This is a start of another series of posts. I am going to preview each position for fantasy football purposes. My qualifications? I have played fantasy football since the 80's. OK, so that is all of my qualifications. I rely heavily on my gut feelings but also do my share of research. Here are the QB's (these ranking assume Brett Favre wont un-retire in the next hour or so):
1. Drew Brees (NO): He is the only QB that deserves 1st round consideration. He is just that good. I don't know if he gets extra strength from his face beaver or what. He has 3 solid receivers and a decent (though vastly overrated and kind of a jerk) TE. He should have the full attention of Reggie Bush this year too since he doesn't have to carry around that no-talent Kim Kardashian on his back anymore.
2. Kurt Warner (AZ): Let's see. MVP? Yep. The top Receiver in the game? Yep. Two other top 25 WR's? Yep. No running game what-so-ever? Yep. Brenda Warner finally done with plastic surgery? Let's hope.
3. Peyton Manning (Indy): Some may say that he lost Harrison, well really, Harrison wasn't really there last year. He has Wayne, Clark and Gonzalez and what hopefully will be an improved running game. If he focuses on football and not 342 commercials per week, he should be fine.
4. Tom Brady (NE): You cannot deny that he may be the top QB in the league, just not in fantasy. There are questions about his comeback from injury, NE's running game, Randy Moss actually trying and him and Giselle actually creating a Super Baby that takes over the entire Eastern Seaboard.
5. Aaron Rodgers (GB): He was 6th in passer rating last year, He has Driver, Jennings and Nelson, a strong running game and shouldn't have Brett Favre calling him every Sunday morning at 3am asking him if his toilet is running. I see a good year from him.
6. Philip Rivers (SD): He has the best TE in the league, capable WR's and one of the best RB's. What's not to like. Well, looking at the roster, there are 2 Malcolm Floyd's on the roster and that could be confusing, especially if one can catch and the other drops them like he is TO.
7. Donovan Mcnabb (Philly): Has maybe his best talent around him ever, which may cause him to throw up. I can see a monster year from him as long as Westbrook doesn't pull a hammy by sitting.
8. Matt Hasselback (Seattle): Basically has gained TJ Housh, Branch and Burleson this year. That is a pretty good haul. The only problem is that defense's may drop 11 back since there is absolutely no running game.
9. Matt Ryan (Atlanta): Had an amazing rookie year and now you add Tony Gonzalez to the mix. Could be a sleeper top 5 QB. That is unless Arthur Blank goes on a drinking binge and forgets the whole Michael Vick saga and signs him.
10. Tony Romo (Dallas): Dallas fans should be excited about Jessica Simpson being gone. They shouldn't be excited about their receiving corp's other than Jason Witten. But a strong running game and somewhat capable receivers should give Romo top ten status.
11. Matt Schaub (Houston): He has Steve Slaton running the ball, Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter and Owen Daniels catching everything in sight. Let's hope he doesn't feel the pressure of Rex Grossman and Dan Orlovsky breathing down his neck...from about 50 yards away.
12. Carson Palmer (Cincy): This is assuming Chris Henry doesn't rob or shoot at anybody over the next month. Cincy is going to need to throw the ball and if freak show and Henry can remain focused, his talent should make for a good year.
13. Ben Roethlisberger (Pitt): Don't let this ranking fool you. He is one of the best QB's in the league. Fantasy wise, not so much. As long as he doesn't hang out with Jeff Reed, he should be a great spot starter.
14. Jake Delhomme (Carolina): Steve Smith. Running Game. Enough said.
15. Jay Cutler (Chicago): This has nothing to do with his talent. It has everything to do with the talent around him. There are no Brandon Marshall's or Eddie Royal's on this roster. In fact, I'm not sure they even have any WR's on the roster. Plus, as reported today, Urlacher thinks he is a...ummm...wuss. I would agree with that.
16. Trent Edwards (Buffalo): A good backup QB. Just make sure if you draft him that the week you need him is in the first half of the year before the Terrell Owens virus completely infects this team.
17. Marc Bulger (STL): I believe in his talent. I don't believe in his offensive line, TE, WR's. Those are kinda important.
18. Eli Manning (NYG): Look at his stats after Plaxico decided a loaded gun with the safety off in sweatpants was a good idea. And they lost Derrick Ward. The Giants are going to be good. I just don't think Eli will be. Oh, I'm sorry Eli, did that make you cry?
19. Sage Rosenfels (Minn): I think he could be a sleeper in this whole thing. He has to beat out T-Jack. He had one bad game that everyone still talks about, but his stats otherwise were pretty good. T-Jack had one good game and well...Gus Ferotte was better than him.
20. Matt Cassel (KC): Only reason he is here. Dwayne Bowe. I think his last season was a product of the system and having a good team. I don't think either of those exist here.
Others to keep your eye on: Joe Flacco (lost all his WR's), Jason Cambell (so-so even with good talent around him), Kyle Orton (yes, I said Kyle Orton), David Garrard (doesn't get many yards), and Brady Quinn (uggghh) or Derek Anderson.
Stay away from: Hill/Smith (SF), Stafford/Culpepper (Det), Pennington (Mia), Clemens/Sanchez (NYJ), Russell/Garcia (Oak), Collins/Young (Ten), Leftwich (TB).
RB's up next...
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Brett Favre to Stay Retired Until At Least Thursday, Maybe
I take Brett Favre retirement news like I view reality TV (Yes, I am looking at you TO). Completely scripted, don't believe a word of it, and makes me want to stab a pencil through my eyes. With that being said, I am a Vikings fan and being from Mankato, was looking forward to Favre coming to training camp. But, I am actually happy he is not going to be a Viking for a few reasons.
1. After rooting against him for so many years playing for the Packers, I don't see how I could root for him now. And actually I am a little upset at all the Vikings fans who were so quick to jump on the Favre bandwagon knowing that it is going to take 3 months to decide whether to turn right or left at the stop sign. It would be like Jordan going to the Pistons, Jeter going to the Red Sox, or some hockey player going to another hockey team i think.
2. We don't need a prima donna who requires his own dressing room and a makeup artist. We have an unselfish superstar, I am OK with that.
3. I don't think Favre would take being second fiddle very well. He, obviously with all this retirement/non-retirement every freaking offseason, needs to be the center of attention. This is Adrian Peterson's offense and that is that. If Favre came here, I could see him audibling out of 10-15 Peterson run plays a game to throw into triple coverage.
4. He really isn't that good anymore. He single-handily caused the Jets to miss the playoffs last year because he wouldn't take a few games off to let his injury heal and let the backup QB play and maybe win them a game or two. Now is he an upgrade over T-Jack? 100% yes. He would have to be 70 and using a walker to not be an upgrade over T-Jack. Better than taking our chances with Sage? I don't think so. We need a QB who can make a few throws and control the game. We don't need a QB who needs to win us the game. We have a RB and Defense that can do that. I think Sage will be fine. Of course Childress may start his love child T-Jack, and then all bets are off.
5. It didn't seem like his heart was into it and I'm not talking about football here. I am talking about his offseason retirement/non-retirement media blitz. Last year we had press conferences, him out riding on his tractor, more press conferences, throwing footballs to high schooler's and more press conferences. He did everything he could to make sure he was in the news everyday. This year, we just had him throwing footballs to high schoolers. That's it. If he can't commit to his yearly offseason program of being in our face on camera everyday, how committed is he going to be once the season starts. He will be out of shape.
So, I will say for the first time, well since I last made Tater Tot Hotdish, In Sage We Trust.
1. After rooting against him for so many years playing for the Packers, I don't see how I could root for him now. And actually I am a little upset at all the Vikings fans who were so quick to jump on the Favre bandwagon knowing that it is going to take 3 months to decide whether to turn right or left at the stop sign. It would be like Jordan going to the Pistons, Jeter going to the Red Sox, or some hockey player going to another hockey team i think.
2. We don't need a prima donna who requires his own dressing room and a makeup artist. We have an unselfish superstar, I am OK with that.
3. I don't think Favre would take being second fiddle very well. He, obviously with all this retirement/non-retirement every freaking offseason, needs to be the center of attention. This is Adrian Peterson's offense and that is that. If Favre came here, I could see him audibling out of 10-15 Peterson run plays a game to throw into triple coverage.
4. He really isn't that good anymore. He single-handily caused the Jets to miss the playoffs last year because he wouldn't take a few games off to let his injury heal and let the backup QB play and maybe win them a game or two. Now is he an upgrade over T-Jack? 100% yes. He would have to be 70 and using a walker to not be an upgrade over T-Jack. Better than taking our chances with Sage? I don't think so. We need a QB who can make a few throws and control the game. We don't need a QB who needs to win us the game. We have a RB and Defense that can do that. I think Sage will be fine. Of course Childress may start his love child T-Jack, and then all bets are off.
5. It didn't seem like his heart was into it and I'm not talking about football here. I am talking about his offseason retirement/non-retirement media blitz. Last year we had press conferences, him out riding on his tractor, more press conferences, throwing footballs to high schooler's and more press conferences. He did everything he could to make sure he was in the news everyday. This year, we just had him throwing footballs to high schoolers. That's it. If he can't commit to his yearly offseason program of being in our face on camera everyday, how committed is he going to be once the season starts. He will be out of shape.
So, I will say for the first time, well since I last made Tater Tot Hotdish, In Sage We Trust.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
The Ultimate AL 2nd Half Preview
OK, we previewed the NL a few days ago, now it is time to focus on the AL 2nd half preview before devoting my attention to the NFL and Fantasy Football. Here we go:
AL East:
NY Yankees: The Yankees have been surprisingly quiet so far this year, as this is normally their time of year to shine and buy a non-championship. With Pedro Martinez being signed by the Phillies though, their target market of players who are 38 and were great 10 years ago is now limited. Prediction: Just Missing the Wild Card
Boston Red Sox: It has been reported that the Red Sox acquired 1B Andy LaRoche today from the Pirates. It could be a decent trade assuming David Ortiz doesn't utter the words, "Mmm, Papi hungry. Give me the new guy here to take my place." I am pretty sure that is why Dice-K is now on the disabled list with his injury listed as "Ingestbipapi". Prediction: Missing the playoffs...(just let out a little woohoo)
Tampa Bay Rays: They have the young legs and should be fresher for the second half as it seems they haven't exerted much energy in the first half. Also, it seems that guys really want to play for this team, as phenom pitcher David Price's salary is $0 according to ESPN. Prediction: Division Winners
Toronto Blue Jays: They are looking to sell off their best player in Roy Halladay. Things aren't looking good for them, though they only have 16 more years of Vernon Well's contract of $4.2 million per hour. Prediction: Continue their fall.
Baltimore Orioles: In a few years, they could become the Tampa Bay Rays of this division with their young talent. That is of course only if Peter Angelos doesn't trade of Adam Jones, Nick Markakis and Matt Wieters for the aforementioned Vernon Wells. Prediction: 4th place.
AL Central:
Detroit Tigers: They have been devastated by injuries, which is what happens when you spend so much time in Jim Leyland's smoke-filled office, you lose a little lung capacity. I don't foresee them holding on. Prediction: Just missing the playoffs.
Chicago White Sox: GM Kenny Williams is known for making some big trades around the deadline. If he can somehow manage to trade AJ Pierzynski before a member of his own team kills him, they have a shot. Prediction: Due to the utter lack of competition among the bottom two, i guess 3rd place.
Minnesota Twins: Not since the days of Puckett, Hrbek, Gaetti and Brunansky have the Twins had a middle of the lineup that could hit it out of the park like this. Now if the guppies (formally known as the piranha's) could get on base more than once every 5 at bats we might have something. Prediction: Winning the Division
Kansas City Royals: A 4th place finish here would be huge. For that to happen though, I think Greinke will need to win another 30 games on his own, preferably without any fielders behind him to screw it up. Prediction: Another last place finish.
Cleveland Indians: They were suppose to be so much better, but that is the chance you take when you add Carl Pavano to your roster. He turned Cliff Lee from Cy Young to Cy Sperling. (Yes, I will be here all week) Prediction: Threaten the White Sox for 3rd.
AL West:
LA Angels: They survived a horrible tragedy to start the year and Torii Hunter has been one of many to bring them through it. This is a feel good story. Prediction: Winning the Division
Texas Rangers: They made it through the A-Rod is on our team, and though he is immensely talented, he is a loser, years. They still have the hitting, and now have added some pitching. Prediction: Wild Card
Seattle Mariners: They brought back Ken Griffey Jr for one final run. So now they may have 2 of the 3 best pure hitters of the last 15 years (other being Mauer). Unfortunately, Griffey is no longer in the top 150. Prediction: Hovering around .500 all year.
Oakland A's: They will probably get rid of Matt Holiday and that will leave them with Jack Cust as the only player that is on anyone in their right mind's fantasy roster. That is never a good sign. Prediction: Maybe next decade.
My final predictions, including the NL from my last post:
NL:
Rockies over the Phillies in 6
Dodgers over the Pirates in 5
Rockies over the Dodgers in 5
AL:
Twins over the Rangers in 5
Angels over the Rays in 7
Angels over the Twins in 7
Angels over the Rockies in 6
AL East:
NY Yankees: The Yankees have been surprisingly quiet so far this year, as this is normally their time of year to shine and buy a non-championship. With Pedro Martinez being signed by the Phillies though, their target market of players who are 38 and were great 10 years ago is now limited. Prediction: Just Missing the Wild Card
Boston Red Sox: It has been reported that the Red Sox acquired 1B Andy LaRoche today from the Pirates. It could be a decent trade assuming David Ortiz doesn't utter the words, "Mmm, Papi hungry. Give me the new guy here to take my place." I am pretty sure that is why Dice-K is now on the disabled list with his injury listed as "Ingestbipapi". Prediction: Missing the playoffs...(just let out a little woohoo)
Tampa Bay Rays: They have the young legs and should be fresher for the second half as it seems they haven't exerted much energy in the first half. Also, it seems that guys really want to play for this team, as phenom pitcher David Price's salary is $0 according to ESPN. Prediction: Division Winners
Toronto Blue Jays: They are looking to sell off their best player in Roy Halladay. Things aren't looking good for them, though they only have 16 more years of Vernon Well's contract of $4.2 million per hour. Prediction: Continue their fall.
Baltimore Orioles: In a few years, they could become the Tampa Bay Rays of this division with their young talent. That is of course only if Peter Angelos doesn't trade of Adam Jones, Nick Markakis and Matt Wieters for the aforementioned Vernon Wells. Prediction: 4th place.
AL Central:
Detroit Tigers: They have been devastated by injuries, which is what happens when you spend so much time in Jim Leyland's smoke-filled office, you lose a little lung capacity. I don't foresee them holding on. Prediction: Just missing the playoffs.
Chicago White Sox: GM Kenny Williams is known for making some big trades around the deadline. If he can somehow manage to trade AJ Pierzynski before a member of his own team kills him, they have a shot. Prediction: Due to the utter lack of competition among the bottom two, i guess 3rd place.
Minnesota Twins: Not since the days of Puckett, Hrbek, Gaetti and Brunansky have the Twins had a middle of the lineup that could hit it out of the park like this. Now if the guppies (formally known as the piranha's) could get on base more than once every 5 at bats we might have something. Prediction: Winning the Division
Kansas City Royals: A 4th place finish here would be huge. For that to happen though, I think Greinke will need to win another 30 games on his own, preferably without any fielders behind him to screw it up. Prediction: Another last place finish.
Cleveland Indians: They were suppose to be so much better, but that is the chance you take when you add Carl Pavano to your roster. He turned Cliff Lee from Cy Young to Cy Sperling. (Yes, I will be here all week) Prediction: Threaten the White Sox for 3rd.
AL West:
LA Angels: They survived a horrible tragedy to start the year and Torii Hunter has been one of many to bring them through it. This is a feel good story. Prediction: Winning the Division
Texas Rangers: They made it through the A-Rod is on our team, and though he is immensely talented, he is a loser, years. They still have the hitting, and now have added some pitching. Prediction: Wild Card
Seattle Mariners: They brought back Ken Griffey Jr for one final run. So now they may have 2 of the 3 best pure hitters of the last 15 years (other being Mauer). Unfortunately, Griffey is no longer in the top 150. Prediction: Hovering around .500 all year.
Oakland A's: They will probably get rid of Matt Holiday and that will leave them with Jack Cust as the only player that is on anyone in their right mind's fantasy roster. That is never a good sign. Prediction: Maybe next decade.
My final predictions, including the NL from my last post:
NL:
Rockies over the Phillies in 6
Dodgers over the Pirates in 5
Rockies over the Dodgers in 5
AL:
Twins over the Rangers in 5
Angels over the Rays in 7
Angels over the Twins in 7
Angels over the Rockies in 6
Monday, July 20, 2009
The Ultimate NL 2nd Half Preview
So baseball season is just over the halfway point, so it is time to preview the 2nd half, as I wait, being a resident of Mankato, Minnesota, for Brett Favre to come and mow my lawn. We are going to start with the NL or as they call it, the sucky, i mean senior circuit.
NL East:
Philadelphia Phillies: Rumor is that they are the front-runners in the Roy Halladay sweepstakes. I'm sorry, I must have missed it, but where do you buy tickets for the Roy Halladay sweepstakes? I could use some work around the house and think with his beard, he is probably quite handy. Prediction: NL East winners.
Atlanta Braves: How can a team with Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and John Smoltz be hovering around .500? Oh, they don't still have them. Umm, they would be better if they did. Prediction: 2nd half tank job.
Florida Marlins: Somehow they are always in the mix even though they have a budget equal to the number of fans that show up for each game. $8. Prediction: Just misses the Wild Card.
New York Mets: They seem to have started their 2nd half collapse a little early. I guess that will allow New Yorker's a few extra months to talk themselves into Matt Sanchez. Prediction: Nowhere near the playoffs.
Washington Nationals: It is sad to see a franchise of 3 years suffer so long. What? They used to be the Montreal Expos? Oh, stop it. There is no baseball in Canada. That is a Curling nation. Prediction: Might win 6-7 games in the 2nd half.
NL Central:
St Louis Cardinals: There is talk that Albert Pujols might win the Triple Crown. I think that would be awesome as I have never seen a man beat a horse in a race, let alone three times. Prediction: Missing the playoffs.
Chicago Cubs: They spent alot of money in the off season and the results have been somewhat disappointing. I was sure Milton Bradley would have robbed all of the other players of their money by now but so far it has only been Fukudome, who has been robbing the franchise for a couple years now. Prediction: No playoffs here.
Milwaukee Brewers: Somehow they have remained in the chase even though Prince Fielder has eaten the city out of all their fruits and vegetables. They still have beer though. Prediction: Just miss the wild card.
Houston Astros: They used to be the Killer B's. But when the Killer B's are now Tim Byrdak, Geoff Blum, and Michael Bourn, I really don't like their chances. Prediction: Hanging out in Jeff Bagwell's basement playing PS3 in October.
Cincinnati Reds: Well, at least they get to see Bronson Arroyo air guitar. Prediction: Umm, they have a good shot at hitting a home run in the second half.
Pittsburgh Pirates: They come together despite the GM trading Jack Wilson and Freddy Sanchez to Atlanta for Jeff Francoeur. After Atlanta tells them they no longer have Jeff, the Pirates say, "Oh well, go ahead and keep them. Our bad." Prediction: Division Winners.
NL West:
LA Dodgers: There is a good chance that Manny will injure himself running to the bathroom while a ball is hit his way in left field. At the same time Scott Boras is run over by a tank. Not necessarily related but I can dream. Prediction: Running away with the division.
SF Giants: It is quite odd to say that a team's strength is pitching when they have Barry Zito on the roster, but with Lincecum, Cain, Johnson and Sanchez they have a good rotation. Only if Bengie Molina could recruit a few of his brothers to play, well several positions, they might be able to get a hit. Prediction: Just miss the playoffs by a hair on Randy Johnson mullet.
Colorado Rockies: They have just enough offense and pitching to make this division interesting. Not as interesting as paying Todd Helton $16 million a year, but still interesting. Prediction: Wild Card
Arizona Diamondbacks: Well, you have the best pitcher in baseball right now. Do you trade him? Do you keep him? I say trade him for Johan Santana just to blow the baseball minds with the question, Why? Prediction: Will be golfing by June...what, its already July. Ok, golfing by July.
San Diego Padres: You are only 21 games out. If your Adrian Gonzalez, do you have this struggle everyday as you drive to the stadium? Hmm, Beach or Ballpark? Prediction: 20 games behind at the end.
NL East:
Philadelphia Phillies: Rumor is that they are the front-runners in the Roy Halladay sweepstakes. I'm sorry, I must have missed it, but where do you buy tickets for the Roy Halladay sweepstakes? I could use some work around the house and think with his beard, he is probably quite handy. Prediction: NL East winners.
Atlanta Braves: How can a team with Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and John Smoltz be hovering around .500? Oh, they don't still have them. Umm, they would be better if they did. Prediction: 2nd half tank job.
Florida Marlins: Somehow they are always in the mix even though they have a budget equal to the number of fans that show up for each game. $8. Prediction: Just misses the Wild Card.
New York Mets: They seem to have started their 2nd half collapse a little early. I guess that will allow New Yorker's a few extra months to talk themselves into Matt Sanchez. Prediction: Nowhere near the playoffs.
Washington Nationals: It is sad to see a franchise of 3 years suffer so long. What? They used to be the Montreal Expos? Oh, stop it. There is no baseball in Canada. That is a Curling nation. Prediction: Might win 6-7 games in the 2nd half.
NL Central:
St Louis Cardinals: There is talk that Albert Pujols might win the Triple Crown. I think that would be awesome as I have never seen a man beat a horse in a race, let alone three times. Prediction: Missing the playoffs.
Chicago Cubs: They spent alot of money in the off season and the results have been somewhat disappointing. I was sure Milton Bradley would have robbed all of the other players of their money by now but so far it has only been Fukudome, who has been robbing the franchise for a couple years now. Prediction: No playoffs here.
Milwaukee Brewers: Somehow they have remained in the chase even though Prince Fielder has eaten the city out of all their fruits and vegetables. They still have beer though. Prediction: Just miss the wild card.
Houston Astros: They used to be the Killer B's. But when the Killer B's are now Tim Byrdak, Geoff Blum, and Michael Bourn, I really don't like their chances. Prediction: Hanging out in Jeff Bagwell's basement playing PS3 in October.
Cincinnati Reds: Well, at least they get to see Bronson Arroyo air guitar. Prediction: Umm, they have a good shot at hitting a home run in the second half.
Pittsburgh Pirates: They come together despite the GM trading Jack Wilson and Freddy Sanchez to Atlanta for Jeff Francoeur. After Atlanta tells them they no longer have Jeff, the Pirates say, "Oh well, go ahead and keep them. Our bad." Prediction: Division Winners.
NL West:
LA Dodgers: There is a good chance that Manny will injure himself running to the bathroom while a ball is hit his way in left field. At the same time Scott Boras is run over by a tank. Not necessarily related but I can dream. Prediction: Running away with the division.
SF Giants: It is quite odd to say that a team's strength is pitching when they have Barry Zito on the roster, but with Lincecum, Cain, Johnson and Sanchez they have a good rotation. Only if Bengie Molina could recruit a few of his brothers to play, well several positions, they might be able to get a hit. Prediction: Just miss the playoffs by a hair on Randy Johnson mullet.
Colorado Rockies: They have just enough offense and pitching to make this division interesting. Not as interesting as paying Todd Helton $16 million a year, but still interesting. Prediction: Wild Card
Arizona Diamondbacks: Well, you have the best pitcher in baseball right now. Do you trade him? Do you keep him? I say trade him for Johan Santana just to blow the baseball minds with the question, Why? Prediction: Will be golfing by June...what, its already July. Ok, golfing by July.
San Diego Padres: You are only 21 games out. If your Adrian Gonzalez, do you have this struggle everyday as you drive to the stadium? Hmm, Beach or Ballpark? Prediction: 20 games behind at the end.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Things I Hate In Sports For No Real Apparent Reason
OK, now that we are done with the sports cities that I like, lets get to the things in sports that I hate, and for no real apparent reason. It's hard to explain, but these things just really bug me. Let's get started, in no specific order:
1. Long and/or Belly Putters: They may be the same, though I would assume one only goes to your belly and the other extends into air traffic control airspace above the golf course. I don't understand why golfers can use any type of putter they want, but all of the other clubs in their bag, in general, have to have the same specifications. I would like for just once, a golfer to show up at the first tee using a Driver with a 2-foot wide head made out of Kryptonite and say, "Hey, he has that long putter, why can't I use this?" I also don't understand the benefit of the belly putter. Let's say you were out drinking the night before, which I am sure many of these golfers are, wouldn't your belly be a little expanded the next morning? And wouldn't the belly putter make it a little uncomfortable after a night of driking? I am pretty sure it is hard to putt around vomit. And for the long putter, unless it has a sword that can be pulled out of it to stab Sergio as he waggles for the 18th time over a 40 yard shot, what is the point?
2. Cycling Times: This really bugs me. How can it be that when someone wins a stage, they post his time, and then the next 64 cyclists times are listed as "Same Time". I have watched highlights of stage finishes before, and I am pretty sure 65 cyclists weren't crossing the 15 foot wide finish line at the same time. Unless maybe there was some kind of crash where they all flew off their bikes and flew across the finish line at the same time in mid-air, which would be awesome by the way. Maybe its a Euro/Metric conversion thing where they are using Kilo-Minutes to keep track of times, I don't know.
3. New Uniforms: Maybe I am old school or maybe it is just that all of the new uniforms that these marketing guys (who have no idea about sports) come up with completely suck. Lets just cover some of the main infractions where the old uniform is so vastly superior and the new ones are so horrible, that maybe they should force these teams to go back or be relocated.
NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New England Patriots, Denver Broncos, Atlanta Falcons and any Houston team should have been forced to have the Oilers uniforms.
MLB: San Diego Padres, Houston Astros
NHL: Almost all of them but here are the worst, Buffalo Sabres, New York Islanders, Los Angeles Kings and Vancouver Canucks.
NBA: No specific teams but the short shorts need to come back.
4. That the LPGA isn't more successful: I think I needed to put this one next after the short shorts comment. The only difference between the LPGA and the PGA is distance (in which the gap is closing each year). The women make the same great shots and the same great putts as the men do. And tell me this. Who would you rather see walking up to 18 with a chance to win? John Daly or Morgan Pressel? KJ Choi or Natalie Gulbis? Bubba Watson or Grace Park? In case you haven't noticed, this generation of LPGA players are freaking hot! And they are every bit as good as the PGA players in what makes you a complete player. If you are sitting on your couch saying, "That drive was only 285, not 300" then you are missing out (and how can you actually tell from your couch). Yes, Tiger is better than Annika, but one of them in one of the leagues has to be better, and I will say that Annika is better than any of the other PGA players during this time in terms of success and level of play. Did I mention they are also hot?
5. Today's NBA: Let's list the reasons: Prima Donna treatment, fouls not called fairly or consistently, playoffs seem scripted, most players are all about them and their stats, not the team. Wait, lets stop for a second. Am I talking about the NBA or Professional Wrestling. I make my point. I can't watch the NBA anymore but I love basketball. Watch College Basketball sometime if you want to see how basketball is played and used to be played by Russell, Bird, Magic and Jordan. Do you know in College Basketball, they pass the ball. But in the NBA this year they gave the MVP to someone who probably shot maybe 33% from the field on shots that weren't dunks and refused to pass to his teammates to instead go 1 on 5. My apologies to Chris Paul, who seems to get it. Yuck.
6. Not being allowed to touch the QB anymore if your a defender: "OMG, Tom Brady got hurt this year as a defensive player selfishly tried to make a play to stop a forward gain by tackling him so we must institute rules that if a defensive player comes within 5 yards of the QB he is suspended for 4 games". Let me ask you. Is the QB part of the football team? If your answer is no, then lets implement this rule as it will have no effect on the game. I understand they have rules in to protect the kicker and punter, but they are in defenseless positions (I don't think I have ever seen a kicker avoid the rush and still get the field goal off). And if you want to group your QB in with your kicking team, then let him go play WarCraft with them during practices.
I think these are the major ones, but there may be a second list in the future.
1. Long and/or Belly Putters: They may be the same, though I would assume one only goes to your belly and the other extends into air traffic control airspace above the golf course. I don't understand why golfers can use any type of putter they want, but all of the other clubs in their bag, in general, have to have the same specifications. I would like for just once, a golfer to show up at the first tee using a Driver with a 2-foot wide head made out of Kryptonite and say, "Hey, he has that long putter, why can't I use this?" I also don't understand the benefit of the belly putter. Let's say you were out drinking the night before, which I am sure many of these golfers are, wouldn't your belly be a little expanded the next morning? And wouldn't the belly putter make it a little uncomfortable after a night of driking? I am pretty sure it is hard to putt around vomit. And for the long putter, unless it has a sword that can be pulled out of it to stab Sergio as he waggles for the 18th time over a 40 yard shot, what is the point?
2. Cycling Times: This really bugs me. How can it be that when someone wins a stage, they post his time, and then the next 64 cyclists times are listed as "Same Time". I have watched highlights of stage finishes before, and I am pretty sure 65 cyclists weren't crossing the 15 foot wide finish line at the same time. Unless maybe there was some kind of crash where they all flew off their bikes and flew across the finish line at the same time in mid-air, which would be awesome by the way. Maybe its a Euro/Metric conversion thing where they are using Kilo-Minutes to keep track of times, I don't know.
3. New Uniforms: Maybe I am old school or maybe it is just that all of the new uniforms that these marketing guys (who have no idea about sports) come up with completely suck. Lets just cover some of the main infractions where the old uniform is so vastly superior and the new ones are so horrible, that maybe they should force these teams to go back or be relocated.
NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New England Patriots, Denver Broncos, Atlanta Falcons and any Houston team should have been forced to have the Oilers uniforms.
MLB: San Diego Padres, Houston Astros
NHL: Almost all of them but here are the worst, Buffalo Sabres, New York Islanders, Los Angeles Kings and Vancouver Canucks.
NBA: No specific teams but the short shorts need to come back.
4. That the LPGA isn't more successful: I think I needed to put this one next after the short shorts comment. The only difference between the LPGA and the PGA is distance (in which the gap is closing each year). The women make the same great shots and the same great putts as the men do. And tell me this. Who would you rather see walking up to 18 with a chance to win? John Daly or Morgan Pressel? KJ Choi or Natalie Gulbis? Bubba Watson or Grace Park? In case you haven't noticed, this generation of LPGA players are freaking hot! And they are every bit as good as the PGA players in what makes you a complete player. If you are sitting on your couch saying, "That drive was only 285, not 300" then you are missing out (and how can you actually tell from your couch). Yes, Tiger is better than Annika, but one of them in one of the leagues has to be better, and I will say that Annika is better than any of the other PGA players during this time in terms of success and level of play. Did I mention they are also hot?
5. Today's NBA: Let's list the reasons: Prima Donna treatment, fouls not called fairly or consistently, playoffs seem scripted, most players are all about them and their stats, not the team. Wait, lets stop for a second. Am I talking about the NBA or Professional Wrestling. I make my point. I can't watch the NBA anymore but I love basketball. Watch College Basketball sometime if you want to see how basketball is played and used to be played by Russell, Bird, Magic and Jordan. Do you know in College Basketball, they pass the ball. But in the NBA this year they gave the MVP to someone who probably shot maybe 33% from the field on shots that weren't dunks and refused to pass to his teammates to instead go 1 on 5. My apologies to Chris Paul, who seems to get it. Yuck.
6. Not being allowed to touch the QB anymore if your a defender: "OMG, Tom Brady got hurt this year as a defensive player selfishly tried to make a play to stop a forward gain by tackling him so we must institute rules that if a defensive player comes within 5 yards of the QB he is suspended for 4 games". Let me ask you. Is the QB part of the football team? If your answer is no, then lets implement this rule as it will have no effect on the game. I understand they have rules in to protect the kicker and punter, but they are in defenseless positions (I don't think I have ever seen a kicker avoid the rush and still get the field goal off). And if you want to group your QB in with your kicking team, then let him go play WarCraft with them during practices.
I think these are the major ones, but there may be a second list in the future.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Sports Cities Rankings - Cities with 4 Teams
OK, now that we are past that Oakland/SF fiasco, hopefully location will be less of a lighting rod in this post, unless of course people think the "city" of New England shouldn't be considered the same as Boston. We now move onto cities with 4 teams. These are the true sports cities, they have 4 professional teams (well, some might not consider the Lions a professional team) in 4 sports. They aren't missing any sports and they don't have the overload of having 2 teams in a sport where you have to decide. Decisions are for suckers. So here we go, and some may be shocked by my #1 choice, with me being a devoted and sometimes delusional Minnesota fan.
1. Philadelphia (Eagles, Phillies, Flyers, 76er's): Other than last years Phillies championship, this has been a city without a champion in a long, long time. But, that hasn't wavered their support for their teams, and that's what separates them and #2 on this list from #3. There isn't a more passionate or mustached fan base, with their leader, "Yes, I could use another Taco" Andy Reid. Eagles are king, which is weird as the other teams have Dr J, Mike Schmidt, Greg Luzinski, Bobby Clarke and Bernie Parent. The Eagles have Ron Jaworski and...ummm well, Freddie Mitchell. I guess any fan base that can support Freddie Mitchell deserves to be #1 on this list. Their teams are almost always contenders, but rarely make it over the hill (with a huffing and puffing Andy Reid leading the way, that's no surprise) and yet they still love them, though the same can't be said for Santa Claus.
2. Minneapolis (Vikings, Twins, Wild, Timberwolves): I think the top 3 compare or are better than that of Philadelphia in terms of fan support. It's that #4 team where Philly takes over the #1 position. The T-Wolves are, and pretty much always have been a joke. Other than KG, every draft has been a huge mistake and disappointment. Enough about them. This isn't only a city of Vikings, Twins and Wild fans. It is 3 1/2 states. The Vikings have a history of falling short, including 0-4 in the Super Bowl and a Gary Anderson missed Field Goal in the NFC Championship with our best team ever, dang kickers. Either way, every Sunday the fans come out to tailgate (mind you, not in the lot of the crappiest football stadium, but surrounding parking lots) wearing their purple and making it the loudest stadium around. The Twins fans are the best around and have many heroes to follow. From Killebrew, Oliva and Carew to Hrbek, Puckett and Morris, to Hunter, Mauer and Morneau. They played in the greatest World Series ever in 1991 and survived throughout the Griffith and Pohlad years, guys who not only pinch pennies, but steal them from children so they can pinch them. Minnesota is the State of Hockey and the Wild fans do not disappoint, filling the Xcel with a college football like environment, well if that college team wasn't the Gophers at the Metrodome.
3. Boston/NE (Red Sox, Celtics, Patriots, Bruins): I will start with, Boston fans who were Boston fans before the year 2000, are some of the best fans around. But, I cant in good conscience rate them any higher than #3 when half their fan base has only been around less than 10 years. Its not the real Boston fans fault their success has brought out the worst of the worst bandwagon fans, but it can't be overlooked. This is still a Red Sox and Celtics town. Their fans dropped off the face of the earth during the 70's and 80's when the Pats sucked and the 90's and 00's when the Bruins sucked. They still draw huge numbers on the road, as the bandwagon fans come out of the woodwork and thumb their noses at their hometown team in their pink Red Sox hats and KG jerseys, all in the name to try and look cool (they don't). History suggests they can't be lower on this list though. (and it kills me not to put them at #10 after reading several years of ESPN chats with the whiny Boston fans complaining about everything from the Giant's Super Bowl loss should be replayed to see who wins to how they are disrespected, even though they have won several championships this decade).
4. Detroit (Red Wings, Tigers, Pistons, Lions): Yes, I think even a city that has the Lions, can be ranked this high. Detroit is proclaimed "HockeyTown" (which is less than "The State of Hockey" by the way) and the Red Wings do not disappoint. They are in the middle of a little dynasty right now. The Pistons have been good for about 20 years now and had the classic battles of the 80's/90's with Michael Jordan and the Bulls, as well as the battle of Ron Artest and his sanity in the 2000's. Tiger fans are knowledgeable and hopeful. They have sports heroes such as, Yzerman, Trammell & Whitaker, Jack Morris, Isiah Thomas (before he destroyed several teams/franchises/leagues/perception of kissing another male), and well, I guess I have to mention the Lions, Barry Sanders, the greatest sports athlete in Detroit, if not NFL, history.
5. Denver (Broncos, Avalanche, Rockies, Nuggets): All of these teams are beloved in Denver, even if they don't have the history of some of the other teams on this list. I have never seen so many car flags as when I have visited Denver (not necessarily a good thing). I guess being at that altitude sometimes makes you delusional as to what is a good decision and what is not. Like I said, not much history other than Mr. Ed and his comeback drives, but something is to be said about the newness of franchises and them starting their own history. Who knows, maybe 50 years from now we will be looking back at Denver and fondly remembering Peter Forsberg, Todd Helton, Carmelo Anthony and Lyle Alzado. Ok, probably not.
6. Dallas (Cowboys, Mavericks, Stars, Rangers): This was the hardest city to place on this list. I mean Cowboy fans, even if the team is owned by Lo Pan from Big Trouble in Little China, are some of the best around. They supported Nate Newton and Michael Irvin, they must really like pot. Maybe that's why they can't see that Jerry Jones is an evil sorcerer from another dimension? Hmmm, something to look into. Anyways, Cowboys are almost always good when TO isn't dropping passes or jealous about his QB's interest in throwing to someone who catches passes. Otherwise, you have Mark Cuban, a hockey team in the South and about half the population of Dallas unaware that the Rangers even exist.
7. Miami (Dolphins, Heat, Panthers, Marlins): Obviously, the Dolphins rule here. Larry Csonka, Dan Marino, Ace Ventura, Ricky Williams, Turquoise uniforms. OK, we went a little downhill there. The Dolphins have a long, successful history. The others, well you have Dwayne Wade and Hanley Ramirez (for the 139 fans who attend games). What's that? You want to head to South Beach? Let's go...and that summarizes the Miami sports experience.
8. Atlanta (Braves, Falcons, Hawks, Thrashers): Another one where one team in the city rules, but the Falcons are making a comeback. After Vick getting an F in posse selection, they have had an incredible turnaround and have a bright future. Lets hope they don't hire Eugene Robinson as their PR rep. The Braves rule here though, and despite my dislike for their name, the fans are passionate for this team and they have responded by being pretty dang good for about 20 years or so and it didn't hurt that Halle Berry was around for part of their run. Other than Dominique Wilkins, the other two teams are throwaway's in the scheme of this list.
9. Washington DC (Redskins, Wizards, Capitals, Nationals): The Redskins fan base is one of the craziest around and their support is never-ending, despite having an owner that thinks this is a fantasy football team. You have, the Hogs, John Riggins, Art Monk and Clinton Portis (who is actually 12 different people). That is enough to keep them out of last on this list. The Nationals are non-existent, the Wizards have a "star" who plays 8 games a year and changed their name from one of the classics and the Capitals are rebounding with a star with few teeth and many ladies. That's enough to keep them from the bottom of the list and forget about the fact that they live in Washington DC with the other creeps and criminals.
10. Phoenix (Suns, Cardinals, Diamondbacks, Coyotes): There is some success here. But there isn't much else. And really, if you were in Arizona, wouldn't you rather be golfing than at an indoor baseball game?
1. Philadelphia (Eagles, Phillies, Flyers, 76er's): Other than last years Phillies championship, this has been a city without a champion in a long, long time. But, that hasn't wavered their support for their teams, and that's what separates them and #2 on this list from #3. There isn't a more passionate or mustached fan base, with their leader, "Yes, I could use another Taco" Andy Reid. Eagles are king, which is weird as the other teams have Dr J, Mike Schmidt, Greg Luzinski, Bobby Clarke and Bernie Parent. The Eagles have Ron Jaworski and...ummm well, Freddie Mitchell. I guess any fan base that can support Freddie Mitchell deserves to be #1 on this list. Their teams are almost always contenders, but rarely make it over the hill (with a huffing and puffing Andy Reid leading the way, that's no surprise) and yet they still love them, though the same can't be said for Santa Claus.
2. Minneapolis (Vikings, Twins, Wild, Timberwolves): I think the top 3 compare or are better than that of Philadelphia in terms of fan support. It's that #4 team where Philly takes over the #1 position. The T-Wolves are, and pretty much always have been a joke. Other than KG, every draft has been a huge mistake and disappointment. Enough about them. This isn't only a city of Vikings, Twins and Wild fans. It is 3 1/2 states. The Vikings have a history of falling short, including 0-4 in the Super Bowl and a Gary Anderson missed Field Goal in the NFC Championship with our best team ever, dang kickers. Either way, every Sunday the fans come out to tailgate (mind you, not in the lot of the crappiest football stadium, but surrounding parking lots) wearing their purple and making it the loudest stadium around. The Twins fans are the best around and have many heroes to follow. From Killebrew, Oliva and Carew to Hrbek, Puckett and Morris, to Hunter, Mauer and Morneau. They played in the greatest World Series ever in 1991 and survived throughout the Griffith and Pohlad years, guys who not only pinch pennies, but steal them from children so they can pinch them. Minnesota is the State of Hockey and the Wild fans do not disappoint, filling the Xcel with a college football like environment, well if that college team wasn't the Gophers at the Metrodome.
3. Boston/NE (Red Sox, Celtics, Patriots, Bruins): I will start with, Boston fans who were Boston fans before the year 2000, are some of the best fans around. But, I cant in good conscience rate them any higher than #3 when half their fan base has only been around less than 10 years. Its not the real Boston fans fault their success has brought out the worst of the worst bandwagon fans, but it can't be overlooked. This is still a Red Sox and Celtics town. Their fans dropped off the face of the earth during the 70's and 80's when the Pats sucked and the 90's and 00's when the Bruins sucked. They still draw huge numbers on the road, as the bandwagon fans come out of the woodwork and thumb their noses at their hometown team in their pink Red Sox hats and KG jerseys, all in the name to try and look cool (they don't). History suggests they can't be lower on this list though. (and it kills me not to put them at #10 after reading several years of ESPN chats with the whiny Boston fans complaining about everything from the Giant's Super Bowl loss should be replayed to see who wins to how they are disrespected, even though they have won several championships this decade).
4. Detroit (Red Wings, Tigers, Pistons, Lions): Yes, I think even a city that has the Lions, can be ranked this high. Detroit is proclaimed "HockeyTown" (which is less than "The State of Hockey" by the way) and the Red Wings do not disappoint. They are in the middle of a little dynasty right now. The Pistons have been good for about 20 years now and had the classic battles of the 80's/90's with Michael Jordan and the Bulls, as well as the battle of Ron Artest and his sanity in the 2000's. Tiger fans are knowledgeable and hopeful. They have sports heroes such as, Yzerman, Trammell & Whitaker, Jack Morris, Isiah Thomas (before he destroyed several teams/franchises/leagues/perception of kissing another male), and well, I guess I have to mention the Lions, Barry Sanders, the greatest sports athlete in Detroit, if not NFL, history.
5. Denver (Broncos, Avalanche, Rockies, Nuggets): All of these teams are beloved in Denver, even if they don't have the history of some of the other teams on this list. I have never seen so many car flags as when I have visited Denver (not necessarily a good thing). I guess being at that altitude sometimes makes you delusional as to what is a good decision and what is not. Like I said, not much history other than Mr. Ed and his comeback drives, but something is to be said about the newness of franchises and them starting their own history. Who knows, maybe 50 years from now we will be looking back at Denver and fondly remembering Peter Forsberg, Todd Helton, Carmelo Anthony and Lyle Alzado. Ok, probably not.
6. Dallas (Cowboys, Mavericks, Stars, Rangers): This was the hardest city to place on this list. I mean Cowboy fans, even if the team is owned by Lo Pan from Big Trouble in Little China, are some of the best around. They supported Nate Newton and Michael Irvin, they must really like pot. Maybe that's why they can't see that Jerry Jones is an evil sorcerer from another dimension? Hmmm, something to look into. Anyways, Cowboys are almost always good when TO isn't dropping passes or jealous about his QB's interest in throwing to someone who catches passes. Otherwise, you have Mark Cuban, a hockey team in the South and about half the population of Dallas unaware that the Rangers even exist.
7. Miami (Dolphins, Heat, Panthers, Marlins): Obviously, the Dolphins rule here. Larry Csonka, Dan Marino, Ace Ventura, Ricky Williams, Turquoise uniforms. OK, we went a little downhill there. The Dolphins have a long, successful history. The others, well you have Dwayne Wade and Hanley Ramirez (for the 139 fans who attend games). What's that? You want to head to South Beach? Let's go...and that summarizes the Miami sports experience.
8. Atlanta (Braves, Falcons, Hawks, Thrashers): Another one where one team in the city rules, but the Falcons are making a comeback. After Vick getting an F in posse selection, they have had an incredible turnaround and have a bright future. Lets hope they don't hire Eugene Robinson as their PR rep. The Braves rule here though, and despite my dislike for their name, the fans are passionate for this team and they have responded by being pretty dang good for about 20 years or so and it didn't hurt that Halle Berry was around for part of their run. Other than Dominique Wilkins, the other two teams are throwaway's in the scheme of this list.
9. Washington DC (Redskins, Wizards, Capitals, Nationals): The Redskins fan base is one of the craziest around and their support is never-ending, despite having an owner that thinks this is a fantasy football team. You have, the Hogs, John Riggins, Art Monk and Clinton Portis (who is actually 12 different people). That is enough to keep them out of last on this list. The Nationals are non-existent, the Wizards have a "star" who plays 8 games a year and changed their name from one of the classics and the Capitals are rebounding with a star with few teeth and many ladies. That's enough to keep them from the bottom of the list and forget about the fact that they live in Washington DC with the other creeps and criminals.
10. Phoenix (Suns, Cardinals, Diamondbacks, Coyotes): There is some success here. But there isn't much else. And really, if you were in Arizona, wouldn't you rather be golfing than at an indoor baseball game?
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Sports Cities Rankings - Cities with 3 Teams
After some questions as to whether San Francisco or Oakland was a 2 city team, I have decided to stick with my rankings as is, since well, Oracle Arena, where the Warriors play is in Oakland. I am not from California, so they may be SF's team, but I am going with my original rankings. We will see what controversy the grouping of the two cities which rank #3 below creates.
1. Pittsburgh (Steelers, Pirates, Penguins) - Pittsburgh is a sports town and the fan base for the Steelers, few can match. The Pirates (before the recent 17 year stretch below .500 baseball) and the Penguins are no slouches either. They currently hold 2 of the 4 world (I mean US, and kinda Canada) Championships which makes them easily #1 on this list. Starting with the Steelers you have Franco Harris and The Immaculate Reception, Terry Bradshaw, Mean Joe Greene sharing sweaty jerseys with kids, Jack Lambert and Rocky Blier in their past and Evil KnRothlisberg, Hines Ward and James Harrison in the present. They even have Lynn Swann, who made a failed attempt running for PA governor with a stand that opposes abortion and supports guns. So basically he believes Terry Bradshaw has the right to be born, but you have the right to shoot him if he annoys you, which I am sure he does. The only negatives for the Steelers are that their fans now call themselves "Sixburgh" which isn't only annoying, but makes no sense at all and the whole Steeley McBeam mascot thing. Apart from the Steelers, Pittsburgh has other heroes too. Mario Lemieux, who happily was the 2nd best player in his sport for many years. Also, the Pirates had Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell, Dave Parker and they played in the first World Series, which I believe was their last appearance.
2. Cleveland (Browns, Indians, Cavaliers) - This one and #3 were very close but I had to pick one and have to go with the one who has fans of all their sports, not just two, even if the #1 outshines the other. Lets look at the positives. They have Jim Brown, Bernie Kosar and his awesome mane, the DawgPound, Star Power in Drew Carey, The Kardiac Kids, LeBron James, 10-cent beer night (the best promotion ever) and the Indians have a great baseball movie, Major League, about them (even if it is their losing ways). The negatives. The Browns helmets, c'mon seriously, you can't add a logo?, The completely racist baseball team name, They had Bill Belichick as coach (and subsequently were moved right after??? He is evil.), and the most famous Cavalier player before LeBron was Mark Price (Woohoo! Mark Price!). Anyways, each of these teams have a passionate following which makes them squeak ahead of number three.
3. Milwaukee/Green Bay (Packers, Brewers, Bucks) - I will say this, even being a Viking fan, there isn't a fan base that lives and dies for their team like the Packer fans. I will now hit my head against the desk for the next 40 minutes. What dropped them to third was the Bucks. Even living a state away, I have never seen a Bucks fan. Let's get this out of the way, Brett Favre, Brett Favre, Brett Favre, Brett Favre. Ok, now I don't have to talk about him anymore, though he brought Green Bay to a new level and a whole new fan base. They also have some history with Curly Lambeau, Vince Lombardi and Bart Starr. Though the fan base is a little delusional as their Wikipedia page, written by fans, seems to skip all the bad seasons, like the 1980's. I do like that they are publicly owned, even if it means I have to deal with people wearing cheese on their heads. The Brewers also have a strong fan base, and well, are named after beer, which is a plus with me. From my understanding, Miller Park is one of the best baseball experiences you can have and they have had Paul Molitor, Robin Yount, Cecil Cooper and Gorman Thomas. They are starting to come back as a competitive team but get knocked down a few points for being owned by Bud Selig, an evil, evil, man who I am sure got beat up a lot as a kid. What to say about the Bucks, hmmm, I think they once had Glenn Robinson.
4. St. Louis (Cardinals, Rams, Blues) - St Louis is a fine sports town, very passionate about the Cardinals, mildly passionate about the Rams and Blues. The Cardinals are their team though and have quite a history with Bob Gibson, Lou Brock, Ozzie Smith, Vince Coleman and Stan Musial. They also started in 1882, only 60 years before Mark McGwire started taking steroids. They are always a competitive team and were involved in one of my favorite sports moments of all time, the Twins beating them in the '87 series. The Rams are a solid team with a few Super Bowls to their credit and unfortunately also brought Brenda Warner into the spotlight. Before then, they had the Cardinals (Really, you couldn't come up with another team name then the same one that the baseball team has? Are cardinals that prevalent in St. Louis?). Oh yeah, they also have the Blues. A solid hockey team. OK, solid must be the word of the day.
5. Oakland (Raiders, A's, Warriors) - And the controversy starts. But in reality the Warriors only bring this city down, if they are actually there. Raider fans are some of the craziest and probably most violent around. The Raiders have a history of being the most reckless and fearsome teams out there with Kenny Stabler, Jack Tatum, Lester Hayes, Bo Jackson and Marcus Allen. Unfortunately they kinda suck now and their owner probably is some sort of Crypt Keeper. The A's have some legendary players such as Reggie Jackson, Dennis Eckersly, Vida Blue and well, look, Mark McGwire again, but lets not talk about the past. They continue to produce good young talent and then trade it away. That kinda turns off a fan base. The Warriors, in all honesty, are nothing. Never have been that good and probably never will be.
6. Tampa Bay (Rays, Bucs, Lightning) - These teams do not have much history but all of them are now pretty good. With a few more years in their history (and maybe a few more fans at the Rays games) they could be higher on this list. The Bucs were 0-14 their first year which was a record until the Lions decided they need a record. The Rays have a good future ahead of them with alot of young talent and the Bucs are always competitive, though I don't know why they gave up the best uniforms in history for the crap they where now. By now you know where I stand on hockey in the south, so lets move on.
7. Houston (Texans, Astros, Rockets) - I can't believe they are not higher on this list, but when I think of Houston, I always think of the Oilers. All of these teams are just kinda blah. All of them are competitive enough to keep fans interested, but really never compete for a title. A few Rocket titles and Astro appearances in the World Series but really the best thing going here other than they used to have the Oilers is the Bad New Bears appearance and the Astro's old uniform.
8. Toronto (Blue Jays, Maple Leafs, Raptors) - I actually couldn't believe that a Canadian city actually had three teams when all the others only have one. Umm, what to say about these teams. I really don't know. I think they all have blue in their uniforms, or is that purple in the Raptors uniform. They really don't compete and the only history you can speak of is when Roger Clemens decided to sign with the Jays so he could get cheaper steroids. The Leafs are a classic team with a strong fan base and made me think of putting them at 7, but in the end, I don't believe any of these teams hold a candle to the Argonauts, and that is not a good thing.
1. Pittsburgh (Steelers, Pirates, Penguins) - Pittsburgh is a sports town and the fan base for the Steelers, few can match. The Pirates (before the recent 17 year stretch below .500 baseball) and the Penguins are no slouches either. They currently hold 2 of the 4 world (I mean US, and kinda Canada) Championships which makes them easily #1 on this list. Starting with the Steelers you have Franco Harris and The Immaculate Reception, Terry Bradshaw, Mean Joe Greene sharing sweaty jerseys with kids, Jack Lambert and Rocky Blier in their past and Evil KnRothlisberg, Hines Ward and James Harrison in the present. They even have Lynn Swann, who made a failed attempt running for PA governor with a stand that opposes abortion and supports guns. So basically he believes Terry Bradshaw has the right to be born, but you have the right to shoot him if he annoys you, which I am sure he does. The only negatives for the Steelers are that their fans now call themselves "Sixburgh" which isn't only annoying, but makes no sense at all and the whole Steeley McBeam mascot thing. Apart from the Steelers, Pittsburgh has other heroes too. Mario Lemieux, who happily was the 2nd best player in his sport for many years. Also, the Pirates had Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell, Dave Parker and they played in the first World Series, which I believe was their last appearance.
2. Cleveland (Browns, Indians, Cavaliers) - This one and #3 were very close but I had to pick one and have to go with the one who has fans of all their sports, not just two, even if the #1 outshines the other. Lets look at the positives. They have Jim Brown, Bernie Kosar and his awesome mane, the DawgPound, Star Power in Drew Carey, The Kardiac Kids, LeBron James, 10-cent beer night (the best promotion ever) and the Indians have a great baseball movie, Major League, about them (even if it is their losing ways). The negatives. The Browns helmets, c'mon seriously, you can't add a logo?, The completely racist baseball team name, They had Bill Belichick as coach (and subsequently were moved right after??? He is evil.), and the most famous Cavalier player before LeBron was Mark Price (Woohoo! Mark Price!). Anyways, each of these teams have a passionate following which makes them squeak ahead of number three.
3. Milwaukee/Green Bay (Packers, Brewers, Bucks) - I will say this, even being a Viking fan, there isn't a fan base that lives and dies for their team like the Packer fans. I will now hit my head against the desk for the next 40 minutes. What dropped them to third was the Bucks. Even living a state away, I have never seen a Bucks fan. Let's get this out of the way, Brett Favre, Brett Favre, Brett Favre, Brett Favre. Ok, now I don't have to talk about him anymore, though he brought Green Bay to a new level and a whole new fan base. They also have some history with Curly Lambeau, Vince Lombardi and Bart Starr. Though the fan base is a little delusional as their Wikipedia page, written by fans, seems to skip all the bad seasons, like the 1980's. I do like that they are publicly owned, even if it means I have to deal with people wearing cheese on their heads. The Brewers also have a strong fan base, and well, are named after beer, which is a plus with me. From my understanding, Miller Park is one of the best baseball experiences you can have and they have had Paul Molitor, Robin Yount, Cecil Cooper and Gorman Thomas. They are starting to come back as a competitive team but get knocked down a few points for being owned by Bud Selig, an evil, evil, man who I am sure got beat up a lot as a kid. What to say about the Bucks, hmmm, I think they once had Glenn Robinson.
4. St. Louis (Cardinals, Rams, Blues) - St Louis is a fine sports town, very passionate about the Cardinals, mildly passionate about the Rams and Blues. The Cardinals are their team though and have quite a history with Bob Gibson, Lou Brock, Ozzie Smith, Vince Coleman and Stan Musial. They also started in 1882, only 60 years before Mark McGwire started taking steroids. They are always a competitive team and were involved in one of my favorite sports moments of all time, the Twins beating them in the '87 series. The Rams are a solid team with a few Super Bowls to their credit and unfortunately also brought Brenda Warner into the spotlight. Before then, they had the Cardinals (Really, you couldn't come up with another team name then the same one that the baseball team has? Are cardinals that prevalent in St. Louis?). Oh yeah, they also have the Blues. A solid hockey team. OK, solid must be the word of the day.
5. Oakland (Raiders, A's, Warriors) - And the controversy starts. But in reality the Warriors only bring this city down, if they are actually there. Raider fans are some of the craziest and probably most violent around. The Raiders have a history of being the most reckless and fearsome teams out there with Kenny Stabler, Jack Tatum, Lester Hayes, Bo Jackson and Marcus Allen. Unfortunately they kinda suck now and their owner probably is some sort of Crypt Keeper. The A's have some legendary players such as Reggie Jackson, Dennis Eckersly, Vida Blue and well, look, Mark McGwire again, but lets not talk about the past. They continue to produce good young talent and then trade it away. That kinda turns off a fan base. The Warriors, in all honesty, are nothing. Never have been that good and probably never will be.
6. Tampa Bay (Rays, Bucs, Lightning) - These teams do not have much history but all of them are now pretty good. With a few more years in their history (and maybe a few more fans at the Rays games) they could be higher on this list. The Bucs were 0-14 their first year which was a record until the Lions decided they need a record. The Rays have a good future ahead of them with alot of young talent and the Bucs are always competitive, though I don't know why they gave up the best uniforms in history for the crap they where now. By now you know where I stand on hockey in the south, so lets move on.
7. Houston (Texans, Astros, Rockets) - I can't believe they are not higher on this list, but when I think of Houston, I always think of the Oilers. All of these teams are just kinda blah. All of them are competitive enough to keep fans interested, but really never compete for a title. A few Rocket titles and Astro appearances in the World Series but really the best thing going here other than they used to have the Oilers is the Bad New Bears appearance and the Astro's old uniform.
8. Toronto (Blue Jays, Maple Leafs, Raptors) - I actually couldn't believe that a Canadian city actually had three teams when all the others only have one. Umm, what to say about these teams. I really don't know. I think they all have blue in their uniforms, or is that purple in the Raptors uniform. They really don't compete and the only history you can speak of is when Roger Clemens decided to sign with the Jays so he could get cheaper steroids. The Leafs are a classic team with a strong fan base and made me think of putting them at 7, but in the end, I don't believe any of these teams hold a candle to the Argonauts, and that is not a good thing.
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