tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49670206926662034782024-02-07T13:41:38.149-08:00Walk Off BalkBradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994683733468354200noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967020692666203478.post-82466835967034265382012-05-02T18:27:00.003-07:002012-05-02T18:27:37.725-07:00Moving DayWelp, it's been real.<br />
<br />
But it will stay real at my new blog. I'm incredibly excited to join the <a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/" target="_blank">Chicago Now blog network</a>, and the blog there will be called the <a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/chicago-sideline-report/" target="_blank">Chicago Sideline Report</a>.<br />
<br />
I'll keep doing the same things there that I do here, just at a new place, and hopefully a little more accessible. <br />
<br />
Thanks for reading!Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994683733468354200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967020692666203478.post-16472180505282514852012-05-01T08:04:00.001-07:002012-05-01T08:04:02.423-07:00Bryan LaHair an All Star?<br />
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He’s an April All-Star, <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/23728/presenting-the-april-all-stars">according
to David Schoenfield</a> of ESPN.com.
LaHair has been one of the very few offensive bright spots for the Cubs
in the early going. Here’s his slash
line (Batting Average/On-Base/Slugging): .390/.470/.780. He’s hit five home runs for a team that has
nine overall, and he’s driven in 14 runs.
He’s got 13 extra base hits, and his BABIP (Sabermetrics for batting average
on balls in play) is a pretty damn good .600.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUaI0gI9A2a0qF1oMu-ecfM67VXAf9qo6mqodM2uAEIz51qcWD-9POtbY7kT-y5acdLd8nK9fLoLUhfGVNVYA2X7QWIvQZZ60birbEIG9l7Ya_CSDWmHYuDiRVcF-s7fFfAHNV6UJDTU/s1600/LaHair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUaI0gI9A2a0qF1oMu-ecfM67VXAf9qo6mqodM2uAEIz51qcWD-9POtbY7kT-y5acdLd8nK9fLoLUhfGVNVYA2X7QWIvQZZ60birbEIG9l7Ya_CSDWmHYuDiRVcF-s7fFfAHNV6UJDTU/s320/LaHair.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Bryan LaHair has hit some big homers for the Cubs</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The only problem with LaHair is that he struggles with any
pitch that’s not straight. He’s hitting .344
when he gets fastballs but just .167 and .111 against curveballs and sliders,
respectively. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Can he keep this torrid pace up? Most likely not, but he’s been a lot of fun
to watch. He’s 29, and tonight will be
just his 86<sup>th</sup> Major League game.
Once pitchers figure out what to throw to him, he’ll come back to
earth. But maybe, just maybe, he can be
that left-handed corner infield power bat the Cubs have been looking for.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also found it interesting that Schoenfield intimated that
LaHair might be a trade candidate come July 31<sup>st</sup> (or before
then). I guess I hadn’t thought about
LaHair being traded, mainly because we weren’t sure what we would get from
him. But if he keeps hitting well, and
proves that he can make adjustments the second time around the league, he will
carry some good value. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And we thought he’d just be a bridge to the Anthony Rizzo
era.</div>Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994683733468354200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967020692666203478.post-23838235601305805422012-04-30T17:11:00.002-07:002012-04-30T17:11:31.168-07:00Bull And BearJordan Bernfield of WGN Radio joins me to talk about life after Derrick Rose, as well as a recap of the Bears' 2012 NFL Draft.<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="http://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F44898587&show_artwork=true"></iframe>Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994683733468354200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967020692666203478.post-8530316888037711032012-04-30T10:45:00.002-07:002012-04-30T10:50:40.250-07:00The Good, Bad, and Ugly<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">The Good: Cubs Baseball</span></u></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULcF54bX-lChcHiqK-TkTC6bQRb0h_qEb3I-N_yeCFhzZFwvUmS84VIdHdE8uEcKGwNPwuC0zGQqk2rdXOj1QShZAd7mxBnzSQnBqOVm3Uj1y6rGtfJMkQXCqZW6rCCgUVKvr8OESvHk/s1600/garza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULcF54bX-lChcHiqK-TkTC6bQRb0h_qEb3I-N_yeCFhzZFwvUmS84VIdHdE8uEcKGwNPwuC0zGQqk2rdXOj1QShZAd7mxBnzSQnBqOVm3Uj1y6rGtfJMkQXCqZW6rCCgUVKvr8OESvHk/s320/garza.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Matt Garza was dominant on Sunday, pitching<br />7 innings of one hit, shutout baseball.</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Cubs took two of three from the Phillies over the weekend, and
they have a chance to make it three out of four tonight. They began the series on Friday by beating
Roy Halladay, lost on Saturday, then won yesterday. Chris Volstad has a tall task ahead of him
though. Despite their not-so-good start,
it’s still the Phillies, and Volstad is 0-4 in his career against the Phightin’
Phils. Plus, Vance Worley is coming off
of a win over the Diamondbacks in which he gave up just one run over six
innings.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">The Bad: Derrick Rose’s Knee</span></u></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Pop” went Derrick’s knee. “Pop”
went the Bulls’ championship hopes bubble.
‘Nuff said. <a href="http://walkoffbalk.blogspot.com/2012/04/rose-is-done-are-bulls.html" target="_blank">See this for more.</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>The Ugly: Rajon Rondo</u></b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">No, this doesn’t mean that Rajon
Rondo is an ugly human being…just his overall demeanor on the basketball
court. A few weeks ago he was suspended
two games for throwing…no…chucking the ball at an official. Then last night he was T’d up for arguing,
then T’d and tossed for bumping the official.
His postgame explanation of what happened might be more despicable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;"><br /></span></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zFsVR08jTTs" width="420"></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/B8YsLhHl1yo" width="560"></iframe>Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994683733468354200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967020692666203478.post-12615346516991975342012-04-30T06:55:00.001-07:002012-04-30T06:55:22.554-07:00Rose Is Done, Are The Bulls?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Call Chicken Little. The
sky is falling on the Bulls!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Derrick Rose is out for the season with a torn ACL (anterior
cruciate ligament), and Bulls fans’ confidence tore right along with that
ligament in Derrick’s knee when he went down.
Immediately, questions about why he was in the game at the point came
up, and I’m sure more than a few Bulls fans took to Twitter to release their
pent up anger at Tom Thibodeau for leaving Derrick in the game when it was
seemingly in hand.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3iUkq5b04kEnMNRgTCi_vdfy9jVUvK6NFGUb6D8uHiJuJKUzhOH5nr1b32JKht8E7oxBSfnt8ddf5Cnk_8t5UQQswhmkDCLVppPZqsxHGqF_GHAHbRnu2KRyqkVPKWmL1ENAVn7qXgf4/s1600/IFWT-Derrick-Rose-down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3iUkq5b04kEnMNRgTCi_vdfy9jVUvK6NFGUb6D8uHiJuJKUzhOH5nr1b32JKht8E7oxBSfnt8ddf5Cnk_8t5UQQswhmkDCLVppPZqsxHGqF_GHAHbRnu2KRyqkVPKWmL1ENAVn7qXgf4/s320/IFWT-Derrick-Rose-down.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Derrick Rose in a heap on the United Center Floor</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But hey, this is the same Bulls team who had the best record in
the league while playing 27 of their 66 games without Derrick, right?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Right.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
BUUUUTTTTTT…..this is the playoffs now. They might be able to get by the Sixers in
Round One still, and maybe even the Celtics in Round Two. But do we really think they can beat the Heat
in the playoffs WITHOUT Derrick Rose?
Did you see what the Heat did to the Knicks on Saturday? The Bulls went 2-2 against Miami during the
regular season, and 1-1 without Rose. But
the Heat are built for championships.
They don’t really care about the regular season, so long as they get into
the playoffs. They flip a switch when
the lights come on for real, and there’s no reason now to think they wouldn’t
beat the Bulls, sans Rose, in five games.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The bottom line is, the playoffs are a completely different story
than the regular season. It’s part of
what makes the NBA so unappealing to me, at least during the regular
season. I’ll stop short of saying that
guys don’t try hard, but they certainly don’t play with the same intensity in
December that they do in April and May.
That’s just common sense. Guys have
talked about the 82 game season and how you can’t go balls-out every night
because you just won’t last the whole season.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As far as cutting the season down is concerned, let’s just say I’d
love to see it. But David Stern was on
the Dan Patrick Show last week, and he essentially said that it would never
happen. Too bad. I think it would make their product better.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You might be asking yourself, “Self, why in the world would Tom Thibodeau
have his best player, the key to their championship run on the floor with 90
seconds remaining in a 12 point game?” I
say it’s a fair question, but there’s a fair answer as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Sixers had closed the gap, and stranger things have happened
(ie Clippers and Grizzlies last night).
Rip Hamilton had Thibs’ back:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">"Philly was making a run. In
playoff basketball, you never want to give a team confidence. ... When you have
a team down, you have to try to keep them down. They made a little run so we
needed guys that could put the ball in the basket."</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Doug Collins also gave his support: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">"He knows what he's doing
coaching his team," Collins said. "Thibs is my buddy. I have the
ultimate respect for him. From his standpoint, he wanted to finish that game
for what he did. It's awful that Derrick got hurt."</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">They’re exactly right. It’s an unfortunate injury to a key
player. If the injury had happened to CJ
Watson or even Taj Gibson, their depth would take a hit, but the most important
player would still be on the floor and Bulls fans would still feel good about
their chances. Speaking of CJ Watson, he’s
going to have to play out of his mind if the Bulls are to have any chance at
even making it to the Finals, let alone winning them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">There’s no set time for recovery from
ACL surgery. It depends on how the
athlete bounces back from surgery, not only physically, but mentally as
well. It’s about how Derrick attacks his
rehab. I tore my ACL when I was in high
school, and I was running and playing basketball, albeit cautiously, four
months out of surgery. I wasn’t anything
remotely near the elite athlete Derrick Rose is, so I think he’ll be fine. I heard someone suggest even that he could be
back by opening night next season. I
think that’s a stretch. Not that he can’t
do it, but there’s no reason to rush him back because it’s such a long season
and the Bulls are still a good team, even without the reigning MVP on the
floor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Sadly, Bulls fans, I think the
championship dream is lost. Tom
Thibodeau is NOT to blame, and Derrick will return to form eventually.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994683733468354200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967020692666203478.post-77908581666280710672012-04-27T10:51:00.001-07:002012-04-27T13:12:53.775-07:00With The 19th Pick In The 2012 NFL Draft...<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who is Shea McClellin?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first round of the NFL Draft seemingly played right into
the Bears’ hands, with just two defensive ends off the board. One of those ends was Bruce Irvin, who was a
complete surprise at 15<sup>th</sup> overall to Seattle. I highly doubt he was one of the seven
players that Phil Emery was considering, so really the Bears were on the clock
with all but one of the defensive end prospects that they coveted (Quinton
Coples went 16<sup>th</sup> to the Jets).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_uPMNXybQS6M99il9r7A4bqYqyq6ycXhorE-jggvartu1bcFYaRPTvJDrxZSsz9LL0br0jujxpcE9Wg9Zp02SXv5rC3qgJ5DRZvIl_of9Bv_mMuVXHlfKXkWgN14dhUoUFUduTHlS4p0/s1600/mcclellin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_uPMNXybQS6M99il9r7A4bqYqyq6ycXhorE-jggvartu1bcFYaRPTvJDrxZSsz9LL0br0jujxpcE9Wg9Zp02SXv5rC3qgJ5DRZvIl_of9Bv_mMuVXHlfKXkWgN14dhUoUFUduTHlS4p0/s1600/mcclellin.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Shea McClellin out of Boise State</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So who would it be?
Chandler Jones of Syracuse?
Whitney Mercilus out of Illinois?
What about an offensive lineman?
Nope. It would be Shea McClellin
out of Boise State. So who exactly is
Shea McClellin?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He’s a 6’3”, 260 pound defensive end who was a three year
starter for the Broncos. NFL.com’s scouting
report said he had fifth-round value.
Here’s what else they said:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Strengths: McClellin
is a strong player inside for the Broncos who uses good leverage to get under
heavier offensive linemen and jolt them back in their stance. He is aggressive,
stout, and can hold off linemen and smother tight ends at the point of attack.
He has no problem tackling and is a good pass rusher.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Weaknesses: McClellin will have a tough time convincing
teams, even though he has been productive, to take a shot on him early in the
draft because of his size. He has displayed enough athletic ability for teams
to consider him at outside backer, but he could stand to lose weight as he
enters the next level.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So NFL.com probably thinks the Bears reached here, because
he lacks good size for the defensive end position. But what he lacks in size, can apparently be
made up for with his tenacity. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
CBSSports.com had a much rosier outlook on McClellin. They describe him as an efficient,
hyperactive edge player who put on 12 pounds of muscle before the combine
though they say he falls short of “elite athlete” status. They also say his hyperactivity can get the
best of him, as he overpursues the ball sometimes. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The description SCREAMS Clay Matthews, Junior. But will be he as good as Matthews? Only time will tell. I think they were looking for someone to
complement Julius, not necessarily to be a star. They need another guy capable of getting to
the quarterback when Peppers is double teamed.
His strength should at least give him a chance of getting off single
blocks.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fun Fact about Shea McClellin: He grew up on a farm in Idaho off of Chicken
Dinner Road (no, I’m not making that up), and is described as country
strong. He said his athleticism comes
from chasing chickens around the farm.
It’s not exactly the pro shuttle, but hey, it got him to the NFL, so it
must work.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The more I read about him, the more I like him. While he’s not the guy that hardly anyone
projected the Bears to pick, he’s certainly a solid prospect. Plus if Lovie Smith gets canned anytime soon,
and the Bears bring someone in who coaches a 3-4 defense, they have someone who
can translate to it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As for the reception to Phil Emery’s first draft selection
as the Bears’ GM, the move was met with incredible skepticism. As <a href="http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-04-26/sports/ct-spt-0427-haugh-bears-nfl-draft-chicago--20120427_1_bears-gm-nfl-draft-dan-bazuin">David
Haugh points out</a>, it might be instinctive because of Jerry Angelo’s history
of terrible, God-awful drafts. Rick
Telander <a href="http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/12157404-606/phil-emerys-first-pick-throws-us-a-curve.html">says
it’s a curveball</a>. Both fair points,
but isn’t this what Phil Emery was brought in for? To do his due diligence on players with his
background as a scout?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To me, we have to see the kid play before we can make ANY
judgments on the 2012 NFL Draft. Too
much can happen between now and September and then the end of the season. Time will tell, let the kid play before you
judge.</div>
<br />Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994683733468354200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967020692666203478.post-64654737584922460982012-04-26T14:54:00.001-07:002012-04-26T14:54:58.434-07:00Tonight Is The NightTonight is the night that the NFL franchises will determine their future by drafting someone in the first round of the draft. I had Jake Smerdel on the podcast today to talk about his mock draft and who the Bears might take at #19, so here's that conversation:<br />
<br />
<br /><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="http://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F44462948&show_artwork=true"></iframe>
<br />
And here's Smerdel's complete first round mock draft:<br />
<br />
1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford<br />
<br />
2. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor<br />
<br />
3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC<br />
<br />
4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama<br />
<br />
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU<br />
<br />
6. St. Louis Rams: Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State<br />
<br />
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State<br />
<br />
8. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M<br />
<br />
9. Carolina Panthers: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina<br />
<br />
10. Buffalo Bills: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame<br />
<br />
11. Kansas City Chiefs: Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis<br />
<br />
12. Seattle Seahawks: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College<br />
<br />
13. Arizona Cardinals: David DeCastro, OT, Stanford<br />
<br />
14. Dallas Cowboys: Mark Barron, S, Alabama<br />
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15. Philadelphia Eagles: Michael Brockers, DT, LSU<br />
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16. New York Jets: Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina<br />
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17. Cincinnati Bengals: Stephon Gilmore, DB, South Carolina<br />
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18. San Diego Chargers: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa<br />
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19: Chicago Bears: Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse<br />
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20. Tennessee Titans: Whitney Mercilus, LB, Illinois<br />
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21. Cincinnati Bengals: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor<br />
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22. Cleveland Browns: Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech<br />
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23. Detroit Lions: Dre Kirkpatrick, DB, Alabama<br />
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24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama<br />
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25. Denver Broncos: Devon Still, DT, Penn State<br />
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26. Houston Texans: Rueben Randall, WR, LSU<br />
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27. New England Patriots: Nick Perry, DE, USC<br />
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28. Green Bay Packers: Shea McClellin, LB, Boise State<br />
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29. Baltimore Ravens: Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama<br />
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30. San Francisco 49ers: Jonathon Martin, OT, Stanford<br />
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31. New England Patriots: Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame<br />
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32. New York Giants: Coby Fleenor, TE, StanfordBradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994683733468354200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967020692666203478.post-18280832926362178992012-04-25T12:23:00.001-07:002012-04-25T12:23:04.024-07:00News and NotesIt's been a crazy month for me, probably my busiest month in a long time. Lots of work at WGN with the Blackhawks and Cubs playing at the same time, broadcasting UIC baseball and softball, and other odds and ends here and there.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Mike Smith stole the series for the Coyotes</i></b></td></tr>
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<b><u>Blackhawks Lose To Coyotes</u></b><br />
I said before the playoffs began, when we weren't sure who the Blackhawks would face in the first round, that the last team I wanted to see was the Phoenix Coyotes. I said that for one reason: Mike Smith. I may not be proven right very often, but this time I was. Smith was spectacular in the series, and if they gave an MVP award for the Western Conference Quarterfinals, it would go to Mike Smith. I'll just go ahead and make the award and present it to him.<br />
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<b><u>Bulls Lock Up East's Top Seed</u></b><br />
Out of the Bulls' 64 games thus far, I can count the number of full games I've watched on one hand. It's not that I don't enjoy watching Derrick Rose dominate the competition, because I do, but it's because I think the NBA regular season is a joke. I think that holds true for most seasons, not just this lockout-shortened sprint of a season. Between all the marquee players taking time off for small, nagging injuries to the multitude of awful basketball teams, NBA regular season basketball is incredibly unappealing to me. I mean come on, the Bulls were without their best player for nearly half of the season, and they still are tied for the best record in the league.<br />
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Once the playoffs start, though, I'll turn my attention to the NBA. The Bulls seem destined for another meeting with the Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals, and obviously the next step for Rose is to defeat the evil empire and get to the Finals.<br />
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<b><u>Cubs Trade Marlon Byrd</u></b><br />
Marlon Byrd was off to a historically bad start this season, hitting .070 (3-for-43) before they traded him to Boston for Michael Bowden. Of course, they had to send most, if not all, the rest of Marlon Byrd's salary to the Red Sox as well, so it's not like they totally rid themselves of Byrd. They needed someone to fill in for the injured Jacoby Ellsbury as he recovers from a dislocated shoulder. So far with the Red Sox, Byrd is 3-for-9 in two Red Sox wins over the Twins.<br />
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I really hope Byrd can be successful. I enjoyed the way he played the game, always 100% full speed.<br />
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<b><u>NFL Draft Kicks Off Tomorrow, Bears Pick 19th</u></b><br />
Who will the Bears select in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft? If you ask Mel Kiper, he's got them taking Whitney Mercilus, a defensive end out of Illinois. Ask Todd McShay, and he'll tell you the Bears will take Quinton Coples, another DE out of North Carolina. Mike Mayock of the NFL Network has the Bears drafting Chandler Jones, yet another DE out of Syracuse. <br />
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The Bears have several positions of need, but the consensus seems to be taking someone to play opposite Julius Peppers. I think the offensive line is a greater need than defensive line. You have to keep Jay Cutler upright to be able to throw to his new favorite target in Brandon Marshall. They also need to start thinking about how to replace Brian Urlacher. He's not getting any younger and he's also coming off a knee injury.<br />
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<b><u>PODCAST COMING TOMORROW:</u></b> I'll talk with Jake Smerdel of <a href="http://alwaysovertime.com/">alwaysovertime.com</a>, and he'll go over his mock draft, and we'll talk about what the Bears might do in the later rounds.Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994683733468354200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967020692666203478.post-42888603848506824382012-04-19T17:54:00.001-07:002012-04-20T13:11:04.800-07:00The Never-Too-Early-To-Analyze-The-Bears-Schedule PostTwo nights ago, the NFL release the entire 2012 schedule. Let's take a look at what the Bears' 2012 season will look like.<br />
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<b><u>Week 1 vs Indianapolis</u></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Let's hope Jay Cutler isn't running<br />for his life all season.</i></b></td></tr>
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What's up Andrew Luck? Brian Urlacher, Julius Peppers, and company will greet the rookie quarterback, who the Colts said today will in fact be the number one overall pick next week. Here's hoping Rod Marinelli throw some wrinkles at Luck, because the Bears' Cover 2 scheme could allow Andrew Luck to get into a rhythm. The Colts had one of the worst scoring defenses in the league, so Jay Cutler could have a field day with his new receiver Brandon Marshall.</div>
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<b><u>Week 2 at Green Bay</u></b></div>
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The Bears' first NFC North test comes early, as the Bears will travel to Green Bay on a short week, as the game will be played on Thursday night. It's their only Thursday night game in the NFL's new Thursday night schedule, in which there's a Thursday night game every week from 2-15. This one could be a shootout, as everyone knows what the Packers offense is capable of, but they also had one of the league's worst defenses. Should be fun.</div>
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<b><u>Week 3 vs St. Louis</u></b></div>
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The Rams regressed in 2012, going from seven to two wins. Sam Bradford battled injuries and didn't have much help around him. They traded the number two overall pick in next week's draft for a king's ransom, so don't expect them to be down for long. They traded this year's #1 for the Redskins' #1 this year and their top picks for the next two years. They'll also receive the Redskins' second round pick this year. Bradford is good, but it's too early to judge what the Rams will be this year, because they have a chance to draft several impact players.</div>
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<b><u>Week 4 at Dallas</u></b></div>
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Last time the Bears went to Dallas, they won a 27-20 game when the Cowboys were expected to be the class of the NFC. As it turned out, the Bears were the ones who made it to the NFC Championship Game. Last year, they reeled off four wins a row starting in Week 9, but finished by losing four of their last five. Will Tony Romo ever become that elite quarterback?</div>
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<b><u>Week 5 at Jacksonville</u></b></div>
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Is Jacksonville happy with Blaine Gabbert? They limped to a 5-11 finish last season, and Gabbert was less than spectacular. He completed 50% of his passes and barely averaged 120 yards per game. How much longer will Maurice Jones-Drew be able to carry this offense? Mel Kiper has the Jags drafting defense in the first round, so the offense will be much the same, with the biggest weapon outside of MJD being Marcedes Lewis.<br />
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<b><i>Week 6 is the Bears' Bye Week</i></b><br />
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<b><u>Week 7 vs Detroit</u></b><br />
The Lions will continue to improve, but their season does hinge on the health of Matthew Stafford. They got a healthy 2011 and made the playoffs. The Bears and Lions most likely will be battling it out for second place in the NFC North, and thus a wild card berth. I don't think there's any reason that both of these teams can't make the playoffs, as long as they're both healthy. If I had to guess, I'd say that the Bears will split with the Lions, each team winning at home.<br />
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<b><u>Week 8 vs Carolina</u></b><br />
The Panthers come to Chicago for the second season in a row, in what has to be some sort of scheduling quirk. Cam Newton almost singlehandedly beat the Bears on the lakefront last year (in what was the first Bears game I ever attended). He ran away with the Rookie of the Year award, and proved that he is a dual threat. He threw for over 4,000 yards and ran for more than 700 yards. Kiper has them drafting interior defensive line help to improve their run defense. Should be another good one.<br />
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<b><u>Week 9 at Tennessee</u></b><br />
This could have been a game against Peyton Manning, but of course he signed with Denver. So, we have Jake Locker to look at. Locker, playing behind Matt Hasselbeck for most of the season, got in five games and wasn't terrible. He threw for over 500 yards and four touchdowns without throwing an intereception. I would imagine, though, that this season will be his true rookie season. He'll take over the reins for the first time, and likely will struggle.<br />
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<b><u>Week 10 vs Houston</u></b><br />
Jay Cutler should feel a little better that Mario Williams is now in Buffalo, but Charles Tillman still has Andre Johnson to deal with. Many consider Johnson to be the best receiver in the league, and Matt Schaub usually has no trouble finding him. Add in the running threat of Arian Foster, and the Bears defense will have their hands full at Soldier Field. <br />
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<b><u>Week 11 at San Francisco</u></b><br />
The Bears will travel to the city by the bay for a Monday night battle with the 49ers. It'll be the first time Jim Harbaugh coaches against his former team, and I think the marquee matchup in this one will be the Bears' offense against the Niners' defense. The Niners' defense was the second best scoring defense in the league last year, allowing just over 14 points per game. Before Jay Cutler got hurt last year, the Bears' offense was on a nice roll. Hopefully they can get back to that and then some with the addition of Brandon Marshall.<br />
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<b><u>Week 12 vs Minnesota</u></b><br />
The Vikings are another team that will be playing with a young quarterback, as Christian Ponder will take over control. What we don't know is how long he'll be without Adrian Peterson, who tore his ACL on Christmas Eve. Even if Peterson is able to come back, who knows how effective he'll be? The Vikings will most likely be predicted to finish last in the NFC North.<br />
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<b><u>Week 13 vs Seattle</u></b><br />
Matt Flynn will come to Chicago and by this point in the season we'll have a good idea of how good he is as a starter. He signed in Seattle for three years after playing just a few games in his career backing up Aaron Rodgers. Granted, he was awesome in those games, but that's a big leap of faith for the Seahawks to take.<br />
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<b><u>Week 14 at Minnesota</u></b><br />
Whatever goes wrong in Week 12, the Bears will have a chance to rectify it pretty quickly. See Week 12.<br />
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<b><u>Week 15 vs Green Bay</u></b><br />
It seems as though the NFL has done this on purpose the last few seasons; one game with Green Bay early, and one late. This one could decide the NFC North. See Week 2.<br />
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<b><u>Week 16 at Arizona</u></b><br />
This should be a nice break from the winter weather in the midwest, and at the very least, they'll play indoors. If they're lucky, it'll be outdoors in pretty mild weather. As far as the game goes, Kevin Kolb was largely disappointing last season, but any team with Larry Fitzgerald on it is dangerous. Kiper has them drafting Michael Floyd, so the secondary could have their hands full.<br />
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<b><u>Week 17 at Detroit</u></b><br />
Another game that could have major playoff implications, be it for the division or a wild card berth. See Week 7.<br />
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Overall, I think it's a very favorable schedule for the Bears in 2012. It's the only silver lining in the Jay Cutler and Matt Forte injuries, along with a higher draft pick. The addition of Brandon Marshall should make the Bears' offense a lot more formidable. That addition also allows them to look to improve the offensive line in next week's draft. <br />
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Mel Kiper has them drafting Whitney Mercilus, a defensive end out of Illinois. It's just one of the positions on defense that presents a real need, and as Kiper points out in his latest mock draft, Julius Peppers won't be around forever. They also need to address linebacker (though they just signed Geno Hayes to boost the linebacker depth), cornerback, and safety. <br />
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Stay tuned to the Walk Off Balk as the Bears select 19th overall in the NFL Draft next week.<br />
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<br /></div>Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994683733468354200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967020692666203478.post-65141182924406472942012-04-19T11:52:00.001-07:002012-04-19T11:57:11.250-07:00April 18th Podcast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBZtJJqJgqQvCC-lVct2Wu2rM-enPKOL8JK6as4HnKndkd7tiar8ipXbAkYDUT9zIHGsUbxbuIuLo3Q8xRZAQsf647CbSX5PN1fUBJF30niyBm4hYoUaB1tSKLtN3lQ8TspiBXo1dOqc/s1600/ap-201204122353859871390.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBZtJJqJgqQvCC-lVct2Wu2rM-enPKOL8JK6as4HnKndkd7tiar8ipXbAkYDUT9zIHGsUbxbuIuLo3Q8xRZAQsf647CbSX5PN1fUBJF30niyBm4hYoUaB1tSKLtN3lQ8TspiBXo1dOqc/s200/ap-201204122353859871390.1.jpg" width="153" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDhzkZwrMlGyBH8M-eiI-BmJoSGiiNKvhfVxX6EwBqGlJfQg3Lql-ItwJTk9viN3MrM1Ovd4Mu24e2PlC7Nv9qI9zPRxzyeSP6Yi1IWhxvvuDazoE5CO_J4barGrUq04eir9XshywtrI/s1600/Hossa-out-of-hospital-after-brutal-hit-911AVKU1-x-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="http://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F43682265&show_artwork=true" width="100%"></iframe></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDhzkZwrMlGyBH8M-eiI-BmJoSGiiNKvhfVxX6EwBqGlJfQg3Lql-ItwJTk9viN3MrM1Ovd4Mu24e2PlC7Nv9qI9zPRxzyeSP6Yi1IWhxvvuDazoE5CO_J4barGrUq04eir9XshywtrI/s1600/Hossa-out-of-hospital-after-brutal-hit-911AVKU1-x-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>The Stiff Arm, and Ben Heisler joins me to talk all things Major League Baseball.Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994683733468354200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967020692666203478.post-68848091844541796562012-04-13T11:14:00.003-07:002012-04-13T16:32:08.398-07:00Blackhawks Put Themselves in Early Hole<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Seabs scored the game-tying goal with<br />just seconds left in regulation</i></b></td></tr>
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Brent Seabrook had a great game last night. I was about to tweet something about that, just before he scored the game tying goal with just 14 seconds left in regulation.<br />
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The Blackhawks' defenseman was the proverbial "stat sheet stuffer" last night, registering the goal, a +1 rating, seven shots on goal, two blocked shots, and six hits in 31 minutes of ice time which led the team.<br />
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But Seabrook's best efforts weren't enough to keep the Hawks out of the loss column, as the Coyotes took a 1-0 series lead on Matin Hanzal's tip goal in overtime. Despite the loss, the Hawks showed some encouraging signs.<br />
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<b><u>1. Increased pressure on the power play</u></b><br />
I'm sure some of this had to do with the return of Jonathan Toews, but the Hawks had plenty of chances on the power play, especially with the top unit. Even though there was no goal to show for it, the results last night were better than they've been recently.<br />
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<b><u>2. Corey Crawford</u></b><br />
Crawford was pretty good in defeat. He made some spectacular saves, especially when the Hawks were shorthanded. He's going to have to be every bit as good as Mike Smith, and I think he's up to the challenge.<br />
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One thing I think will come into play is the officiating. Joel Quenneville wanted a too many men on the ice penalty on Phoenix's first goal, and I'm not sure he's wrong. But then again, they always seem so lax when it comes to that rule. In my opinion, there needs to be a cut and dry definition of what the rule is, and it needs to be interpreted and enforced as such. Also, it seems like they will let the boys play, which is good and bad. It's the norm for playoff hockey, but it's a big difference from the regular season. I think the NHL has the biggest disparity between regular season and postseason officiating, and the teams must adjust.<br />
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I think that favors the Coyotes, because they will be allowed to push around the Hawks. We know the Hawks struggle against physical teams, so it's just another hurdle to overcome. <br />
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I'm still cautiously optimistic about the Hawks' chances in this series, but Phoenix took a huge step forward in winning Game 1.Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994683733468354200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967020692666203478.post-12033272457380894322012-04-12T12:10:00.002-07:002012-04-12T12:10:55.588-07:00Shea Weber Gets Off EasyShea Weber's hit last night at the end of the Predators' 3-2 win over the Red Wings generated a lot of speculation about just how long he'd be suspended.<br />
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I wondered myself whether or not he'd be suspended for the rest of the series, however long that may be. <br />
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I got in the car today on my lunch break and found out that Weber will, in fact, not be suspended a single game, and will be fined the maximum $2,500. Say it ain't so Brendan Shanahan, say it ain't so. What do you think about the hit?<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/8W9fuMCnodI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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Here's a statement from Shanahan, the league's head disciplinarian:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px;">"This was a reckless and reactionary play on which Weber threw a glancing punch and then shoved Zetterberg's head into the glass. As is customary whenever Supplemental Discipline is being considered, we contacted Detroit following the game and were informed that Zetterberg did not suffer an apparent injury and should be in the lineup for Game 2. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px;">"This play and the fine that addressed it will be significant factors in assessing any incidents involving Shea Weber throughout the remainder of the playoffs."</span></blockquote>
There's one phrase in what Shanahan said that is exactly why he should be suspended for at least five games. "Shoved Zetterberg's head into the glass" is the phrase I'm referring to, and is why I think a lot of people are so upset. The league portrays such an awareness and a desire to curtail head injuries that you'd think they'd like to make an example of Shea Weber, or at least continue the precedent they've set with others.<br />
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I get that it's the playoffs, and that you want the stars on the ice, but it's also the time when the NHL gets the most national attention. As <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/rosenblog/chi-shanahan-kills-nhl-credibility-20120412,0,1209560.column" target="_blank">Steve Rosenbloom points out</a> in an online column, it'd be the perfect time to practice what you preach. I don't always agree with Rosenbloom, as he often over-exaggerates, but he hit the nail on the head this time (no pun intended...or is there?). Also, whether or not Zetterberg plays in Game 2 should have no bearing on Shanahan's decision. <br />
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So how are the Blackhawks affected by this decision? Shanahan's decision indirectly says it's OK to target the head. The Hawks have a very important piece most likely returning to the ice tonight in Phoenix. Jonathan Toews had best have his head on a swivel, because the Coyotes might feel up to taking some liberties when they get a chance. Toews missed the last quarter of the regular season with a concussion, and more than likely isn't 100% recovered.<br />
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Game 2 between the Predators and Wings ought to be interesting.Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994683733468354200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967020692666203478.post-55019140502370038962012-04-10T15:17:00.002-07:002012-04-10T15:17:09.947-07:00The Perfect Birthday Present<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7kWs83ZW5-e7Evpo3hHCLnWCeamphHPvTOns_2iaxAPdBytO1wBkCRv-MKnHXjGeL3zezmZ9SgU9PQwn-j22lu1Gp1TAO_8E_Znt4Rev0o9DPLuiFdBv_ibV7E_Xu4tUnNkU2x9c5xg/s1600/0a75393b681a7327708d74026cfea815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7kWs83ZW5-e7Evpo3hHCLnWCeamphHPvTOns_2iaxAPdBytO1wBkCRv-MKnHXjGeL3zezmZ9SgU9PQwn-j22lu1Gp1TAO_8E_Znt4Rev0o9DPLuiFdBv_ibV7E_Xu4tUnNkU2x9c5xg/s320/0a75393b681a7327708d74026cfea815.jpg" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Cody Zeller and Christian Watford will return<br />to play for Indiana next season</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
April 10th, 1987 was the night I was born so yes, today is my birthday. 25 big ones. It seems that every year, my recurring wish is for the Cubs to win on my birthday. Tonight, Paul Maholm will try and do just that.<br />
<br />
Today, though, I got one of the best birthday presents I've ever gotten, as a fellow Hoosier pointed out to me that BOTH Christian Watford and Cody Zeller will return to Indiana to play basketball.<br />
<br />
I had less doubt about Cody returning than Christian, because of how his brothers handled college. Both of his older brothers stayed all four years at their schools (Luke at Notre Dame and Tyler at North Carolina). His family definitely values education, and it seems they've instilled those values in Cody. That being said, Cody is the best of the Zeller brothers, and he's projected as the #6 NBA Draft prospect. <br />
<br />
I think Cody will eventually be in the NBA, but I think he needs to fill out a little more before he'll be able to compete with some of the beefier big men in the league. He's got a good offensive post game, and he runs the floor as well as anyone (and not just big men), so I think his skill set fits well. We'll see how long he stays.<br />
<br />
As for Christian Watford, he's sort of in between an NBA 3 and 4. I think he's too skinny to play the 4, but might not be quick enough to play the 3. One reason I thought he might go was that his stock has never been higher. The game winning three against Kentucky put him on the map, and his stellar play in the NCAA Tournament was a help as well.<br />
<br />
Adding those two back into the mix makes the Hoosiers one of the most formidable teams going into the season next November. It's been a long time since Indiana could post a starting lineup like this:<br />
<br />
PG: Jordan Hulls (Senior)<br />
SG: Victor Oladipo (Junior)<br />
SF: Will Sheehey (Junior)<br />
PF: Christian Watford (Senior)<br />
C: Cody Zeller (Sophomore)<br />
<br />
And none of those starters are part of the top ten recruiting class that Tom Crean has assembled. Add in upperclassmen role players like Derek Elston and Maurice Creek, and sophomores Remy Abell and Austin Etherington, and Indiana might be the deepest team in the country. <br />
<br />
Look out college basketball, the Hoosiers are here to stay!Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994683733468354200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967020692666203478.post-89777047208076612662012-04-09T08:12:00.001-07:002012-04-09T08:12:15.044-07:00The Good, The Bad, The UglyEvery Monday I'll look back at the weekend and give you The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. Here's the first edition...<br />
<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Bubba Watson and his fully-buttoned collar is your<br />Masters champ for 2012</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">The Good:</span></u></b> Bubba Watson won the Masters yesterday in a
playoff with Louis Oosthuizen. What was
so good about it? Nevermind the drama
that Sunday at Augusta always presents, it was how he won the second playoff
hole. Neither player hit a great drive,
but Bubba was way worse off than Oosthuizen.
Oosthuizen’s second shot from the rough came up short of the green, but
he probably thought he was just fine based on where Bubba was. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But Bubba got as lucky as he could possibly get in this
situation, and he had a clear line to the green, so long as he could get his
ball out of the woods, then hook it around to the right. He did just that, and produced one of the
GREATEST golf shots I’ve ever seen. He
landed it within ten feet of the cup, and at that point I knew there was no way
Bubba Watson was going to lose. There’s
just no way that Louis Oosthuizen was going to come back after watching Bubba
do that. Congratulations Bubba Watson. His shirt buttoned all the way to the top,
though? That’s a different story.</div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">The Bad:</span></u></b> As good as Bubba Watson and Louis Oosthiuzen were
over the weekend, Tiger Woods was just as bad.
He was never in contention, and finished tied for 41<sup>st</sup>, his
worst finish since he was cut in 1996.
Yeah, that’s 16 years ago.
Everyone was high on Tiger’s chances coming in, higher than they would
normally be because Tiger finally won a PGA Tour event. He won the Arnold Palmer Invitational two
weeks ago at Bay Hill. It finally looked
like Tiger was putting everything together again. Finally getting back to being the dominant
golfer we know he can be. </div>
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<br /></div>
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But any progress that was made at Bay Hill was undone at
Augusta. He missed fairways, missed
greens, didn’t putt well, and let his temper get the best of him. It’s a show we’ve seen before, and it’s not
pretty. Personally, I’m rooting for
Tiger to get back on top. Seeing guys
like Bubba Watson and Rory McIlroy win is nice, but adding Tiger back into the
mix would do wonders for golf.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">The Ugly:</span></u></b> Kerry Wood
had an awful opening weekend for the Cubs.
On Thursday, he came into the game in the 8<sup>th</sup> inning with a
one run lead, two outs, and Ian Desmond on first. Obviously, it’s not the ideal situation for a
reliever, but there’s a reason Wood is in the back end of the bullpen. Desmond stole second, and then Ryan Zimmerman
walked. Both runners moved up on a wild
pitch, and now the go-ahead run is in scoring position. Wood then walked Adam LaRoche to load the
bases, and then walked Jayson Werth to tie the game. He got DeRosa to ground out to second, but
the damage was done.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On Saturday, Wood came in again in the 8<sup>th</sup>
inning, this time with a clean slate and a two run lead. He got the first two hitters, but then gave
up a homer to Danny Espinosa. Back to
back singles followed, and Kerry Wood was done for the day. Both runners eventually scored to give Wood
three earned runs on the day. Here’s
Wood’s line for the season so far: 1 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 1 K, 27.00 ERA. Yeah, I know, an ERA isn’t a great barometer
for relief pitchers, but WHIP sure is, and Wood’s is at 6.00. I also know that it’s April 9<sup>th</sup>,
and the Cubs have 159 games left to play.
While he had an ugly weekend, hopefully he can get back to being the
Kerry Wood we know and love.</div>Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994683733468354200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967020692666203478.post-31179659103328393522012-04-06T15:09:00.000-07:002012-04-06T15:16:07.722-07:00Adam Dunn Will Bounce Back<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlEy2BsT0u1GoBvd4x-MysPqoFP3W7RmslSqSsGM99Ibv79k3f22EpKQr_MpkNybnzv_VfrsuT6CA1-i-OUhf-brh6lTdm2Tmq5Kl0XwOKDgKOn7yLnO5prw3HQEhIbEMm9D7JllyJdA/s1600/65000057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlEy2BsT0u1GoBvd4x-MysPqoFP3W7RmslSqSsGM99Ibv79k3f22EpKQr_MpkNybnzv_VfrsuT6CA1-i-OUhf-brh6lTdm2Tmq5Kl0XwOKDgKOn7yLnO5prw3HQEhIbEMm9D7JllyJdA/s320/65000057.jpg" width="320" /></a>Hell, he can't get much worse than last year, right?<br />
<br />
His batting average of .159 may have been the worst of all time. He struck out 177 times, which isn't a career high, but then again he only played in 122 games. Let's put that into proportion. Had Dunn played in all 162 games, he would have struck out 235 times. That would have set the Major League record for most all time.<br />
<br />
He looked just plain lost last year. Some will attribute it to the fact that he changed leagues. Others will say it was his first time as a DH, and it takes time to adjust to that role. I'd say that in reality, it was a combination of all those things, plus some mechanical issues.<br />
<br />
The only thing saving him from being totally roasted by Sox fans and the media was that pretty much everyone else on the Sox had an awful year too.<br />
<br />
But that was last year, this is this year, and I'm predicting that Adam Dunn will bounce back this season (Yeah, I said all that before he hit his homer today).<br />
<br />
I have no real scientific, concrete evidence as to why Dunn will have a good year, it's just a hunch. I think his comfort level will rise, and his familiarity with American League pitchers will help, too. Plus, if his teammates have better seasons, it will take the pressure off Dunn, though he's still going to be expected to produce, hitting in the middle of the lineup.<br />
<br />
My prediction for Dunn's season: .240, 25-30 HR's, 85-90 RBI.Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994683733468354200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967020692666203478.post-60483023366893441082012-04-05T16:24:00.003-07:002012-04-05T16:24:39.937-07:00Cubs Fall on Overrated Opening DayOpening Day in Major League Baseball is one of the best days of the sports year. It's up there with the Super Bowl, the Final Four, any Game 7, the NFL Draft, etc.<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNofHQIyo-9nNttn9_tlNHxoWGeI8UEsUcAfjGWphLazz7Pj7gXvNPPg5U33jZoOjgLWTScDCrVhNSVtHS69NYhXPoHi9jc9XtJd2Wz75uANSxZRPazq_HEGSYBNIb6pGJkaHBHLZZEQY/s1600/openingday20121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNofHQIyo-9nNttn9_tlNHxoWGeI8UEsUcAfjGWphLazz7Pj7gXvNPPg5U33jZoOjgLWTScDCrVhNSVtHS69NYhXPoHi9jc9XtJd2Wz75uANSxZRPazq_HEGSYBNIb6pGJkaHBHLZZEQY/s200/openingday20121.jpg" width="200" /></a>That being said, I think there is way too much fanfare for Opening Day. Especially now that Opening Day is actually three or four different days. Plus, it's one game out of 162. ONE GAME!!!! The way baseball fans react to the first game, they either think their team is going 162-0 or the exact opposite. Get a grip people!<br />
<br />
It was Tommy Lasorda who said...<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="font-size: 10pt;"><span class="text3" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 10pt;">"No matter how good you are, you're going to lose one-third of your games. No matter how bad you are you're going to win one-third of your games. It's the other third that makes the difference."</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</blockquote>
It's a long, long season. So much is going to happen between now and September. It's not like football where the first game can actually give us a good idea of what the team's strengths and weaknesses might be. For example, we knew after one game (and probably before that) that the Bears were going to have trouble protecting Jay Cutler.<br />
<br />
Can we say the same about the Cubs? No way, no how. <br />
<br />
Ryan Dempster spun a gem against the Nationals, going 7.2 innings, giving up one run on two hits, striking out ten. He's not going to give you thirty starts like that. That's just now how baseball works. He'll have his days where he gives up seven earned runs in the first two innings and be done.<br />
<br />
Kerry Wood won't always be all over the place, and Carlos Marmol won't always melt down with two outs (or maybe he will). There's a lot of baseball left to be played.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately for the Cubs, and Cubs fans like myself everywhere, I don't think the Cubs will win more than 70 games this season. I'm actually OK with that. But that didn't take away the sting of losing a game the way the Cubs did today.<br />
<br />
Welcome to Cubdom, Dale Sveum.Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994683733468354200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967020692666203478.post-89956078983209355842012-04-04T08:56:00.001-07:002012-04-04T08:56:14.961-07:00In Other News...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4P0jHxc-sbAbneZCvHNeeCtrjXj_p0AMvcjEJ-THGgsNT45O3ADIP3C1IDEjzn3mld3sfIFiM-H9z5oaov4apXeThGoVY5ZVkf12M0DNaHCAVmuQJt3OwW9aCKDhqPnk5DNCJ3ttxcs/s1600/morganfreeman110610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4P0jHxc-sbAbneZCvHNeeCtrjXj_p0AMvcjEJ-THGgsNT45O3ADIP3C1IDEjzn3mld3sfIFiM-H9z5oaov4apXeThGoVY5ZVkf12M0DNaHCAVmuQJt3OwW9aCKDhqPnk5DNCJ3ttxcs/s200/morganfreeman110610.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
This has nothing at all to do with sports, but <a href="http://shine.yahoo.com/love-sex/morgan-freeman-to-marry-his-step-granddaughter-486028.html?fb_action_ids=10150778256998669&fb_action_types=news.reads&fb_source=other_multiline&code=AQDdZmRGIrBD0EFYkIa9Rl97qWDWSRFDBF7NSIddzmoeeBi5_Ys2kZnv_n4oOhSrbaWuUy2FLCGR5zBN5LhrqjAOvclwbYTe6es2Oko6PPKsEqqDkq1xaz9VB1swWMoOx03taOvstEK2K1cIzeq2vqXInW5BJc5N8bRAjlQmuo6X-eUkn0eaDcHnfiQKWBRIU_M#_=" target="_blank">I saw this</a> on someone's Facebook and so I clicked on it and I now wish I hadn't.<br />
<br />
It appears that Morgan Freeman...well I'll just let you click on the link and see for yourself. <br />
<br />
It's too bad. Morgan Freeman is one of my favorite actors.<br />
<br />Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994683733468354200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967020692666203478.post-56646450589954540312012-04-03T18:31:00.001-07:002012-04-03T18:31:04.580-07:00The Most Awful Anthem Ever CreatedIn case you missed it last night, the national anthem at the NCAA Championship Game was more than probably the worst rendition I've ever heard. The Fray put on an excellent concert, and I'll be seeing them again in a couple of weeks. God I hope they don't play the anthem.<br />
<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/dQXkqoJnIlg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
So which was worse? The Fray? Or this....<br />
<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/hnXWv8pFkmI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Maybe it's just the fact that Jim Nantz introduced them both. "Hello Friends, your ears are about to bleed"Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994683733468354200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967020692666203478.post-73630359896658842772012-04-03T16:36:00.004-07:002012-04-03T16:36:45.692-07:00Kentucky Wins Title...Now What?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes the best team does win the tournament after
all. As much as it pains me to say it,
Kentucky was by far the best team in this tournament, and it showed again on
Monday night. Despite Kansas’ comeback
attempt in the last five minutes, the final score doesn’t indicate how dominant
of a performance it really was by the Wildcats.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From the opening tip, it was clear who was more prepared to
play. Bill Self spoke to his team before
the game about how all the pressure was on Kentucky. Kentucky thrived under that supposed pressure
and took control early.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In order to win, Kansas would have had to slow the game down
to take away Kentucky’s transition game advantage. The Wildcats used said transition game to
build a double digit lead early, and never really let go. They smothered Kansas inside, both when the
Jayhawks tried to enter the ball into the post and when the rebounds were up
for grabs. It seemed like there were at
least four white shirts in the lane at all times. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEe_xy16uc5RxPqVooKc-NTCM_t2VdPPyNPNt5g9jTeR_er403e4qrSu4DTmNX2457T8uLsRYxZNmKJmyPcwo2vo9K4ngCgtjfCNu5hvb3cghOgRWHd2qp8T81uBcPtmFLB1oNapY5m0E/s1600/120402_ChampionshipGameVsKentucky_cneal97_t990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEe_xy16uc5RxPqVooKc-NTCM_t2VdPPyNPNt5g9jTeR_er403e4qrSu4DTmNX2457T8uLsRYxZNmKJmyPcwo2vo9K4ngCgtjfCNu5hvb3cghOgRWHd2qp8T81uBcPtmFLB1oNapY5m0E/s200/120402_ChampionshipGameVsKentucky_cneal97_t990.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Kentucky is your <br />national champion</i></b><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I find it hard to believe that guys like Anthony Davis and
Terrence Jones would stick around. They can
both make money in the NBA right now.
Davis will most likely be the number one pick. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is one of the most
talented players in the draft class. The
only prominent Wildcat I could see sticking around for another season is
Marquis Teague. While the guard class is
rather weak, he could really improve his draft stock by sticking around and
learning more from Calipari. Look at
what Cal has done with point guards.
Derrick Rose and John Wall are both Calipari-produced point guards. Teague isn’t nearly as talented as either of
those guys, but with another year of school he could take a step in the right
direction.</div>
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As for Calipari, whether or not his last two Final Four
appearances get vacated isn’t up to me.
Who knows, maybe they will. Then
we can laugh at Kentucky all day long.
Part of me thinks he isn’t dumb enough to get caught at a place like
Kentucky, where they expect nothing but championships and he’s already under
the NCAA’s microscope. Part of me also
thinks that he’ll never be clean, he’s just getting better at distancing
himself from the dirt.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There have been rumors about Calipari being a candidate for
the Knicks job next season. He’s tried
the NBA once, with no success, but he’s older, wiser, and probably a better
coach now. There’s no doubt he can coach
elite talent and get them to play together, so maybe now is the right time to
bolt to the NBA. He’s got nothing left
to accomplish at the college level, though he did tell ESPN’s Andy Katz that he’d
like to go after an undefeated season. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Personally, I don’t think an undefeated season is possible
for anyone. First of all, this was
Calipari’s best team ever, so he’s unlikely to get talent like that again. Secondly, the talent level is rising in
college basketball, and they play a good non-conference schedule. They can most likely go through the SEC
undefeated again, but an undefeated season is too much, in my opinion.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The best team won, but I can’t wait for next March so they
can be dethroned.</div>Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994683733468354200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967020692666203478.post-83794682805990718612012-04-02T12:19:00.001-07:002012-04-02T15:37:59.781-07:00The ABC's of the 2011-2012 Indiana HoosiersWhat a ride they took us on, right? Who knew a team that won just 12 games a year ago would be able to win 27 games this season. They did all of that in one of, if not the best, basketball conferences in America.<br />
<br />
While the Sweet 16 loss to Kentucky will sting for awhile, there's a lot to look forward to with this group. Indiana Basketball is back in a big way. Let's summarize the season...<br />
<br />
<b><u>A: Remy Abell</u></b><br />
The freshman from Louisville sort of flew under the radar, especially with #40 being the headliner of the recruiting class. But Abell certainly played some vital minutes for these Hoosiers, and there's no reason he won't be a part of things for the years to come. He's a good defender, and hit some big shots down the stretch in a couple of games.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivhdZwq6Pocz9kZpjZhyphenhyphenun3jy6Coy3rxkpfxhcSwDzt-T7badKvxJatwAEkT64ccVBOi-DUqJlTkg4AN3i_W7QRS8yF5pnmR7sLWIePIFcfmRJmilCjPA3nyBQFpb1-3WBtrv_i2_IU1c/s1600/136004795_extra_large_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivhdZwq6Pocz9kZpjZhyphenhyphenun3jy6Coy3rxkpfxhcSwDzt-T7badKvxJatwAEkT64ccVBOi-DUqJlTkg4AN3i_W7QRS8yF5pnmR7sLWIePIFcfmRJmilCjPA3nyBQFpb1-3WBtrv_i2_IU1c/s1600/136004795_extra_large_large.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Cody Zeller helped Indiana to a 27-9 record</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><u>B: Big Time Recruiting </u></b><br />
Tom Crean certainly put Indiana back on the map with the successful recruitment of Cody Zeller. Zeller's commitment set off a chain reaction of great talent, especially in-state talent, on the way to play for the Hoosiers. The Class of 2012 is among the country's best, and four of the incoming freshman make their home in Indiana. Certainly the season the Hoosiers just had won't hurt either.<br />
<br />
<b><u>C: Christian Watford</u></b><br />
The junior from Birmingham, Alabama might want to take up permanent residence in Bloomington after graduation. That's because <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqG7eSRAyfg" target="_blank">this shot</a> on December 10th is a moment all Hoosier fans will remember for the rest of their lives. Plus, Watford will likely never have to buy a drink in Bloomington ever again. That game aside, Watford had a huge junior season. 12 points and six rebounds per game might not sound like a lot, but his impact was felt on every game, positive or negative. When he played well, Indiana was a better team. Here's hoping he stays in college for his senior season.<br />
<br />
<b><u>D: Dancing</u></b><br />
For the first time in four years, and the first time in the Tom Crean era, the Hoosiers made the Big Dance. I'll be completely honest...I was definitely not expecting this team to make the tournament, much less be a number four seed. I guess I underestimated the impact Cody Zeller would have. Also, Indiana made the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2002. That's a long time for a program like Indiana. <br />
<br />
<b><u>E: Elston, Derek</u></b><br />
Another junior, Derek Elston's game improved quite a bit this season. He became more of an all around player, playing more under control and also increasing his shooting range. While he didn't shoot a lot of three's, he knocked down more than half of the ones he took (16-29). He also posted a great overall field goal percentage (49.5%). He'll never be a star, but he'll always be an effective role player.<br />
<br />
<b><u>F: Finishing Games</u></b><br />
Young teams have trouble finishing games. It's a fact of sports. As the Hoosiers become more upperclassmen-heavy, they're going to be better at finishing. That first became apparent to me in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge, when they played at NC State. They trailed the Wolfpack by seven at the under-8 media timeout of the second half, but ended up winning by 11. The Wolfpack eventually upset San Diego State and Georgetown before losing to Kansas in the Sweet 16.<br />
<br />
<b><u>G: Great Start</u></b><br />
Indiana went into the Big Ten undefeated at 12-0, which equaled their win total from a year ago. That start included wins over #1 Kentucky, at NC State, Butler, and Notre Dame. That's one Final Four team, one Sweet 16 team, another tournament team, and a Butler team who was in the national title game the year before. After losing the conference opener to Michigan State, they beat another Final Four team in Ohio State, and another tournament team and eventual Big Ten co-champion Michigan. 14-1 is never a bad way to start the season.<br />
<br />
<b><u>H: Hoosier Nation</u></b><br />
I wonder how many fanbases could endure what Hoosier Nation has endured over the past three seasons. To watch a college basketball powerhouse win six games because the previous coach left the program in an absolute mess was depressing, and that was only my fourth year of being a true Hoosier fan. I can't imagine what fans who lived through the Knight era could have thought. That being said, the Hoosier Nation stuck with the team, understanding all along that better times were ahead. Hoosier Nation has been patient, and that patience is finally paying off.<br />
<br />
<b><u>I: Indiana</u></b><br />
The Hoosiers owned the state of Indiana this year. Not only do they have four high level Indiana prospects coming in next season, but they didn't lose a single game to another Indiana-based university. They beat Evansville, Butler, Notre Dame, and Purdue (twice). Not a bad way to announce your return to prominence. Well played, Tom Crean.<br />
<br />
<b><u>J: Jordan Hulls</u></b><br />
The junior from Bloomington was the starting point guard all season long, despite several "experts" saying that Verdell Jones was the starting PG. What Jordan lacks in size, he makes up for in shooting percentage. Hulls was nearly automatic from beyond the arc. He shot 40% from back there, and has a quick release that makes up for the unorthodox shooting motion. He's also developed the ability to pull up off the dribble from mid-range. Some say the arrival of Yogi Ferrell signals a reduction of playing time for Jordy, but I think the senior-to-be will have every opportunity to be in the starting lineup.<br />
<br />
<b><u>K: Kentucky Game</u></b><br />
As I mentioned earlier in the blurb about Christian Watford, December 10th 2011 is a night I won't soon forget. Personally, I could only watch the first half live. I was on pins and needles all night before I could get back to the television and watch the rest of the game. Some will say that Indiana was lucky to win that game. Anthony Davis was in foul trouble, Terrence Jones didn't show up, and Watford had to hit a three at the buzzer, but nevertheless, Indiana won. Won't ever forget it.<br />
<br />
<b><u>L: Losses</u></b><br />
There were nine of 'em. I certainly expected more. The first one didn't come until almost 2012, as I mentioned earlier. Certainly there were some losses easier to take than others (at Michigan State, at Ohio State, at Wisconsin, Sweet 16 to Kentucky) but then there were the ones that shouldn't have happened (at home to Minnesota, and at Nebraska).<br />
<br />
<b><u>M: Matt Roth</u></b><br />
Matt Roth was never a superstar for Indiana, but he had his moments in the spotlight. He scored 29 points, hitting nine threes his freshman year against Ohio State. This season, he was in the regular rotation for most of the season, simply because he was ultra-reliable from distance. He was 42-77 on the year, good for 53%. He was also part of Crean's first recruiting class, among the group who came to Indiana when nobody else would.<br />
<br />
<b><u>N: Next Step</u></b><br />
Not many were expecting the program to take this big a step this early on. I mentioned that I, personally, was not expecting this. So what's the next step? Did they take too big a step too soon? With great recruiting class coming in, I suppose the sky is the limit. They must make sure, though, that they stay within themselves and the upperclassmen must be good mentors to the freshman. I've had a few people tell me that this is a Final Four caliber team. I'm not sure about that, but another tournament run would be fun.<br />
<br />
<b><u>O: Oladipo, Victor</u></b><br />
He's the Hoosiers' best on-ball defender, their best dunker, their best slasher, and their best finisher at the rim. They say the biggest improvement for a college basketball player comes between freshman and sophomore year. It held true for Oladipo. He's the most athletic player Crean has had come through Bloomington so far, and he's only going to get better. He loves playing, and he loves Indiana. He did have a shooting slump for most of the year, though. He just didn't look comfortable shooting from distance. It reminded me of the slumps Lance Stemler and Eric Gordon went though.<br />
<br />
<b><u>P: Pritchard, Tom</u></b><br />
Ah, what can I say about Tom Pritchard? He came in as a freshman as the team's starting center. He tore up the non-conference, but met his match in the Big Ten. To say that Tom gave his all is an understatement, even if it meant getting called for what must have been a record number of illegal screens. The only good thing about Tom's departure from Indiana is that it signals progress. I say that in a positive way, because Tom helped recruit better, more athletic players. His contributions to the program can't go overlooked.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Q: Quite a Rematch</u></b><br />
On Selection Sunday, Indiana heard their name called early, seeded fourth in the South region. Number one overall seed Kentucky was in the same region, and the two were headed straight for a Sweet 16 rematch in Atlanta. I was expecting Kentucky to win, partly because the game wasn't in Bloomington, and I didn't expect Terrence Jones to disappear again. He didn't, scoring the first five Kentucky points. Davis did get into foul trouble, committing his second with about 15 minutes left in the first half. The Hoosiers were poised to make a run with Davis on the bench, but Cody Zeller picked up his second a few seconds later. Indiana was able to keep it close with Davis out, but in the second half it was a different game. Davis made his impact felt, and Kentucky made 35 of 37 free throws for the game, sealing a 102-90 victory on their way to the Final Four.<br />
<br />
<b><u>R: Ranked Teams</u></b><br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Indiana made a habit of beating ranked teams at Assembly
Hall. #1 Kentucky fell in December, #2
Ohio State fell on New Years’ Eve, and #5 Michigan State fell later in the
season. You rank ‘em, we spank ‘em.<span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u>S: Scoring</u></b></div>
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Four players (Zeller, Hulls, Watford, Oladipo) averaged in double figures, and the Hoosiers led the Big Ten in points per game. A lot of this had to do with the tempo the Hoosiers played at. They were at their best in transition, which of course means a lot of layups. The Hoosiers led the conference in field goal percentage as well as three point percentage. A great year shooting the basketball for the Hoosiers.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u>T: Tom Crean</u></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Four years in, I think Tom Crean is ahead of schedule. Coming into this season, I heard a couple of national radio hosts (cough, Dan Patrick, cough) theorize that it was now or never for Crean, but clearly they haven't closely followed the program. Crean's relentless recruiting has brought the program back from the dead, and what he did with the talent he had on the floor this year deserves commending, too. I underestimated the impact Cody Zeller would have, but Crean did a great job meshing all the talent to get 27 wins. It's also worth noting that the Hoosiers' turnaround was the biggest in college basketball this season. They were one win away from equaling their win total from the previous three seasons combined. Tom Crean is here to stay.</div>
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<b><u>U: Unexpected</u></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
As I've mentioned before, I wasn't expecting the Hoosiers to be this good so soon. I underestimated the impact of Zeller, and the improvements of Oladipo and Sheehey was huge. I think they took the entire country by surprise, too.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u>V: Verdell Jones III</u></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Over the course of his four years at IU, Verdell has been the target of much criticism because of his propensity to turn the ball over. I think, though, he was mis-used as the point guard. He's more of a shooting guard, and he proved that over time as he developed a lethal mid-range pull up jumper. He also had a knack for making big plays late in the game. When he tore his ACL during the Big Ten Tournament win over Penn State, the building was absolutely silent. Granted, it was a pro-IU crowd, I think everyone in the building realized what Verdell meant to the program over the last four years. Kind of ironic that he didn't get to participate in the NCAA Tournament he worked so hard to get to. It's also kind of a symbolic passing of the torch, though, that he's handing the keys to the program over to the future. Thanks, Verdell, for all that you did.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u>W: Will Sheehey</u></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
I don't know if anyone has more fun playing the game than Will Sheehey. The surprisingly athletic 6'6" sophomore had a great season, spending most of it as the first man off the bench, providing a spark on both ends of the floor. He's a great slasher, a pretty good shooter as long as he's open, and he can defend as well. If he does nothing else at IU, he'll also be forever remembered for knocking down the game winning shot against VCU in the Sweet 16.</div>
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<b><u>X: X Factor</u></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Uh, this kid named Cody was pretty good. Indiana was mostly the same team this season, plus a 6'11" freshman from Washington, Indiana. He has good post moves, stayed out of foul trouble for the most part, and he runs the floor as wells as any big man I've ever seen. He's projected to be a high draft pick right now, but I think he needs to put on some weight before he can be successful in the NBA. Also, judging by his older brothers, he values education. I think he stays at least one more year.</div>
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<b><u>Y: Yesteryear</u></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Personally, I've only been following the team for seven seasons, but talking to older Hoosier fans, this team reminded them of teams of old. Also, this team makes the last three seasons somewhat worth the wait. Hopefully this year's team was an indication of things to come.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u>Z: Zeller, Cody</u></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
I've gushed enough about Cody Zeller, so I'll just reiterate how important he was to this year's team. Without Zeller, the Hoosiers don't have an inside presence. They wouldn't be leading the conference in scoring and field goal percentage, and most importantly, they wouldn't have 27 wins, and most likely wouldn't have been in the NCAA Tournament. Stay as long as you can, Cody!!!</div>Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994683733468354200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967020692666203478.post-4251437508280759452012-03-23T08:14:00.004-07:002012-03-23T08:14:39.610-07:00Indiana vs Kentucky--Sweet 16 Version<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Can Indiana beat Kentucky again? That’s the question that’s been on every
basketball analyst’s mind since the Sweet 16 matchup was set.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The simple answer is, well, yes! They’ve already done it once, so there’s no
reason they <i>can’t</i> do it again.</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7D6GVoWLvNFNhQqeFbHogRfNYOkirSdCopjb5y3gJa8sfRUNtp94Z2oUeJtY55pdchHiSycpgeoSZEBD5bs8OckYkxua-wyb04ogVjQAAfdd8QQP7nUtDh3T8agJAKQONWVs-X_X-rSg/s1600/Watford+Beats+Kentucky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7D6GVoWLvNFNhQqeFbHogRfNYOkirSdCopjb5y3gJa8sfRUNtp94Z2oUeJtY55pdchHiSycpgeoSZEBD5bs8OckYkxua-wyb04ogVjQAAfdd8QQP7nUtDh3T8agJAKQONWVs-X_X-rSg/s320/Watford+Beats+Kentucky.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>I ought to have this framed</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That game in December is most likely in the top five Hoosier
basketball games of all time. Christian
Watford’s shot might rival Keith Smart’s shot to win the 1987 National
Championship. At the time, I argued
there might be no bigger shot in Indiana history, because of where the program
has been the last few years. It brought
the Hoosiers back to the forefront of college basketball again, hopefully for a
long time to come.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But the doubters will say, hey that game was an early season
game in Assembly Hall and they needed a last second three pointer to do it. Fine, all those things are true, but Indiana
was the better team for most of that game.
Believe it or not, as young as the Hoosiers are, they have that much experience,
too. Guys like Jordan Hulls, Christian
Watford, and Verdell Jones are all upperclassmen, and have played Kentucky
before.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What’s different about this game coming up tonight is that
Kentucky has gotten better. Yes, they
have a ton of freshman like every Calipari team does, but like every Calipari
team in recent memory, those freshman are the most talented players on the
floor. Anthony Davis is likely to be not
only the freshman of the year, but the national player of the year as
well. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is an NBA
talent (reports yesterday said that MKG will declare for the draft whenever the
Wildcats are done playing). Marquis
Teague is one of the players who’s improved the most. Kyle Wiltjer won’t blow anyone away with
athleticism, and he doesn’t get a ton of PT, but he shoots 41% from beyond the
arc.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Let’s not forget to mention the Wildcats’ sophomores,
Terrence Jones and Doron Lamb. Jones
disappeared in the first meeting in Bloomington, but I don’t think that will
happen again. Jones only scored four
points, and looked like he wanted to run and hide. Lamb can light it up from deep whenever he
wants to.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For Indiana to beat Kentucky again, a few things have to
happen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Indiana Must Take Care of the Ball</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">There
may be no better transition team in college basketball than Kentucky. Turn the ball over (which Indiana is prone to
do), and Tom Crean will have nightmares featuring alley-oops and highlight reel
dunks. Indiana will be without Verdell
Jones III, who while can be turnover prone, can also make a mid range jumper.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Indiana Must Hit Their Threes</span></u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Anthony
Davis is the nation’s best shot blocker.
So, Indiana can either try to draw Davis away from the rim, or they can
knockdown more three’s than they miss.
Easier said than done, sure, but IU is one of the best three point
shooting teams in the country. Jordan
Hulls, Watford, Will Sheehey, Derek Elston, and Matt Roth are all shooting at
least 39% from deep.</span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Indiana Must Get Anthony Davis in Foul Trouble</span></u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Davis had foul trouble in December in Bloomington,
but he’s not likely to again. He’s been
really good at not fouling, especially lately.
Hopefully Cody Zeller is able to go right at Davis and draw a couple of
early fouls, forcing Calipari to sit Davis.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Indiana Must Rebound Well</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I expect Tom Crean to employ more
zone than man, so as to neutralize Kentucky’s alley-oop game, slow the game
down, and force UK to make shots to win.
As most basketball fans know, it’s tough to reboundout of the
zone. Watford, Zeller, Victor Oladipo,
and Elston need to have big games crashing the boards.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Full disclosure, I think Kentucky will win the game, as much
as it pains me to say it. That being
said, I think Indiana has more of a chance to come out on top again than people
realize. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Plus, I can’t tell you how happy I’d be to see <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5a6xrMskEs&feature=fvwrel">Casual
Gamer Reed’s reaction</a>.</span></div>
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</li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-size: 9px;"><br /></span></div>Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994683733468354200noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967020692666203478.post-19480699242778749672012-03-22T14:15:00.002-07:002012-03-22T14:15:57.879-07:00NFL News and Notes<br />
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<b><u>Saints Bounty Penalties</u></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Needless today, I was a bit shocked when I got in the car
yesterday afternoon and heard sports talk hosts here in Chicago talking about
the biggest story of the day.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIaKsEHbb29qJ0XpcsdiNO5GrSedClEfxmk5PIU_mNmQ465e-NK69ps6wDYFuoGZu5tm14qtPCOZ0tuubGzPvWX6qAE2fwnMjgpCE1eWCezjaiXslTCsuOCARuUAnbJZKJwDBCCrsKNdg/s1600/gregg-williams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIaKsEHbb29qJ0XpcsdiNO5GrSedClEfxmk5PIU_mNmQ465e-NK69ps6wDYFuoGZu5tm14qtPCOZ0tuubGzPvWX6qAE2fwnMjgpCE1eWCezjaiXslTCsuOCARuUAnbJZKJwDBCCrsKNdg/s1600/gregg-williams.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Gregg Williams was suspended indefinitely by the NFL</i></b></td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Not that I was shocked that they were talking about the
biggest story of the day, but I was shocked to hear what it was. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The NFL has suspended former Saints’ defensive coordinator
Gregg Williams (now with the Rams) indefinitely, head coach Sean Payton for the
entire 2012 season, GM Mickey Loomis for eight games, and linebackers coach Joe
Vitt for six games. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These are unprecedented actions, but then again, we’re
dealing with an unprecedented situation.
Plus, we know that Commissioner Roger Goodell loves to make an example
of people to try and deter others from taking the same action.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That’s just it, though.
Multiple former players have come out and said that stuff like this goes
on everywhere, it’s just the Saints that got caught. But what compounded their issue was not
stopping this bounty program when the NFL directed them to. As Jeff Duncan points out in today’s New
Orleans Times-Picayune, the blame falls squarely on those in charge of the
Saints.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t think the NFL could afford to NOT level stiff
penalties against those involved. As
many have pointed out over the last 24 hours, player safety is a paramount
issue in the league right now, and the NFL must do all it can to emphasize the
issue.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have no problems with any of the penalties.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u>Tebow Traded</u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Say the name Tim Tebow, and everyone stops talking, their ears
perk up, and they listen. With Peyton
Manning taking over the starting role in Denver, Tebow became expendable. The Jets, of all teams, traded for Tebow
yesterday not once but twice. I’m not a
Jets fan (Bear Down), but if I were, I wouldn’t like it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Jets are already almost a laughing stock in the NFL
because of the inconsistencies of Mark Sanchez and Rex Ryan’s feet—er—mouth. I don’t think they need the added attention
of Tim Tebow. That being said, maybe
they can effectively vary their looks on offense with Tebow coming in to run
the wildcat.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u>Bears Sign Michael Bush, Matt Forte Feels Disrespected</u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today the Bears announce they signed running back Michael
Bush to a four year contract. Matt Forte
promptly tweeted: <span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There's only so many times a man that has done
everything he's been asked to do can be disrespected! Guess the GOOD GUYS do
finish last....</span>”<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Bears have placed the franchise tag on Forte,
which will guarantee him just under eight million dollars. They also had Marion Barber and Khalil Bell
on the roster before they signed Bush.
The general consensus is that they’ll release Barber, partly because of
the mental gaffe he had at the end of last season. As for the franchise tag, Forte has said that
he’s OK with it, as long as the two sides continue to work towards a long term
deal. He’s apparently taken the Bush
signing as a bad sign for his contract situation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What Matt Forte must get over, and “Pay Forte”
supporters must get over, is that while he’s been highly effective in his four
year career, running backs aren’t what they used to be even five years
ago. The position is becoming less and
less of a position where guys are effective for longer than five or six
years. The Bears are right to be smart about
what they do with Forte. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">By signing Michael Bush, they are PROTECTING Matt
Forte! Forte should be THANKING the
Bears for signing a guy who rushed for nearly 1,000 yards last season. By signing another effective rusher, they are
trying to extend the NFL life of Matt Forte!
They should still lock up Forte, but if I were Phil Emery, I wouldn’t
give him anything longer than a three year deal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994683733468354200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967020692666203478.post-82026448905945573092012-03-21T10:02:00.001-07:002012-03-21T10:02:24.213-07:001600 Words on the Sweet 16<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s so much buildup to the NCAA Tournament. Teams have been practicing since October and
playing games since November. For 68
teams, the success of the season comes down to six games in March. The tournament always flies by. Before we know it, we’re watching the
national championship game on a Monday night, and can’t wait until next
November to start it up again.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s only one team that will win their last game, but
that doesn’t mean that it won’t be a successful season for the 67 teams who
don’t cut down the nets in New Orleans.
Now that we’re through the first full weekend, we’re down to the final
sixteen. Here’s my Sweet (and Sour) 16.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u>WINNERS</u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="color: blue;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Kentucky</span></b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhwv11MADTDsgKoGAcNLyP-chhoVC6ipP0YoiXl1DlJfnuwLpYOPqkYPH4veg1_LVKbLhxVeRp3UZyiRm7SUh-cR4LJCywM8r8TeA5r9CEVZ9Ja7uRD3B4M1SjABKG-sKkQDsQfCvBog/s1600/Davis+Block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhwv11MADTDsgKoGAcNLyP-chhoVC6ipP0YoiXl1DlJfnuwLpYOPqkYPH4veg1_LVKbLhxVeRp3UZyiRm7SUh-cR4LJCywM8r8TeA5r9CEVZ9Ja7uRD3B4M1SjABKG-sKkQDsQfCvBog/s320/Davis+Block.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Freshman Anthony Davis has become more of an<br />all-around player this year.</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is no denying that the Kentucky Wildcats are the best
team in the tournament. Their number one
overall seed was no fluke, and they only lost once before the SEC Tournament
championship game. They’ve annihilated
both teams they played so far in the tournament (although Iowa State kept it
close for 25-30 minutes before I blinked and Kentucky went up by 20). Indiana was the only team to beat them in the
regular season, on a last second three in Bloomington. It pains me to say that I think the Wildcats
get their revenge on Friday night.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="color: blue;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Kansas</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Jayhawks had no trouble with Detroit in the Round of 64,
but they ran into an, in my opinion, underseeded Purdue team playing with a
chip on their shoulder. Having watched
Robbie Hummel play his entire career in West Lafayette, I can say that he’s one
of those kids I would pick for my team anytime, anywhere. They’ll take on a pretty decent NC State team
who (patting myself on the back here) I predicted would make it this far. I think the Jayhawks’ athleticism gives them
the clear advantage here.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->North Carolina</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They’ve shown that they can be the best team in the
country. They’ve also shown that they
can run and hide with the best of them.
The Tar Heels come in banged up.
John Henson sat out their second round matchup against Vermont, and
point guard Kendall Marshal had wrist surgery on Monday. Marshall may try and play, as the wrist he
broke is on his off arm. There’s just no
way he can be as effective as he needs to be though, especially as the primary
ball handler. They can probably beat the
Bobcats of Ohio without him, but an Elite Eight matchup with Kansas would be
different.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Syracuse</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What a season for the Orange. Bernie Fine, eligibility issues, drugs, and
now Fab Melo won’t play for the rest of this season. To say it’s been a roller coaster for the
Orange is an understatement. It’s been
more like Apollo 13. Give Jim Boeheim
credit for keeping his team on the right track through all the
distractions. Say what you will about
the end of their second round matchup against #16 UNC-Asheville, but the Orange
are one of the best teams in the country, even without Melo. That being said, the loss of Melo most likey
will derail their ultimate goal—the National Championship.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="color: #bf9000;">5.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Marquette</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Buzz Williams is one of the best coaches to watch on the
sidelines. He’s got to be the most
hyperactive coach in college basketball.
If I were him, I’d buy 35 new shirts every season, because he sweats so
much during a game it probably ruins the shirt.
Nevertheless, he’s got the Golden Eagles playing at an extremely high
level. Jae Crowder and Darius
Johnson-Odom makeup one of the best one-two combos in all of college
hoops. I’ve got them in my Final Four,
and they could find themselves playing in the championship game.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="color: #990000;">6.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Ohio State</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Buckeyes fall this far down on my list because I don’t
fully believe in them. Don’t get me
wrong, they can be one of the best teams out there, but there’s just something
about them that I don’t like, and I can’t put my finger on it. Get Jared Sullinger in foul trouble, and
their advantage on the block goes out the window. On the other hand, I believe that one of the
ingredients to winning in March is good guard play and Aaron Craft provides
that, especially on the defensive end of the floor. If William Buford gets hot, the other team
had better run and hide. They take on in
state rival Cincinnati in the Sweet 16.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="color: #274e13;">7.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Michigan State</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gotta love a Tom Izzo team in March, right? This group of Spartans is no different. While the injury to Brandon Dawson hurts,
Draymond Green is the type of player, the type of senior, who will do ANYTHING
to make sure his team wins. Keith
Appling provides strong backcourt play.
Travis Trice and Adreian Payne are part of the young core. Add in the Izzo effect, and the Spartans will
be a tough out the rest of the way.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="color: #38761d;">8.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Baylor</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Bears are a good team, and they’re certainly capable of
making the Final Four. But personally, I
haven’t been super impressed with them.
They struggled with South Dakota State, and beat a Colorado team that
won the very weak Pac 12. Perry Jones
III can be one of the best in college hoops, but he has games where he doesn’t
show up at all. The Bears will settle
for jump shots, and that’s when they struggle.
Quincy Acy needs to play well, and Brady Heslip needs to shoot well for
the Bears to have a chance.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u>LOSERS</u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="color: #38761d;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Ohio </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Bobcats are the most qualified to be dubbed Cinderella. That being said, I think the ball is over and
the glass slipper won’t fit anymore. I
won’t pretend to know anything about Ohio basketball. Good for them, though. They upset a good Michigan team, and then
were able to escape South Florida. They’re
at the big boy table now, though, up against the Tar Heels.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="color: red;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->NC State</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Wolfpack are a good basketball team. Mark Gottfried is one of the best coaches no one
knows about. CJ Leslie is a spectacular
player who can fill up the stat sheet and take over a game. He has some decent supporting players around
him, but ultimately not enough to go any further. I expect a close game with Kansas, but as I
said earlier, the Jayhawks are just too athletic, and too good.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="color: #0c343d;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Xavier</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Think back to December.
December 10<sup>th</sup> to be exact.
The opponent was crosstown rival Cincinnati. What ended up being a blowout win for the
Musketeers turned ugly when a brawl erupted with just a few seconds left in the
game. Then Terrell “Tu” Holloway dropped
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPXaoAZhbqg">this gem</a>. Xavier lost five of its next six, but somehow
they’re in the Sweet 16. Holloway made a
shot that big time players make to beat Notre Dame, then they put Lehigh back
in their place. Wouldn’t be totally
shocked to see them beat Baylor, but I don’t think so.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Cincinnati</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mick Cronin is a good coach.
He handled the Xavier brawl situation with class. Some say his suspensions weren’t enough based
on the actions of his players, but that’s beside the point. The Bearcats start four guards, and I worry
about Yancy Gates’ ability to stay out of foul trouble against Jared
Sullinger. The Bearcats’ run ends here.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">5.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Wisconsin</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wisconsin basketball reminds me of Big Ten football. They’re great in conference, but when it
comes time for postseason play, they can never get over the hump. They haven’t been past the Sweet 16 since
2005, when they lost the regional final to the eventual champion North
Carolina. Bo Ryan is a good coach, and
they play their game all the time. They
want to slow it down, but that’s not to say they can’t run. I think, though, they’ll have trouble with
guarding Syracuse, even without Fab Melo.
Badgers out.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">6.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Florida</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Billy Donovan knows success in March. Three Final Fours and two National
Championships. They got by Virginia in
the second round, then caught a break when Norfolk State knocked off Missouri
to advance to the round of 32. The
Gators quickly put them back in their place, opening a 47-19 halftime
lead. They’ll face significantly better
competition in Marquette, who as I mentioned earlier has a legitimate shot to
get to the final game.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #660000;"><b>7.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Indiana</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a Hoosiers fan, it’s been an incredible season. Tom Crean has done a great job with the
team. Quite frankly, they’ve already far
exceeded my expectations for the year. I
thought that they’d be an NIT team for sure, maybe on the bubble of the Big
Dance. I guess I underestimated the
effect Cody Zeller would have. It’s not
just Zeller, though. It’s the
improvement of Victor Oladipo and Will Sheehey, along with Christian
Watford. That all being said, they’re up
against a Kentucky team that is playing their best ball of the season right
now, and they’ll be out for blood.
Watford’s game winner at Assembly Hall in December is a moment I’ll
never forget, but Indiana must play this game in Atlanta. The Hoosiers won’t get blown out, but I don’t
think they’ll win, either.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="color: red;">8.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Louisville</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The only question you have to ask yourself about Louisville,
is “How did Peyton Siva do?” He plays
well, they usually win. He doesn’t play
well, they usually lose. This game
against Michigan State is as much a toss-up as any of the games this
weekend. Can’t decide…but I did pick MSU
in my bracket, so I’ve got to go with Sparty.</div>Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994683733468354200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4967020692666203478.post-85671726028014408752012-03-21T07:28:00.000-07:002012-03-21T07:36:48.899-07:00Hello, My Name Is...<div class="MsoNormal">
What’s more awkward than the walk off balk? Some might say I am…but I’ll try to make
sense here.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjppMC6OLpPg028pjenjD9SzQJHKS6icaNKudautHQ07r6Zi6Kf6IqDkFdzByYnYxaybuSPZPSgXiaUa27WjzlzrDQfd_d__z1wj3j2m-0llIPFKTZLYVZZpFDxNblTkzwwO516pREHfY0/s1600/IMAG0012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjppMC6OLpPg028pjenjD9SzQJHKS6icaNKudautHQ07r6Zi6Kf6IqDkFdzByYnYxaybuSPZPSgXiaUa27WjzlzrDQfd_d__z1wj3j2m-0llIPFKTZLYVZZpFDxNblTkzwwO516pREHfY0/s200/IMAG0012.jpg" width="119" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Yeah, that's my <br />ugly mug</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A little about myself.
In my 24 years of life, major Chicago sports teams have won eight
championships. The Bulls have their six,
the White Sox have a World Series (say anything about the Cubs to a White Sox
fan, and their response will simply be “2005”), and the Blackhawks ended their
Stanley Cup drought in 2010. My beloved
Cubs haven’t won since 1908…which was eight gajillion years ago, but for some
reason I go into every April theorizing exactly how they’ll win it all this
year.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m an Indiana University alum, which means I have an
intense dislike for Purdue and the University of Kentucky. The Hoosiers’ return to basketball greatness
has been one of the greatest rides of my life, no matter what happens this
Friday against Kentucky. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I graduated from IU with a degree in sport communication,
broadcasting. I’m currently a sports
producer for WGN Radio, and I host a sports talk show on
Chicagolandsportsradio.com. I also
officiate high school basketball in the suburbs of Chicago.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This will be about anything and everything happening in
Chicago sports and across the country…maybe even the world. I hope you enjoy it.</div>
<br />Bradyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09994683733468354200noreply@blogger.com0