tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39623064652298162352024-02-19T07:57:17.080-05:00Battle of the BeltwayBattle of the Beltwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09901429262218174884noreply@blogger.comBlogger116125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962306465229816235.post-66371049510376502962013-09-09T11:27:00.000-04:002013-09-09T11:28:02.095-04:00Birdland Bulletin: Homer Happy<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Chicks dig the long ball, and if that is actually true, then the Birds must be cleaning up in Fed Hill! </span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">However, if the O’s want to meet a real classy broad, you know like someone they can bring home to their Oriole Mothers, then they better find a girl who gets turned on by two out knocks and SAC fly’s.</span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Orioles lead the league in home runs with 193, which wouldn’t feel so hollow if the Birds could actually drive in runners from third with less than two outs; or getting a base hit with two outs and a runner on second.The Orioles look like a lineup full of Mark Reynolds clones with the amount of strikeouts or pop outs when there is a runner on third with less than two outs, cut to a sheepish Nick <s>Marpopup </s>Markakis. </span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Dan “The Duke” Duquette has done a tremendous job over the last two years of adding to a nucleus hand crafted by the much maligned Andy McPhail.The lineup is full of pop with four hitters who have at least 20 home runs (Davis, Jones, Hardy, and Wieters), one of which has 30 (Jones), and another one who has had 50 in his sights for quite some time (Davis). The Orioles lineup has more free swingers than a "Key-In-The-Bowl" party, if you smell what I'm stepping in...</span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s fun to watch a lineup that can bop home runs out of any spot in the order, but at same time, I speak for much of Birdland when I say, I’d rather see a SAC fly than watch someone take three straight hell hacks at sliders out of the zone and strand the runner. </span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We can pour over the putrid RISP numbers or shrinking OBP’s, or mention that out of the Orioles last 34 runs, 25 have come via the long ball. However, I’m an old school kind of guy and I’d rather take a gander at approach and discipline. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Top to bottom this lineup is full of aggressive hitters, which when you have as much talent as professional baseball players, is not a bad trait. However, <em>patiently aggressive</em> is the most successful approach. To most this sounds like more of an oxymoron than a</span> <a href="http://www.e-manonline.com/images/entry/yankeefans.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">“classy Yankees fan”.</span></a> </span><span style="color: white;">Patiently aggressive means, swinging early in the count but making sure it’s the pitch you are looking for, or you can handle. It’s not swinging at a first pitch slider low and away or a fastball below your knees; both pitches usually lead to rolling over into ground outs. So again, there’s nothing wrong with swinging early in the count, but making sure it’s a pitch that can be handled is what separates good from great.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The lack of discipline in the Orioles lineup is borderline alarming. I love Adam Jones and Chris Davis, no seriously, like “Man Crush City”, but their plate discipline is like watching someone get paper cuts in slow motion. The book is out on these two; throw them off speed low, early and often. Like Lamar Odom at Charlie Sheen’s house, they just can’t help themselves but indulge. Too soon? </span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Matt Wieters is the same kind of hitter. He likes to get his hacks in early in the count (which again there is NOTHING wrong with), however more times than not, when Matty swings at 98 in on his hands he either pops it straight up or waves through it. </span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Eventually when I get a hang of GIF’s and screen shots, we can have a more in-depth conversation about the hitches in the swings of say Adam Jones, Chris Davis, and Nick Markakis. If I can see these hitches from the comfort of my arm chair, then hopefully Jim Pressley can see them from the dugout AND the video room. But that’s for another time.</span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Orioles are a lineup full of supremely talented and extremely proud ball players. We all know that they are not intentionally stranding runner after runner after runner after runner after runner after ru… We all know that they are not sitting around and waiting for someone else to hit a home run. As Buck Showalter said in his postgame press conference after the first White Sox game when talking about his pitchers (but we know it clearly relates to the whole team), </span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“They have their ups and downs, but their hearts are always in the right place and that's why I have so much confidence in them. It's about, 'I need to deliver this expectation of me so the team can win.' ”</span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Buck is around these players 24/7, he is so tapped into that clubhouse and he knows how all of his players tick. I just sit in my arm-chair and make snap judgments, advantage Buck. You know Buck and his staff have had these same conversations with this team about driving in the runs when they are out there, but it is still hard to stop the fanbase's frustrations from piling up.</span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There is still just enough time left in the Hunt for Another Orange October, but if the Birds have any hope of another champagne shower, they will need to shorten up their swings in certain situations and simplify the at bats. Minor adjustments and razor sharp focus can go a long way in getting to October.</span></div>
Battle of the Beltwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09901429262218174884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962306465229816235.post-51236114151518525502013-07-31T16:57:00.000-04:002013-07-31T16:57:13.690-04:00O's Before Hoes
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Go ahead folks, make your jokes. Get them all out now
because they won’t be topical tomorrow. Get all of your “Hoes in different area
codes” jokes out of the way. Use up all
your “Hoes-for-Bud” punchlines. Make all
of your “Stros Got Hoes” quips before they dry up quicker than Ludacris’s
rapping career.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In case you missed it, the Baltimore Orioles just acquired
right handed starting pitcher Bud Norris from the Houston Astros for OF
prospect L.J. Hoes, LHP Josh Hader, and a Comp B. Pick in 2014. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In the limited amount of the time that this trade became
official there has been some serious backlash from Birdland. Needless to say, I am a bit perplexed by the
backlash. This is a good deal for the
Birds for the simple fact that anytime you can pick up a Big League Starting
Pitcher for a 4<sup>th</sup> Outfielder, you do it. Period.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Before getting into premature reactulation, lets look at
what the Birds got and what they gave up.
First and foremost lets meet the dude they call Bud.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwliQRCPN0wH0xIzIDAnvedMo42Aj1D8qN6Z33tbOsbt-u-DglVZtln8-PvGZw9x_MQOiTw9uFgykulIWPByvMdDjHUEVT-Kg_MPpS8vTNpjKksOqhdL1wejM2mN7QwgYf6Px3WD-5Qw/s1600/bud-norris-73113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwliQRCPN0wH0xIzIDAnvedMo42Aj1D8qN6Z33tbOsbt-u-DglVZtln8-PvGZw9x_MQOiTw9uFgykulIWPByvMdDjHUEVT-Kg_MPpS8vTNpjKksOqhdL1wejM2mN7QwgYf6Px3WD-5Qw/s320/bud-norris-73113.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Bud Norris is 28 and will be under the Orioles control until
2016. The RHP is 6-9 this year on a
historically bad Houston Astros ball club with a 3.93 ERA. While some of you may scoff at that ERA, just
know that Jason Hammel (the man Norris is effectively replacing) would give anything
for an ERA under 5. Norris is a
serviceable arm who hopefully will see his W-L get a nice boost once he joins a
winning ball club. Bud Norris allegedly
has a very respectable xFIP (some sabremetric stat). The sabremetricians also created a stat
called WAR (Wins Above Replacement), and Norris has a WAR of 1.9. But if he’s
replacing someone like Jason Hammel than his WAR could potentially be 745. I could be wrong on these numbers and the
exact meaning of WAR, but just like most sabremetrics, frankly I don’t give a
BUCK.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Norris will hopefully stabilize the back end of the Orioles
pitching rotation and help eat some innings down the stretch. Scott Feldman and his 5.15 ERA has not
exactly been what The Duke thought he was trading for, so even though Bud
Norris isn’t the biggest name pitcher, he can only help.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The main piece that the Orioles gave up was OF L.J.
Hoes. There is a soft spot in the
fanbase for L.J. because he is from the DMV and was raised in the O’s farm
system. Last year’s organizational Minor League Player of the Year, L.J. Hoes
put up a slash of .304/.406/.403 with seven stolen bases in 99 games this
season in Triple-A Norfolk. However, he
was realistically projected as a 4<sup>th</sup> outfielder for the Orioles in
the future. His impact was never
considered to be on the everyday level.
His major asset to the ball club was in his role today, a viable trade
chip.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Orioles also gave up former 19<sup>th</sup> round pick
Josh Hader, a LHP project from Old Mill.
Hader has seen his velocity JUMP over the last year but his shaky
command, medical issues, and raw feel for a breaking ball made him a major
project. However, his projectable build,
big frame, power arm, and his system leading 2.65 ERA this summer with
Delmarva, have him labeled with high upside.
My argument is that upside will not help the 2013 Orioles win, but Bud
Norris can. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Whether or not this trade was a good one for the Orioles
will not be known for quite sometime, but in the meantime the negative reaction
is borderline unnecessary. Acquiring a
pitcher like Bud Norris may not make your balls twinkle like say, Cliff Lee,
but maybe Bud Norris is the guy to score the O’s a few extra wins and leapfrog
them into another October run. And
regardless, it is still nice to be buyers instead of sellers this time of year. The Duke has made three moves this July and
will look to add more in August. So
Birdland, this Bud’s for you.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Battle of the Beltwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09901429262218174884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962306465229816235.post-44402904124225464302013-07-29T10:49:00.003-04:002013-07-30T09:44:44.841-04:00Birdland Bulletin: Panic Button...Schmanic Button.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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After starting off the second half of the season winning 5
in a row, the Orioles have since dropped five of seven to the Royals and Red
Sox. Doing what the 2013 Orioles are not
accustomed to, losing both series. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Chris Davis is scuffling at the plate, starting the
fabricated “Post Home Run Derby” excuses. The back end of the rotation (Feldman
and Hammel) are floundering and atrocious, respectively. Not to mention the Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays
lose as often as Jennifer Aniston keeps a guy around.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But with all of this said, we need to listen to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvMq2YZloZM" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">the wise words of Will Ferrell.</span></a> This
team is too talented, and there are too many reasons to continue to believe in
the 2013 Baltimore Orioles to go and press the panic button now.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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The O’s find themselves at 58-48, 5 games back of the Red
Sox in 1<sup>st</sup> Place, and 4.5 back of the Tampa Bay Rays in 2<sup>nd</sup>
place. It is never too early to start looking at the Wild Card Race, in which
the Orioles are one game ahead of the Cleveland Indians for the final Wild Card
Spot. Going on the road for a one game playoff is <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHsz94puyDQ" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">A position the O’s are very familiar with. </span></a></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the 106 game mark a year ago, the Orioles were 55-51
before closing out the season on a 38-18 clip, finishing at 93-69. There is still PLENTY of time for the Birds
to get right and get this train back on track.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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While it’s no secret Crush Davis is enduring a strikeout
heavy slump, he will breakout of it and prove to the naysayers that the 1<sup>st</sup>
half was not a fluke. We all know what
we are getting from the rest of the Orioles lineup, which oozes more
unappreciated talent than the cast of <i><a href="http://www.etonline.com/dailyfirst/127807_Freaks_and_Geeks_Cast_Reunite_for_Vanity_Fair/index.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Freak & Geeks.</span></a> </i> Wieters is coming
around, Jones is showing a <i>slightly </i>more
disciplined approach, and Hardy, Markakis, McClouth, and Manny Mucho just
continue to plug away on fantastic seasons.
The offensive will be a catalyst for the Orioles down the stretch, but
the big burden falls upon the strength of the pitching staff.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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While Hammel has been ineffective most of the season, and
many of us are still scratching our heads over the acquisition of Scott
Feldman, the rest of the rotation has been excellent.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Miguel Gonzalez is the king of the quiet quality start. Without fanfare or much attention, Miggy
Gonzo’s workman like style continues to rack up quality start after quality
start. Before his recent rough outing
vs. the Royals, Gonzo had tallied 8 quality starts in a row and now has a 8-4
record with a 3.69 ERA. Since his call
up last year, Gonzo is 17-8 with a 3.47 ERA and 24 quality starts (in 33 games
started!). Consistency doesn’t even begin
to describe Gonzo’s contribution to the ballclub.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wei-Yin Chen continues to be effective as well, as he
navigates his way through 6-7 innings every time out. He tends to run out of gas in or after the 7<sup>th</sup>,
but he puts the team in position to win, more times than not. He too has become a stabilizing force in the
rotation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Now if you don’t mind, it’s time for me to gush over Chris
Tillman. For the nine of you who listened to our Season Preview Podcast back in
March, you will remember that I predicted 18 wins out of Chris Tillman. I was
laughed at by all nine of you, but with a sparkling 13-3 record, Tilly is
emerging as a potential ace. Tillman is
able to pitch consistently in the low to mid 90’s with his power curveball that
leaves batters off balance. His ability
to consistently pound the lower quadrant of the strike zone leaves hitters
frustrated and backwards at the plate. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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His two major problems when he was coming up through the
ranks were diminished velocity and a lack of command of his pitches. The velo appears to be back where it needs
to, and Tillman’s strikeout to walk ratio is a cool 104:47. Sabrematricians will tell you that wins are
an erroneous stat to a starting pitcher; sabremetricians will also tell you
that a woman’s breast feels like a bag of sand.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Receiving a win is not all about the starting pitcher of
course, the team needs to produce enough runs, and the bullpen needs to
preserve the win as well. But a pitcher must be effective and must pitch well
enough to allow his team to win, cut to a confused looking Jason Hammel. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Tillman, Gonzalez, and Chen are consistent and will continue
to keep the O’s in the race, and truthfully I still think Feldman will be an
effective option, he’s just not that fun to watch. He works slow, and his stuff is very vanilla,
leaving you ready for the big inning the 2<sup>nd</sup> time through the
opponent’s lineup. However, if he can
just give the O’s 6 solid innings keeping them in the game, then he has done
his job. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Orioles have already made two trades this month, first
acquiring Scott Feldman, and then picking up Francisco “K-Rod” Rodriguez last
week. Can I get a quick sidebar on K-Rod? Please and thank you…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>SIDEBAR: I LOVE THIS
MOVE. Not just for the important role the future Hall of Fame Closer will play
for the overtaxed bullpen, but what this trade signifies to the locker room and
to the fan base. Trading the
organizations number 4 overall prospect (Nick Delmonico, 3B) for a rental
relief pitcher shows everyone that Dan “The Duke” Duquette is serious about
this squad. This is a “win-now” trade
and lets the fan base know that this team has World Series aspirations, and the
front office will do whatever it takes to get there. Of course it doesn't hurt
that K-Rod has 304 career saves in cluding a 10/10 statline this year and a
stingy, almost penny-pinching ERA of 1.04.
Again, I FREAKING LOVE THIS MOVE.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But back to what I was saying about the Orioles making
trades. Even though the amount of trade
chips in the Orioles farm system is as stocked as a mormon’s liquor cabinet,
the Orioles are still listed as major players for the likes of Jake Peavy,
Carlos Quentin, and Michael Young. While I would welcome every single one of
these players with open arms, I do not want to see the name Kevin Gausman
involved in the trade talks. The bottom line
is, the Orioles will be players in the July Trade Deadline, and you can expect them
to remain active in August with the waiver trades. This team is strong, but it can only be added
to and The Duke will continue to look to add to the talented roster.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is no denying this team is in a funk right now. Yet
there is also no denying that they have got the talent, the leadership, and the
winning attitude to get through this and reel off the necessary wins. If you don’t believe in the Birds, the exit
for the bandwagon is on your left. Buck
Showalter will be there to push you off swiftly with his orange fungo bat. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMlqHzF8pZaFMpaPTROwTysWAaueEBAmpPDeYB18C5gtBTmgRhHL9A50FNg4k4IAC1WwxfalUk2Sc6epJ-5UianITnZ0LuuBZpBzGRRwBZ_DZOPLaXuWl86MgV6MhaxozL3bf1FUQVCU/s1600/image.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMlqHzF8pZaFMpaPTROwTysWAaueEBAmpPDeYB18C5gtBTmgRhHL9A50FNg4k4IAC1WwxfalUk2Sc6epJ-5UianITnZ0LuuBZpBzGRRwBZ_DZOPLaXuWl86MgV6MhaxozL3bf1FUQVCU/s320/image.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Battle of the Beltwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09901429262218174884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962306465229816235.post-51910300177339795482013-07-05T10:32:00.000-04:002013-07-05T10:32:05.626-04:00Debut Article on MLB REPORTS!!!Ben has written an article about Chris Davis, Manny Machado, and Adam Jones for <a href="http://mlbreports.com/"><span style="color: orange;">MLBReports.com</span></a><br />
<br />
This is hopefully the first of many articles Ben will be tackling as the Orioles Correspondent for MLBReports.<br />
<br />
Check it out <a href="http://mlbreports.com/2013/07/04/bal3/"><span style="color: orange;">HERE!</span></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqDvpx4X47QA7Z5UW5QwzPALF6Sru7l2ZUBDay7hjiy3Z6ke5-fIVMEXBlve6r7_5232LphKvCXbCKq3agHZB4wy4Qhmz4YfbrrII1G3s9mKNeL6TsW11hwrM7WSf_ppwLspPUI1tnYII/s1600/a-a-buck-showalter-baltimore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqDvpx4X47QA7Z5UW5QwzPALF6Sru7l2ZUBDay7hjiy3Z6ke5-fIVMEXBlve6r7_5232LphKvCXbCKq3agHZB4wy4Qhmz4YfbrrII1G3s9mKNeL6TsW11hwrM7WSf_ppwLspPUI1tnYII/s320/a-a-buck-showalter-baltimore.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Battle of the Beltwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09901429262218174884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962306465229816235.post-30247609781212205112013-04-29T21:39:00.000-04:002013-04-29T21:47:50.253-04:00Natstown Newsletter: More Curly W's and Less Inverted W's<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but Stephen Strasburg
is a special pitcher. I know that’s not
exactly earth-shattering news like a professional basketball player coming out
of the closet (BIG KUDOS TO YOU JASON COLLINS!), but it’s a fact. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSCRcDq8uyhFexRFBHxBDbZBL8q9J3qy5KSWjiPSpnUNBQ7a4ukKUSQOHnsPCPnfyWCfqdm5OGqmBO9k0XnTH86srsCiMOaFSJJh6RJ6ljmH0SSJ9S8pj2vn6-kU9aK2tJW_62k18Ac4/s1600/stephen-strasburg-nationals-marlins-baseball-jpg-09433f18e9e17ee4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSCRcDq8uyhFexRFBHxBDbZBL8q9J3qy5KSWjiPSpnUNBQ7a4ukKUSQOHnsPCPnfyWCfqdm5OGqmBO9k0XnTH86srsCiMOaFSJJh6RJ6ljmH0SSJ9S8pj2vn6-kU9aK2tJW_62k18Ac4/s320/stephen-strasburg-nationals-marlins-baseball-jpg-09433f18e9e17ee4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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For the better part of the month of April, Stephen Strasburg
has not looked right, nor has he put up the numbers we in Natstown are used
to. It has been obvious to anyone who
has watched him pitch this season that he has struggled commanding his
fastball. Unfortunately this goes a little further than his inability to
command his fastball, and it has to do with his faulty mechanics.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Stephen Strasburg is doing what those in the baseball world
call <a href="http://www.theulitmatepitcher.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Weaver-lead-foot.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">“flying open.”</span></a> This does not mean
that he forgot to zip up his jeans, but rather he is letting his front side
open up towards the first base side. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Lets sift through this jargon so we are all on the same
page. When a right handed pitcher throws
to the plate he wants his left shoulder and left elbow to stay facing the third
base side and aimed directly at home plate until his left foot (lead foot) lands and plants. Once he plants then his torso and right side
of his body can rotate through.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Strasburg, however has let his left shoulder fly open
causing his whole left side to fall off towards the first base side of the
mound, hence why he has been throwing a lot of fastballs into the left hand
batter’s box. It only seems like he is
doing this mechanically when he throws fastballs, which may mean he is trying
to overthrow his fastball or throw it harder than he is capable of. Which if that’s the case, is just absurd
because he still throws 96-97! Trust me, hombre, that is plenty fast enough. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Our concern with Strasburg’s off-kilter mechanics is the
fear of injury. Poor mechanics (<a href="http://ultimatepeopledatabase.com/images/stephen-strasburg.jpeg" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">scap-loading,</span></a> <a href="http://cdn.theatlantic.com/static/mt/assets/culture_test/barra_strasburg_post.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">the inverted “W”,</span></a> and <a href="http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/2010/magazine/06/14/strasburg.related.june.21/stephen-strasburg.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">a leading right elbow</span></a>) have already led to Tommy John Surgery. Flying open can lead to unnecessary torque on
the throwing shoulder, as it has to work harder to get across the body as it
all falls off towards the first base side.
It’s almost like he’s pulling his right shoulder across his body. That
can cause some strain on the old bazooka, cut to Strasburg’s rotator cuff
nodding in agreement.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But what makes Strasburg so special, is the fact that
despite this obvious mechanical flaws, he is still able to cut outs and turn in
good starts for the Nationals. He has
been dominating at times, but not as consistently as someone with his talent
should be. He is the best pitcher in a
talent-laden rotation, despite his 1-4 record.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hopefully a little <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/nationals-journal/files/2013/02/JN3_6061a1360686791.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">McCatitude</span></a>
can get Strasburger’s mechanics ironed out and he can get back to the
dominating right-hander that he is.
Until then he will just have to navigate through lack of command, high
pitch counts, and the never-ending threat of injury. However, if there was ever a pitcher who
could cut Major League Batters up while working through poor mechanics, it’s
the special and talented Stephen Strasburg.<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Battle of the Beltwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09901429262218174884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962306465229816235.post-39492949028903254112013-04-22T17:47:00.000-04:002013-04-22T17:51:32.837-04:00Birdland Bulletin: The ABC's to Jake Arrieta <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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<a href="http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/9200736/baltimore-orioles-send-struggling-jake-arrieta-triple-a" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Jake Arrieta was optioned to AAA Norfolk today.</span></a> Typing that
sentence hurt worse than wearing one of Jake’s 96 MPH fastballs in the kneecap.
Those of you who have read my previous <i>Birdland
Bulletins </i>know my gushing feelings for Jake Arrieta and his transcendent stuff
on the mound. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While consistency has always eluded Arrieta, I refuse to
give up on him because he has the stuff to be a top end pitcher. While his arm maybe worth millions of
dollars, his worst enemy has always been between his ears. The hope is that another stay down on the
farm in Norfolk will get Jake right, and help him iron out his mental
mechanics. Hopefully Tides’ pitching
coach Mike Griffin and Orioles Pitching Coordinator Rick Peterson can get Jake
back on the fast track to dominating Major League hitters.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In order to do this, Arrieta may need to get back to basics
while getting his mind right. Basics so
elementary in fact, that we have banged out an ABC’s of list what Jake Arrieta
may want to do in order to get back to the Big Leagues. Some of these are general observations and
others are helpful tips.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghqsqNWOlYivDJfrMbu8NQnR2SFKKVd253YxsyBRqOguhak2iappkWyI0M8ikWCCkMkEFcUoqfIOXl02ubOFinndQXJrXQ6hMJvaOvUKCYOJgdGIuvRua-x0I57rDESO3dvBGdQx3uj4g/s1600/Jake+Arrieta+Pittsburgh+Pirates+v+Baltimore+vs3nj-2_Fn0l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghqsqNWOlYivDJfrMbu8NQnR2SFKKVd253YxsyBRqOguhak2iappkWyI0M8ikWCCkMkEFcUoqfIOXl02ubOFinndQXJrXQ6hMJvaOvUKCYOJgdGIuvRua-x0I57rDESO3dvBGdQx3uj4g/s320/Jake+Arrieta+Pittsburgh+Pirates+v+Baltimore+vs3nj-2_Fn0l.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A- ATTACK<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>You gotta attack the
strike zone with strikes early and often.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
B- BALL ONE<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Avoid throwing ball
one on the first pitch like Ryan Flaherty avoids making contact.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
C- COMMAND<i>/</i>CONTROL<i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Arrieta’s lack of
control has been his biggest weakness. He fails to command all of his pitches and thus finds himself in
many 3-ball counts.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-CONSISTENCY<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Arrieta will have
innings where he will throw 12-13 pitches and be lights out. Then he will promptly follow that up with a
35 pitch walkfest the next inning. He
must be consistent and piece together quality innings.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
D- DEDICATION<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>By all reports, this
is not a problem for Arrieta. He was
spotted in the video room today, even after receiving word that he was headed
to Norfolk</i>.<i> His commitment and
dedication is there, which leads me to believe he CAN GET RIGHT!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
E- EXECUTION<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Execute your pitches!
Know the count, know what pitch you want to throw and where you want to throw
it. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
F- FUN<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Get back to having fun
out there on the mound. Get back to
playing the way you did when you were a kid. Pitch with that carefree dominance
that you had as a Horned Frog at TCU.
Block out all those negative thoughts in your head and let it fly!<o:p></o:p></i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
G- GOALS<i> <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Set attainable goals
while you’re down in Norfolk. Once you reach these goals set new ones. Set ‘em,
reach ‘em, and then get back to Birdland!</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
H- HEATER<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Arrieta’s heater can
be his best weapon, and his biggest enemy.
When he can’t throw it for strikes or leaves it up in the zone he gets
pounded. Command the heater and pitch off of that.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I- INTELLIGENCE<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Become a “pitcher” and
not a “thrower.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
J- JURY<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>As in, the jury is
still out on Arrieta. Is he a big league
pitcher who can harness his overpowering stuff, or is he just another hard
throwing flame-out who couldn’t command his pitches?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
K- K’S<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>When he’s on, Arrieta
racks up K’s like Antonio Cromartie racks up alimony bills. (That’s still funny
right? RIGHT?!?)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
L- LOVE OF THE GAME<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>If you haven’t already
seen this Kevin Costner classic it’s worth the watch. But seriously, just like
with FUN, Jake’s got to get back to his love of the game and why he plays.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
M- MOXIE<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Arrieta’s gun-slinging
bravado that he takes to the rubber every game is what makes me believe he can
iron out these mental struggles. He
needs to maintain this moxie while he is down in AAA and come back to the Bigs
with more swagger than John Wayne’s nutsack.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
N- NEGATIVITY<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Block out the
negativity whether it is internal or external.
Mind over matter…if you don’t mind then it don’t matter!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
O- OUTS<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Collect them like the number of Tom Selleck fans at a Mustache
convention. It’s easier to get outs when
the count is 1-2 or 0-2.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
P- POISE<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Keep your poise even
if you start to feel your control leaking.
Maintain your focus and your confidence. Be the calmest person in the
ballpark.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Q- QUALITY STARTS<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Better command leads
to lower pitch counts and lower pitch counts lead to going deeper in
games. Arrieta has been getting pulled
in or after the 5<sup>th</sup> inning lately because he has already thrown
100-120 pitches. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
R- RELENTLESS</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Be relentless in your
pursuit back to the Big Leagues. Be
relentless in the way you attack hitters. Be relentless in your pursuit of
greatness.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
S- STRIKE ONE<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>YOUR BEST FRIEND. Get ahead and stay ahead. 0-1 is a much
better count than 1-0.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
T- TOUGHNESS<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Your mental toughness
is what will get you back to the Big Leagues.
It will also be your best friend when dealing with failure and
frustrations.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
U- UNEARNED RUNS<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>There will be plenty
of these. Do not let them derail you and force you to lose focus. Control what you can control!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
V- VISUALIZE<i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Visualize yourself
throwing strikes and commanding all of your pitches. Visualize yourself getting
groundball double plays. Visualize
success.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
W- WARRIOR<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Pitch like one. Act
like one.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
X- X-FACTOR<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Arrieta’s off speed
pitches are his X-Factor. Every
professional hitter can handle 96 MPH, but when a pitcher couples that with
knee buckling breaking balls and string-pulling change ups, he can be
unhittable.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Y- YOURSELF<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>That is the only
person preventing you from being an effective big league pitcher. Believe in
yourself because there are still plenty of us in Birdland who still do!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Z- ZEROS<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>FILL UP THE SCOREBOARD
WITH ZEROS!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Get right down on the farm, Jake. There are still plenty of
us in Birdland who still know you can be an integral part of the Orioles
rotation this year and for years to come.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Battle of the Beltwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09901429262218174884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962306465229816235.post-3076378569016075682013-04-19T23:39:00.000-04:002013-04-19T23:52:22.065-04:00A Letter to a Monster<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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Dear Dzhokhar Tsarnaev,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You will come through these emergency surgeries. You will
make it through the night, but not because you deserve to. You will wake up in the morning because you
are in the hands of some of the best doctors in the world; American doctors. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You have lived in a country where even after the atrocities
you committed, doctors are still willing to operate on you and save your life
from the significant injuries you have sustained. If you committed this heinous crime in your
home country, you would probably be dragged through the streets, and suffer
even greater pains. But here in the country you have called home for 11 years,
(and sought refuge in) doctors strive to save your life because that is their
job.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After you recover from your injuries and are physically able
to move, you will go to trial for your roles in the murders of Martin Richard,
8, Krystle Campbell, 29, Lingzi Lu, a Boston University Grad student, and Sean
Collier 26; as well as the injuring and maiming of 100+ innocent victims. You will stand trial under the United States
of America where even you are granted the right to a fair and speedy
trial. You will be granted a jury of
your peers, even though you deserve no more wasted time in our country’s
limelight. You deserve swift justice and
a sentence worthy of a thousand crimes.
Not only will you stand trial for the painful loss of life and limbs,
but you will also stand trial for raping our country of our innocence. You will stand trial for taking a sacred and
proud day in the city of Boston and turning it into a day of horror and
violence. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The cowardly acts executed by you and your brother will
unfortunately be etched in our history’s memory, but you have also shown the
greatness of America. The city of Boston
stared down the eyes of the Devil on Monday and they did not blink. You brought violence and horror to our lives,
but you also brought out heroes and you provided a platform for the good of our
country to rise from the ashes and help their fellow citizen. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So while you lay in your hospital bed recovering from your
injuries, just know that there are Americans keeping you alive, the same
Americans you and your brother hated so much that you wanted to kill them. The
same Americans who<span style="color: orange;"> <a href="http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2013/04/boston_marathon_bombing_victim_jeff_baumans_description_helped_officials_zero_in_on_suspect.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">rallied together and looked out for one another.</span></a> </span> The same
Americans who after running 26.2 miles, ran an extra one just to go to the
hospital and donate blood to those who needed it. The same Americans <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbHMRpdk3_4%20http://now.msn.com/jeff-bauman-who-helped-id-boston-bombing-suspects-worries-about-medical-bills" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">who sang the National Anthem at the Bruins game.</span></a> The same Americans <a href="https://vine.co/v/bUHz6XgXHEi" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">who chanted "U-S-A" when you were captured.</span></a>
The same Americans who stood by vigilantly and patiently while you hid
in a boat and essentially held a town hostage.
These are the same Americans who will rise from this and will continue
to live our lives the way we were intended to, free, proud, and patriotic!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-IbXpGUXSEqFTj04xDCE5eC46bqKgkHCtMUt4JgJFLIxfL1WrhDK3akH1HcIY2wQklBq1nrbRH1TNgQeb4Z3laJxn1hgHKu5ZR29Ut74B2gswP0sjfeo-DxmvA1bLtu0GA9kN69fdaxg/s1600/us+flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-IbXpGUXSEqFTj04xDCE5eC46bqKgkHCtMUt4JgJFLIxfL1WrhDK3akH1HcIY2wQklBq1nrbRH1TNgQeb4Z3laJxn1hgHKu5ZR29Ut74B2gswP0sjfeo-DxmvA1bLtu0GA9kN69fdaxg/s320/us+flag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Battle of the Beltwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09901429262218174884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962306465229816235.post-57732367871220286652013-03-11T17:25:00.001-04:002013-03-11T21:04:45.167-04:00Redskins Ramblings: Premature Rehabilitation<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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When Robert Griffin III’s knee bent more awkwardly than
Kentucky Basketball’s Senior Night, Redskins Nation held her collective breath. When we watched Robert Griffin III’s knee
split apart like the sod of FedEx Field that he tried to plant on, we all
became paralyzed with despair and uncertainty.
So why are we all in such a rush to feel this anguish and gut-wrenching
gloom all over again? Please <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rc9LxxGQ1Cs" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">SIMMER…DOWN…NOW…</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gyM09bIuvc1blcHT9svu3gXmeqyQuQVtSFtuk15WZdWTeP73Mz8PfM5YvUt5z0dFbfaXyA16OOaE71g1AnEw_I1GzhJTqn-i_6jEpOpzU3_gjCvzamx67B9YCLtmz85sI4MmDLUPM2w/s1600/hi-res-159046900_crop_650x440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gyM09bIuvc1blcHT9svu3gXmeqyQuQVtSFtuk15WZdWTeP73Mz8PfM5YvUt5z0dFbfaXyA16OOaE71g1AnEw_I1GzhJTqn-i_6jEpOpzU3_gjCvzamx67B9YCLtmz85sI4MmDLUPM2w/s400/hi-res-159046900_crop_650x440.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like a movie written by M. Night Shymalan...NEVER AGAIN!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“RGKnee” was and still is a black cloud hanging over the
MOST fun season I’ve had watching the Redskins.
I was too young to remember the last Super Bowl, and even though 2005
and 2007 were special seasons, 2012 was just something different, because it
feels sustainable. </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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The 2012 season ended too soon, and Griffin’s knee was
shredded worse than a bag of mozzarella cheese.
Remember the fetal position we all curled up into for three weeks
following the loss to the Seahawks in addition to watching our Savior go down
in agony?<o:p></o:p></div>
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It is probably safe to say none of us ever want to see RGIII
go down like that again; for the sake of our franchise, or for the sake of the
young man who has been entrusted with bringing back said franchise to
glory. Therefore it is time to stop
rushing his recovery! Enough with the commercials! Enough with the reports from
friends that Griffin is ahead of schedule! Enough with the quotes from Dr.
Andrews, (even though he is a God in the Surgery world) who is just making
statements now, so that when RG3 does not come back by week 1, Dr. Andrews will
not be blamed. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Hey I performed the surgery, and Robert is ahead of
schedule, so if he does not return by week 1 than it’s on him and the
Redskins. Not. Me. ” That’s not a direct quote, but that's the obvious gist of Andrews’s
public statements.<o:p></o:p></div>
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While Adidas is putting out television ads that say <a href="http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-videos/0ap2000000140536/RG3-stars-in-Adidas-commercial" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">“All In for Week 1”</span></a> and his friends are claiming RGIII is ahead of schedule, some of
the responsibility needs to be placed on the chiseled shoulders of Bob
himself. There is a fine line between
tough and stupid. Even thought this line
is thinner than what I imagine Jennifer Lawrence’s g-string to be…mmmmm….<o:p></o:p></div>
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Robert Griffin III is one tough son of gun. That was obvious
to anyone who watched a Redskins game last season. He played through significant pain, and was
very effective in doing so. However, as
he gets more seasoned he will need to understand the impact of his in-the-moment decisions. Forcing himself to
play in a game too soon could cost him years off his career. We’ve already seen what can happen when
Griffin was rushed back from his initial knee injury, and by speeding up
recovery, we could see the same thing happen all over again. This needs to be
avoided like the way<a href="http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/pc/Louie+Anderson+Celebs+Prepare+Splash+kY0PMi_Uys_l.jpg" target="_blank"> <span style="color: orange;">Louie Anderson needs to avoid a diving board.</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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If Robert Griffin III’s knee is completely healed and the
rest of the muscles in his leg are built back up from the months of grueling
rehab he has had to endure, then and only then should he play in week one. If there is a any shred of doubt, then rest
him for however many weeks it takes. What’s more important to our beloved
football franchise? Having Griff back for a few weeks, or killing it for over a
decade?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3JhDpCm2YxbWSnGYL3VhzvvwOC1wtK2VuqOFYbV3VEsiK66PIs2nLxFIJjQIoOriRKtFsX-3bBsxiuFe5dyFAeW8Gv_G4B3obK1OhdPKPWcMDXplecVIvheIYX42JnOBpOSk3AqODws/s1600/Copy+%282%29+of+r04_1347225120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3JhDpCm2YxbWSnGYL3VhzvvwOC1wtK2VuqOFYbV3VEsiK66PIs2nLxFIJjQIoOriRKtFsX-3bBsxiuFe5dyFAeW8Gv_G4B3obK1OhdPKPWcMDXplecVIvheIYX42JnOBpOSk3AqODws/s320/Copy+%282%29+of+r04_1347225120.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment-->Battle of the Beltwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09901429262218174884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962306465229816235.post-12324694463288704252013-03-06T10:51:00.004-05:002013-03-06T10:51:48.465-05:00Podcastin': Beltway Baseball PreviewWe are back to offend your ears, and it will be a full on offensive jam packed with optimism and irrationality. Our subject this time around is the foundation of The Battle of the Beltway...the Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles.<br />
<br />
Who will be the Orioles 5th starting pitcher? How will Davey Johnson write up his lineup card? We attempt to answer these questions and many more in our in-depth and overly biased Beltway Baseball Preview.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://chirb.it/e5tInr" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Beltway Baseball Preview Podcast</span></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhacVyVofD4qgyJl1DAgk4IHFxrsOz-us1jvbDKyQ3PEuaJywAfBKn1pydgJBhzCVxtLsQPLJ6V9SRcjkn3r7dOmz9s-_QdS5Z-ZNLUKFVjmRUzUlQvYItMNTAIuZdpSXEQxJHmBTUS3gg/s1600/podcast.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhacVyVofD4qgyJl1DAgk4IHFxrsOz-us1jvbDKyQ3PEuaJywAfBKn1pydgJBhzCVxtLsQPLJ6V9SRcjkn3r7dOmz9s-_QdS5Z-ZNLUKFVjmRUzUlQvYItMNTAIuZdpSXEQxJHmBTUS3gg/s1600/podcast.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
P.S. When we start talking Strasburg and the "Inverted W", set your arms in an "M" formation not a "W".</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpfJRWM0VKtAC4XZ0vJ7dpaXddzIwbv-KwAn22tJ9p2J4NTxIjg8BVKy3_e7OjIrNGPrzLV1lY8nBo_t_lF4uIQPDfksSfMvCG79kHUE1tI8GyetlOSOgriBCAhY8wBQECcI8OT2xFps/s1600/Stras-12-300x208.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpfJRWM0VKtAC4XZ0vJ7dpaXddzIwbv-KwAn22tJ9p2J4NTxIjg8BVKy3_e7OjIrNGPrzLV1lY8nBo_t_lF4uIQPDfksSfMvCG79kHUE1tI8GyetlOSOgriBCAhY8wBQECcI8OT2xFps/s1600/Stras-12-300x208.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scap loading...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Battle of the Beltwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09901429262218174884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962306465229816235.post-30906810749797543302013-03-04T09:24:00.001-05:002013-03-04T09:24:15.996-05:00Our First Podcast!Friends, Family, Stage 5 Clingers, lend us your ears. We have decided to take our talents to the microphones and produce our very first podcast!<br />
<br />
Our maiden voyage is similar to our columns entitled "The Beltway Looparounds" where we cover local sports in the "Inner Loop" and national sports news in the "Outer Loop." Clever, right?<br />
<br />
In this cherry-poppin' podcast we take extensively about the Wizards in the Inner Loop, and hit you with some fast and furious news from the NFL in the Outer Loop.<br />
<br />
ENJOY!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://chirb.it/K75vE9" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Battle of the Beltway Podcast: Inner Loop</span></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-p5Wp9yTIpwPO420eYMwHnNvqz4-sAYra9ayGKcC0LO4X5dSSwvU6sZ6hKcEEUv8e_2fFXu6xR1vb_pOrF6lF4gZXweoSOxcVbHKQCJeVB-4pKZA9B0CkYZjOuUH-INz0OuGEZ0_hnk/s1600/podcast.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-p5Wp9yTIpwPO420eYMwHnNvqz4-sAYra9ayGKcC0LO4X5dSSwvU6sZ6hKcEEUv8e_2fFXu6xR1vb_pOrF6lF4gZXweoSOxcVbHKQCJeVB-4pKZA9B0CkYZjOuUH-INz0OuGEZ0_hnk/s1600/podcast.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
P.S. Check back soon for our completely biased and irrational Baseball Preview Podcast covering the O's and the Nats.Battle of the Beltwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09901429262218174884noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962306465229816235.post-18616105858973034292013-02-19T20:55:00.003-05:002013-02-19T20:55:44.542-05:00Birdland Bulletin: Arming Up<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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On Monday night as I sat in a room full of people watching
<i>The Bachelor</i> there were many questions running through my mind. Others in the
room were wondering would Sean pick Catherine or Desiree or what happens if
Chris Harrison sleeps with one of the girls? </div>
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I on the other hand, had drifted into Birdland, and had a different line
of questioning. Who will be the Orioles
5<sup>th</sup> starter or who will be our middle relievers? How much will
Matusz thrive in a full season in the pen? You know, important things…<o:p></o:p></div>
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Matt Wieters hit a comebacker; C.C. Sabathia fielded it, and
tossed the ball to Baltimore’s Forgotten Son Mark Teixeria for the final out of
the ALDS. The game was over, and an
improbable playoff run that a fan base had been starving for was over as well. <o:p></o:p></div>
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At first it felt like
a punch in the gut that made breathing very difficult, but as the air returned
to my lungs it became pretty clear that the feeling of devastation, anguish,
and utter despair was 1,000,000 times better than the past 15 seasons of
losing, losing, and a side order of more losing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The five game series with the hated New York Yankees was a
nut-cutting and nail-biting rollercoaster.
Every game was close; we were all collectively hanging on every pitch;
every game came down to a play here a play there. At the end of the day the plays did not fall
our way enough times and the Yankees escaped to the ALCS. The O’s took the vaunted Yankees to the brink
while only hitting .190 over those 5 games.
If you had just looked at the O’s hitting stats from the series, you
would have figured they were blown out each game. But the pitching was spectacular, top to
bottom, and they kept the Orioles in every game of that series. It didn’t matter whether it was the starting
pitchers going 6+ innings and keeping the game close, or the trusty bullpen
taking over and locking down hitters who made more per game than our relievers
made in a month. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Dan “The Duke” Duquette has done a great job of maintaining
continuity with our pitching staff as well as adding a few arms over the
offseason. No major additions were made
to the Orioles pitching staff, but for the first time in a long time there are
a lot of options for Buck Showalter and pitching coach Rick Adair to tinker
with. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Like a tattoo artist inking a sleeve on a group of body
builders, there are a lot of arms to cover.
So, Drink your coffee, grab your smartphone, head to your favorite
stall, and settle in because I’m about to break down our staff with more bite
than Miguel Gonzalez’s splitter.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://battleofthebeltway.blogspot.com/2013/02/arming-up-part-1-starting-rotation.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">CLICK HERE FOR PART 1: The Starting Rotation</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://battleofthebeltway.blogspot.com/2013/02/arming-up-part-2-bullpen.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">CLICK HERE FOR PART 2: The Bullpen</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Battle of the Beltwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09901429262218174884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962306465229816235.post-2268119488190583902013-02-19T20:52:00.004-05:002013-02-19T20:53:27.295-05:00Arming Up Part 1: The Starting Rotation<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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When pitchers and catchers reported last year the Orioles’
rotation had more mediocre options than McDonald’s array of chicken sandwiches.
But the starting rotation used public
perception as motivation and became a steadying force for last year’s
team. This season the rotation is much
more clear and expectations are understandably high.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Ace: Jason Hammel</b> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When the Orioles acquired Jason Hammel last year, it made as
much noise as a conversation at a Bruce Springsteen concert. No one expected him to make the rotation, let
alone emerge as our staff ace. Despite
linger knee injuries, Hammel thrived away from Coors Field. In the thicker and more humid East Coast air,
Hammel’s two seamer was able to run in on right hand hitters and away from
lefties. Hammel put the rotation on his
back, when healthy, and kept opposing hitters to a .234 average and amassed a
3.43 ERA. His 113 strikeouts in 118 innings pitched was not too shabby
either. With his knee issues apparently
resolved a healthy season out of Hammel Time will be essential for another
October run. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbgQy8gNPdBT3lTzAoYm2XbKQOYKPSHbCG72c5TEyagoPF6qGrRM4uH_oaTqHr_naEf-3Ljczu0Kna1hKievH0Ss3e_A4hzpzOe5DkbuH_krSz38IF_SJKPUoF09Gq2cc8pcDN4IqgMwA/s1600/fan_g_jason-hammel_mb_600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbgQy8gNPdBT3lTzAoYm2XbKQOYKPSHbCG72c5TEyagoPF6qGrRM4uH_oaTqHr_naEf-3Ljczu0Kna1hKievH0Ss3e_A4hzpzOe5DkbuH_krSz38IF_SJKPUoF09Gq2cc8pcDN4IqgMwA/s320/fan_g_jason-hammel_mb_600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Number 2: Wei-Yin
Chen</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Remember when the O’s lost game 1 at home, and we realized
Game 2 was on the left shoulder of We-Yin Chen?
Remember that “well this was a fun run, but now it’s over” feeling
Birdland felt? Then do you remember when
Sweet Chen Music shoved it up right up the Bronx Bombers’ asses and made us all
believe in Orioles Magic one more time? It was a peaks and valleys kind of
rookie season for Chenner, who came out like gangbusters throwing quality starts
in his first 7 professional starts, to a tune of a 4-1 record. The rest of his rookie campaign was all over
the place, a win here, a loss there, a lock down performance vs. Tampa quickly
followed by a punishing beatdown by the Royals.
Chen finished the regular season at 12-11 with a 4.02 ERA (let’s trim
that down, please) and a WHIP of 1.26. What’s
truly great about Chen is his impeccable control, he can command all of his
pitches (57 BB’s in 192.2 innings).
While a sophomore slump is a legitimate possibility, Chen looks to build
off a solid rookie season and shoulder more of a load as he gets more
acclimated to the American style of rest and recovery. (Don’t get me started on
pitching maintenance of the Orient…). We
should expect the league to catch up to Chen, but if he can make adjustments
once the league adjusts to him, then we will really know what we’ve got in
Wei-Yin Chen.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxeGjoL7se_5Imt2wl_uqOYS3SUh5RQhakIUGVcUZBVLF1eGdPGS5t_XwaEarZvHY2r4exGwaaPjmOSaoIdpBnTCaTkYf6IyLgx1OzeDU4iKLg1cV-T0QOGlkBeRiNhRerxnj_K05HrY/s1600/140287598_display_image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxeGjoL7se_5Imt2wl_uqOYS3SUh5RQhakIUGVcUZBVLF1eGdPGS5t_XwaEarZvHY2r4exGwaaPjmOSaoIdpBnTCaTkYf6IyLgx1OzeDU4iKLg1cV-T0QOGlkBeRiNhRerxnj_K05HrY/s320/140287598_display_image.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Number 3: Miguel
Gonzalez</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On a team full of great stories, was there any more
unbelievable and simply awesome than Miguel Gonzalez? Working his way back from Tommy John surgery
in the Mexican Leagues, he was spotted by an Orioles bird-dog scout. I absolutely loved watching Miggy’s starts
because of his cool and calm demeanor on the mound. After already enduring the dark uncertainty
of being a free agent pitcher labeled with arm problems, nothing seemed to bother
Miggy. The dude was unflappable last year, and you can certainly expect that to
continue. In his 18 starts, Gonzalez
(who was called up as a reliever) baffled hitters with his sneaky fastball and
tumbling splitter. Gonzalez was 9-4 a
year ago with a 3.25 ERA, and his clean mechanics make me believe that his arm injuries
are behind him. Miggy diced up the
Yankees in Game 3 over 7 innings, only too see the win slip through the team’s
grasp thanks to that <a href="http://bronxbaseballdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/raul-ibanez-540x342.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">bald alien looking jerk-off</span></a> who pinch hit for that <a href="http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.943909.1318377957!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_635/alg-alex-rodriguez-pout-jpg.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">overpaid primadonna.</span></a><b> </b>Miggy is still a relative unknown nationally, but if his poise
is any indication, America will be well aware of our guy this summer.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZEa7oCNP_xnpb9FVFesRdXmkZ8lS7lx7EODvpO-Dz-xk_Bu3Vvas5SJxmx1lpwr6-DjQPOND9rwWEeRLcSRp6lMhUz2EhtaWtSC9uAqCGsImbqexC0J-QO-Zpqsx79ReJYT6koFjnwQ/s1600/miguel-gonzalez-white-front-windup-sidebar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZEa7oCNP_xnpb9FVFesRdXmkZ8lS7lx7EODvpO-Dz-xk_Bu3Vvas5SJxmx1lpwr6-DjQPOND9rwWEeRLcSRp6lMhUz2EhtaWtSC9uAqCGsImbqexC0J-QO-Zpqsx79ReJYT6koFjnwQ/s320/miguel-gonzalez-white-front-windup-sidebar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Number 4: Chris
Tillman</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m going to toot my own horn for a minute here. When everyone was bailing on Tillman, calling
him a bust, and collectively calling for his head, I stood by my man. Tillman’s biggest detriment was his control,
and it was pretty obvious that he was just a youngster trying to do <i>too</i> much out there and it snowballed on
him. First his control went, then he lost his confidence. Too make matters worse, Tilly over-pitched
himself in 2011 and his velocity dipped.
I remember hearing last year during Spring Training, that not only had
Tillman’s velocity gotten back to where it once was (94-95), but it had jumped
to 96-97 at times. I began salivating
thinking of him pairing that power fastball with his knee-buckling
curveball. All we needed was Tilly to
get his pitches under control and the 23 year old could prove that he
belonged. And damnit did he ever! Now 24
and full of confidence and swagger, Tillman appears ready to lock down a
rotation spot and build off last year’s impressive 9-3 record…and a ho hum 2.93
ERA. It appears Tillman has found
himself as a professional pitcher, and his potential for this season and
seasons to come is as sky high as Lindsey Lohan’s legal bills. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfbsURH4GcUd9AnvPuId761OdxU-A5CCwam-Ky_K8hyphenhyphenELEIxsh9aYGzBv68m-kw1cfHbIWTFEgzaBk_zeHybTmDp0nZ9q8qbKKo3q_upTlgu_hjofYlZjHDlcyH3OAXiDXyTf-ZkUakU/s1600/Chris+Tillman+yQaX8jOUWccm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfbsURH4GcUd9AnvPuId761OdxU-A5CCwam-Ky_K8hyphenhyphenELEIxsh9aYGzBv68m-kw1cfHbIWTFEgzaBk_zeHybTmDp0nZ9q8qbKKo3q_upTlgu_hjofYlZjHDlcyH3OAXiDXyTf-ZkUakU/s320/Chris+Tillman+yQaX8jOUWccm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b> </b><b>Number 5: ?????????</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here is where it gets interesting. There are more questions here than Oscar
Pistorius’s side of the story. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If this were a promo for <span style="color: #999999;"><i><a href="http://battleofthebeltway.blogspot.com/2012/02/buckchelor-search-for-rotation.html" target="_blank">The BUCKchelor</a></i> </span><span style="color: white;">Chris Harrison would emerge from the dugout behind a cloud of
dry ice and announce, “Seven pit</span>chers. One Spot in the Rotation.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are your candidates listed in order of likelihood of
getting the 5<sup>th</sup> and final spot.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1) Jair Jurrjens <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2) Zach Britton<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3) Jake Arrieta<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4) Brian Matusz<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
5) Tommy Hunter<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
6) Dylan Bundy<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
7) Steve Johnson<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
If Jair Jurrjens's balky knee passes the Orioles insanely
strict medical analysis he will have the inside track at the 5<sup>th</sup>
starter’s spot. The O’s organizational
medical vetting process if more anal than Sasha Grey, but it does appear that
Jurrjens has passed through. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He signed a minor-league deal last week, and will need to
earn his spot on the 40-man roster, let alone the rotation. When Jurrjens injured his knee his mechanics
faltered because he was compensating for the pain he felt and the overall weakness
in his knee. With his knee seemingly
healthy, it will be extremely important for him to iron out his mechanical
flaws during the Spring and get back to his 2011 form when he went 13-6 with an
ERA of 2.96 for the Braves. Personally I
believe in Jair, I’ve seen what he can do when healthy, and I fully expect him
to be our 5<sup>th</sup> starter.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Zach Britton has shown flashes of dominance, while at times
he’s looked more lost than John Goodman at Whole Foods. The sky is still the limit for Britton and I
would love to see him break camp with the Big League team, and he may well in
fact bounce in and out of the rotation.
Unfortunately, I think Britton will need an injury from someone in the
rotation in order get his shot. Once he gets that opportunity, I hope he never
looks back.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had high hopes for Jake Arrieta, but 3 seasons and 58
starts later, I just don’t see it working for Jake as a starter. His change-up has not developed enough for it
to be an effective pitch, and his lack of command gets him into more jams than
he can wiggle out of. His pitch counts
in turn elevate and getting him through 5-6 innings is more of struggle than
watching a guy with a bad prostate take a piss.
Much like Matusz and Hunter, I think Arrieta belongs in the pen where he
can come in for an inning or two, throw absolute cheddar and get some quick
outs for the ball club. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dylan Bundy will be the ace of the Baltimore Orioles, this
is no secret. Pitchers with his pedigree
and repertoire come around as often as Haley’s Comet. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
HOWEVA, he needs some seasoning, and will be better served dicing
up some minor leaguers in order to learn how to be more of a pitcher and less
of a thrower. Rick Peterson knows
exactly what needs to be done with Dylan Bundy, and another couple of months
under Rick’s watchful eye would be the best-case scenario for Young Bundy.
Therefore Bundy probably won’t break camp with the Birds, but a mid-summer call
up is as certain as the deliciousness of a Twix bar.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What our rotation lacks in big names, it more than makes up
for with stuff, moxie, grit, and overall ability. For once in a long time, I am very excited
about the possibilities and the depth of the Starting Rotation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://battleofthebeltway.blogspot.com/2013/02/arming-up-part-2-bullpen.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Click here for Part 2: The Bullpen</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Battle of the Beltwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09901429262218174884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962306465229816235.post-30407393750252421882013-02-19T20:46:00.000-05:002013-02-19T20:46:06.397-05:00Arming Up Part 2: The Bullpen
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<br />
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Last season’s Baltimore Orioles were a team full of
cast-offs, afterthoughts, and “who the hell is that guy?” No group on the team
embodied the team's make up better than the bullpen.
Luis Ayala came to spring training on a minor-league deal, Darren O’Day
hadn’t been effective since he was a junior at the University of Florida, and
Jim Johnson had never been a closer for a full season. Down the stretch, one of our most effective relievers was <a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/6584021/gyi0060572275.0_standard_352.0.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">a top draft pick</span></a> who failed
miserably as a starting pitcher. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The bullpen was the Old Bay that held this crab feast of a
season together a year ago. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Any baseball player, coach, or fan worth their salt knows
that it doesn’t matter how good your lineup or your starting rotation is, you
cannot win unless your bullpen can get you the final nine outs of the game. The final three innings are known as the
“back third” or the “back end” of the ballgame, and the Orioles bullpen was
lockdown in the back third of ball games last season. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The numbers speak for themselves:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
32-11 overall<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
29-9 in one run games <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
16-2 in extra innings games.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2.12 ERA in One run games<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3.00 ERA (5<sup>th</sup> in the MLB)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
55 Saves<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
470 Strikeouts in 545.1<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Held opponents to a 2.38 Batting Average<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dan Duquette has done a terrific job this offseason of
keeping the core of that bullpen together, and bringing back the key arms. Buck
Showalter managed the bullpen perfectly a year ago, and he was so in sync with his relievers
that even people with ESP were impressed.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s what we know about the bullpen, Jim Johnson is back
as the closer. Johnson will enter
the season with a full year of slamming doors under his belt. JJ led the league
with 51 saves, and was able to close out so many games thanks to his 2.49 ERA
and 1.22 WHIP. Hopefully he can shake
those gut wrenching appearances in the ALDS and build off of last season’s
impressive successes. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZr4yMeID9U6EObjuQb3AJVihf4ATl5CEEZAunrbgRWVd_HJQQ_NhsoKijCuZ57xVsdez3EXNCSas3enq6_CL3Ga7K-Su6yPSrixUebFvUHcyJGZogCXRZ0T8sYn3H_1AqdrA8pFvcyI/s1600/Jim+Johnson+New+York+Yankees+v+Baltimore+Orioles+QMLZtga1Yp3l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZr4yMeID9U6EObjuQb3AJVihf4ATl5CEEZAunrbgRWVd_HJQQ_NhsoKijCuZ57xVsdez3EXNCSas3enq6_CL3Ga7K-Su6yPSrixUebFvUHcyJGZogCXRZ0T8sYn3H_1AqdrA8pFvcyI/s320/Jim+Johnson+New+York+Yankees+v+Baltimore+Orioles+QMLZtga1Yp3l.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim Johnson post door slamming.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Darren O’Day and Pedro Strop will more than likely see time
as set up guys in the 7<sup>th</sup> and 8<sup>th</sup> innings. Luis Ayala will also provide late inning
relief that even though it was never pretty, he thrived in that role a year
ago. Troy Patton will be relied upon to
get the David Ortiz, Josh Hamilton, and other big time Lefty Sluggers out.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimsuleyN0DzaBOF3Ci6tJ9HN0xg9ILM_c9DrgCA-NTF1mCzWy2CpCCdclxfCXIvQ6BbD2YvGeWmByuKtOUsrAMwGcC_LtBWaorXb9WFlksmKxjxCVZDVIHvb3jK222cIDz_KM-D3k_lek/s1600/darren-oday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimsuleyN0DzaBOF3Ci6tJ9HN0xg9ILM_c9DrgCA-NTF1mCzWy2CpCCdclxfCXIvQ6BbD2YvGeWmByuKtOUsrAMwGcC_LtBWaorXb9WFlksmKxjxCVZDVIHvb3jK222cIDz_KM-D3k_lek/s1600/darren-oday.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Darren O'Day getting nasty.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>So if you’re doing the math, (5 starters plus the 5
relievers mentioned) there are two spots up for grabs to round out the pitching
staff. Another left-handed pitcher would be nice, and perhaps a long reliever
for those days when our starters struggle. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think Brian Matusz is all but a shoe-in to be the other left-handed
arm in the pen. When Brian Matusz was drafted 4<sup>th</sup> overall in the 2008
MLB Draft, he was expected to be the future Ace of the franchise. As Matusz’s velocity went up and down so did
his effectiveness. While Matusz will get
every opportunity to compete for the 5<sup>th</sup> spot in the rotation, I
think everyone knows he can carve out a brilliant career as a reliever. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Buck moved Matusz to the pen late last August and in 18
games (13.1 IP), Matusz gave up 2 earned runs, only 5 hits, and struck out a
whopping 19 batters (that’s 12.83 K’s per 9 innings pitched, folks!). Left-handers batted a measly .175 against
Matusz last season, and .114 against him as a reliever. HELLO! Brian Matusz has
found his role as a pivotal and dominant reliever, and the sooner we all just
accept that, the better we will all be!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The final spot is probably a four-man competition between right
handers Steve Johnson, Tommy Hunter, Jake Arrieta, and T.J. McFarland. This is probably not Arrieta’s spot to win,
and there is not much known about T.J. McFarland other than he was a Rule V
pickup from the Cubs. In my humble
opinion this really comes down to Steve Johnson and Tommy Hunter.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Local-boy-done-good, Johnson really shined in his role as
long reliever a year ago. He was 4-0
with a 2.11 ERA and compiled 46 K’s in 38.1 innings pitched. While his stuff is
not over powering, Johnson controls the tempo and uses pinpoint control to shut
down opposing batters. Johnson is the
lightning, while Tommy Hunter is the thunder.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hunter was atrocious a year ago as a starting pitcher,
giving up a then league leading 32 home runs.
Buck mercifully sent him down to the minors to get straightened out, and then was back up as a
reliever. In this new role Hunter could
stretch himself out for a few innings as a long reliever or come in for an
inning or two just and throw extreme queso.
Hunter was being clocked at 98-99 MPH on his fastball which was a good 3-4 MPH's more than when he was starter. While the role of long reliever/extra
right-hander is not glamorous, it will certainly be a competition to watch for
this spring training. I think ultimately
Hunter will get the first crack at it, with Johnson and Arrieta nipping at his
heels. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spring Training games crank up this week, and all of the
competitions on the pitching staff will be full bore. They should be very tightly contested and
extremely fun to watch. At the end of
the day, whoever earns a spot on the 25 Man roster may not be in these roles for the entire season. This in turn is the great element of the 2013 Baltimore Orioles pitching staff. The staff is deeper than a landfill, and we
as a fan base can definitely get behind that!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Check back soon for a look at the Position Players!<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Battle of the Beltwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09901429262218174884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962306465229816235.post-47281275315875760622013-01-30T13:35:00.001-05:002013-01-30T13:35:50.732-05:00Birdland Bulletin: Right Handers on the Rise
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While the Baltimore Orioles’ offseason has been relatively
quiet, the franchise made some noise last night. The ripple made by the Birds
may have been quieter than a fart in a Jacuzzi, but it is news worthy
nonetheless.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Last night Major League Baseball announced it’s top 100
prospects in baseball and Orioles right-handed pitchers Dylan Bundy and Kevin
Gausman found themselves on the list. Bundy came in as the number 2 prospect in
all of baseball, and Gausman rolled in at number 37. They were the only Orioles
in the list, which is a little disappointing, but then again the farm system
isn’t exactly bountiful. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This will be a quick post, mostly to inform you of the two
arms in our system that are on the fast track to the big leagues; in fact both
could conceivably be pitching in Camden Yards at some point this summer. There will be no extensive breakdowns or
scouting reports on either pitcher in this post, for I am reserving my baseball
nerdiness for the upcoming season.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dylan Bundy is ONLY 20 years old and made his Major League
debut last season, after being drafted 4<sup>th</sup> overall in 2011. He diced up the Minor Leagues last year in
his first professional season. Watching
minor league hitters bat off Bundy is like Usain Bolt’s kids trying to run away
from a spanking when they get in trouble.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8WP0K_s3XXLgbV1nbfzpEJOpR551gwksDjKoFVVntHNEJRK9BWLJQU8SdZTA5tWzRO7RkhkRQEbiO-gNjqZJ2825-6LRTFe9IdIvosz9Dcn4pGaW3R_T5txf4_Jx3PZKfW3mP_PXwJs/s1600/72409867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8WP0K_s3XXLgbV1nbfzpEJOpR551gwksDjKoFVVntHNEJRK9BWLJQU8SdZTA5tWzRO7RkhkRQEbiO-gNjqZJ2825-6LRTFe9IdIvosz9Dcn4pGaW3R_T5txf4_Jx3PZKfW3mP_PXwJs/s320/72409867.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The knowledge being dropped here makes one weak in the knees...</td></tr>
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Kevin Gausman was the 4<sup>th</sup> overall pick in last
year’s draft and pitched in Short Season Aberdeen, and made a brief appearance
in Single A with the Frederick Keys.
Gausman hides the ball very well.
Detecting which pitch is coming from Gausman is like detecting deer
antler extract in someone’s blood, right Ray Lewis?</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbquFVFMxXNfJfvhytAUwsiDbl9Q8AsqN9brHjuIgdmQ_EMmas5oU3s7zvHThk-CvnP7hk1g2aUCw0vTs2In1jxjBf6AV2d4-XECppYtB0_bMUrvcR_jX1SgFczGyhU2dRmzSX30yWS0/s1600/71058968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbquFVFMxXNfJfvhytAUwsiDbl9Q8AsqN9brHjuIgdmQ_EMmas5oU3s7zvHThk-CvnP7hk1g2aUCw0vTs2In1jxjBf6AV2d4-XECppYtB0_bMUrvcR_jX1SgFczGyhU2dRmzSX30yWS0/s320/71058968.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh by the way, the Nationals had a few players on the list
as well including Anthony Rendon (3B, no. 28), Brian Godwin (OF, no. 52), Lucas
Giolito (RHP, no. 74), and recently re-acquired A.J. Cole (RHP, no. 91). For more on the Nats’ rising stars, look for
the Natstown Newsletter.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Pitchers and catchers report in two short weeks, and for the
first time in a very long time, both Birdland and Natstown have a lot to look
forward to! We here at the Battle of the Beltway are not exactly sure what to
do with ourselves, but you can expect limitless optimism, unabashed homerism,
and predictions that even the man on the moon thinks are lofty. Suffering through
the tough seasons year in and year out, we have every friggin right to feel
this way, so either get on board and get off at the next exit! <o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Battle of the Beltwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09901429262218174884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962306465229816235.post-62807161135258813692013-01-28T14:58:00.004-05:002013-01-28T15:23:28.548-05:00Presidents' Race Scouting Report: William H. Taft<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Natsfest was this past weekend, and suffice to say the
excitement level for this franchise is high to quite high. In fact, there is more excitement
surrounding this team than there is hair surrounding <a href="http://www.bloguin.com/theoutsidecorner/images/stories/werthbeard.jpg"><span style="color: #999999;">Jayson Werth’s face.</span></a><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s been an offseason of additions, with the acquisitions
of center fielder Denard “The Nard Dogg” Span, starting pitcher Dan Haren, and
closer Rafael Soriano. These are the
headline grabbing additions, but one major Nats announcement snuck under the
radar. We are not quite sure how it
snuck under radar, considering the girth associated with the addition. Of course we are talking about the newest
President to throw his hat in the ring, William Howard Taft aka "Air Force Ton." </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEz8nJRCoFL5BDImuwnPcTto2bwyDFYFQsFxwUZDfLQbNqV3yVlNiqhudRt4cJL-4zVY1YsH5LwUJst72l1X4om3lFXJ_uEF7G0u8LYRUiSiJuFguuPeAM_qYPms89dKjgIDlgosn_uk/s1600/taft113c-256x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEz8nJRCoFL5BDImuwnPcTto2bwyDFYFQsFxwUZDfLQbNqV3yVlNiqhudRt4cJL-4zVY1YsH5LwUJst72l1X4om3lFXJ_uEF7G0u8LYRUiSiJuFguuPeAM_qYPms89dKjgIDlgosn_uk/s1600/taft113c-256x300.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">While Taft is not exactly the model of fitness, in fact he
is a more likely candidate for </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">The
Biggest Loser</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> than he is for the Presidents Race.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">However, that did not stop the Nationals
Marketing Squad from signing Taft to a lucrative contract.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Some of you may be scratching your head on
how this round, mound, of progressively conservative sound etched his way into
the race.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Fear not loyal readers for we
have put together an in-depth and extensive scouting report on our new large
and in charge racer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Name: William Howard Taft<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hometown/State: Cincinnati, Ohio<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">College: Yale University<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Qualifications: 27<sup>th</sup> President of the United
States (1909-1913), Chief Justice (1921-1930)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Height: 6’2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Weight: 330 LBs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Political Party: Republican<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Married: You’re damn right he was married!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Notable Health Issues: <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">-Morbidly Obese<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">-Ate high caloric meals leading to extreme cases of burping
and farting.*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">-Got stuck in the White House Tub and had to be removed by
his aides who greased him and the tub with butter.* No joke, <a href="http://www.simplybathtubs.com/blog/2008/12/19/the-story-of-president-taft-and-the-clawfoot-bathtub-he-got-stuck-in.html"><span style="color: #999999;">look it up.</span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">*These are sources that talk about Taft’s burping, farting, and
eventual tub debacle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"> Sotos, John G. (September 2003). "Taft
and Pickwick". <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chest_(journal)"><i><span style="text-decoration: none;">Chest</span></i></a> <b>124</b> (3): 1133–1142. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_object_identifier"><span style="text-decoration: none;">doi</span></a>:<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1378%2Fchest.124.3.1133"><span style="text-decoration: none;">10.1378/chest.124.3.1133</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;">James Chace (2004). <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=cVrxbeRmlqgC&pg=PA24"><i><span style="text-decoration: none;">1912: Wilson, Roosevelt, Taft and Debs -The Election that Changed the
Country</span></i></a>. Simon & Schuster. p. 24.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Connections to Baseball:</span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Due to the obvious question marks surrounding Taft’s health
and fitness (cut to Michelle Obama nodding with crossed arms), he seems like an
odd choice. However, Taft has some
deeper connections to the diamond then us casual folk may be aware of. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">On April 14, 1910, the Big Fella threw out the first pitch
before a Senators' game, making him the first president to throw out the first
pitch.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Just like the bacon grease near
Taft’s ribs, it stuck as every President since has performed this duty.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;">As we have alluded to, Taft is one hefty mountain of a man, and
cramming himself into two seats for 9 innings can be an arduous task. Therefore, in the 7<sup>th</sup> inning of
the same game in 1910, President Taft stood up, cracked his back, and stretched
himself out a bit. Taft then got up and
left his seat to take a walkabout. The
stadium figured their commander-in-chief was leaving and therefore everyone
stood up to say goodbye. Thus creating the tradition we all know as the Seventh
Inning Stretch.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></u></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Strengths:</span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">His large frame can lead to a downhill running style, that
once he gains momentum, look out! Think <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhAI0-CbstI"><span style="color: #999999;">Thud-Butt</span></a> from Hook.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Taft has a Michael Phelpsian caloric intake which provides a
serious source of fuel for race day. His inordinate amount of flatulence also
propels him to a faster rate than the wispy George Washington or the wirey
Abraham Lincoln.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Weaknesses:<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Seriously? Dude is a fat ass. Taft is what we like to call in the baseball
world a “Bad Body.” His weight issues lead to him having a tough time getting
to top speed. He has had difficulties
finishing races due to his aforementioned weight issues leading to necessary
stops. Finishing out races can be a real
struggle for America’s most powerful glutton.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Interesting Storyline to Look For: <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Roosevelt and Taft do not like each other. They were once friends and colleagues and
than that friendship went further South than an old Jewish couple from New York
who just bought a house in Del Boca Vista!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Teddy was President for two terms and then turned over the
reins to fellow Republican, Taft. When
Teddy left the Oval Office, he felt that he had left it in good hands with his
mustachioed brethren. Teddy was a
progressive reformer and many in Congress expected Taft to carry on this legacy
and keep the Country moving in a forward direction. Well the only thing moving forward during the
Taft years was his belt buckle as it struggled to maintain his Presidential
gut. Taft’s policies became so conservative, that Teddy came out of retirement
to run against Taft for the Republican Nomination in the Election of 1912. Teddy formed the Bull Moose Party and the
Republican Party became split between Taft and Teddy, and this split helped
elect Democrat Woodrow Wilson in 1912.
The tension between Taft and Teddy can be cut with a butter knife;
probably the same one that helped spread butter on the President during
Tubgate. Look for this score to be
settled on the warning track of Nationals Park, come race day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If the guy struggled to get out of a bath tub, how can he
possibly expect to beat the fleet footed Washington, the honestly
Usain-Boltaciously quick Abraham Lincoln, or the author of the Virginia Statute
of Religious Speedom, Thomas Jefferson? Or how about Taft’s personal rival the
“Swinging Stick of the Presidents Race” Teddy Roosevelt? Seriously folks, does
this guy look athletic? </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_r5besyFOotW2lxWnVevHEJejKyTwbNpILIBOuZerESMLVnBxqhou1kDlCAluJMls4x8Gd5wslp-5HeMLWCL6nge7LBmGipIfIS7dvLCSxdYO8I1Ex5QVPyA-Li4nhZ9dhwHst-VEsM/s1600/william_h_taft_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_r5besyFOotW2lxWnVevHEJejKyTwbNpILIBOuZerESMLVnBxqhou1kDlCAluJMls4x8Gd5wslp-5HeMLWCL6nge7LBmGipIfIS7dvLCSxdYO8I1Ex5QVPyA-Li4nhZ9dhwHst-VEsM/s320/william_h_taft_02.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new owner of the Presidents' Race Losing Streak. #BadBody</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Battle of the Beltwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09901429262218174884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962306465229816235.post-905205628684999252013-01-25T07:49:00.000-05:002013-01-25T07:49:39.415-05:002 Legit 2 Quip: Manti Mania<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Come on, you didn’t think we would stay quiet about this absurdity did you?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wr8LMR9f0oX-lXVwAmZ95XjjE0UbVwIjwdpb5AnwP4hgqIdPRcAylKOX5WEL0VUNsdTO_sA4UPRmEehPugnCFwwRBOOeDzcmos1ISy2qyhDdyjJxOq8H96Zo80wQ2NfNavgSTDTANDs/s1600/hi-res-6656486_crop_exact.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wr8LMR9f0oX-lXVwAmZ95XjjE0UbVwIjwdpb5AnwP4hgqIdPRcAylKOX5WEL0VUNsdTO_sA4UPRmEehPugnCFwwRBOOeDzcmos1ISy2qyhDdyjJxOq8H96Zo80wQ2NfNavgSTDTANDs/s320/hi-res-6656486_crop_exact.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"AHH COME ON BABE, I JUST WANNA SKYPE!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even Lance Armstrong rolled his eyes and turned off the
Manti Te’O interview with Katie Couric.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/71/Sorority_boys.jpg"><span style="color: #999999;">Barry Watson</span></a>
thinks Ronny Tuiasosopo’s impression of a chick sucked. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wondering what’s more fake: Manti Te’o’s girlfriend or
Wilmer Valderamma’s citizenship.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wondering what’s more fake: Manti Te’o’s girlfriend or
Lindsey Lohan’s New Year’s Resolutions.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our hometown sports bias is more one sided than one of Manti
Te’o’s dinner dates.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tyler’s ping pong score against Stephen Hawking is more one
sided than one of Manti Te’o’s dinner dates.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We make more excuses for our hometown teams than Lenny Kekua
when Manti Te’o asked her for Skype Dates.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Manti Te’o’s game with chicks is worse than his game versus
Alabama.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The number of human girlfriends Manti Te’o hasis the same
number of times Lenny Kekua logged in to Skype.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The number of people who show up when Manti Te’o makes a
dinner reservation is the same number of nuts that Lance Armstrong has.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Antonio Cromartie wishes he’d been catfished by one of his baby mama’s.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even the people who bought the Shake Weight think Manti Te’o
is gullable.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Things we wish were “Lenny Kekua-ed” (See, never existed)<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1) AIDS<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2) Cancer<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3) Childhood Obesity<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4) J-Lo’s acting career<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
5) Albert Haynesworth<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
6) Say Yes to the Dress<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
7) Rebecca Black<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
8) The Kardashians<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
9) The Bravo Network<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
10) New York Sports Teams<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Chumbawumba has more hits than Manti Te’o has girlfriends.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The only piece of literature with more lies than the <a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college-football/news/20130117/manti-teo-girlfriend-hoax-quotes/"><span style="color: #999999;">SI interview</span></a> transcript is Kim Jong
IL’s autobiography.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If Manti Te’o wasn’t in on the hoax than North Korea can
successfully launch a nuke. ……Fucking idiots.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If Manti Te’o wasn’t in on the hoax than Taylor Swift should
be a relationship counselor.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If Manti Te’o wasn’t in on the hoax than Jeff Van Gundy
should be a spokesman for the Big & Tall Store.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Manti Te’o wasn’t in on the hoax than this fad on FaceBook
isn’t the single dumbest fucking thing we have ever seen!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Just because you have 1,000 friends on Facebook </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
doesn't mean you have 1 real one. Just ask Manti...</div>
</td></tr>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If Manti Te’o wasn’t in on the hoax than Ray Lewis should be
a spokesman for safe sex.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If Manti Te’o wasn’t in on the hoax than we are rooting for
the Ravens in the Super Bowl.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Battle of the Beltwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09901429262218174884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962306465229816235.post-23592962860771460302013-01-17T12:36:00.001-05:002013-01-17T12:36:20.496-05:00The Beltway Loop Around<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Much like our area’s beloved Beltway during rush hour,
yesterday’s sports page was JAM PACKED.
A fan favorite for the Nationals got off at the next exit, two high ups
with the Baltimore Orioles decided to sit in traffic for a couple more years,
and one future NFL star’s draft stock just slammed on the breaks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In order to effectively cover yesterday’s initially positive
turned stomach-turning day of sports news, we realized we had to change our
format a tad. We would like to introduce
a new type of article we like to call the “Beltway Loop Around.” We will zip around the “Inner Loop” covering
our beloved hometown squads, and then we will head to the “Outer Loop” to cover
the national stories. We will try to be
short and sweet with each story, but lets be real…we can get wordier than a
bowl of <span style="color: #999999;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynKF4Zjl-gXuXeTHcRA8UIr7Mgo1nG8WsxSMGyfQpSwFPf-L3p3OWHBB9tnTHwNtG5l6PhsrEYqE7n364B4FPFEBkX9B8Kjw8VGPcrKu1nhH2nf-bow5BaqeGnoKLlNZQQtHI-clxBukr/s1600/crayon3.jpg"><span style="color: #999999;">Alpha-Bits. </span></a> </span>BUCKle up your seat belts, put it in drive,
and sit with us in sports gridlock.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">INNER LOOP<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Washington Nationals traded away fan favorite 1B/LF Mike
Morse, a.k.a. Big Mike, a.k.a. Beast Mode.
This was expected when the Nationals re-signed 1B Adam LaRoche, but that
does not mean it doesn’t sting a little bit.
Big Mike plays the game with childish enthusiasm and a blue-collar work
ethic. He has had to grind to get to
where he is at in the Big Leagues, and we wish him the VERY BEST of luck in
Seattle. We will miss you Big Mike, may the Emerald City enjoy your <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dc-sports-bog/post/michael-morse-and-his-samurai-cobra-snake-move/2012/02/07/gIQAq7JnwQ_blog.html"><span style="color: #999999;">Samurai Cobra Snake</span></a> as much as Natstown
did. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mike Rizzo continues to make this whole General Manager job
look easy by receiving three players in return in this three-team trade. In the deal the Nationals received RHP’s
Blake Treinen and A.J. Cole. Yes folks, the same A.J. Cole that the Nationals
traded for Gio Gonzalez. Already
recouping one of the prospects already given up is a savvy move by the
Riz. The Nationals will also be
receiving a player to be named later whose caliber will be determined by the
season that Big Mike has in Seattle. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here’s what we know: Both Treinen and Cole are young and a
few years away from making any impact in the Big Leagues. Cole is a tall lanky 21-year-old kid with a
high velocity fastball and a power curveball.
He is still developing his change up, and could project as a back end
reliever. Treinen is 24 years old, with
a power arm. However, the fact that he’s
24 and has only reached High-A ball leads us to believe he either has had arm
problems in the past or just isn’t that good.
He is a long ways from the Big Leagues, and if the Oakland A’s are
willing to part with a prospect he may not be that great. HOWEVA, we trust the
Riz on this one and hopefully Treinen can help out the bullpen in a year or
two.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Baltimore Orioles signed General Manager Dan “The Duke”
Duquette and manager Buck Showalter to 6-year extensions yesterday. Six-year extensions for managers or GM’s are
relatively unheard of especially for a team who doesn’t give starting pitchers
more than 3-year contracts. Yet, if
anybody deserves these extensions it’s the no non-sense manager whose quiet and
calm coolness motivated a team of afterthoughts to believe in themselves; and
the GM who took a flyer on International talent, retreads, and young bucks
whose “prospect” tag had already been shed.
They believed in the team, and the fan base believes in them. With the extensions, the Orioles have
stability at the top to further a sustainable competitive roster.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Zards lost last night in Sacramento 95-94 in a game
where they led for the majority of it. Future Wizard DeMarcus Cousins proved to
be too much for the Chocolate City Chuckers.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Silver lining: John Wall continues to impress with a stat
line of 14 points and 10 assists. He did
miss two free throws in the final 30 seconds when the game was tied; and his
jumper continues to be a work in progress. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">More silver lining: Brad Beal continues to rack up buckets,
dropping a career high 26 points on a Wizards Rookie Record six
3-pointers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And the final exit ramp of our Inner Loop is
brought to you by some clever and talented Ravens fans. Anytime you can incorporate “Call Me Maybe”,
we will enjoy it, but tread lightly Ravens Nation. Be careful what you wish for
when you say <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NJxOUcwPV4"><span style="color: #999999;">“We Want Brady.”</span></a><!--EndFragment-->
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">OUTER LOOP<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Out of nowhere Chip Kelly made a complete 180
and acepted the head coaching job with the Philadelphia Eagles. Why on earth would Chip Kelly turn down three
NFL head coaching offers, announce he’s returning to Oregon, and then flip the
script a week later? It’s quite simple actually, and they’re called NCAA
INFRACTIONS. Pete Carroll 2.0. And let
us tell you why we think <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-22tna7KHzI"><span style="color: #999999;">th—. </span></a><!--EndFragment--></span><br />
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<!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family: inherit;">That right there was our country’s collective
head exploding when Deadspin.com unleashed the fury with <a href="http://deadspin.com/5976517/manti-teos-dead-girlfriend-the-most-heartbreaking-and-inspirational-story-of-the-college-football-season-is-a-hoax"><span style="color: #999999;">their article on Manti Te’o.</span> </a><!--EndFragment--></span><br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In case you’ve been living under Charlie Weis’s chin for the
past couple of days, you know the story here. Manti Te’o’s inspirational senior
year riddled with personal tragedy was all a farce, and his dead girlfriend
never even existed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrC0CVU9ITFrkjx0JqS5wyfK0PiN5nsvB_l31VhQeKLB03OhXPmo47mzXUDwPGjTtJX5f_HNTVKKJMbQiSLtaUDZpIRl7F8wBgoJXl1OOniDxhEdwFsgOMGOXs9DLUP7nnsl7QVi0jsUw/s1600/14922_487091947998646_769468357_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrC0CVU9ITFrkjx0JqS5wyfK0PiN5nsvB_l31VhQeKLB03OhXPmo47mzXUDwPGjTtJX5f_HNTVKKJMbQiSLtaUDZpIRl7F8wBgoJXl1OOniDxhEdwFsgOMGOXs9DLUP7nnsl7QVi0jsUw/s320/14922_487091947998646_769468357_n.png" width="310" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Courtesy of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Q877Chicago?ref=stream"><span style="color: #999999;">Q87.7</span></a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Quite frankly the most unbelievable part of this crazy,
absurd, mind numbing, stomach churning, and sickening story is that people
actually believed The Notre Dame Fighting Irish had a chance against Alabama in
the National Championship Game. It is
our belief that Manti Te’o didn’t actually exist during that game.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We have a few questions that arose with this brain-bomb:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1) Is Manti Te’o simply a victim of <span style="color: #999999;"><a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=catfish"><span style="color: #999999;">“catfish?”</span></a><b> </b></span><!--EndFragment--></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2) Was Manti Te’o in on this hoax?</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">3) Was this an elaborate publicity stunt in order to help
Te’o’s Heisman campaign?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4) Is this an elaborate cover up to protect Manti Te’o’s
homosexuality?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>If this is
the case, then sports, as a culture needs to take a look in the mirror. If a kid has to create this
unthinkable lie in order to keep his homosexuality
a secret in order to still be drafted and not become a pariah in his own locker room; then we have
still got serious problems in our society.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">5) Our final question is what would Brent Musberger’s
reaction had been if Lenny Kekua was a real girl and was actually at the
National Championship game?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“That right there, folks, is one tasty island treat! All you
young Samoans out there, grab a tackling dummy and a weight bench because the
linebackers get the pretty ones!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The traffic is starting to clear, there are less and less
brake lights, and the commute is over.
Thanks for sitting in gridlock with us, see ya at rush hour. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8Om_MEOECZNYd7TPEh_i7yzBPKBI8Bn-1u9beY0t4_FDyBU4IxiyOJTGChnJfsQJeZ3a_aWARBxceHAWrgt4c1TXPmzKjHsDnI5TvPeD7Wif8ZPGedN2X6SwWrRfiTq98aWHl-FKolQ/s1600/1004chp_04_o+mile_marker_1_event_race+open_road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8Om_MEOECZNYd7TPEh_i7yzBPKBI8Bn-1u9beY0t4_FDyBU4IxiyOJTGChnJfsQJeZ3a_aWARBxceHAWrgt4c1TXPmzKjHsDnI5TvPeD7Wif8ZPGedN2X6SwWrRfiTq98aWHl-FKolQ/s320/1004chp_04_o+mile_marker_1_event_race+open_road.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment-->Battle of the Beltwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09901429262218174884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962306465229816235.post-51832617949615221382013-01-16T12:19:00.001-05:002013-01-16T12:19:13.157-05:00BGB: Conference Championship Storylines<span style="font-family: inherit;">by Ben</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A few moons ago, we embarked on writing a post that we hoped
to plug into our monthly rotation. It
was our version of the infamous game, “F*@k, Marry, Kill”, but of course it had
a certain hometown flair to it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We equated the <i>F*@k</i>
to Donovan McNabb as a one and done here in D.C.; <i>marry</i> as the lifetime hometown hero Cal Ripken Jr.; and <i>kill</i> as public enemy number one as Dan
Snyder. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We can all agree that it is time to update the standards
here as we would like to rename this style of post to <i>Buck, Griffin, Blatche.</i> Buck
of course being Buck Showalter, not because we think Buck is one and done, but
merely because Buck rhymes with the section it represents. Ya dig?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Robert Griffin III is our beloved Redskins’ savior and will
continue to be just that. Do not get it twisted. Hence why he holds down the “marry” portion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Andray Blatche is no longer a Washington Wizard, but does not
mean our hatred for him should subside. He may be wearing a different jersey,
but he’s still a<span style="color: #999999;"> <a href="http://www.thebiglead.com/index.php/2013/01/09/andray-blatche-had-compromising-pictures-on-his-phone-of-alleged-rape-victim-according-to-a-tv-report/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">bad person.</span></a></span><b> </b>We do
not promote murder, but we can’t think of a better person to embody the “kill”
section. (Except for Ray Lewis, but more on that in a hot second!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So now that we have the particulars all ironed out, let’s proceed
to this edition’s topic: NFL Conference Championship Weekend<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> The Conference
Championship games are this weekend, and the storylines in the two games are
juicier than Beyonce’s outfit for the Halftime Show at the Super Bowl. There may be only two games, but each one has
multiple backstories and games-within-the-games to watch. We are all about making your life easier so
we are going to make suggestions based on our Buck, Griffin, Blatche scale on
what to watch for; and what to completely tune out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">BLATCHE: The Ray
Lewis Retirement Tour<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ray Lewis announcing his retirement right before the
playoffs began was a selfish hijacking of his team’s playoff run. Ed Reed is probably going to walk away after
this season too, but he has kept it quiet in order to not become the main
storyline. I respect that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Ravens are a great team and they won quite possibly one
of the greatest playoff games ever played last Sunday. Thanks in large part to Torrey Smith burning
Champ Bailey multiple times, Joe Flacco doing his sporadic dominance bit, and
some clutch kicking by rookie Justin Tucker, aka the Anti-Cundiff. However, all anyone wants to talk about is
Ray Lewis postponing his post-football life for yet another week. Did you see Peyton Manning waiting to talk to
Ray Lewis post game???? WOW HOW SPECIAL A MOMENT THAT WAS! (We need a special
font to represent sarcasm)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Please don’t forget that Jacoby Jones hauled in a Joe Flacco
bomb and scampered for 70 yards to tie the game in an improbable scenario. But apparently that’s seemingly less
important than Ray Lewis retiring.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You can retire from playing football, but you can’t retire
from being a <s>murderer,</s> <s>accomplice to murder,</s> acquitted of all
charges by ratting out your boys.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">BUCK: The Harbaugh
Bowl<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Two teams. Two brothers. ONLY ONE CHAMPION! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Clearly this is getting ahead of ourselves because both the
Ravens and the 49ers (both road teams) would have to win on Sunday in order for
this scenario to happen. But that’s not
going to stop all of the major networks from gushing over this potential
brotherly battle. This weekend may be
their only chance to talk about it because all it takes is one of these two
teams to lose, and it will all be kaput. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jack Harbaugh, Jim and John’s father, is the Archie Manning
of head coaches. His sperm has produced
two of the better NFL Head Coaches in the past few years. Both coaches have implemented successful and
sustainable systems of which their players have completely bought into. They are both phenomenal leaders of men, and
they learned directly from their father, Jack, who was a head coach
himself. Why does everyone slurp Archie,
yet ignore Jack? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyways, Jim vs. John for all the marbles is as intriguing
as it gets, but it’s not the best storyline of the weekend simply because its
based solely on potential. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">GRIFFIN: The
Atlanta Freakin Falcons<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I went back and forth on the best storyline of the weekend. The one storyline I could not ignore was the
continuation of the Brady-Belichick dominance.
If they win this weekend and then the Super Bowl, they will arguably be
the GREATEST Coach and QB combo of all time, cut to Joe Montana and the ghost
of Bill Walsh nodding in agreement. That
would make 6 Super Bowls and 4 Lombardi trophies. Simply astonishing. HOWEVA, the Patriots are
prickly and we’ve seen this all before from them, so this whole winning after
winning thing is getting a little tired, guys.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">P.S. A serious tip of the cap to a well run organization
that us here in Redskins nation envy to no end.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Another storyline that I think WE ALL feel strongly about is
what could have been had it not been for RGKnee. Up 14-0 at home with a healthy Bobby Griff
undoubtedly leads to a win over the Seahawks.
Then we would take our running game to the turf of Atlanta and roll all
day there and send Matty Ice and the Falcons to yet another home playoff loss. Hold on, let’s all take a 5-minute break
while we cry and light a candle for Bob’s knee…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">OK, I’m back. Sorry about that, it had to be done. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In reality, the biggest storyline for this upcoming weekend
are the Atlanta Falcons. Matt Ryan, Mike
Smith – and the whole team really – got that gorilla off their backs and
finally got a playoff win. It’s hard not
to root for this team. You’ve got a
quarterback on the cusp of being great AND being recognized for it. What’s refreshing about Matt Ryan is that he
hasn’t gone out publicly and called himself elite (see, Joe Flacco) nor has his
agent come out and called him elite (again see, Joe Flacco). Just because you say it enough times doesn’t
make it true…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You’ve also got a great head coach who has not sold his
house in Schottenheimerville (tons of regular season wins, but inept in the
playoffs), but that bad boy could be going on the market after this weekend.
Kudos to Mike Smith, who will be fighting this weekend o shed that tag that he
can’t win in crunch time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You’ve got the best wide receiver tandem in the league in
Roddy White and Julio Jones (Decker and Thomas are close though), and they are
electric to watch, especially at home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Speaking of home, the Georgia Dome will be rocking! It is
such an awesome place to watch a game on TV. I can’t imagine how crazy it is to
be there. AND, even though the Falcons
are home, they are 5-point underdogs as of Wednesday. I understand the fact that they are underdogs
given the fact that Colin Kaepernick can walk on water, but 5 points!?! Are you
FALCON kidding me? A top seeded home dog in the Conference Finals? Now that is
a storyline I can get behind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Another reason for the Falcons being a great story is <a href="http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/42221/d-block"><span style="color: #999999;">D-Block.</span></a> They are just awesome.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And finally, the best storyline coming out of this team full
of great storylines has got to be Tony Gonzalez. Tony G is the best tight end to ever play
football. Period.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Please don’t interrupt me Shannon. This is Tony G’s 16<sup>th</sup> season in
the NFL and last Sunday was his first career playoff win. Pick up your jaw and
read that again. It is simply unfathomable to think that a 13 time pro-bowler
and the all time leader in TD’s and receiving yards for anyone at their
position had to wait 16 years for ONE playoff win. Obviously football is the ultimate team
sport, but damn. It’s hard not to root
for a guy like Tony G. He’s done everything the right way and has been very
active in the community. He has never
been in trouble with the law, and gives back to the community on the reg. It has been rumored that this he will be
retiring after this season (but after the numbers he put up this year, why
would he hang it up?), but Tony G has refused to comment on that in attempt not
to detract attention away from the TEAM. Classy. Unselfish. Not Ray Lewis.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There are two great games this weekend, that are bittersweet
because they lack a little HTTR, but I’ll be damned if I don’t enjoy some great
football. I hope you can enjoy these two
great matchups as well, and for God sakes enjoy an adult beverage…or 9. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment-->Battle of the Beltwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09901429262218174884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962306465229816235.post-48270848896750971862013-01-14T17:18:00.002-05:002013-01-14T17:18:51.355-05:00The Non-Steroid Reasons To NOT Forgive Lance
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In this day in age it has become apparent that it’s not the
use of performance enhancing drugs that angers us so much, it’s those who did
it and then deny it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jason Giambi was caught taking steroids, and apologized at a
spring training press conference in 2005. He did not really admit, nor clarify
what he was apologizing for, yet he apologized. So America forgave him and he
was awarded with the 2005 MLB Comeback Player of the Year. Coming back from
what exactly we will never know. I guess coming back from being a gorilla with
a baseball bat, and then having to play the game he loved as a normal human
being, and not someone twice the size of a normal human being. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The evidence shows that Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds took performance-enhancing
drugs, yet they deny it or only admit to taking it unknowingly and America
vilifies them. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The topic of performance enhancing drugs is still a very hot
button issue in Sports most recently with that <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130108&content_id=40884098&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">abomination of a Hall of Fame voting last week. </span></a> My stance on performance-enhancing drugs in
Sports is simple and <a href="http://battleofthebeltway.blogspot.com/2012_06_01_archive.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">well documented,</span></a><b> </b>but
for those of you who don’t know, I think punishments are all just hindsight
police work. Steroids saved baseball.
Period. Deal with it. Move on and just accept the era. But I can feel myself
getting on a tangent about steroids and baseball and that is not the point of
today. Today is about Oprah’s guest,
Lance Armstrong.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTuA4bT7AArxar18F5icgsExIU7nTULjNfFM0G9A_F2pNajs2eLcmDEC7Fys9NCUEkwV1c-RjkhMUmc3VW2HRJwEl3eejnYzPitKGfwsTSr8UX6re7PpXSlEMm1rzqG_m3aKUrm69iBw/s1600/image-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTuA4bT7AArxar18F5icgsExIU7nTULjNfFM0G9A_F2pNajs2eLcmDEC7Fys9NCUEkwV1c-RjkhMUmc3VW2HRJwEl3eejnYzPitKGfwsTSr8UX6re7PpXSlEMm1rzqG_m3aKUrm69iBw/s320/image-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lance Armstrong will be sitting down with the human
tear-inducer, a.k.a. Oprah Winfrey.
Oprah makes more people cry than an episode of <i>Parenthood</i>. Lance will be
sitting down with Oprah in order to apologize and try to rehab his public image,
which has taken a HUGE hit in the past few months. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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When he comes clean and tears up and becomes this
“sympathetic” figure, the gut reaction of America will be to forgive him. In my opinion, everything that Lance has done
for the battle against cancer gives him a pass in my eyes on the whole Performance-Enhancing
Drug issue. HOWEVA, his personality, his
decisions, his arrogance, and his lack of regard for other human beings are
what we cannot overlook today.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lance Armstrong took performance-enhancing drugs in a
“sport” where 144.8% of its participants are dirty. Seriously, cycling is dirtier than Quentin
Tarantino’s sexual fetishes. You show me
a clean professional cycler and I will show you Sasquatch humping a unicorn
while the Loch Ness Monster films it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Lance Armstrong is a remarkable athlete who overcame some
pretty significant odds to even live, let alone win 7 Tour De France
competitions. Yes, he was aided by
performance enhancing drugs, but so were every single one of his opponents and
therefore you have an even playing field where the cream of the crop rises to
the top. (MUCH LIKE BASEBALL IN THE 90’S WHERE ATLEAST 80% OF THE LEAGUE WAS
ROIDED OUT LIKE AN ARNOLD SCHWARZANEGGER FAN CONVENTION!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a cycler, Lance Armstrong is a champion. As a human
being, he is a douche bag. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So today when he sits down with the Big O (no not you, Oscar
Robertson), and before she gives everyone in her audience a free Schwinn, do not feel sorry for this jerk, and do not
sympathize with this prick. You can come
clean for taking steroids and doping your blood, but you cannot revamp yourself
as an arrogant and self-revering piece of post-Chipotle (that’s poop for you
layman’s). <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Loyalty (n.)</i>. Loy-al-ty. The quality or state of having unswerving
allegiance. <o:p></o:p></div>
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If there was such a thing as “The
Loyal Bone”, the only way Lance Armstrong would have one in his body is if he
injected it into himself, which he is quite accustomed to doing. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Lance’s first wife, Kristin, stood
by him while he battled cancer which as HORRIBLE as it was for Lance, was very
challenging for Kristin as well. Kristin
fought the impossible fight with Lance, and then essentially raised his kids
while he peddled around the French countryside for months on end, not to
mention the yearly training that goes with the Tour de France. Then around 2003 Lance decides that he’s had
enough, and divorces his wife and shacks up with Sheryl Crow. Thanks for the memories, Kristin, it’s been
real. But a douche has got to do what a douche has to do. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Clearly, their marriage is none of
my business and I don’t know all the facts of what fell apart, but what I do
know, is that when a woman stands beside you in the fight of your life, you
don’t leave her the first time a celeb gets a whiff of your nuts, or nut in
Lance’s case.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Lance and Sheryl Crow were
together for close to two years, got engaged, and then Lance broke it off three
months into the engagement.
Coincidentally, the break-up happened right around the same time Sheryl
Crow was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Mr. Livestrong just didn’t have the <s>balls</s> ball to stick it out
and stand beside the woman he “loved” enough to ask her to marry him. He also cited that she was pressuring him to
have kids, which he claimed he did not want. But then had one with the next
women he shacked up with, Anna Hansen. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The only thing bigger than Oprah’s
bank account is Lance Armstrong’s ego.
Lance’s ego is so big, that if it were on the menu at Sizzler, even Albert
Haynesworth would have to walk away from the table without finishing it. Hell,
the guy even thought he could run for governor of Texas, and even worse, he
expected to win!<o:p></o:p></div>
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And finally there are the threats
he levied upon anyone who snitched on him.
<a href="http://www.mid-day.com/sports/2012/oct/251012-Armstrong-threatened-ex-teammate-Hamilton.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Tyler Hamilton,</span></a><span style="color: #999999; font-weight: bold;"> </span><a href="http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10840573" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Betsy Andreu,</span></a><b> </b><span style="color: #999999;"><a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more-sports/zone-lance-armstrong-bully-downfall-article-1.1188512" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">and Greg LeMond</span></a> </span>are a few that were on Lance’s list. Good people do not
threaten others and take a public crusade against them. Good people do not threaten teammates who went through the tough times and grinded out wins together. And good people certainly do not threaten their teammate's wives.<o:p></o:p></div>
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At the end of the day, Lance
Armstrong is a world class athlete who raised more money than anyone could
dream of to fight cancer. For that he
needs to be applauded. But, when you are
an arrogant, and cocky narcissist who only looks out for number one, then you
must be brought down. Its OK to forgive
the guy for taking drugs when his entire profession was doing the same thing,
but when he cries on Oprah’s couch do not forget who he is as a person. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So Lance, peddle hard and peddle
fast, because we all just want you to peddle off into oblivion and never be
heard from again.<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Battle of the Beltwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09901429262218174884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962306465229816235.post-9041748307496819912013-01-09T09:27:00.000-05:002013-01-09T09:36:45.827-05:00Year in Review Manifesto<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The smoke has
cleared, the tears have dried, and we are all beginning to come out of our
isolated cocoons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Robert Griffin
III’s knee is being reconstructed as we speak, and that gut punch of a loss
from past Sunday still hurts. But much
like RGKnee, the pain is beginning to dissipate and we are ready to rehab our
fanbase.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In order to do
this, we must not dwell on the Armageddon-esque negatives(Nationals Game 5 and
RGKnee) from this past season, but instead celebrate the great accomplishments
of our beloved franchises.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We have not seen
a year like this in D.C. in…well…ever. A
few weeks ago we began writing about the past year in D.C. sports, and we
quickly realized that there was too much for just one article. We have compiled it into two parts, so if you
eat, breathe, sleep, and fart D.C. sports please enjoy and reflect with us on
what a great year this was!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://battleofthebeltway.blogspot.com/2013/01/2012-return-of-dc-sports-and-os-too.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Part 1: 2012: The Return of D.C. Sports(and the O’s too)</span></a><span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://battleofthebeltway.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-rebirth-completing-return-of-dmv.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Part 2: The Rebirth: Completing the Return of DMV Sports</span></a></b></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment-->Battle of the Beltwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09901429262218174884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962306465229816235.post-31410573979701679182013-01-09T09:21:00.000-05:002013-01-09T09:35:09.814-05:00The Rebirth: Completing the Return of DMV Sports<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><b>"</b>Allow me to re-introduce
myself..."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;">
December 30, 2012, FEDEX Field; they may as well have played </span><i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2YhtP-m4_0" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Jay-Z's Public Service Announcement<b>.</b></span></a></i><span style="color: white;"> If you were lucky enough
to be in attendance (and your humble scribe, Tyler was), and happen to follow sports in the D.C. area, then you
already know. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">After
20 years in a grey life-suck, D.C. sports have finally and loudly might I add,
completed their rebirth and re-introduction. If you don't happen to follow
sports in the D.C. area, or are still unaware that the Redskins stomped the
Dallas Cowboys in week 17 to sew up the NFC East Title, then the 82,845
Burgundy and Gold clad maniacs who were in attendance could cue you in on
where the latest city was to announce its relevance on the athletic
landscape. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;">Before
we continue, I have to add that there were ONLY two moments in a four hour
period during this game when those people were sitting; during warm-ups, and
halftime. Once we were told to stand for</span> <span style="color: #999999;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tYb7VK0DTY" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">D.C. Washington’s</span></a> </span><span style="color: white;">(his actual name
not a typo. How is he not the go-to-guy for every home DC sporting event!?)
rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, one that the crowd proudly sang along
with, almost rendering him mute; we would not return to our seats until halftime.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">Standing
and screaming for four hours in the biting cold on a Sunday night, playing for
the division in December was certainly a sight for sore eyes for
those of us who grew up with the great Skins teams of years gone by. This
scene was different, this wasn’t just about beating Dallas, this was the next
chapter in a seismic shift of performance and expectation in the self-titled,
and never disputed, "Most Powerful City in the World."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;">Our
quarterback was hobbled, but heroic. Their quarterback was ineffective, and yet
again Romorrible, see </span><span style="color: #999999;"><a href="http://www2.macleans.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/tumblr_ltu8azxdlC1r06s5u.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">CHOKE</span></a> </span><span style="color: white;">(v.) in the dictionary. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;">Our
running back bruised and battered the opposition for 200 yards and 3 scores.
Their running back </span><a href="http://www.diehardsport.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Screen-Shot-2012-12-16-at-6.55.38-PM.png" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">couldn’t keep his pants around his waist </span></a><span style="color: white;">vs. the Saints. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;">Our
receiving corps caught everything insight and spun the ball like a Jewish kid
at Hanukah. Their MUCH more heralded
receiving corps were crippled and</span><span style="color: #999999;"><a href="http://www.dallasnews.com/incoming/20121231-ns_31_cowboys_return-006_28933458.jpg.ece/BINARY/w620x413/NS_31_COWBOYS_RETURN-006_28933458.JPG" target="_blank"> <span style="color: #999999;">confined to wheelchairs.</span></a> </span><span style="color: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">Our
defense held tough and intercepted passes at will. Their defense was gashed time and time again,
and their ability to stop our zone-read offense is the same as Bin Laden’s
ability to breath right now (‘Merica). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;">Our
defensive coordinator was under fire all year but quietly went about his
business and made adjustments throughout this trying season. Their defensive
coordinator got louder and more abrasive with every loss.</span><a href="http://espn.go.com/dallas/nfl/story/_/id/8826772/rob-ryan-fired-dallas-cowboys-defensive-coordinator" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"> (AND WAS FIRED YESTERDAY!)</span></a><span style="color: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">Our
head coach’s face had a reddish hue of success. Their head coach’s hair had a
reddish hue of ginger.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">The
Redskins held the edge in every facet. The stadium was full and louder than
Albert Haynesworth’s belly. Redskins
Nation was together as one singing “Hail to the Redskins” loudly and proudly,
whether you were in attendance that night, or watching at home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">No
more was our greedy owner selling seats to Stub Hub for the opposing team to
flock to our eye-sore in Landover. A sea
of burgundy and gold welcomed Jerry Jones and his Cowboys, and ushered them out
with glee at the end of the game.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">This
singular win’s magnitude was felt throughout our region and thus completed a
year that most of us had never seen.
Wins were a plenty (whereas they are generally at a premium), stars were
born, and blueprints for success were distributed. However, just like our savior RG3 said, this
was just dinner. 2013 will be our dessert!</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Battle of the Beltwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09901429262218174884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962306465229816235.post-66005496866689454392013-01-09T09:11:00.002-05:002013-01-09T09:33:43.760-05:002012: The Return of D.C. Sports (And the O's Too)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">In the final
year of his first term as President of the United States, all of that Hope and
Change that Barry Obama had promised us finally came to fruition. However, none of it came in the political
realm, but rather in an arena some would argue is more important. And by some
we really mean just us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;">Of course we are
talking about sports, but primarily, sports in the DMV. We welcomed a </span><a href="http://i.usatoday.net/communitymanager/_photos/game-on/2012/09/10/griffingx-wide-community.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">savior</span></a><span style="color: #cccccc;">, </span><span style="color: white;">a </span><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dc-sports-bog/files/2012/11/brycergiii.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">phenom</span></a><span style="color: white;">, two
division titles (Skins & Nats), a wild card squad (O’s), some playoff
hockey, bust most of all, sustainable blueprints for future success. Seriously, in 2012, there was more winning in
the DMV than Charlie Sheen’s wettest of dreams! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">Winning seasons
for our beloved sports franchises were more overdue than a library book. Speaking of overdue, we have not blogged in a
while and its not because we haven’t been watching, but that is <i>precisely</i> why we haven’t been
blogging. We have been having too much
fun enjoying this resurgence, and we did not feel like our words could do any justice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">But much like
our beloved home teams, we too have risen from the ashes and we will do our
best to rehash 2012, or as we like to call it the Return of DMV
Sports.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">The
plates started shifting three years ago in the summer of 2009, when Steven
Strasburg was selected number 1 by the Washington Nationals in the MLB
Draft. He was a can't miss prospect, a starting pitcher the likes
no-one had ever seen, and coming off a miserable 2008, the Nationals were
lucky enough to select him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">The
Stras immediately became one of the faces of the franchise, and, when healthy
has dominated Major League hitters since his first start in June 2010; right Pittsburgh? Soon after, on Easter in 2010 the Redskins traded for Donovan McNabb, the
franchise QB they so sorely needed and that Shanahan allegedly coveted. Can’t
trust anything that guy says anymore…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">HOWEVA, The
narrative was different for McNabb as it was for Strasburg, as Donnie Mac
was benched midway through the season. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">Also
in 2010, the Wizards were awarded with the number 1 pick in the NBA draft, the
same draft that had college superstar John Wall sitting right at the top
of the class. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">What
began in 2010 was that sports fans in D.C. had a marquee player on
every team. One flat out didn't work (McNabb). One has shown
boner-inducing promise (Strasburg). One has inspired smart
men, respected men, to BEG, "PLEASE!! This guy is too good, get some
pieces around him!” (Wall). Finally, there is Ovi, the Russian born,
former favorite son of DC till all these other guys showed up, throwing himself
into the boards and making Verizon the loudest arena we've ever been
to, and perennially getting the Caps to the playoffs and winning
divisions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">Two
years have gone by not without inconsequential moves. Each of the big four
teams have found another potential superstar at a crucial position, and one has
two. Brad Beal was selected third by the 'Zards and has performed
solidly, despite the fact that he plays on what could be debated as the worst
basketball team ever assembled, clearly missing John Wall's Batman to his
Robin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">The
Caps developed 20 something Braden Holtby to be their netminder for the next 15
or so years, (Seriously, get used to him, he'll be a hockey and D.C. icon in the
mold of Martin Brodeur when it's all said and done). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">Then you have the Nationals getting Bryce Harper, the 19 year old rookie of the year to hold down
what looks like LF for the next 12-15 years. As of right now, he has one
of the best outfield arms in the game, and he slugged 22 home runs as a
teenager. AND he still can't legally drink. He should be a foregone
conclusion in the All-Star game well into the mid 2020's.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;">Heck
even the Orioles got in on the fun. Expectations for the 2012 </span><span style="color: white;">Orioles were somewhere in between Billy
Bob Thornton’s Bad News Bears and the 1994 Minnesota Twins right before when</span>
<a href="http://content.internetvideoarchive.com/content/photos/122/005151_9.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Billy Haywood</span></a> <span style="color: white;">took over. With our unapologetic and sometimes-construed-as-unrealistic
homerism, our expectations were not the same as analysts and realists. We would
call them uncautiously optimistic. The rotation was made up of retreads(Joe Saunders and Jason Hammel),
mysteries(Miguel Gonzalez and Wei-Yin Chen), and untapped promise(Chris Tillman). The lineup was made up of free swingers(Chris Davis and Mark Reynolds0, and
young superstars(Adam Jones, Matt Wieters, and Manny "Mucho" Machado) who always had too much heaped on their plate. The bullpen was made up of glue, duct tape, a
box of matches, and a bag of sunflower seeds(one one helluva dominant closer in Jim Johnson).
They were all led by Buck Showalter whose quiet confidence and
consummate professionalism...and the right amount of mojo led this team to it’s
first winning season and playoff appearance since 1997! The Magic was back at
Camden Yards for the first time in a long time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">All
that said, all of these teams are still secondary to the team that, when good,
control the entire city, and both states that border it. Of
course we are talking about the Redskins. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">It
wasn't but a year ago many locally and nationally were questioning whether Mike
Shanahan and his staff had the salt to put a contender on the field.
Fueling that speculation was Shanny’s dumbfounding confidence in two,
horrifying QB's, John Beck and Rex Grossman aka “Jex Grossbeck”. On top
of this chasm under center, there were the sour-grapes-weepings of the Super
Bowl champion owning family, the Mara's... <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">Their
beef: the Cowboys and Redskins had violated UNWRITTEN rules in back loading
contracts to expire or become cap friendly the year the salary cap would be
banished. Giving both teams leverage to release and sign players without
affecting future cap space. What the Mara's conveniently left out was
that 26 of the other teams engaged in the very same practice, including the
Giants. The punishment levied down by Roger "Fidel" Goodell was $36 million
dollars removed over two years. Basically, $18 million dollars gone for each year. The punishment grossly not fitting the crime has become a hallmark
if not a staple of Fidel Goodell's tenure as commissioner. Ask Scott
Fujita, suspended without pay despite zero evidence of any wrongdoing in the
Saints bounty-case. HOWEVA, Goodell being a dictator is a rant for
another time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">Amidst
all of this chaos and one failed quarterback after another, there is always a
rebirth…a phoenix must always rise from the ashes. This phoenix involved three
first round picks, and one second rounder. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">Sit
down children. It’s story time…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">It was a cold
Saturday night in early March. (Bare with us while our ego’s write the next
paragraph in third person) Ben was at the biggest sausage fest in Arlington,
aka Spider Kelly’s. Tyler was minutes
away from closing a gorgeous blonde at Ropewalk in Fed Hill. Ben was in line behind 6 guys waiting to pay
$5.50 for a Bud Light when he felt his phone vibrating. He pulled out his phone and saw a text from
Tyler that just said “RG3. Boom.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">Ben here, that 3<sup>rd</sup>
person storytelling crap got old real quick.
I’ll take it from here. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">I looked down at my phone in clear shock. I was not totally sure what Ty meant by “RG3.
Boom”, but knowing Tyler like a 13 year old girl knows Justin Bieber’s
birthday, I had I pretty good idea this meant that the Redskins traded up in
the draft.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">Sure enough Ty
texts back: “3 1’s and a 2 for the most dynamic QB we’ve ever seen. Seems like
we should be giving up more for Black Jesus.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">^Historians will note that is the first
time anyone in Redskins Nation deemed Robert Griffin III as “Black Jesus”.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">I immediately
jumped out of line, grabbed my buddy ZB and said, “DUDE! RG3 is coming to DC!”
The rest of the night was a celebratory blur that ended up triggering a chain
reaction of victories and success in our beloved sports region.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">The
electrifying QB out of Baylor that won the Heisman, and posted a 4.3 40-yard
sprint at the NFL Combine, with his toothy
grin and braids in tow, was on his way to D.C.</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Battle of the Beltwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09901429262218174884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962306465229816235.post-40507378278724163932012-11-20T10:57:00.000-05:002012-11-20T10:57:27.987-05:00Big 10 Presents Big Opportunity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<br /></div>
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The Maryland Terrapins are headed to the Big 10 and the
pissing and moaning coming out of the DMV is louder than a baby on a cross-country
flight. As a self proclaimed and unapologetic hater of all things Terrapin, my
hair trigger reaction is to tell Terp Nation to shut the heck up. But after
further review of the Conference Move, my reaction is….SHUT THE HECK UP TERP
NATION.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This is a good move. Wait, no. This is a really good move!
Wait, still not there yet. This is a
GREAT move! There we go.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The biggest obstacle for many of you is this feeling of
nostalgia for the old ACC, and I completely get that. But the ACC really hasn’t
been the ACC since Miami and Virginia Tech joined up. And with the upcoming
additions of Pitt, Syracuse, and Notre Dame, the ACC is about to be as
recognizable as Joan Rivers before her 3,764 plastic surgeries. The ACC is
changing, expanding it’s market, and quite frankly these moves were not going
to be good for the University of Maryland. But we will dig into that sport by
sport later on. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The move to the Big 10 is a money grab, plain and simple.
This has become commonplace in collegiate athletics, and there is absolutely
nothing wrong with this. In case you
have been sleeping under Ralph Friedgin’s gut for the past few months, you know
that Maryland’s athletic department has been hemorrhaging money. To the point where they had to slash seven programs
including the swim team, men’s tennis, and a whole bunch of men’s track teams
(that’s right, the runners are multiplying!).
With the move to the Big 10, Maryland will take in a projected $30
million annually (TV Revenue, Ticket Sales, etc.) which will go a long way for
a school whose athletic programs need cash flow more than Antoine Walker. This deal from the Big 10 is like someone
with years of student loans and credit card debts opening their front door and
seeing Ed McMahon with a large cardboard check.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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<o:p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0eClehzmoYRawK6Itxa6b0WBgsWcdmwyDKlx9U2FdyYAhTx5jp9db8qbjWPMLLzxpSiPEOYILttoTMWcE7JSDtzzLGbe7vvGMyPbfYZVkVwun01a5Ydj9fB7DxpoWmeC8iQ4EHTgOrRQ/s1600/041028mcmahonvmed930awitn1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0eClehzmoYRawK6Itxa6b0WBgsWcdmwyDKlx9U2FdyYAhTx5jp9db8qbjWPMLLzxpSiPEOYILttoTMWcE7JSDtzzLGbe7vvGMyPbfYZVkVwun01a5Ydj9fB7DxpoWmeC8iQ4EHTgOrRQ/s1600/041028mcmahonvmed930awitn1.jpg" /></a></o:p></div>
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Maryland will hopefully know what to do with this newfound
cheddar, and they will need to funnel it into recruiting. Period. Byrd Stadium is already a great venue and the
football facilities are state of the art.
The Comcast Center is a far cry from the vibe of Cole Field House, but
it is certainly enough to entice recruits.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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Testudo is on the balcony ready to jump off and I’m the
police officer with the megaphone who is trying to talk him off the ledge. My wife has left me and she took the kids all
because I have a bad drinking habit, which stems directly from the fact that I
let a 16-year-old girl jump off her apartment balcony 6 months ago. This is a tough thing to get over, and it’s
cost me everything, but maybe just maybe, if I can prevent Testudo from jumping
I will redeem myself. Well here it goes </div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfZDPYiLSEU634ZUnlefRVuDpBNLL4r-yBWKh3LUAW_SoU21zw43G1yaYShZma60ENng0g1cUeGfgqCSFtjHM4JMH9STOCYZckxmEoqKccqsecx80zUZdKjW9_TpjvUI-rYYlm6cQL6o/s1600/balcony-railing-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfZDPYiLSEU634ZUnlefRVuDpBNLL4r-yBWKh3LUAW_SoU21zw43G1yaYShZma60ENng0g1cUeGfgqCSFtjHM4JMH9STOCYZckxmEoqKccqsecx80zUZdKjW9_TpjvUI-rYYlm6cQL6o/s320/balcony-railing-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u>Football<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is the sport that stands to benefit the most. Football is most schools’ major
moneymaker. Maryland’s football
tradition in the ACC is about as storied as <a href="http://www.wetpaint.com/dancing-with-the-stars/articles/the-5-worst-dwts-contestants-ever" target="_blank">a<span style="color: red;">ny of these contestants on Dancing With the Stars.</span></a><b><span style="color: red;"> </span></b>This
whole “Oregon East” movement backed by Under Armour can work, and the Big 10
will provide a wider net for this.
Whether you are a Randy Edsall supporter or a Randy Edsall Hater, this
conference move is a good thing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Haters: Maryland does not have the money to fire
Edsall. If they fired him with this many
years left on his contract, the school would be on the hook to continue to pay
him the remainder of his contract. They
cannot afford to pay him and another coach at the same time. This move can give
them the financial support to fire Edsall and bring in a viable replacement and
pay him an appropriate salary. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Supporters: For those of you who still believe in Edsall,
the move to the Big 10 is still a good thing. <u>Football is better in the Big
10 than it is in the ACC.</u> With that
Randy Edsall can start to recruit a different caliber of athlete than he could
in the ACC. Players who get spurned by
Ohio State or Michigan will want a crack at those schools and Maryland can
provide that opportunity. The move
provides Maryland with a more legitimate opportunity to open the recruiting
trails in the Big 10 states like Pennsylvania and Ohio. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ohio State, Penn State, and Michigan will be a sellout every
single year they play at Maryland. They
have large fan bases that will buy up tickets, which in turn will also bring
Maryland’s fan base out for the big games.
Playing big time programs like this will also help recruiting. As a high
school football player, you want the opportunity to play the Ohio States, the
Michigans, and the Wisconsins. More
national television games and more national exposure mean better recruiting
pitches. Getting a chance to play at the
Big House, the Horseshoe, Happy Valley, or Camp Randall will help recruit a
better caliber of athlete than going to play Virginia Tech, Clemson, or Florida
State (which is a great venue, but wouldn’t you take the opportunity to play at
3-4 great venues per year, not just one?).
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With more money coming in, there will be bigger recruiting
budgets and the Maryland staff can go on more visits, and get out and watch the
players play more. It may take a couple
of years for Maryland to get up to where they want to be, and it may take a
different coach, but as far as football goes THIS IS THE RIGHT MOVE.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u>Basketball<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here is where people are most upset. Reasons being, the nostalgia over their
“rivalries” with Duke and Carolina, the reputation of the ACC, and their
regionally geographic bound with the Atlantic Coast. Lets debunk all of these
right now. In order for it to be a
rivalry, both sides must consider it so and the hate and passion must be so high
on both sides that this game is the biggest of the year, regardless of the two
teams’ records. With that said, there’s
really only one true rivalry in the ACC and that’s Duke and Carolina. Maryland fans hate Duke and they hate
Carolina – as evidenced by these being the only two games the student section
is actually full. Duke and Carolina
enjoy beating the ever-living piss out of the Terps, but no more so than Wake
Forest or Florida State. This is not a
rivalry just angry little brother syndrome.
So move on Terps fans and forge new rivalries in the Big 10.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The second part of this is the reputation of the ACC. For a few years, the ACC had ascended to the
tops of College Basketball where 7-8 teams were making the big dance. However, it has become a very top-heavy
conference with tiers. Your Top Tier is Duke and Carolina and now you HAVE to
include N.C. State. The 2<sup>nd</sup>
tier is the next batch of schools that are competitive, jump in and out of the
top 25, and make a run every few years, only to shy up once the lights come on.
This is Florida State and it used to be Wake Forest. Maryland would sniff this tier, but in
reality they were in the 3<sup>rd</sup> tier with everyone else. The Terps were lost in the shuffle most
years, and not even a GPS could help them find a way in the new ACC, which will
include Syracuse, Pitt, and Notre Dame (which is a better job and program, <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/mike-brey-wont-meet-with-maryland-search-for-basketball-coach-continues/2011/05/08/AFrRXHTG_story.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">cut to Mike Brey nodding). </span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally, the regional attachment to the ACC. I get this argument somewhat because the
charter members of the conference come from the Maryland, Virginia, and
Carolina region so there is a certain bond.
But once the ACC welcomed in schools from Florida and Massachusetts,
that bond essentially disintegrated. And
now with schools from Pennsylvania, upstate New York, and even Indiana coming
aboard, this regional attachment is nothing more than an old man refusing to
give up his recliner despite the fact the original covering is withered away to
nothing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In recent years the Big 10 has surpassed the ACC as a
basketball conference. The Big 10 has
won the past 3 ACC-Big Ten Challenges, since 2009 the Big 10 has made 3 Final
Fours while the ACC has made 2, and currently the Big 10 has the no. 1 ranked
program (Indiana), the no. 3 (Ohio State), the no. 4 (Michigan), no. 15
(Michigan State) the no. 24 (Wisconsin), and Minnesota who is somewhere between
26-28. Besides the Tobacco Roadsters
(Duke no.5, UNC no. 9, and NC State no. 16) there is not much going on in the
ACC. Florida State will be there, but as a whole the Big 10 is far more
competitive. It is the better basketball
conference and with the recruiting classes that Turgeon is bringing in, I could
definitely see Maryland getting more at-large bids out of the Big 10 than they
would in the ACC. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As far as baseball goes, Maryland was never EVER going to
compete in the ACC. They won 5 games a
year in conference, and eeked their way to a .500 record overall year in and
year out. While the Big 10 is a major
step down from the ACC in baseball, it gives Maryland a chance to be who they
really are. They were never going to be
a good ACC team and trying to fool themselves every year was counter
active. Now they can compete on a more
even playing field. Not bad for a
program that barely survived the program slash from this summer.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As for those of you who are complaining about how it affects
lacrosse. Put on your croakies, and your
pastel shorts, hop back into your daddy’s beamer, and drive back to whatever
hole you crawled out of. <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nqg01Nk3SYI" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">You are a niche sport for rich white kids.</span></a>
</span> There are only 3 teams in the Big 10 now
with Maryland and Rutgers making 5.
Maryland has the option to just become independent much like Johns
Hopkins. Seeing as there are only like
20-30 college lacrosse teams anyways (not accurate number, but I’m not taking
the time to look up how few college lacrosse teams there are) Maryland can go
independent and still load their schedule with the premier teams they’ve grown
accustomed to. Your sport generates no
revenue for Maryland so stop complaining about how it impacts your sport. Football and Basketball are the CEO’s and
CFO’s and Lacrosse works in the mailroom.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bottom line, this is a good move for Maryland. The university will make far more money which
will lead to improved facilities, more recruiting resources, better academic
funding, and they can even reinstate many of the programs that had to be cut
over the summer. Come on Testudo, get
down from that ledge it’s not so bad. Forget about cursing out Roy Williams or
Mason Plumlee. It’s time to direct those obscenities at Thad Motta’s children
and <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.mlive.com/spartans/index.ssf/2012/11/michigan_state_freshman_gary_h_1.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Gary Harris’s</span></a> </span>mother. <o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Battle of the Beltwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09901429262218174884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962306465229816235.post-35646911663861560802012-10-29T11:24:00.001-04:002012-10-29T11:24:22.135-04:002012-2013 Washington Wizards Season Preview
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<div class="MsoNormal">
The Eastern Seaboard is strapping in as Hurricane Sandy
prepares to unleash a rage and a fury we haven’t seen since Teresa Giudice’s
last period. The rain is expected to
come down sideways and the winds are expected to howl. Even <a href="http://pauldunay.com/images/perfect-storm.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">George Clooney and Mark Wahlberg</span></a> think its best to stay inside for the next couple
of days. But despite all of this, let’s
discuss something that will not blow…the 2012-2013 NBA Season!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are more storylines to this basketball season than a
season of LOST. Can the Heat repeat?
With the world’s weight off his shoulders, will Lebron go into “I Told You So
Mode” and supremely dominate for the next 7-8 years? Can the front loaded
Lakers win it all despite their bench being thinner than Nicole Richie? Can the Thunder take the next step? Will the
Nets wear scarves in the summer like most of their fellow Brooklyn residents? Is
the Celtics-Heat rivalry about to become the most heated (pardon my pun) in the
league – cut to Ray Allen nodding? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With all of these juicy undertones to the season, it’s time
to discuss a topic that ESPN will ignorantly ignore; a topic that Ivan Carter
will certainly not neglect…our Washington Wizards’ season outlook. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before we start battering you with our overtly optimistic
predictions, we have to get the bad news out of the way. John Wall will be out until about January
with a knee injury. Our most exciting
and most important player will miss the first two months and the Wall-Beal
Backcourt (still working on a better nickname) will have to wait to unleash
their speed and skill on the league. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Randy Wittman is back as head coach after taking over for
the biggest <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/2843311/GYI0063753146_medium.jpg" target="_blank">Windsor knot advocate</a> </span>Chocolate City had ever seen. He has
been hell bent on changing the culture of this locker room. Wittman’s no
nonsense style was exactly what this young squad needed, and they actually
finished last season on a six game winning streak. Break up the Zards!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Despite all the bad trades, and his infatuation with
unathletic and unproven Eurotrashians, our ass clown of a General Manager had
his option picked up by Teddy Owner’s Box.
This move left us all scratching our heads, but who better to clean up
the rotten culture of a team that he is solely responsible for building? Getting
rid of malignant morons like JaVale McGee, Nick Young, and Andray Blatche were
priority numero uno, and all three currently have new addresses. So kudos to you Ernie, but then again you
don’t have to get rid of knuckleheads, if you don’t draft em.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Big Ern had an eventful off-season starting with his trade
of Rashard Lewis and his expiring contract to the New Orleans Hornets for Omeka
Okafor and Trevor Ariza. This trade was
met with mixed reviews because Rashard Lewis’s massive expiring contract was a
very primo trade chip and many thought the Zards could have brought in a better
haul. But, that’s neither here nor there because the Zards picked up two proven
NBA players who will saddle up with NeNe and bring a little more passion and
professionalism to this squad of young bucks. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Speaking of young bucks, we drafted Bradley Beal with the
third overall pick in the draft. Beal is
a tad undersized, but the thought of him being Jimmy Wall’s running mate gets
the Nation’s Capital more jacked up than this year’s presidential election’s
two tandems. Beal is a good shooter and
will bring a new level of high character that is more foreign to this team than
a sushi menu is to Jan Vesely. We have
insider knowledge from one of our closest friends who was on Florida’s
basketball staff las season who told us that “Brad Beal is one of the best
human beings I have ever been around. He works hard and wants to be great. He
is the Anti-Blatche.” Get excited folks, Wall and Beal together is going to be
special. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our frontcourt is going to bring a new level of defensive
toughness. Something Ernie Jordan always
wanted, but never actually coached towards.
When healthy, NeNe can be a force, and Okafor can still block shots and
grab boards. Ariza can score a little
bit, and he will be tasked with covering other team’s wing players – never
easy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our bench is a rag tag group that can get it done, similar
to the Nats’ “Goon Squad.” Don’t sleep on Kevin Seraphin! He is a big boy who
really came on strong down the stretch last season, racking up double doubles
like Andray Blatche at Mickey D’s drive thru……….<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
……As I’m writing this preview Tyler just texted me
COMPLETELY out of the blue. He had no idea I was working on a preview, and here
is what just transpired:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
WARNING, LANGUAGE COULD BE OFFENSIVE TO SOME OF YOU. BUT
THAT’S WHAT HAPPENS WHEN ERNIE GRUNFELD RAPES YOUR FAVORITE BASKETBALL TEAM
YEAR AFTER YEAR. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tyler: Grunfeld needs to be fired. Here’s Why: Hold on to
the pick in 09, take Steph Curry at 5.
Wall comes in 2010. Take Kwahi Leonard in 2011, not Vesely. Now you’re
building around John Wall, Leonard, and Steph Curry. Fuck.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ben: And yet he got an extension.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tyler: Then he drafts some Czech PG when you already have
Wall, Crawford, and Mack on your roster, and Draymond Green still on the draft
board. He’s basically giving up on Mack. Double Fuck.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tyler: This is goddamn lunacy!!! How is there not more
outrage about Big Ern’s extension?!?!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ben: Chocolate City needs to start caring about the Zards
again!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tyler: Yea, I mean this is like DUI bad. I can’t believe it. If Big Ern knew how to draft, we could easily
be a 6 seed in the East. Then you could
sell FA’s into coming to DC. Even though
no one hits Free Agency anymore.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ben: DC should be a bball destination for FA’s, instead it’s
an after thought. WTF?!?!?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tyler: ABSOLUTELY! Atleast with that plan you have young
movable assets if you wanted to make a trade.
Fucking crazy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ben: I get that he was trying to change the culture from
that slew of knuckleheads that HE DRAFTED, but the direction of the franchise
is more misleading than a Garmin with low battery.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tyler: HAHAHAHAHAHA. True on all counts. It’s all garbage. We remain victims.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ben: In the Grand Jury Report that will come out in 6 years
in the case of Ernie Grunfeld accused of crimes against a fan base, we will be
labeled victims 1 and 2.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ben: Too soon?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tyler: Not at all. That sort of thing is well deserved.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ben: Ernie Grunfeld is a son of a bitch. *Drops
The Mike*<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sorry for that
textual sidebar. Seeing as we have
already racked up over a 1,000 words on the Zards we will wrap up the bench in
a short and sweet manner.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f1d1d; font-family: "Times New Roman";">F
Martell Webster: Considered a veteran?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f1d1d; font-family: "Times New Roman";">F/C
Jan Vesely: Brutal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f1d1d; font-family: "Times New Roman";">F
Trevor Booker: Excited for his future.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f1d1d; font-family: "Times New Roman";">G
Jordan Crawford: Takes more shots than a sorority girl with daddy issues.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f1d1d; font-family: "Times New Roman";">F
Chris Singleton: Defense first, shoot second.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f1d1d; font-family: "Times New Roman";">G
A.J. Price: Backup point guard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f1d1d; font-family: "Times New Roman";">G
Shelvin Mack: the backup point guard’s backup. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f1d1d; font-family: "Times New Roman";">G
Jannero Pargo: Sure <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f1d1d; font-family: "Times New Roman";">F
Cartier Martin: Double sure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f1d1d; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Not
a lot of household names, but they could all make an impact. The talent pool is
not where many of us would like it to be, but we fully think this team could
sneak up on the NBA. If they can stay a float with out Jimmy Wall, then
hopefully he comes back from the DL with swagger and a jump shot. There is no reason to think that this team
couldn’t sneak into an 8 seed and start building towards a sustainable playoff
team.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f1d1d; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Prediction:
38-44, 8 seed in the Eastern Conference.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Battle of the Beltwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09901429262218174884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3962306465229816235.post-53590200664872390952012-10-11T11:59:00.003-04:002012-10-11T11:59:59.462-04:00Birdland Bulletin: Reverse Jinx
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>REVERSE JINX (n): A prediction,
which is the opposite of the outcome, desired by the person making it. Phrase is mainly used in a sporting context.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love when people use the reverse jinx and think it will
have an impact. I myself have never used
it, but merely chuckled from a far. Then again the Orioles need some serious
MOJO, and I’m fresh out of chickens to sacrifice, so maybe this is my only
avenue. I would rather find out that my
parents are swingers and that I am actually adopted than write the words I have
to write, but trust me when I say this folks, this is necessary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Take everything I say
here with a keg full of salt…<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is no chance the Orioles can bounce back after last
night’s crushing defeat at the arthritic hands of aaRpaul Ibanez. A loss like that busts your guts, breaks your
heart, and crushes your soul. Oh, and it
broke the Orioles will to compete. They will come out flat tonight because they
are simply so emotionally taxed from last night’s Brutality in the Bronx.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The pitching matchup is so ridiculous it hurts. Phil Hughes is so consistent and will
probably shove it up Birdland’s butts tonight with a dominating 8-inning
performance. We may eek out 2 seeing-eye-singles,
but that will be all. Phil Hughes is so
lights out it’s not even funny, not to mention he is 2-0 with a 1.59 ERA in his
career in the ALDS. And with the way our
bats are going right now he will undoubtedly improve to 3-0. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Joe Saunders is pitching for the Orioles? No way he pitches
the way he did in Texas when he exercised some personal demons and locked down
the Rangers. His veteran experience will
play no factor at all tonight at Yankee$ $tadium. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As for the Yankee$ lineup, Joe Saunders is just OVERMATCHED!
Derek Jeter has a bone bruise? What bone
bruise? We will all be fortunate enough to witness yet another gritty, gutsy,
and clutch performance from the greatest captain in all of sports.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I doubt Ichiro gets out tonight. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A-Rod will break out of his slump with a casual 4-4 day
including two home runs, one of which will be a grand slam. Nine RBI’s total.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Cano, see Ichiro.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Teixeira is still a horse-faced retard. Somebody’s gotta get
out so it may as well as be this hack.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Swisher, Granderson, Martin, and Ibanez will look more like
Mantle, DiMaggio, Munson, and Ruth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Orioles batters are in a collectively ill-timed
slump. Hardy, Jones, Wieters, Thome, and
Reynolds have fewer hits than the Baha Men, The Proclaimers, and Chumbawumba
combined. Expect that to continue. There is no way these talented professional
hitters will break out of their slumps, especially now that their backs are
against the wall. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All of a sudden Jim Johnson has been leakier than underwear
made of Lindsey Lohan’s alibis. He
bounced back from Game 1’s abortion, but last night was a crippling blow to the
Orioles closer. Even though he retired
the next five batters after Raul’s shot heard round the <s>sewer</s> Bronx, JJ
is clearly shuck to his core. Luckily
for him he will not be called upon tonight because the Yankee$ will probably be
up 16-2 by the 6<sup>th</sup> inning.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shame on us Orioles fans for thinking we could go toe to toe
with the New York Yankee$ in a best of five series. They have better players at literally every
position. Even their ticket ushers have
exuded confidence and charisma. There’s
just something magical about those pinstripes that inspire greatness in
everyone it touches. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thanks to all of the Yankee$ fans who have littered social
media with their applause of the Orioles effort and how great it is for
baseball to have the Baltimore Orioles back in the fold. Your humility and candor is in a world by
itself, much like the New York Yankee$ as a franchise. You are not condescending at all; trust me
when I say everyone in Birdland sincerely thanks your <i>approval</i> of our 2012 season.
Hopefully we can attempt to breath the same rarified air as you next
season, because this year is all but over.<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Battle of the Beltwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09901429262218174884noreply@blogger.com0