After the NHL announced that there would not be any forthcoming suspensions or fines in the wake of the hit by Zdeno Chara on Max Pacioretty, Montreal police have opened an investifation into that hit. The police stated that they are acting upon a request by the director of criminal and penal proscutions in Quebec, Louis Dionne.
In related news, Air Canada has threatened to withdraw it's sponsorship of the Montreal Canadiens home unless the league tightens rules to potentially limit severe injuries. NHL Commishioner Gary Bettmen, showing a completely uncharacteristic spine, stated that the NHL may no longer use Air Canada for it's flights as a form of retaliation.
The thing is, this sort of play happens thousands of times over the course of an NHL season. Two players are chasing a puck near the stanchion, and it essentially becomes a game of chicken. They know it's there, it just becomes a matter of which one slows up first. In this case, neither did. Momentum simply carried Pacioretty into the stanchion. Yes, the injuries are severe and unfortunate, but this play happens multiple times per game. The only thing that could possibly prevent these injuries would be to put padding on the turnbuckle, such as the padding on an NFL goalpost.
Yet, the 'outrage' coming from Montreal speaks volumes about that team. The Canadiens play a brand of hockey that is roughly akin to soccer. They dive. They flop. If someone so much as sneezes within three feet of them, they go flying across the ice as if they were shot. In fact, watching that play, it seemed as though Pacioretty was faking the injury to draw more than an interference call on Chara. It was only when he remained down for longer than a few seconds when the thought that an injury may have actually occurred came to mind. It is unfortunate, but that is the way Montreal plays.
However, they can cheap shot the opponent. They can grab. They can agitate. They will run people into goalposts. They trip. Then when someone goes to retaliate against them, they turtle, refuse to fight, and dive across the rink. These actions are why, not only do other teams hate playing them, but other NHL fans hate watching them. It is soccer on ice skates.
So, shut up Montreal. Realize that hockey is a physical game, and things like this do happen. It was an accident, pure and simple.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Kevin Love's Streak
Last night, Kevin Love set the record for the most consecutive double doubles since the ABA-NBA merger back in 1976. His 16 point, 21 rebound performance was his 52nd straight double double, breaking the previous mark held by Moses Malone. Up next for Love is the all time record of 55, which is held by Elvin Hayes.
Looking at the players who have managed to get 50 consecutive double doubles, all are members of the NBA Hall of Fame. The eight names - Moses Malone, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elgin Baylor, Walt Bellamy, Wilt Chamberlain, Elvin Hayes, Jerry Lucas, and Bill Russell - are all part of the truly elite in basketball history. Love, who is only in his third season, has already positioned himself amongst the best ever.
Over his career, Love has come close to averaging a double double each season, missing in his rookie campaign when he averaged 11.1 points and 9.1 rebounds. For this season, Love is averaging 20.8 points and 15.8 rebounds. And he is only 22. Imagine how much better he could get, as he gains experience and more knowledge of the game and the players.
There is no indication that Love is close to slowing down in his pursuit of the record. In fact, he is picking up these statistics with ease, typically having his double double by halfway through the third period. Why can't Love get to 60 straight? There doesn't appear to be anything stopping him.
The problem for Kevin Love is that he plays on a truly abysmal team in the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite his statistics and transcendent performances, the Timberwolves are 16-50. How much worse would that team be without him? For his sake, the Timberwolves need to get dramatically better, or he should demand a trade to a team that will actually compete. His abilities and talents are being wasted in what may as well be basketball Siberia.
Congratulations to Kevin Love on his partial record. Let's see if he can get the next four.
Looking at the players who have managed to get 50 consecutive double doubles, all are members of the NBA Hall of Fame. The eight names - Moses Malone, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elgin Baylor, Walt Bellamy, Wilt Chamberlain, Elvin Hayes, Jerry Lucas, and Bill Russell - are all part of the truly elite in basketball history. Love, who is only in his third season, has already positioned himself amongst the best ever.
Over his career, Love has come close to averaging a double double each season, missing in his rookie campaign when he averaged 11.1 points and 9.1 rebounds. For this season, Love is averaging 20.8 points and 15.8 rebounds. And he is only 22. Imagine how much better he could get, as he gains experience and more knowledge of the game and the players.
There is no indication that Love is close to slowing down in his pursuit of the record. In fact, he is picking up these statistics with ease, typically having his double double by halfway through the third period. Why can't Love get to 60 straight? There doesn't appear to be anything stopping him.
The problem for Kevin Love is that he plays on a truly abysmal team in the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite his statistics and transcendent performances, the Timberwolves are 16-50. How much worse would that team be without him? For his sake, the Timberwolves need to get dramatically better, or he should demand a trade to a team that will actually compete. His abilities and talents are being wasted in what may as well be basketball Siberia.
Congratulations to Kevin Love on his partial record. Let's see if he can get the next four.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Tiki's Return
After abruptly retiring in 2006, Tiki Barber announced yesterday that he is coming out of retirement to play in the NFL once again. Barber, who is going to turn 36 in another month, had two years remaining on his deal with the New York Giants when he retired. The Giants have already mentioned that they have no interest in retaining him, and Barber will be a free agent as soon as the applicable paperwork is filed.
Barber, back when he was playing, was a legitimately solid running back. A three time Pro Bowler, he rushed for 10,449 yards over his ten year career. However, the legacy he left behind was one of division. He retired because he didn't like Tom Coughin's coaching style. As an analyst, he continually criticized Coughlin and Eli Manning for the slightest problem on the Giants. To that point, former teammate Antonio Pierce said not to expect anything from Barber in the locker room: "But what he did in that locker room my two years with him, he didn't do anything but deteriorate that team. And he didn't help us out. I don't see this guy as a leader or somebody that can help you out. And that's my problem with him."
Barber has indicated that he is interested in playing for one team - the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, so he can play with his brother Ronde. However, what role would he fill there? They have a young running back in LeGarrette Blount, who appears to be on the verge of becoming a star. They have Cadillac Williams, who is a solid change of pace back. They still have Earnest Graham who, when he was the every down back for the Bucs, proved to be a solid back. Where would Barber fit?
Tiki, if he has anything left after his five year break, will be nothing more than a third down back. To expect him to walk in after his hiatus would be to deny reality. The top rushing total for a 36 year old, or older, running back is 830 for Marcus Allen. After that, John Riggins had 677 yards, followed by Marcus Allen at age 37 with 505 yards. Tiki Barber, while a lot of things, is no Marcus Allen.
Barber will be able to help a team, but as a third down, chance of pace type. If he is getting more than ten carries a game, there is something seriously wrong with the running back situation wherever he lands.
Barber, back when he was playing, was a legitimately solid running back. A three time Pro Bowler, he rushed for 10,449 yards over his ten year career. However, the legacy he left behind was one of division. He retired because he didn't like Tom Coughin's coaching style. As an analyst, he continually criticized Coughlin and Eli Manning for the slightest problem on the Giants. To that point, former teammate Antonio Pierce said not to expect anything from Barber in the locker room: "But what he did in that locker room my two years with him, he didn't do anything but deteriorate that team. And he didn't help us out. I don't see this guy as a leader or somebody that can help you out. And that's my problem with him."
Barber has indicated that he is interested in playing for one team - the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, so he can play with his brother Ronde. However, what role would he fill there? They have a young running back in LeGarrette Blount, who appears to be on the verge of becoming a star. They have Cadillac Williams, who is a solid change of pace back. They still have Earnest Graham who, when he was the every down back for the Bucs, proved to be a solid back. Where would Barber fit?
Tiki, if he has anything left after his five year break, will be nothing more than a third down back. To expect him to walk in after his hiatus would be to deny reality. The top rushing total for a 36 year old, or older, running back is 830 for Marcus Allen. After that, John Riggins had 677 yards, followed by Marcus Allen at age 37 with 505 yards. Tiki Barber, while a lot of things, is no Marcus Allen.
Barber will be able to help a team, but as a third down, chance of pace type. If he is getting more than ten carries a game, there is something seriously wrong with the running back situation wherever he lands.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Soccer Just Doesn't Get It
During the 70th minute of a match between Dorchester and Havant & Waterlooville, a spectator wearing nothing more than a green thong and a curly black wig ran onto the field. Thirty seconds into his escapade, Dorchester player/manager Ashley Vickers tackled the intruder. The intruder was banned from the stadium. Vickers was given a red card and thrown out of the game.
Exactly what criteria was used to determine that the Vickers' actions should get him thrown out of a tie game? According to the rules of soccer, a red card can be given for one of the following seven reasons: serious foul play, violent conduct, spitting at someone, deliberately touching a ball with the hand to impede it's progress, fouling an opponent to prevent an obvious goal scoring opportunity, using offensive or threatening language or gestures, and receiving two yellow cards. Under the letter of the rule, this could be considered violent conduct, but should that not only apply to other players or if a player enters the stands themselves? If some drunken moron runs out onto the field of play, he deserves what he gets.
Also, how is the player or coach to know whether or not he is going to be attacked? Remember back on September 19, 2002 when Kansas City Royals first base coach Tom Gamboa got attacked by two White Sox fans? Who is to say that this person running out onto the field isn't another William Ligue Jr? If anything, Vickers should be commended for ending this unwelcome, and potentially dangerous, interruption to the match.
Incidents like this are part of the reason why soccer will never truly become popular in the United States. Whether or not the reputation is deserved, soccer is regarded as a soft sport where the players dive and flop continually. Removing someone from the game because they tackled an interloping fan only further reinforces this image. Soccer just doesn't get it, and probably never will.
Exactly what criteria was used to determine that the Vickers' actions should get him thrown out of a tie game? According to the rules of soccer, a red card can be given for one of the following seven reasons: serious foul play, violent conduct, spitting at someone, deliberately touching a ball with the hand to impede it's progress, fouling an opponent to prevent an obvious goal scoring opportunity, using offensive or threatening language or gestures, and receiving two yellow cards. Under the letter of the rule, this could be considered violent conduct, but should that not only apply to other players or if a player enters the stands themselves? If some drunken moron runs out onto the field of play, he deserves what he gets.
Also, how is the player or coach to know whether or not he is going to be attacked? Remember back on September 19, 2002 when Kansas City Royals first base coach Tom Gamboa got attacked by two White Sox fans? Who is to say that this person running out onto the field isn't another William Ligue Jr? If anything, Vickers should be commended for ending this unwelcome, and potentially dangerous, interruption to the match.
Incidents like this are part of the reason why soccer will never truly become popular in the United States. Whether or not the reputation is deserved, soccer is regarded as a soft sport where the players dive and flop continually. Removing someone from the game because they tackled an interloping fan only further reinforces this image. Soccer just doesn't get it, and probably never will.
Six Months Too Late
On October 27, 2010, Notre Dame student filmmaker Declan Sullivan died while filming practicee from atop a hydraulic lift during a windstorm. Yesterday, the university announced that it would no longer use these lifts to film football practices, and would be installing a camera system. Mounted on fifty foot poles, these cameras would record the practices and use fiber optics to relay the images back to the control room across the street, where the films can be analyzed.
Rev. John Jenkins, president at Notre Dame, stated "I said in the days after Declan's death that we would do everything in our power to make changes to ensure that such an accident does not happen again -- here or elsewhere," Jenkins said in a statement obtained by The Associated Press in regards to the new system. What is left out of that statement is that everything in his power involved waiting six months after the tragedy occurred.
What is left unsaid in his statement is whether or not the hydraulic lifts were used after the incident involving Declan Sullivan. For all the handwringing, promises to change systems, and tributes for this student, did it really need to take so long to change the dynamic? These practices were still filmed for the coaching staff - probably by some other student who was placed upon another elevated platform.
This declaration, while dressed up as a positive for Notre Dame in keeping a promise made, is really nothing more than a poor joke. If they were truly interested in 'doing everything in their power' and 'making changes to ensure such an accident does not happen again', then the camera system would have been installed within a couple of weeks. This should not have taken six months. The only logical explanation? That Rev. Jenkins did not want to disrupt the staff of the football team and make them adjust to a new way of obtaining data until after the season.
Notre Dame, the football staff, and Rev. Jenkins failed both Declan Sullivan and his family when he died during the windstorm. Six months later, they have failed him again.
Rev. John Jenkins, president at Notre Dame, stated "I said in the days after Declan's death that we would do everything in our power to make changes to ensure that such an accident does not happen again -- here or elsewhere," Jenkins said in a statement obtained by The Associated Press in regards to the new system. What is left out of that statement is that everything in his power involved waiting six months after the tragedy occurred.
What is left unsaid in his statement is whether or not the hydraulic lifts were used after the incident involving Declan Sullivan. For all the handwringing, promises to change systems, and tributes for this student, did it really need to take so long to change the dynamic? These practices were still filmed for the coaching staff - probably by some other student who was placed upon another elevated platform.
This declaration, while dressed up as a positive for Notre Dame in keeping a promise made, is really nothing more than a poor joke. If they were truly interested in 'doing everything in their power' and 'making changes to ensure such an accident does not happen again', then the camera system would have been installed within a couple of weeks. This should not have taken six months. The only logical explanation? That Rev. Jenkins did not want to disrupt the staff of the football team and make them adjust to a new way of obtaining data until after the season.
Notre Dame, the football staff, and Rev. Jenkins failed both Declan Sullivan and his family when he died during the windstorm. Six months later, they have failed him again.
Monday, March 7, 2011
LeBron James - Basketball's A-Rod
They began their careers as two 'can't miss' prospects. Talents that would transcend generations and be the faces of their respective franchises for years to come. From the time they arrived on the scene, they were compared to the all time greats of their sport. So, is it any wonder how closely the careers of Alex Rodriguez and LeBron James mirror each other at this point?
Rodriguez spent the first seven years of his career in Seattle, where he was a four time All Star, and finished as high as second in the MVP voting. He then left Seattle as a free agent, signing what was the richest contract in MLB history with the Texas Rangers. Along the way, the left the fans in Seattle feeling betrayed, and the animosity towards him began to grow.
LeBron, likewise, spent his first seven seasons in Cleveland. There, he was a six time All Star, and a two time MVP. Being from the area (he grew up in Akron), he quickly became the face of the franchise, the savior that could lead the team to prominence. However, like A-Rod, after his seventh season he left, spurning the city of Cleveland in a nationally televised production for the Miami Heat. This departure began to fuel anger towards LeBron.
Both have serious questions about their abilities to perform in the clutch. A-Rod is remembered for his atrocious showings in the playoffs from 2004 through 2007 for the Yankees, and the infamous 'glove slap' as he attempted to evade Bronson Arroyo's tag attempt. LeBron infamously quit on the Cavaliers last postseason, as though he had mentally left there following Game Four, and was protesting the perceived 'lack of talent' surrounding him.
Both players are exceedingly image conscious, to the point of narcissism and egomania. A-Rod infamously has a picture depicting himself as a centaur hanging over his bed. There was the picture in Details Magazine where he was kissing himself in the mirror. He interrupted the 2007 World Series to announce that he was going to opt out of his contract and file for free agency. LeBron did manage to upstage A-Rod's announcement by having his one hour special called 'The Decision', where he ripped the heart out of Cleveland in front of a national audience. LeBron is considered to be egotistical to the point where someone actually created a Twitter account that claims to be LeBron's Ego.
And yet, despite how image conscious these two are, they are completely incapable of understanding why people dislike them. A-Rod does not understand why people consider him to be a choke artist, a fraud, an egomaniac, and a mercenary. LeBron is unable to understand why people turned on him for going to Miami, why Cleveland burned his jerseys in effigy, and why he is also thought of as a fraud and choke artist. For the money these people spend on promoting their 'brand' and trying to, in their mind, do the right thing, it would make sense to have someone there to tell them when a concept is simply a terrible idea. Yet, they continue to surround themselves with 'Yes Men', and refuse to accept the consequences of their actions.
Along the way, A-Rod has managed to pick up a championship with the 2009 Yankees. Despite actually having a good run through the American League playoff series, he is still considered to have picked up his ring by riding the coattails of Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, and other True Yankees. LeBron may, in time, gain his own championship in Miami. However, like A-Rod, he will be considered to have ridden the coattails of someone else to get there.
These are two all time greats in their respective sports. Yet, they are completely unable to be identified with anything tangible other than their own egos and the hatred that fans everywhere have for them. This could have all been prevented, if they only could get out of their own way.
Rodriguez spent the first seven years of his career in Seattle, where he was a four time All Star, and finished as high as second in the MVP voting. He then left Seattle as a free agent, signing what was the richest contract in MLB history with the Texas Rangers. Along the way, the left the fans in Seattle feeling betrayed, and the animosity towards him began to grow.
LeBron, likewise, spent his first seven seasons in Cleveland. There, he was a six time All Star, and a two time MVP. Being from the area (he grew up in Akron), he quickly became the face of the franchise, the savior that could lead the team to prominence. However, like A-Rod, after his seventh season he left, spurning the city of Cleveland in a nationally televised production for the Miami Heat. This departure began to fuel anger towards LeBron.
Both have serious questions about their abilities to perform in the clutch. A-Rod is remembered for his atrocious showings in the playoffs from 2004 through 2007 for the Yankees, and the infamous 'glove slap' as he attempted to evade Bronson Arroyo's tag attempt. LeBron infamously quit on the Cavaliers last postseason, as though he had mentally left there following Game Four, and was protesting the perceived 'lack of talent' surrounding him.
Both players are exceedingly image conscious, to the point of narcissism and egomania. A-Rod infamously has a picture depicting himself as a centaur hanging over his bed. There was the picture in Details Magazine where he was kissing himself in the mirror. He interrupted the 2007 World Series to announce that he was going to opt out of his contract and file for free agency. LeBron did manage to upstage A-Rod's announcement by having his one hour special called 'The Decision', where he ripped the heart out of Cleveland in front of a national audience. LeBron is considered to be egotistical to the point where someone actually created a Twitter account that claims to be LeBron's Ego.
And yet, despite how image conscious these two are, they are completely incapable of understanding why people dislike them. A-Rod does not understand why people consider him to be a choke artist, a fraud, an egomaniac, and a mercenary. LeBron is unable to understand why people turned on him for going to Miami, why Cleveland burned his jerseys in effigy, and why he is also thought of as a fraud and choke artist. For the money these people spend on promoting their 'brand' and trying to, in their mind, do the right thing, it would make sense to have someone there to tell them when a concept is simply a terrible idea. Yet, they continue to surround themselves with 'Yes Men', and refuse to accept the consequences of their actions.
Along the way, A-Rod has managed to pick up a championship with the 2009 Yankees. Despite actually having a good run through the American League playoff series, he is still considered to have picked up his ring by riding the coattails of Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, and other True Yankees. LeBron may, in time, gain his own championship in Miami. However, like A-Rod, he will be considered to have ridden the coattails of someone else to get there.
These are two all time greats in their respective sports. Yet, they are completely unable to be identified with anything tangible other than their own egos and the hatred that fans everywhere have for them. This could have all been prevented, if they only could get out of their own way.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Card of the Week Part 7 - 1921 Exhibit Babe Ruth
This week, the featured card is the 1921 Exhibit Babe Ruth. Exhibit produced a litany of various cards, focusing on the pop culture of the time. Their cards ran the gamut of topics, from sports to entertainers to fighter planes and even Benito Mussolini and strippers (seriously). From 1921, when Exhibit began it's foray into the trading card business, to 1971, it is estimated that they produced over 14000 different cards on various topics.
Exhibit, not being a tobacco or candy company, had a different way of distributing these cards. As most people during that time frame went to bars or amusement parks for entertainment, they created a card dispencing machine, the sole purpose of which was to sell these cards. This was significant for the time, as previously cards, regardless of topic, were intended as a secondary piece of advertising. For Exhibit, the cards were the purpose.
The card featured is the Babe Ruth from the inagural set. Unlike most items featuring Ruth, this one has him in a fielding position, which is exceedingly rare. Notice how he seems to be staring off into the distance, even as his body is, theoretically, facing the field of play. Yet, even dispite his seeming nonchelance towards fielding being captured for all time, Ruth was a solid fielder for his time. In 1921, he had a .966, which was actually .006 higher than the league average. Over his career, his defensive wins above replacement, which compares a player to the league average, finished at a positive 7.4. All in all, Ruth was not a liability in the field of play.
This is a very rare card, with a very rare image of Ruth, capturing a skill that he still had, but was not considered as noteworthy as his prodigious power. Exhibit did quite well to use this as the picture for this set.
Overzealous sports bureaucrats - not just in America
In professional sports, the governing bodies that be seem to spend in extremely disproportionate time regulating uniform violations. The socks have to be a certain height. Cleats must be a certain color. Headbands must be worn a specific way. The suit that Mike Nolan wanted to wear on the sidelines while coaching the San Fransisco 49ers? That was against the rules, because it did not have a Reebok logo on it. Meanwhile, Bill Belichick could wear his grey hoodie and look like a homeless guy begging for spare change.
Now, FIFA, in their infinite wisdom, has decided to ban snoods, or neckwarmers. According to FIFA president Sepp Blatter, the neckwarmers are "dangerous - it can be like to hang somebody." As these items are not considered to be 'part of the uniform', this ban is effective immediately.
Yes, the neckwarmer is not a part of the uniform. But neither are sweatbands, wristbands or anything like that. Given that most of the 'offenders' are members of the Premier League, which happens to play it's games from August to May in England (so, predominately throughout the winter), why is it wrong for the players to want to be warm? Is it wrong for them to wear gloves as well?
Perhaps the problem with the snood is not the snood at all. Perhaps it is all the flopping and exaggerated acting in an attempt to draw penalties against other teams. Yes, someone could theoretically grab the snood and use it to take someone down, but how is that different than grabbing someone's hair or shirt when attempting the takedown? Maybe if soccer players could keep from dropping if someone so much as sneezes within twenty feet of them, then this would not be a problem.
Instead of banning something that is being used for comfort, FIFA should impose penalties for using the snood for takedowns. After all, how many people want to stand around in the snow wearing nothing more than shorts and a short sleeve shirt?
Now, FIFA, in their infinite wisdom, has decided to ban snoods, or neckwarmers. According to FIFA president Sepp Blatter, the neckwarmers are "dangerous - it can be like to hang somebody." As these items are not considered to be 'part of the uniform', this ban is effective immediately.
Yes, the neckwarmer is not a part of the uniform. But neither are sweatbands, wristbands or anything like that. Given that most of the 'offenders' are members of the Premier League, which happens to play it's games from August to May in England (so, predominately throughout the winter), why is it wrong for the players to want to be warm? Is it wrong for them to wear gloves as well?
Perhaps the problem with the snood is not the snood at all. Perhaps it is all the flopping and exaggerated acting in an attempt to draw penalties against other teams. Yes, someone could theoretically grab the snood and use it to take someone down, but how is that different than grabbing someone's hair or shirt when attempting the takedown? Maybe if soccer players could keep from dropping if someone so much as sneezes within twenty feet of them, then this would not be a problem.
Instead of banning something that is being used for comfort, FIFA should impose penalties for using the snood for takedowns. After all, how many people want to stand around in the snow wearing nothing more than shorts and a short sleeve shirt?
Saturday, March 5, 2011
The possible reason behind Chipper's decline
Come this time of year, if you play fantasy baseball, it is around the time when you begin to scout for your leagues. Statistics get crunched, trends are looked at, and a draft list begins to take place. If you happen to be in deep leagues, you look beyond the top 15 at each position, and look for players that may be able to have bounce back or unexpected seasons.
Looking over Chipper Jones' statistics over the past three years, there is a marked decline. Yes, Jones is still taking his walks, however his power has decreased dramatically and his batting average has suffered. Perhaps this is due to age (Jones is 39) and injury, but there may be more to it than that. In 2008, Jones hit .364, leading the National League, and slugged 22 homers. In 2009, that went down to .264 and 18 homers, despite 62 more plate appearances. Last season, in 381 plate appearances, he batted .265 with 10 homers.
Part of this may be due to bad luck. His batting average in balls in play has dropped from .383 in 2008 to .287 in 2009 and .281 in 2010. His career average on BABip is .315, so there is a significant difference there. Also, he has a lower than normal BABip over the past two seasons, as the median falls at .299.
However, there is a disturbing trend that may signify why his BABip is decreasing so rapidly. When he makes contact with an offspeed pitch or a breaking ball on the outside part of the plate, his batting average has fallen rapidly. Back in 2008, his batting average on such pitches .358. This fell to .274 in 2009, and down to an atrocious .136 in 2010.
Typically, when a batter is about to lose his abilities, he is no longer able to keep up with the fastball or maintain his batting eye. With Chipper, this is not the case. He can still hit the fastball, and he can still draw a walk. Yet, he no longer seems to be able to hit softer pitches on the outside half. It will be curious to see how he hits these pitches throughout the spring, and whether or not pitchers begin to throw him more offspeed pitches on the outer half.
Jones has had a great Hall of Fame worthy career. But his time is about up, and it's interesting in how the decline has been this atypical.
Looking over Chipper Jones' statistics over the past three years, there is a marked decline. Yes, Jones is still taking his walks, however his power has decreased dramatically and his batting average has suffered. Perhaps this is due to age (Jones is 39) and injury, but there may be more to it than that. In 2008, Jones hit .364, leading the National League, and slugged 22 homers. In 2009, that went down to .264 and 18 homers, despite 62 more plate appearances. Last season, in 381 plate appearances, he batted .265 with 10 homers.
Part of this may be due to bad luck. His batting average in balls in play has dropped from .383 in 2008 to .287 in 2009 and .281 in 2010. His career average on BABip is .315, so there is a significant difference there. Also, he has a lower than normal BABip over the past two seasons, as the median falls at .299.
However, there is a disturbing trend that may signify why his BABip is decreasing so rapidly. When he makes contact with an offspeed pitch or a breaking ball on the outside part of the plate, his batting average has fallen rapidly. Back in 2008, his batting average on such pitches .358. This fell to .274 in 2009, and down to an atrocious .136 in 2010.
Typically, when a batter is about to lose his abilities, he is no longer able to keep up with the fastball or maintain his batting eye. With Chipper, this is not the case. He can still hit the fastball, and he can still draw a walk. Yet, he no longer seems to be able to hit softer pitches on the outside half. It will be curious to see how he hits these pitches throughout the spring, and whether or not pitchers begin to throw him more offspeed pitches on the outer half.
Jones has had a great Hall of Fame worthy career. But his time is about up, and it's interesting in how the decline has been this atypical.
Friday, March 4, 2011
The Heat have no heart
Last night, the Miami Heat lost to the Orlando Magic by a score of 99 to 96. At first glance, the score does not appear to be that big of a deal - after all, they only lost by three points. However, the Magic were down by 24 points in the third quarter, then went on a 40-9 run over the next fifteen minutes to pull out the victory.
This season, there have been six occurrences where a team has lost after pulling out to a 22 or more point lead. Miami has two of those six. Also, the Heat have seen leads of 15 points evaporate to the Knicks, and barely hung on to a victory over the Magic last month despite a 23 point lead. They also had a 23 point lead over the Indiana Pacers a couple of weeks ago, which they managed to hang on to.
This is a sign for the Heat, and is a damning indictment for what was supposed to be a team that should breeze through the calender towards their anointment as champions. Despite having a great deal of talent in their 'Big Three' of LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh, they lack the intangibles. They lack the killer instinct. They lack heart.
Looking at teams that the Heat may have to face in the playoffs, this promises to be magnified further. The Celtics of Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce would never allow this to happen. Kobe and the Lakers would never allow this to happen. Even the Orlando Magic have proven that they will not back down, and can stand up to the paper champions.
The Heat are similar to the classic schoolyard bully. They can dominate the weaker opposition with ease, but cannot handle it when someone stands up to them. In retrospect, should anyone truly be surprised by this? The foundation of the team is a player who quit during the playoffs last season (James), someone who has never made it out of the first round and has not displayed any leadership qualities whatsoever (Bosh), and someone who is going along with what his pals want (Wade). Yes, Wade has won a championship, but it makes one wonder how much of that should be attributed to an angered Shaquille O'Neal at this point. Could it be that Shaq carried Wade to the title, as opposed to the other way around, regardless of what the statistics may have said?
Yes, the Heat will make it out of the first round, mainly because they will draw a team that won't stand up to them. But it would be shocking if they made it past round two, especially with fortitude they have displayed thus far.
This season, there have been six occurrences where a team has lost after pulling out to a 22 or more point lead. Miami has two of those six. Also, the Heat have seen leads of 15 points evaporate to the Knicks, and barely hung on to a victory over the Magic last month despite a 23 point lead. They also had a 23 point lead over the Indiana Pacers a couple of weeks ago, which they managed to hang on to.
This is a sign for the Heat, and is a damning indictment for what was supposed to be a team that should breeze through the calender towards their anointment as champions. Despite having a great deal of talent in their 'Big Three' of LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh, they lack the intangibles. They lack the killer instinct. They lack heart.
Looking at teams that the Heat may have to face in the playoffs, this promises to be magnified further. The Celtics of Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce would never allow this to happen. Kobe and the Lakers would never allow this to happen. Even the Orlando Magic have proven that they will not back down, and can stand up to the paper champions.
The Heat are similar to the classic schoolyard bully. They can dominate the weaker opposition with ease, but cannot handle it when someone stands up to them. In retrospect, should anyone truly be surprised by this? The foundation of the team is a player who quit during the playoffs last season (James), someone who has never made it out of the first round and has not displayed any leadership qualities whatsoever (Bosh), and someone who is going along with what his pals want (Wade). Yes, Wade has won a championship, but it makes one wonder how much of that should be attributed to an angered Shaquille O'Neal at this point. Could it be that Shaq carried Wade to the title, as opposed to the other way around, regardless of what the statistics may have said?
Yes, the Heat will make it out of the first round, mainly because they will draw a team that won't stand up to them. But it would be shocking if they made it past round two, especially with fortitude they have displayed thus far.
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