort and energy to every game. Here comes Paul Pierce, the captain of the team, and when you need a big point, let Paul Pierce take over. But don't forget the other person of the trio: Ray Allen. Don't leave him alone because he's a monster at threes, and can change the entire game with a clutch three.
This is so important for the league. Although the playoffs were fun, this is what matchup the NBA had to have. Think of the tv ratings with the boring Spurs and the Pistons in the NBA Finals. Every person that I have talked to is excited about the Finals, and none of them live in Boston or Los Angeles. How can you not watch this series, and reunite the past and the present as one once again.
This one is tough: Lakers in 7. But don't be a fool, watch the series, this series will be talked about for a long time. Let's hope it does live to the hype and it is not a sweep. That's the last thing everyone wants to see.
*donde16*
But to end it, to put the cherry on the top of the ice-cream, the NBA Finals will be amazing. Lakers vs. Celtics. Brings back so many memories of Magic-Bird going at it constantly, and ruled the NBA Finals along with Jordan back in the 80's. This is what every fan wanted: to see the past reunite along with the present. Everyone will be watching Kobe, Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen. The tv ratings will go off the charts, because no one will want to miss this. So many questions: How will the Celtics stop Kobe, the MVP? How will Kevin Garnett, Pierce, and Ray Allen perform? Writing about it right now gets me pumped up because four of the best players in the league are in this game.
Seeing the incredible Kobe, who is so clutch that many of the time, he flashes moments of Jordan, and lives for the clutch. He comes alive in the second half of every game in the playoffs. Then you have Kevin Garnett, who brings so much effort and energy to every game. Here comes Paul Pierce, the captain of the team, and when you need a big point, let Paul Pierce take over. But don't forget the other person of the trio: Ray Allen. Don't leave him alone because he's a monster at threes, and can change the entire game with a clutch three.
This is so important for the league. Although the playoffs were fun, this is what matchup the NBA had to have. Think of the tv ratings with the boring Spurs and the Pistons in the NBA Finals. Every person that I have talked to is excited about the Finals, and none of them live in Boston or Los Angeles. How can you not watch this series, and reunite the past and the present as one once again.
This one is tough: Lakers in 7. But don't be a fool, watch the series, this series will be talked about for a long time. Let's hope it does live to the hype and it is not a sweep. That's the last thing everyone wants to see.
*donde16*
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