Saturday, June 26, 2004
GET BENT
Hello, all. It is good to have the chance to blog once again, this time from the spacious public library in Bend, Oregon.
And yes, it looks like a lot of crap has gone on since I left, and I don't know if it's overzealousness or what, but I went straight to Sports and B's as soon as I got on the 'puter here to update myself and see how everything's going. You're doing a great job, Jeremy.
Field camp...well, I'm getting a solid C as of right now, and I don't know which way that's gonig to go after they grade the crap I turned in last night. It's hard to really concentrate and make sure everything is right on the maps/explanations when you're getting the carrot of "day off tomorrow" dangled in front of your face.
Field camp is pretty blazing. It can get hot outside. Luckily, if you have one of those 3-liter Camelbak-type of things, you'll be hydrated. Of course, you will also be carrying the weight of three liters of water along with the rest of your stuff. Oh yeah, I lost my rock hammer in the field yesterday. It will be missed, but not really that much.
There is nothing in Mitchell, Oregon. Bend is a little different, but if you happened to copy some main streets out of a phone book at night and then try to find some sports bars around 11pm and don't know where the hell you're going, well, you end up driving around for a while. For the record, I slept in my car at a corner of a movie theater parking lot on 27th Street. Then I got a map and located those bars, once of which I'll try to head to right now and hope there's a game on Fox or something. There's a place called Cheerleaders on 3rd and there's a place called Bleachers, but it's inside the Lava Lanes on the south flank of Pilot Butte. I'll let you know how that goes. So, Fox game right now, Mariner game tonight. Hope that goes all right.
Maybe I'll even get around to doing my laundry over here.
Getting back into field camp around 11:30 tonight? Why the hell not? I haven't seen a TV since I left home, and this is the first time I've gotten to a computer since I got home.
I've used almost the whole hour of temporary internet time here at the library, so I'd better head off. Unfortunately, I spent most of the time blowing junk mail out of my accounts and reading the very blog you're reading right now. This of course means I'm going through "other blogs" withdrawal. Sad. Maybe next week.
I hope y'all are doing fine out there. Whether I'm doing fine over this six-week span will depend solely on my final grade.
Oh, by the way, late at night back at camp, you can get KJR fading in and out of the airwaves, and that's the only reason I know this...
No, the Mariners did NOT get Carlos Beltran, and YES, a division rival just got stronger. Artie Rhodes just couldn't get it done.
Seeya in a week, y'all. Of course, I won't be back permanently for another month or so, and that time can't pass soon enough.
Cheers...
And yes, it looks like a lot of crap has gone on since I left, and I don't know if it's overzealousness or what, but I went straight to Sports and B's as soon as I got on the 'puter here to update myself and see how everything's going. You're doing a great job, Jeremy.
Field camp...well, I'm getting a solid C as of right now, and I don't know which way that's gonig to go after they grade the crap I turned in last night. It's hard to really concentrate and make sure everything is right on the maps/explanations when you're getting the carrot of "day off tomorrow" dangled in front of your face.
Field camp is pretty blazing. It can get hot outside. Luckily, if you have one of those 3-liter Camelbak-type of things, you'll be hydrated. Of course, you will also be carrying the weight of three liters of water along with the rest of your stuff. Oh yeah, I lost my rock hammer in the field yesterday. It will be missed, but not really that much.
There is nothing in Mitchell, Oregon. Bend is a little different, but if you happened to copy some main streets out of a phone book at night and then try to find some sports bars around 11pm and don't know where the hell you're going, well, you end up driving around for a while. For the record, I slept in my car at a corner of a movie theater parking lot on 27th Street. Then I got a map and located those bars, once of which I'll try to head to right now and hope there's a game on Fox or something. There's a place called Cheerleaders on 3rd and there's a place called Bleachers, but it's inside the Lava Lanes on the south flank of Pilot Butte. I'll let you know how that goes. So, Fox game right now, Mariner game tonight. Hope that goes all right.
Maybe I'll even get around to doing my laundry over here.
Getting back into field camp around 11:30 tonight? Why the hell not? I haven't seen a TV since I left home, and this is the first time I've gotten to a computer since I got home.
I've used almost the whole hour of temporary internet time here at the library, so I'd better head off. Unfortunately, I spent most of the time blowing junk mail out of my accounts and reading the very blog you're reading right now. This of course means I'm going through "other blogs" withdrawal. Sad. Maybe next week.
I hope y'all are doing fine out there. Whether I'm doing fine over this six-week span will depend solely on my final grade.
Oh, by the way, late at night back at camp, you can get KJR fading in and out of the airwaves, and that's the only reason I know this...
No, the Mariners did NOT get Carlos Beltran, and YES, a division rival just got stronger. Artie Rhodes just couldn't get it done.
Seeya in a week, y'all. Of course, I won't be back permanently for another month or so, and that time can't pass soon enough.
Cheers...
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WHAT THE HELL?
Gil Meche for Brandon Inge?
In other Seattle sports news, Seahawks training camp begins August 2.
In other Seattle sports news, Seahawks training camp begins August 2.
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Friday, June 25, 2004
HIGH COMEDY
IT JUST CONTINUES, MY OH MY!!!
Pinch runner Hiram Bocachica on 2nd.
Edgar Martinez pinch hitting for Dan Wilson
Ground ball to Mark Loretta at 2nd, but Edgar gets on safely.
BUT WHAT IS THIS?
Bocachica is rounding 3rd and all of a sudden, he falls down.
Gets tagged out at 3rd...
BALLGAME!
I don't need to go to a comedy club, I get my laughter from the 2004 Seattle Mariners. That's all you can do at this point. Just laugh at this trainwreck of a ballclub.
BTW, the Mariners are 0-4 since Howard Lincoln came up with this GOTY:
"We could quite possibly get back in the race. And we could quite possibly not get back in the race."
BRILLIANT!
I'm sorry, Freddy. Go explore the studio space. Really explore the studio space.
Pinch runner Hiram Bocachica on 2nd.
Edgar Martinez pinch hitting for Dan Wilson
Ground ball to Mark Loretta at 2nd, but Edgar gets on safely.
BUT WHAT IS THIS?
Bocachica is rounding 3rd and all of a sudden, he falls down.
Gets tagged out at 3rd...
BALLGAME!
I don't need to go to a comedy club, I get my laughter from the 2004 Seattle Mariners. That's all you can do at this point. Just laugh at this trainwreck of a ballclub.
BTW, the Mariners are 0-4 since Howard Lincoln came up with this GOTY:
"We could quite possibly get back in the race. And we could quite possibly not get back in the race."
BRILLIANT!
I'm sorry, Freddy. Go explore the studio space. Really explore the studio space.
/ Click for main page
KNOW WHEN TO FOLD EM'
Yesterday, the Rangers pitching staff (8 pitchers) threw 300 pitches against the Mariners in 18 innings.
Tonight?
The Rangers defeat the Astros 3-1.
But that's not the story.
Moved up in the rotation by Rangers manager Buck Showalter, Kenny Rogers pitches a complete game, saving the depleted bullpen. He only allows 3 hits on just 90 pitches. 90 pitches compared to yesterday's 300.
Simply stunning.
BTW, Freddy Garcia was moved up by Bob Melvin tonight and guess what?
He's down 3-0 to the Padres in the 4th inning. Of course, this game is doomed from the start, considering that RICH AURILIA is hitting in the 3-hole. Unreal.
And Ron Villone will get the start tomorrow evening.
I have nothing else to say.
Tonight?
The Rangers defeat the Astros 3-1.
But that's not the story.
Moved up in the rotation by Rangers manager Buck Showalter, Kenny Rogers pitches a complete game, saving the depleted bullpen. He only allows 3 hits on just 90 pitches. 90 pitches compared to yesterday's 300.
Simply stunning.
BTW, Freddy Garcia was moved up by Bob Melvin tonight and guess what?
He's down 3-0 to the Padres in the 4th inning. Of course, this game is doomed from the start, considering that RICH AURILIA is hitting in the 3-hole. Unreal.
And Ron Villone will get the start tomorrow evening.
I have nothing else to say.
/ Click for main page
SIMMONS 2004 NBA DRAFT DIARY
I'm a little late with this, I realize that. But here it is, the 2004 edition of the Bill Simmons NBA Draft Diary.
7:35 -- Just realized that I'm writing a column about a telecast that involves Dick Vitale, Stu Scott, Tom Tolbert and Stephen A. Smith ... and all of them are off-limits.
For the 567th time, I miss TNT's coverage of the NBA Draft.
7:37 --The Magic are on the clock with the first pick. If they're smart, they take Emeka Okafor. If they're dumb, they take Howard. It's that simple.
7:39 -- They go with Howard. Of course they do. He's the third high schooler taken overall in the past four years, as well as the first top pick with braces since Pervis Ellison. Not a good sign. "Praise the Lord!" screams Dwight Howard Sr., who didn't realize that the Lord had Okafor going first in his mock draft.
7:42 -- I was just typing feverishly . . . I swear somebody just said the word "marginable." More importantly, do you realize that the Clippers traded out of the No. 2 spot when there was a future All-Star center that could have been sitting there, just to pick up a second-rounder and dump a salary? Imagine being a Clippers fan? Having Elgin Baylor run your team must be like getting in the car with my mom at night, when she's careening off curbs and saying things like, "I can't believe how bad my eyes have gotten" and "We shouldn't have ordered that bottle of wine." Just constant fear.
7:45 -- Charlotte can't take Okafor fast enough. Seriously, I'm not sure they even started the clock. They borrowed Dwight Howard's car and raced to the podium at 160 mph.
Dwight Howard may be a future superstar in the NBA. But Emeka Okafor is a shotblocking machine. He's also a winner. The Charlotte fans will enjoy Okafor. I just hope Bernie Bickerstaff doesn't ruin him.
7:53 -- When it comes right down to it, there isn't a more secretly exciting phrase in sports than "The Clippers are on the clock." That's right up there with, "I'm here with Mike Tyson" and "Have you seen these pictures of Latrell Sprewell on his yacht?"
My reaction for the phrase "The Clippers are on the clock."?
"They will (screw) this up again."
8:06 -- With the Hawks on the clock, ESPN cuts to Atlanta and shows all seven Hawks season-ticket holders watching the draft on the Jumbotron. All right, I made that up. They end up taking Josh Childress and his mushroom cloud 'fro. I was already on the fence about Childress, but Tirico just compared him to the other great California players in recent years ... then named the O'Bannon brothers and Jason Kapono. Bust alert! Bust alert!
Josh Childress was an extra on the cast of "Fame", but has been reincarnated as a basketball player. Can we please get the Hawks PA crew to play Irene Cara's "Fame" for Childress when he makes a big shot? FAME!
REMEMBER! REMEMBER! REMEMBER!
Unfortunately, the Hawks fans won't remember Childress. Hell, there are only 12 Hawks fan in the Union right now. The other 27 fans who show up at Hawks games are just there for the postgame concert.
Too bad that we don't have a white guy in the NBA who resembles Paul McCray's Montgomery MacNeil. Although I may not be looking hard enough for that particular player.
8:11 -- Luol Deng goes seventh to the Suns, who are trading him to the Bulls right after the draft, but he has to wear a Suns hat for now. You figure it out. Another nice move by the Bulls: Two proven commodities now in Gordon and Deng. As far as GM's go, John Paxson has emerged as the Patrick Swayze to his brother's Don Swayze.
JUST A FOOL TO BELIEVE, SHE'S LIKE THE WIND!!!!!!!
Can I just go on record and say that Patrick Swayze's 1987 hit "She's Like The Wind" is the most unexplainable event in music history? Thanks.
8:23 -- Andre Igoudala goes ninth to Philly, then hugs someone wearing an African tribal gown in his entourage. That almost made up for the lack of ridiculous suits tonight. By the way, between Andre Igoudala and Luol Deng, my Dad has a "Whatever happened to the days of Joe Smith and Dale Ellis?" look on his face right now.
See Michael Dickerson. See Miles Simon. See Loren Woods.
SCORE ONE FOR LUTE'S OVERRATED ARIZONA WILDCATS!!! BEAR DOWN!!!
8:29 -- The Cavs take Luke Jackson, who didn't bother coming to the draft. Andy Katz reports that Jackson "just felt more comfortable watching it at home." Oh. He promises to show up for the season though. Meanwhile, we're anxiously awaiting ESPN's thumbnail sketch for each pick, especially the "Favorite class" and "Must Improve" categories. It's not every day that you can find out things like "Shaun Livingston likes trigonometry." Too bad Jackson didn't get a "Must Improve: Giving a crap."
James. Jackson. MONEY.
Cleveland only had one pick in this year's draft. But they had the best draft. Luke Jackson can play, folks.
The Cavaliers will be in the playoffs in 2004-2005, book this right now.
8:43 -- Thank God ... the Sonics just took Robert Swift, the high school center who looks like a cross between Fred Weis and Eric Montross. Of course, the Celtics loved him. Talk about dodging a bullet. Any time someone is avoiding workouts, all-star games, even interviews ... is this ever a good sign? Now he gets to be tutored by the likes of Jerome James, Vitaly Potapenko and Cal Booth. Can somebody have "downside"?
Robert Swift is the second coming of Jim McIllvaine.
I could have sworn I saw Swift in the 1995 film "Angus" as the dorky little redhead friend of Angus. Damn, he got tall. REALLY TALL.
"Angus" was good for one thing. Green Day's "J.A.R." (Jason Andrew Relva)
8:46 -- Here's a doozy: Portland takes Sebastian Telfair and his 100-person entourage at No. 13. Unbelievable. Horrendous pick. I'm speechless. ESPN smartly cuts to Jameer Nelson, a mortal lock for the Jumaine Jones Memorial "Last Guy Left In The Green Room" Award.
Unreal.
8:57 -- Boston takes ... high schooler Al Jefferson. Good pick. Other than Kirk Snyder, he was the best guy on the board, and we didn't need Snyder. Dad and I exchange nods of approval. "I'm surprised he lasted this long" says Bilas, adding that he's "relentless" and has "upside." I think we're about two years away from somebody creating an NBA Draft Cliché Karaoke Machine.
I thought Al Jefferson was going to be a Sonic. But they instead drafted the dorky redhead kid from "Angus". Big shock.
Jefferson had signed a letter of intent to play at Arkansas. Some Razorbacks fans despise him for entering the NBA instead of playing in Fayetteville. Deal with it, Hog fans.
The kid has the right to do what he wants to do. Hell, I wouldn't turn down first round money. It's not like Arkansas is going to the Final Four in 2005 anyway.
Stu: "Your nickname is J-Smoove ... would you like to smoothly toss it back to Mike now?"
Josh Smith (monotone, deer in the headlights): "Hey Mike, back to you."
(That was the TiVo moment of the night. Hands down.)
Yes, as good as this moment was, it wouldn't rank in TNT's Top 10 Draft Moments. Not even close.
9:11 -- Yet another classic moment: Vitale was zoning out, not realizing he was on camera until somebody alerted him, so he jolted upright and transformed into his "Dickie V." persona in about 0.0000003 seconds. That was amazing. Somebody must have accidentally unplugged him.
Mike Tirico basically told Dick Vitale to STFU. I wish ESPN would tell Tirico to do that, permanently.
Vitale was harping on the fact that this was a "devolopmental draft". Tirico, after every Vitale session, kept reminding us that we have plenty of time to talk about college basketball. Tirico has no business hosting an event like the NBA Draft. Again, TNT SHOULD BE COVERING THE NBA DRAFT!!!
9:28 -- Denver tabs Jameer Nelson as the crowd explodes. They already have Andre Miller and Earl Boykins, so he's obviously getting traded. Of course, four full minutes pass before someone (David Aldridge) mentions this possibility on the show. That prompts Jacko to say, "I think every draft, no matter what the sport, should have Mel Kiper Jr. in it." Me, too.
I'm not a Mel Kiper, Jr. fan, but he would have made ESPN's coverage better than it was. Hell, he wouldn't have to try very hard. If it meant that he would replace Stephen A. Smith, then by all means make this happen for future years.
9:43 -- You know, if the Celtics don't take Delonte West with one of these next two picks, I'm driving to the FleetCenter with a bomb strapped to my chest. Just wanted to get that heard before the jury.
9:46 -- Yes! Boston takes Delonte West! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Something good happened! He's good! I know he's good! I watched him all year! He's a more unselfish version of Cuttino Mobley! I have an opinion! Woo-hoo! I have an opinion!
Hey Bill, go caress your two Super Bowl t-shirts. I don't want to hear it.
This is the moment of the post where I remind everybody that my teams have never won. (The Blazers won the title in 1977, but I was not born yet.)
9:58 -- Sacramento takes Kevin Martin at No. 26. "Never heard of this guy," dad hisses. He's tired and grumpy.
I've heard of Martin. He scored 33 points in Western Carolina's 62-59 overtime victory at Arkansas last December. He's going to be in the league for awhile, I guarantee it.
He could be the Derek Fisher of this draft.
Go Catamounts!
Final reflections? Just some quickies. We heard the word "wingspan" more times than "upside" (7 to 6). We heard four new made-up draft terms: "ball-friendly," "logician," "explosion ability" and "blowbyablity." There were nearly as many high schoolers (8) and foreigners (9) taken as college players (12). Only three teams blatantly screwed up: The Clippers, Raptors and Blazers. Only one team dramatically improved (the Bulls). The Bobcats launched their franchise. My favorite sleeper actually ended up on the Celtics, which never happens. Best of all, I made up for last summer with my dad, even if it nearly bankrupted me in the process.
Best pick: Cleveland picking Luke Jackson at #10
Worst pick: Seattle picking Robert Swift at #12
Who will be better, Howard or Okafor?: Okafor
Simmons is back.
Thank God.
7:35 -- Just realized that I'm writing a column about a telecast that involves Dick Vitale, Stu Scott, Tom Tolbert and Stephen A. Smith ... and all of them are off-limits.
For the 567th time, I miss TNT's coverage of the NBA Draft.
7:37 --The Magic are on the clock with the first pick. If they're smart, they take Emeka Okafor. If they're dumb, they take Howard. It's that simple.
7:39 -- They go with Howard. Of course they do. He's the third high schooler taken overall in the past four years, as well as the first top pick with braces since Pervis Ellison. Not a good sign. "Praise the Lord!" screams Dwight Howard Sr., who didn't realize that the Lord had Okafor going first in his mock draft.
7:42 -- I was just typing feverishly . . . I swear somebody just said the word "marginable." More importantly, do you realize that the Clippers traded out of the No. 2 spot when there was a future All-Star center that could have been sitting there, just to pick up a second-rounder and dump a salary? Imagine being a Clippers fan? Having Elgin Baylor run your team must be like getting in the car with my mom at night, when she's careening off curbs and saying things like, "I can't believe how bad my eyes have gotten" and "We shouldn't have ordered that bottle of wine." Just constant fear.
7:45 -- Charlotte can't take Okafor fast enough. Seriously, I'm not sure they even started the clock. They borrowed Dwight Howard's car and raced to the podium at 160 mph.
Dwight Howard may be a future superstar in the NBA. But Emeka Okafor is a shotblocking machine. He's also a winner. The Charlotte fans will enjoy Okafor. I just hope Bernie Bickerstaff doesn't ruin him.
7:53 -- When it comes right down to it, there isn't a more secretly exciting phrase in sports than "The Clippers are on the clock." That's right up there with, "I'm here with Mike Tyson" and "Have you seen these pictures of Latrell Sprewell on his yacht?"
My reaction for the phrase "The Clippers are on the clock."?
"They will (screw) this up again."
8:06 -- With the Hawks on the clock, ESPN cuts to Atlanta and shows all seven Hawks season-ticket holders watching the draft on the Jumbotron. All right, I made that up. They end up taking Josh Childress and his mushroom cloud 'fro. I was already on the fence about Childress, but Tirico just compared him to the other great California players in recent years ... then named the O'Bannon brothers and Jason Kapono. Bust alert! Bust alert!
Josh Childress was an extra on the cast of "Fame", but has been reincarnated as a basketball player. Can we please get the Hawks PA crew to play Irene Cara's "Fame" for Childress when he makes a big shot? FAME!
REMEMBER! REMEMBER! REMEMBER!
Unfortunately, the Hawks fans won't remember Childress. Hell, there are only 12 Hawks fan in the Union right now. The other 27 fans who show up at Hawks games are just there for the postgame concert.
Too bad that we don't have a white guy in the NBA who resembles Paul McCray's Montgomery MacNeil. Although I may not be looking hard enough for that particular player.
8:11 -- Luol Deng goes seventh to the Suns, who are trading him to the Bulls right after the draft, but he has to wear a Suns hat for now. You figure it out. Another nice move by the Bulls: Two proven commodities now in Gordon and Deng. As far as GM's go, John Paxson has emerged as the Patrick Swayze to his brother's Don Swayze.
JUST A FOOL TO BELIEVE, SHE'S LIKE THE WIND!!!!!!!
Can I just go on record and say that Patrick Swayze's 1987 hit "She's Like The Wind" is the most unexplainable event in music history? Thanks.
8:23 -- Andre Igoudala goes ninth to Philly, then hugs someone wearing an African tribal gown in his entourage. That almost made up for the lack of ridiculous suits tonight. By the way, between Andre Igoudala and Luol Deng, my Dad has a "Whatever happened to the days of Joe Smith and Dale Ellis?" look on his face right now.
See Michael Dickerson. See Miles Simon. See Loren Woods.
SCORE ONE FOR LUTE'S OVERRATED ARIZONA WILDCATS!!! BEAR DOWN!!!
8:29 -- The Cavs take Luke Jackson, who didn't bother coming to the draft. Andy Katz reports that Jackson "just felt more comfortable watching it at home." Oh. He promises to show up for the season though. Meanwhile, we're anxiously awaiting ESPN's thumbnail sketch for each pick, especially the "Favorite class" and "Must Improve" categories. It's not every day that you can find out things like "Shaun Livingston likes trigonometry." Too bad Jackson didn't get a "Must Improve: Giving a crap."
James. Jackson. MONEY.
Cleveland only had one pick in this year's draft. But they had the best draft. Luke Jackson can play, folks.
The Cavaliers will be in the playoffs in 2004-2005, book this right now.
8:43 -- Thank God ... the Sonics just took Robert Swift, the high school center who looks like a cross between Fred Weis and Eric Montross. Of course, the Celtics loved him. Talk about dodging a bullet. Any time someone is avoiding workouts, all-star games, even interviews ... is this ever a good sign? Now he gets to be tutored by the likes of Jerome James, Vitaly Potapenko and Cal Booth. Can somebody have "downside"?
Robert Swift is the second coming of Jim McIllvaine.
I could have sworn I saw Swift in the 1995 film "Angus" as the dorky little redhead friend of Angus. Damn, he got tall. REALLY TALL.
"Angus" was good for one thing. Green Day's "J.A.R." (Jason Andrew Relva)
8:46 -- Here's a doozy: Portland takes Sebastian Telfair and his 100-person entourage at No. 13. Unbelievable. Horrendous pick. I'm speechless. ESPN smartly cuts to Jameer Nelson, a mortal lock for the Jumaine Jones Memorial "Last Guy Left In The Green Room" Award.
Unreal.
8:57 -- Boston takes ... high schooler Al Jefferson. Good pick. Other than Kirk Snyder, he was the best guy on the board, and we didn't need Snyder. Dad and I exchange nods of approval. "I'm surprised he lasted this long" says Bilas, adding that he's "relentless" and has "upside." I think we're about two years away from somebody creating an NBA Draft Cliché Karaoke Machine.
I thought Al Jefferson was going to be a Sonic. But they instead drafted the dorky redhead kid from "Angus". Big shock.
Jefferson had signed a letter of intent to play at Arkansas. Some Razorbacks fans despise him for entering the NBA instead of playing in Fayetteville. Deal with it, Hog fans.
The kid has the right to do what he wants to do. Hell, I wouldn't turn down first round money. It's not like Arkansas is going to the Final Four in 2005 anyway.
Stu: "Your nickname is J-Smoove ... would you like to smoothly toss it back to Mike now?"
Josh Smith (monotone, deer in the headlights): "Hey Mike, back to you."
(That was the TiVo moment of the night. Hands down.)
Yes, as good as this moment was, it wouldn't rank in TNT's Top 10 Draft Moments. Not even close.
9:11 -- Yet another classic moment: Vitale was zoning out, not realizing he was on camera until somebody alerted him, so he jolted upright and transformed into his "Dickie V." persona in about 0.0000003 seconds. That was amazing. Somebody must have accidentally unplugged him.
Mike Tirico basically told Dick Vitale to STFU. I wish ESPN would tell Tirico to do that, permanently.
Vitale was harping on the fact that this was a "devolopmental draft". Tirico, after every Vitale session, kept reminding us that we have plenty of time to talk about college basketball. Tirico has no business hosting an event like the NBA Draft. Again, TNT SHOULD BE COVERING THE NBA DRAFT!!!
9:28 -- Denver tabs Jameer Nelson as the crowd explodes. They already have Andre Miller and Earl Boykins, so he's obviously getting traded. Of course, four full minutes pass before someone (David Aldridge) mentions this possibility on the show. That prompts Jacko to say, "I think every draft, no matter what the sport, should have Mel Kiper Jr. in it." Me, too.
I'm not a Mel Kiper, Jr. fan, but he would have made ESPN's coverage better than it was. Hell, he wouldn't have to try very hard. If it meant that he would replace Stephen A. Smith, then by all means make this happen for future years.
9:43 -- You know, if the Celtics don't take Delonte West with one of these next two picks, I'm driving to the FleetCenter with a bomb strapped to my chest. Just wanted to get that heard before the jury.
9:46 -- Yes! Boston takes Delonte West! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Something good happened! He's good! I know he's good! I watched him all year! He's a more unselfish version of Cuttino Mobley! I have an opinion! Woo-hoo! I have an opinion!
Hey Bill, go caress your two Super Bowl t-shirts. I don't want to hear it.
This is the moment of the post where I remind everybody that my teams have never won. (The Blazers won the title in 1977, but I was not born yet.)
9:58 -- Sacramento takes Kevin Martin at No. 26. "Never heard of this guy," dad hisses. He's tired and grumpy.
I've heard of Martin. He scored 33 points in Western Carolina's 62-59 overtime victory at Arkansas last December. He's going to be in the league for awhile, I guarantee it.
He could be the Derek Fisher of this draft.
Go Catamounts!
Final reflections? Just some quickies. We heard the word "wingspan" more times than "upside" (7 to 6). We heard four new made-up draft terms: "ball-friendly," "logician," "explosion ability" and "blowbyablity." There were nearly as many high schoolers (8) and foreigners (9) taken as college players (12). Only three teams blatantly screwed up: The Clippers, Raptors and Blazers. Only one team dramatically improved (the Bulls). The Bobcats launched their franchise. My favorite sleeper actually ended up on the Celtics, which never happens. Best of all, I made up for last summer with my dad, even if it nearly bankrupted me in the process.
Best pick: Cleveland picking Luke Jackson at #10
Worst pick: Seattle picking Robert Swift at #12
Who will be better, Howard or Okafor?: Okafor
Simmons is back.
Thank God.
/ Click for main page
Thursday, June 24, 2004
EIGHTEEN VERSES
God, what a long game today in Arlington. Thank God it ended when it did. I don't know if I could have taken any more of it.
Lots of numbers in the Mariners 9-7 18 inning loss to the Rangers this afternoon:
---552 pitches thrown combined for the two teams
---5 hours, 47 minutes (43 minutes longer than the first two games of the series combined)
---23 Rangers hits, 12 Mariners hits
---Jamie Moyer made his first relief appearance after 251 consecutive starts since June 27, 1996, when he was a member of the Boston Red Sox
---Most important number: The Mariners are now 11.5 games back of the Rangers
Moyer had been scheduled to start tomorrow night in Seattle against the Padres, but that looks to be a no-go. For some sick reason, I'm expecting Ron Villone to make a spot start tomorrow night. Speaking of Villone...
7th inning: Ron Villone 0.1 IP, 1 H, O ER
Julio Mateo 0.2 IP, 0 H, O ER
8th inning: Shigetoshi Hasegawa 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 ER (Rod Barajas HR)
Mike Myers 0.1 IP, 0 H, 1 SO
Four pitchers. Two innings.
Bob Melvin has no idea how to manage a bullpen. That's groundbreaking news.
The fact that Jamie Moyer had to come into the game in the 15th inning is pathetic. It's speaks poorly of Melvin's managing skills. Granted, there was nobody else in the bullpen. But the roles that Melvin has set for his bullpen is nothing short of ineptitude.
So where are we at now? I wonder how the front office will spin this 3-game sweep in Texas this week? The M's don't get a break as they come home, since they get to face the Padres this weekend and the Rangers come to Safeco next week for four games.
TBA vs Brian Lawrence tomorrow night, 9:05 Central.
Lots of numbers in the Mariners 9-7 18 inning loss to the Rangers this afternoon:
---552 pitches thrown combined for the two teams
---5 hours, 47 minutes (43 minutes longer than the first two games of the series combined)
---23 Rangers hits, 12 Mariners hits
---Jamie Moyer made his first relief appearance after 251 consecutive starts since June 27, 1996, when he was a member of the Boston Red Sox
---Most important number: The Mariners are now 11.5 games back of the Rangers
Moyer had been scheduled to start tomorrow night in Seattle against the Padres, but that looks to be a no-go. For some sick reason, I'm expecting Ron Villone to make a spot start tomorrow night. Speaking of Villone...
7th inning: Ron Villone 0.1 IP, 1 H, O ER
Julio Mateo 0.2 IP, 0 H, O ER
8th inning: Shigetoshi Hasegawa 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 ER (Rod Barajas HR)
Mike Myers 0.1 IP, 0 H, 1 SO
Four pitchers. Two innings.
Bob Melvin has no idea how to manage a bullpen. That's groundbreaking news.
The fact that Jamie Moyer had to come into the game in the 15th inning is pathetic. It's speaks poorly of Melvin's managing skills. Granted, there was nobody else in the bullpen. But the roles that Melvin has set for his bullpen is nothing short of ineptitude.
So where are we at now? I wonder how the front office will spin this 3-game sweep in Texas this week? The M's don't get a break as they come home, since they get to face the Padres this weekend and the Rangers come to Safeco next week for four games.
TBA vs Brian Lawrence tomorrow night, 9:05 Central.
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SHOW YOUR WOLF PRIDE!
Just because Willie Bloomquist is from Kitsap County doesn't mean that we have to like him. Here's the deal:
--He's a horrible ballplayer who has no business being on the 25-man Mariners roster right now.
--He's a South Kitsap graduate.
--See #1 and #2
Special thanks to Custom Ink for helping with the design of this shirt. Sorry, this is not for sale. Just some fun on a lazy Thursday where the Mariners and Rangers are currently tied at 7 in the 11th.
--He's a horrible ballplayer who has no business being on the 25-man Mariners roster right now.
--He's a South Kitsap graduate.
--See #1 and #2
Special thanks to Custom Ink for helping with the design of this shirt. Sorry, this is not for sale. Just some fun on a lazy Thursday where the Mariners and Rangers are currently tied at 7 in the 11th.
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BERTUZZI CHARGED WITH ASSAULT
The Canadian Press is reporting that Vancouver Canucks right wing Todd Bertuzzi has been charged with assault causing bodily harm to Colorado Avalanche center Steve Moore on March 8 at GM Place in Vancouver.
Bertuzzi is still awaiting word from NHL commissioner Gary Bettman on whether his suspension will be lifted. He was suspended for the remainder of the 2003-2004 season after the vicious hit on Moore. The Canucks won the Northwest Division in 2003-2004, but lost in the first round in 7 games to the Calgary Flames. In addition, Bertuzzi was not selected to Canada's World Cup team.
There's certainly going to be more on this story as the weeks go on.
Bertuzzi is still awaiting word from NHL commissioner Gary Bettman on whether his suspension will be lifted. He was suspended for the remainder of the 2003-2004 season after the vicious hit on Moore. The Canucks won the Northwest Division in 2003-2004, but lost in the first round in 7 games to the Calgary Flames. In addition, Bertuzzi was not selected to Canada's World Cup team.
There's certainly going to be more on this story as the weeks go on.
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SPORTS GUY'S WORLD
ESPN.com finally gave Bill Simmons his own page at Page 2.
Here's the "2002 Idiot's Guide to the NBA Draft", which featured this gem:
2. The Ed O'Bannons
There isn't a more dreaded word during draft week than "Tweener" -- guys either too small for the 4-spot and too big for the 3-spot or too small for the 3-spot and too slow for the 2-spot
[...]
Where is an NBA team going to play a walking beanpole like Tayshaun Prince?
(2002 Example: Kentucky forward Tayshaun Prince ... 6-foot-9, 113 pounds. I can't even begin to imagine where an NBA contender would play him.)
I bet you that Simmons would love to take this statement back. Prince was brilliant in the playoffs. When he blocked Reggie Miller's shot running down the floor in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals, you knew he was for real. Hell, he shut down Kobe Bryant in the Finals.
The NBA Draft is tonight at 6:30 p.m. Central on ESPN. Who will the Sonics and Blazers take?
Sonics 1st round, #12 pick: Al Jefferson, Prentiss, MS
Blazers 1st round, #13 pick: Kirk Snyder, Nevada
I can't wait for Simmons' draft diary tomorrow. Unfortunately, Hubie Brown isn't going to be in New York tonight telling us how much upside Hilano Vidivicious has.
Here's the "2002 Idiot's Guide to the NBA Draft", which featured this gem:
2. The Ed O'Bannons
There isn't a more dreaded word during draft week than "Tweener" -- guys either too small for the 4-spot and too big for the 3-spot or too small for the 3-spot and too slow for the 2-spot
[...]
Where is an NBA team going to play a walking beanpole like Tayshaun Prince?
(2002 Example: Kentucky forward Tayshaun Prince ... 6-foot-9, 113 pounds. I can't even begin to imagine where an NBA contender would play him.)
I bet you that Simmons would love to take this statement back. Prince was brilliant in the playoffs. When he blocked Reggie Miller's shot running down the floor in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals, you knew he was for real. Hell, he shut down Kobe Bryant in the Finals.
The NBA Draft is tonight at 6:30 p.m. Central on ESPN. Who will the Sonics and Blazers take?
Sonics 1st round, #12 pick: Al Jefferson, Prentiss, MS
Blazers 1st round, #13 pick: Kirk Snyder, Nevada
I can't wait for Simmons' draft diary tomorrow. Unfortunately, Hubie Brown isn't going to be in New York tonight telling us how much upside Hilano Vidivicious has.
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Wednesday, June 23, 2004
WELL???
"We could quite possibly get back in the race," said Howard Lincoln, Mariners chief executive officer. "And we could quite possibly not get back in the race."
---Seattle Times, 6/22/04
"Are we a buyer or a seller?" Rich Aurilia said. "They've been a buyer here the past few years. We know in here what we're capable of doing. We know we're capable of making up some ground and coming back.
"If we get to eight or seven back by the break, you're right there. So the decision will have to be made whether they think we're good enough to win and go to the postseason. Or whether we're not."
---Seattle Times, 6/22/04
"We feel good about the way we're playing. Obviously, you'd prefer to be 8-1/2 games up in the standings, but it's nice to be in position to be in a race. These are important games here."
---Mariners GM Bill Bavasi, Seattle Times, 6/23/04
Your Seattle Mariners are TEN AND A HALF GAMES back of the first place Texas Rangers. Yes folks, the FIRST PLACE TEXAS RANGERS.
Feel free to put a cork in the 2004 Mariners, I already did weeks ago.
---Seattle Times, 6/22/04
"Are we a buyer or a seller?" Rich Aurilia said. "They've been a buyer here the past few years. We know in here what we're capable of doing. We know we're capable of making up some ground and coming back.
"If we get to eight or seven back by the break, you're right there. So the decision will have to be made whether they think we're good enough to win and go to the postseason. Or whether we're not."
---Seattle Times, 6/22/04
"We feel good about the way we're playing. Obviously, you'd prefer to be 8-1/2 games up in the standings, but it's nice to be in position to be in a race. These are important games here."
---Mariners GM Bill Bavasi, Seattle Times, 6/23/04
Your Seattle Mariners are TEN AND A HALF GAMES back of the first place Texas Rangers. Yes folks, the FIRST PLACE TEXAS RANGERS.
Feel free to put a cork in the 2004 Mariners, I already did weeks ago.
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LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUUUUUU
I couldn't help it when I read Tom Verducci's column via Yahoo Sports today when he was commenting on the Tampa Bay Devil Rays' winning streak, which is now history at 12, with the Devil Rays 2-1 loss in Toronto tonight in 10 innings.
I think Lou is probably one of about five managers in the game who can make a real difference in a team over 162 games. Art Howe is not one of them. Lou should have been managing the Mets, but it's to Tampa Bay's credit that it was bold and got him. I don't think the Rays miss Randy Winn.
Actually, he should still be in Seattle, but Howard Lincoln doesn't know how to win. (Lou's words---read "Out Of Left Field") Lou Piniella meant so much to the Seattle Mariners. When he was hired in November 1992 by the Mariners, you knew things were going to change. And yes, they did change.
---Four postseason appearances in 10 seasons.
---A.L. Manager of the Year in 1995 and 2001.
---The best of the best when it comes to tirades.
What Piniella is doing in Tampa Bay right now is nothing short of incredible. On June 23, the Devil Rays are just two games below .500 (33-35). If the Devil Rays finish anywhere close to .500 or if they do get over the .500 mark, Lou Piniella is the A.L. Manager of the Year, hands down.
Anyways, it's just another ho-hum performance tonight by Bob Melvin's Seattle Mariners. With Lou, you never felt "ho-hum" about this ballclub. But Howard Lincoln doesn't know how to win, therefore Lou is in Tampa Bay working his magic.
I think Lou is probably one of about five managers in the game who can make a real difference in a team over 162 games. Art Howe is not one of them. Lou should have been managing the Mets, but it's to Tampa Bay's credit that it was bold and got him. I don't think the Rays miss Randy Winn.
Actually, he should still be in Seattle, but Howard Lincoln doesn't know how to win. (Lou's words---read "Out Of Left Field") Lou Piniella meant so much to the Seattle Mariners. When he was hired in November 1992 by the Mariners, you knew things were going to change. And yes, they did change.
---Four postseason appearances in 10 seasons.
---A.L. Manager of the Year in 1995 and 2001.
---The best of the best when it comes to tirades.
What Piniella is doing in Tampa Bay right now is nothing short of incredible. On June 23, the Devil Rays are just two games below .500 (33-35). If the Devil Rays finish anywhere close to .500 or if they do get over the .500 mark, Lou Piniella is the A.L. Manager of the Year, hands down.
Anyways, it's just another ho-hum performance tonight by Bob Melvin's Seattle Mariners. With Lou, you never felt "ho-hum" about this ballclub. But Howard Lincoln doesn't know how to win, therefore Lou is in Tampa Bay working his magic.
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Tuesday, June 22, 2004
CONFORM OR BE CAST OUT
I could talk about tonight's 10-2 debacle in Arlington, but the only thing I'll say about it is that the Mariner Optimist won't be blogging anytime soon. But Corey, you're still welcome to post in the comments boxes. This is what happens when the Mariners play a GOOD BALLCLUB.
OK, one more note about the ballgame tonight:
Rush lead singer/bassist Geddy Lee threw out the first pitch before the ballgame. The Canadian Power Trio is in the Metroplex this week currently on their 30th Anniversary Tour. A shameless plug for a new Rush CD that will come out next week, titled "Feedback". It features covers of 1960s classics such as "Summertime Blues" and "For What It's Worth". Check it out, if only to hear Geddy sing "Summertime Blues".
David and I have seen Rush live. They're the best live band I've ever seen. A band that has no opening act and plays over three hours deserves that title.
Anyways, some more diversions from the Mariners-Rangers ballgame...
---The American Film Institute released their list of the 100 Top Songs from U.S. Films. Judy Garland's "Over The Rainbow" was ranked #1, and rightfully so. But of course, there are a few songs that should have been on this list.
The Cars "Moving In Stereo", from "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" (1982)
Phoebe Cates has left the pool. I don't need to go on here.
Queen "Bohemian Rhapsody", from "Wayne's World" (1992)
Just one of the many hysterical scenes in "Wayne's World"
"Blame Canada", from "South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut" (1999)
This track is probably too over the top for the AFI, but it was in an American movie.
Scarface "No Tears", from "Office Space"
Seeing Michael Bolton (David Herman) sing along to this track is off the UCR scale.
Again, probably too over the top for the AFI
Survivor "Eye of the Tiger", from "Rocky III" (1982)
Yes, "Gonna Fly Now" is on the list. But what about the eye of the tiger? Did the experts who voted on this list not have the eye of the tiger?
---Bernie Bickerstaff will destroy the Charlotte Bobcats.
He already destroyed the Washington Bullets/Wizards and the Denver Nuggets. Why not go for the trifecta?
---Why was Bickerstaff hired in the first place?
---The Tampa Bay Devil Rays have won 12 in a row. I predicted before the season that they would not finish in last place. I hope I'm proven right.
---I'll take the heat any freaking day over thunderstorms. Yes, you heard that right. But it's so true. The Arkansas heat is terrible, but it's better than thunderstorms. At least with the heat, you can control yourself, somewhat. With thunderstorms, you're at the mercy of mother nature.
---The KISS Scab Army is coming to Little Rock Sunday, August 8. I'll pass.
--- --- --- --- ---
Alright, that's it. Time to get some rest here. Don't hurt yourself trying to tell yourself that the Mariners can get back into the A.L. West race.
OK, one more note about the ballgame tonight:
Rush lead singer/bassist Geddy Lee threw out the first pitch before the ballgame. The Canadian Power Trio is in the Metroplex this week currently on their 30th Anniversary Tour. A shameless plug for a new Rush CD that will come out next week, titled "Feedback". It features covers of 1960s classics such as "Summertime Blues" and "For What It's Worth". Check it out, if only to hear Geddy sing "Summertime Blues".
David and I have seen Rush live. They're the best live band I've ever seen. A band that has no opening act and plays over three hours deserves that title.
Anyways, some more diversions from the Mariners-Rangers ballgame...
---The American Film Institute released their list of the 100 Top Songs from U.S. Films. Judy Garland's "Over The Rainbow" was ranked #1, and rightfully so. But of course, there are a few songs that should have been on this list.
The Cars "Moving In Stereo", from "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" (1982)
Phoebe Cates has left the pool. I don't need to go on here.
Queen "Bohemian Rhapsody", from "Wayne's World" (1992)
Just one of the many hysterical scenes in "Wayne's World"
"Blame Canada", from "South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut" (1999)
This track is probably too over the top for the AFI, but it was in an American movie.
Scarface "No Tears", from "Office Space"
Seeing Michael Bolton (David Herman) sing along to this track is off the UCR scale.
Again, probably too over the top for the AFI
Survivor "Eye of the Tiger", from "Rocky III" (1982)
Yes, "Gonna Fly Now" is on the list. But what about the eye of the tiger? Did the experts who voted on this list not have the eye of the tiger?
---Bernie Bickerstaff will destroy the Charlotte Bobcats.
He already destroyed the Washington Bullets/Wizards and the Denver Nuggets. Why not go for the trifecta?
---Why was Bickerstaff hired in the first place?
---The Tampa Bay Devil Rays have won 12 in a row. I predicted before the season that they would not finish in last place. I hope I'm proven right.
---I'll take the heat any freaking day over thunderstorms. Yes, you heard that right. But it's so true. The Arkansas heat is terrible, but it's better than thunderstorms. At least with the heat, you can control yourself, somewhat. With thunderstorms, you're at the mercy of mother nature.
---The KISS Scab Army is coming to Little Rock Sunday, August 8. I'll pass.
--- --- --- --- ---
Alright, that's it. Time to get some rest here. Don't hurt yourself trying to tell yourself that the Mariners can get back into the A.L. West race.
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MANJAKS!
Pedrag Drobnjak is a Charlotte Bobcat.
The Bobcats have acquired the #2 pick in Thursday's NBA Draft from the Los Angeles Clippers and will select Drobnjak in tonight's expansion draft.
Originally drafted by the Washington Bullets in 1997, Drobnjak spent his first two seasons in the NBA with the Sonics (2001-2003) before signing with the Clippers before last season. Now, he's a Bobcat.
Drobnjak will always have a special place in my heart, because of his hysterical website from his days in Seattle. I would hope that the Bobcats devote a site to him similar to the Sonics site.
BTW, his cat Jinkies had this to say about "Victory for Bobcats":
I am sorry to hear about your problem. I would say to take a short nap, then scratch something expensive or spray your essence on somebody's clothes. This works for myself all the time.
VICTORY FOR BOBCATS!!!
The Bobcats have acquired the #2 pick in Thursday's NBA Draft from the Los Angeles Clippers and will select Drobnjak in tonight's expansion draft.
Originally drafted by the Washington Bullets in 1997, Drobnjak spent his first two seasons in the NBA with the Sonics (2001-2003) before signing with the Clippers before last season. Now, he's a Bobcat.
Drobnjak will always have a special place in my heart, because of his hysterical website from his days in Seattle. I would hope that the Bobcats devote a site to him similar to the Sonics site.
BTW, his cat Jinkies had this to say about "Victory for Bobcats":
I am sorry to hear about your problem. I would say to take a short nap, then scratch something expensive or spray your essence on somebody's clothes. This works for myself all the time.
VICTORY FOR BOBCATS!!!
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REAL GM FUN
Have you always wanted to be a GM? Well, check out REAL GM. Some of you probably already have, but for those who haven't, you're in for a treat.
SHAQ TO DALLAS
L.A. Lakers trades: C Shaquille O'Neal (21.5 ppg, 11.5 rpg, 2.9 apg in 36.8 minutes)
L.A. Lakers receive: SG Marquis Daniels (8.5 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.1 apg in 18.5 minutes)
PG Travis Best (2.8 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 1.8 apg in 12.5 minutes)
PF Danny Fortson (3.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 0.2 apg in 11.1 minutes)
PG Steve Nash (14.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 8.8 apg in 33.5 minutes)
PF Dirk Nowitzki (21.8 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 2.7 apg in 37.9 minutes)
Change in team outlook: +30.0 ppg, +8.4 rpg, and +12.7 apg.
Dallas trades: SG Marquis Daniels (8.5 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.1 apg in 18.5 minutes)
PG Travis Best (2.8 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 1.8 apg in 12.5 minutes)
PF Danny Fortson (3.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 0.2 apg in 11.1 minutes)
PG Steve Nash (14.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 8.8 apg in 33.5 minutes)
PF Dirk Nowitzki (21.8 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 2.7 apg in 37.9 minutes)
Dallas receives: C Shaquille O'Neal (21.5 ppg, 11.5 rpg, 2.9 apg in 67 games)
Change in team outlook: -30.0 ppg, -8.4 rpg, and -12.7 apg.
TRADE ACCEPTED
Due to L.A. Lakers and Dallas being over the cap, the 15% trade rule is invoked. L.A. Lakers and Dallas had to be no more than 115% plus $100,000 of the salary given out for the trade to be accepted, which did happen here. This trade satisfies the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
RAY ALLEN TO PORTLAND
Seattle trades: SG Ray Allen (23.0 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 4.8 apg in 38.4 minutes)
Seattle receives: PF Shareef Abdur-Rahim (16.3 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 2.0 apg in 31.6 minutes)
Change in team outlook: -6.7 ppg, +2.4 rpg, and -2.8 apg.
Portland trades: PF Shareef Abdur-Rahim (16.3 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 2.0 apg in 31.6 minutes)
Portland receives: SG Ray Allen (23.0 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 4.8 apg in 56 games)
Change in team outlook: +6.7 ppg, -2.4 rpg, and +2.8 apg.
TRADE ACCEPTED
Due to Seattle and Portland being over the cap, the 15% trade rule is invoked. Seattle and Portland had to be no more than 115% plus $100,000 of the salary given out for the trade to be accepted, which did happen here. This trade satisfies the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
KOBE-BRAND FLIP FLOP IN STAPLES
L.A. Lakers trades: SG Kobe Bryant (23.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 5.1 apg in 37.6 minutes)
L.A. Lakers receive: PG Keyon Dooling (6.2 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 2.2 apg in 19.6 minutes)
PF Elton Brand (20.0 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 3.3 apg in 38.8 minutes)
Change in team outlook: +2.3 ppg, +6.2 rpg, and +0.4 apg.
L.A. Clippers trades: PG Keyon Dooling (6.2 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 2.2 apg in 19.6 minutes)
PF Elton Brand (20.0 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 3.3 apg in 38.8 minutes)
L.A. Clippers receives: SG Kobe Bryant (23.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 5.1 apg in 65 games)
Change in team outlook: -2.3 ppg, -6.2 rpg, and -0.4 apg.
TRADE ACCEPTED
Due to L.A. Lakers being over the cap, the 15% trade rule is invoked. L.A. Lakers had to be no more than 115% plus $100,000 of the salary given out for the trade to be accepted, which did happen here. This trade satisfies the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
I wish there was a baseball Real GM site. But this will do.
SHAQ TO DALLAS
L.A. Lakers trades: C Shaquille O'Neal (21.5 ppg, 11.5 rpg, 2.9 apg in 36.8 minutes)
L.A. Lakers receive: SG Marquis Daniels (8.5 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.1 apg in 18.5 minutes)
PG Travis Best (2.8 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 1.8 apg in 12.5 minutes)
PF Danny Fortson (3.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 0.2 apg in 11.1 minutes)
PG Steve Nash (14.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 8.8 apg in 33.5 minutes)
PF Dirk Nowitzki (21.8 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 2.7 apg in 37.9 minutes)
Change in team outlook: +30.0 ppg, +8.4 rpg, and +12.7 apg.
Dallas trades: SG Marquis Daniels (8.5 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.1 apg in 18.5 minutes)
PG Travis Best (2.8 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 1.8 apg in 12.5 minutes)
PF Danny Fortson (3.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 0.2 apg in 11.1 minutes)
PG Steve Nash (14.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 8.8 apg in 33.5 minutes)
PF Dirk Nowitzki (21.8 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 2.7 apg in 37.9 minutes)
Dallas receives: C Shaquille O'Neal (21.5 ppg, 11.5 rpg, 2.9 apg in 67 games)
Change in team outlook: -30.0 ppg, -8.4 rpg, and -12.7 apg.
TRADE ACCEPTED
Due to L.A. Lakers and Dallas being over the cap, the 15% trade rule is invoked. L.A. Lakers and Dallas had to be no more than 115% plus $100,000 of the salary given out for the trade to be accepted, which did happen here. This trade satisfies the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
RAY ALLEN TO PORTLAND
Seattle trades: SG Ray Allen (23.0 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 4.8 apg in 38.4 minutes)
Seattle receives: PF Shareef Abdur-Rahim (16.3 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 2.0 apg in 31.6 minutes)
Change in team outlook: -6.7 ppg, +2.4 rpg, and -2.8 apg.
Portland trades: PF Shareef Abdur-Rahim (16.3 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 2.0 apg in 31.6 minutes)
Portland receives: SG Ray Allen (23.0 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 4.8 apg in 56 games)
Change in team outlook: +6.7 ppg, -2.4 rpg, and +2.8 apg.
TRADE ACCEPTED
Due to Seattle and Portland being over the cap, the 15% trade rule is invoked. Seattle and Portland had to be no more than 115% plus $100,000 of the salary given out for the trade to be accepted, which did happen here. This trade satisfies the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
KOBE-BRAND FLIP FLOP IN STAPLES
L.A. Lakers trades: SG Kobe Bryant (23.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 5.1 apg in 37.6 minutes)
L.A. Lakers receive: PG Keyon Dooling (6.2 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 2.2 apg in 19.6 minutes)
PF Elton Brand (20.0 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 3.3 apg in 38.8 minutes)
Change in team outlook: +2.3 ppg, +6.2 rpg, and +0.4 apg.
L.A. Clippers trades: PG Keyon Dooling (6.2 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 2.2 apg in 19.6 minutes)
PF Elton Brand (20.0 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 3.3 apg in 38.8 minutes)
L.A. Clippers receives: SG Kobe Bryant (23.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 5.1 apg in 65 games)
Change in team outlook: -2.3 ppg, -6.2 rpg, and -0.4 apg.
TRADE ACCEPTED
Due to L.A. Lakers being over the cap, the 15% trade rule is invoked. L.A. Lakers had to be no more than 115% plus $100,000 of the salary given out for the trade to be accepted, which did happen here. This trade satisfies the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
I wish there was a baseball Real GM site. But this will do.
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YOU CAN PUT THIS ON THE BOARD, YES
Bremerton's own Tara Kirk has been named the 2003-2004 National Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year.
The other finalists for the award included Catherine Reddick (North Carolina, soccer), April Ross (USC, volleyball), Diana Taurasi (Connecticut, basketball) and Jessica van der Linden (Florida State, softball).
What did Tara do at Stanford to deserve all of this great acclaim?
---Won 11 national championships (4-year champion of 100-meter breaststroke)
---16 All-American honors
---Owns world record in 100-meter breaststroke
---Owns 6 American swimming records
---Undefeated 35-0 record in the 100-meter breaststroke
The Olympic Trials will take place July 7-14 in Long Beach. Tara is the favorite in the 100-meter breaststroke, and with good reason. She told the Seattle Times that she doesn't consider herself the favorite, instead giving that status to Amanda Beard. Don't be so humble, Tara!
Not only did Tara receive the top honor for female collegiate athlete, she recently signed a deal with Speedo to wear the Speedo Fastskin FSII, the world's fastest swimsuit.
Go get em' in Long Beach and Athens, Tara!!!
The other finalists for the award included Catherine Reddick (North Carolina, soccer), April Ross (USC, volleyball), Diana Taurasi (Connecticut, basketball) and Jessica van der Linden (Florida State, softball).
What did Tara do at Stanford to deserve all of this great acclaim?
---Won 11 national championships (4-year champion of 100-meter breaststroke)
---16 All-American honors
---Owns world record in 100-meter breaststroke
---Owns 6 American swimming records
---Undefeated 35-0 record in the 100-meter breaststroke
The Olympic Trials will take place July 7-14 in Long Beach. Tara is the favorite in the 100-meter breaststroke, and with good reason. She told the Seattle Times that she doesn't consider herself the favorite, instead giving that status to Amanda Beard. Don't be so humble, Tara!
Not only did Tara receive the top honor for female collegiate athlete, she recently signed a deal with Speedo to wear the Speedo Fastskin FSII, the world's fastest swimsuit.
Go get em' in Long Beach and Athens, Tara!!!
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DAMN. IT.
Gibberish from the Times
What took them so long? Why now, when so many critical decisions have to be made that affect the organization for years to come? It just muddles the picture. It's a tease, another in a series of false hopes this team has put its fans through.
Or is it?
Maybe it is the beginning of a turnaround. Maybe gaining six games in the American League West standings over the past month, pulling them nine games behind, is an inexorable trend that will carry them into first place by August.
"We could quite possibly get back in the race," said Howard Lincoln, Mariners chief executive officer. "And we could quite possibly not get back in the race."
I WILL SUM IT UP IN JUST A FEW WORDS...
THE MARINERS PLAYED 9 GAMES AGAINST THE LIKES OF MONTREAL, MILWAUKEE, AND PITTSBURGH!!!
Color me impressed if the Mariners can sweep Texas and San Diego this week.
Lincoln goes on later in the article to say that nobody has ran away with the American League West. This is a fact. However, the three teams that are ahead of the Mariners are simply better.
Anaheim will find another starter by the deadline.
Oakland will find another hitter and some bullpen help by the deadline.
Texas could possibly add a starter by the deadline as well.
The Mariners are in a selling mode, folks. If they keep Freddy Garcia for the rest of the season and let him walk for nothing, then that's a terrible move. But I can definitely see that happening.
THESE ARE THE SEATTLE MARINERS WE'RE TALKING ABOUT, FOLKS.
I raise this question to you. If the Mariners weren't willing to improve their team the past four seasons, what makes you think they're going to do so now? Face it, this team was done weeks ago. It's just that they had the pleasure of beating up on the Expos and Pirates to give some folks false hope.
This is an example of my "WHEN YOU WIN, YOU LOSE" theory:
The Mariners have won 9 out of their last 13, great. But they're still 8.5 games back of first place. And guess what? The remaining Interleague Play schedule doesn't have the Expos or Pirates. San Diego and St. Louis are left on the NL docket.
I should be happy that the Mariners have won 9 out of their last 13. But the fact is, it simply doesn't matter. The inevitable has just been delayed, that's all.
What took them so long? Why now, when so many critical decisions have to be made that affect the organization for years to come? It just muddles the picture. It's a tease, another in a series of false hopes this team has put its fans through.
Or is it?
Maybe it is the beginning of a turnaround. Maybe gaining six games in the American League West standings over the past month, pulling them nine games behind, is an inexorable trend that will carry them into first place by August.
"We could quite possibly get back in the race," said Howard Lincoln, Mariners chief executive officer. "And we could quite possibly not get back in the race."
I WILL SUM IT UP IN JUST A FEW WORDS...
THE MARINERS PLAYED 9 GAMES AGAINST THE LIKES OF MONTREAL, MILWAUKEE, AND PITTSBURGH!!!
Color me impressed if the Mariners can sweep Texas and San Diego this week.
Lincoln goes on later in the article to say that nobody has ran away with the American League West. This is a fact. However, the three teams that are ahead of the Mariners are simply better.
Anaheim will find another starter by the deadline.
Oakland will find another hitter and some bullpen help by the deadline.
Texas could possibly add a starter by the deadline as well.
The Mariners are in a selling mode, folks. If they keep Freddy Garcia for the rest of the season and let him walk for nothing, then that's a terrible move. But I can definitely see that happening.
THESE ARE THE SEATTLE MARINERS WE'RE TALKING ABOUT, FOLKS.
I raise this question to you. If the Mariners weren't willing to improve their team the past four seasons, what makes you think they're going to do so now? Face it, this team was done weeks ago. It's just that they had the pleasure of beating up on the Expos and Pirates to give some folks false hope.
This is an example of my "WHEN YOU WIN, YOU LOSE" theory:
The Mariners have won 9 out of their last 13, great. But they're still 8.5 games back of first place. And guess what? The remaining Interleague Play schedule doesn't have the Expos or Pirates. San Diego and St. Louis are left on the NL docket.
I should be happy that the Mariners have won 9 out of their last 13. But the fact is, it simply doesn't matter. The inevitable has just been delayed, that's all.
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Monday, June 21, 2004
WELL I'LL BE DAMNED
With Anaheim's 10-3 victory over Oakland tonight, the Texas Rangers are on top of the American League West.
By just 2 percentage points, but still...
Texas 37-29 .561 ---
Oakland 38-30 .559 ---
Anaheim 38-31 .551 0.5
Seattle 29-38 .433 8.5
This is the latest point of the season the Rangers have been in first place since 1999. Texas cannot be counted out, folks.
So where are all the smacktalkers now about the Rangers?
Clint Nageotte vs Ryan Drese Tuesday night at The Ballpark in Arlington, 7:05 CDT
Will the Mariners win 5 in a row? If they do, the Mariner Optimist returns.
By just 2 percentage points, but still...
Texas 37-29 .561 ---
Oakland 38-30 .559 ---
Anaheim 38-31 .551 0.5
Seattle 29-38 .433 8.5
This is the latest point of the season the Rangers have been in first place since 1999. Texas cannot be counted out, folks.
So where are all the smacktalkers now about the Rangers?
Clint Nageotte vs Ryan Drese Tuesday night at The Ballpark in Arlington, 7:05 CDT
Will the Mariners win 5 in a row? If they do, the Mariner Optimist returns.
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Sunday, June 20, 2004
500!!!
THERE IT GOES, SEE YOU LATER! THE KID HAS DONE IT!
Thank God I live in Arkansas, so I could see Ken Griffey, Jr's 500th home run live. (The Reds are at St. Louis, the game is on the Little Rock PAX station)
Ken Griffey, Jr., the newest member of the 500 HR club.
Congrats, Junior.
Thank God I live in Arkansas, so I could see Ken Griffey, Jr's 500th home run live. (The Reds are at St. Louis, the game is on the Little Rock PAX station)
Ken Griffey, Jr., the newest member of the 500 HR club.
Congrats, Junior.
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