The not so big Red Machine found a mechanic with most of the missing parts. Not only that but this mechanic has spare parts like a Honda factory. The new additions to the reds ballclub that have already begun to show their value are Jeff Conine, Alex Gonzalez and Josh Hamilton.
Let me tell you what I like about Conine. This is a guy who has been in the league for a long time and his approach to the game shows it. Cool calm collect would be the best way to put it. As coach Weber, yeah blackhawks, used to say "show some class; act like you've been there before" seems to be his matra. Conine produces consistently even under pressure when runners are on the bags which to this point has been a major problem for the club, especially for Encarnacion, Ross and tonight Valentin. But getting back to the point, old Canine's facial expressions crack me up. Why? Well basicly he has none. That guy always has this straight lipped unexicted almost boardering on uninterested look on his face (however he actually is very interested if not then focused)...all the time. I saw him lose balance while striking out and in the same motion without looking at the ump continued striding to the dug out like a man who just came out of the john. This maturity isn't really something that can be taught but through his presence, hopefully, it will rub off on the younger players making the ball team that much better when it's August and every game has division implications.
Gonzalez looks to be the best defensive fielder on the team period. Plus he is another well experienced addition having won a World Series with the Marlins and having set the organization of the Red Sox's error per game record last season. Although he has already commited more errors this season than he did the entire previous season Gonzalez is a vast improvement over who we had in 2006. Heres a guy who can just make plays that other shortstops just can't. Twenty one games in he has already made the webjem list multiple times with one being number one. So at least there will be a reason for sports center to broadcast some Reds action more than every once and a while. He has also shown he can swing the bat too. He has an avg hovering between .250 and .300 which is great for a guy who bats pretty late in the line up.
Then there's Hamilton. What he has that the other two don't is youth. His upside is enormous, even the level he is playing at now is monsterous. Naturally talented and fundamentally sound he is a general at the plate. Using his 35 lbs forearms he can place the ball on a line drive anywhere inside or outside the ball park. No one on the team drives the ball off their bat like this kid does. Starting his Reds career by being the alpha dog as far as leading the team in RBI's and HR's he is the much needed cog to the still struggling offensive engine of the Reds. According to Dunn he apparently hasn't even tapped into his true hitting power since he hasn't yet learned to use the bottom half of his body, something power hitters rely on, in his swing. Said of Hamilton, "with time and experience he will eventually learn to get his legs into the ball." Once that happens it isn't too hard to imagine him setting season and even career records in MLB. Furhter proof is that during spring training veteran scouts were heard saying they have not seen a kid with this much raw talent since Mickey Mantle! Oh and not to mention he is the humblest down to earth guy. Something nearly all professional athelets dearly need.
In all the Reds have aquired three impact players on and off the field that assuredly will better a team that was already decent, competing for the division up to the end and holding a winning record against the eventual 2006 World Series champs. Next time the spare parts: our bomb ass farm teams.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
The Blame Game
The past couple of weeks the national news media has taken quite an interest in some sports stories with some social significance. They are so quick to point out who is at fault, and how you should feel about that person or group of persons. We here at ManbLAWgs feel that these miscreants should be held accountable for their actions. So without further ado, onto the Blame Game!! The following have been topical for too long, and when you join the media, it is natural to beat a dead horse. On to the whoopins!
The Peoples versus Donald Imus
For those of you just waking up from comas, the I-Man was at it again. Notorious for candidly speaking about politicians, celebrities, and metrosexual cowboys, he crossed the line this time. He referred to the Rutgers womens' basketball team as "nappy headed hoes." These courageous young women-- musicians, med students and even girl scouts-- were thrust into the limelight to defend their image. The Revs. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson called for Imus's dismissal. Imus is the obvious one to whoop here. But as Jason Whitlock said, Imus is nothing but an old white guy in a cowboy hat who's probably never spoken to a black woman, let alone girl scouts. That being said, Imus and old white men everywhere are to blame.
Duke Rape Ca.... er, well lacrosse party
While you're waking up, I'll give you the rundown. Rich white kids, a politcally driven prosecutor from Hicktown, USA, and your all-American girl stripping for tuition. Throw in the same frenzied media and above-mentioned clergymen, and you've got yourself a John Grisham novel. These three lacrossers have been scrutinized and investigated for several months, and were cleared of all charges. The obvious suspect would have to be that Naifong nut. He didn't stop till he got the answers he wanted, and in the process, tarnished the reputation of three young men. Another candidate would have to be the SSFFUBSAD(Sharpton's Scholarship Fund For Under-privileged Black Strippers at Duke). However, the winner by a landslide.... Coach K. If it weren't for all those damn American Express commercials, Duke wouldn't even have a lacrosse team to talk about.
April Showers bring May double-headers
Bud Selig is stupid, but he had to have known it would rain when he scheduled all those games in April. Six games were postponed this past Sunday, 17 since the beginning of the season. ESPN needs answers, and they need them now!! Some pundits feel the season should be shortened, others think all games in April should be played in domes or warm weather cities. I, however, love a Rain Delay. What's not to like?? The Banana Phone, the bubble gum on the hat trick, and slip-and-slide contests around the tarp-covered base paths. But still, it's gotta be someone's fault. Since Selig has already reached his quota of boneheaded leadership decisions, let's find a new mark. I was watching the outtakes and deleted scenes from An Inconvenient Truth the other day, and it hit me like unfiltered sunrays through the former O-Zone Layer: If Al Gore and the Dixie Chicks never invented global warming, we'd still be playing ball!!
The Peoples versus Donald Imus
For those of you just waking up from comas, the I-Man was at it again. Notorious for candidly speaking about politicians, celebrities, and metrosexual cowboys, he crossed the line this time. He referred to the Rutgers womens' basketball team as "nappy headed hoes." These courageous young women-- musicians, med students and even girl scouts-- were thrust into the limelight to defend their image. The Revs. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson called for Imus's dismissal. Imus is the obvious one to whoop here. But as Jason Whitlock said, Imus is nothing but an old white guy in a cowboy hat who's probably never spoken to a black woman, let alone girl scouts. That being said, Imus and old white men everywhere are to blame.
Duke Rape Ca.... er, well lacrosse party
While you're waking up, I'll give you the rundown. Rich white kids, a politcally driven prosecutor from Hicktown, USA, and your all-American girl stripping for tuition. Throw in the same frenzied media and above-mentioned clergymen, and you've got yourself a John Grisham novel. These three lacrossers have been scrutinized and investigated for several months, and were cleared of all charges. The obvious suspect would have to be that Naifong nut. He didn't stop till he got the answers he wanted, and in the process, tarnished the reputation of three young men. Another candidate would have to be the SSFFUBSAD(Sharpton's Scholarship Fund For Under-privileged Black Strippers at Duke). However, the winner by a landslide.... Coach K. If it weren't for all those damn American Express commercials, Duke wouldn't even have a lacrosse team to talk about.
April Showers bring May double-headers
Bud Selig is stupid, but he had to have known it would rain when he scheduled all those games in April. Six games were postponed this past Sunday, 17 since the beginning of the season. ESPN needs answers, and they need them now!! Some pundits feel the season should be shortened, others think all games in April should be played in domes or warm weather cities. I, however, love a Rain Delay. What's not to like?? The Banana Phone, the bubble gum on the hat trick, and slip-and-slide contests around the tarp-covered base paths. But still, it's gotta be someone's fault. Since Selig has already reached his quota of boneheaded leadership decisions, let's find a new mark. I was watching the outtakes and deleted scenes from An Inconvenient Truth the other day, and it hit me like unfiltered sunrays through the former O-Zone Layer: If Al Gore and the Dixie Chicks never invented global warming, we'd still be playing ball!!
Thursday, April 12, 2007
My take on the Bengals 2007 schedule
Here’s a deeper look into some of the intricacies of the upcoming 2007 schedule of the Cincinnati Bengals:
Week 1) Open the season at home during the early game of the Monday Night Football show against defending division winner Baltimore Ravens. Did I mention this is against the Ravens, who the Bengals easily handled last year at home, on Monday Night Football and it’s at home? Add to that the loss of Adalius Thomas and an aging offense (with the exception of newly-acquired Willis McGahee) and I say enough said.
Week 2) Bengals travel to Cleveland for a divisional game. The Browns are coming off the Steelers at home, so should be a competitive game, although I don’t see the Browns having enough to pull out an upset.
Week 3) Bengals travel out west to Seattle, who is coming off road game against divisional foe Arizona. This will be a tough game. Seattle features a good run game, adequate passing game, stout defense and one of the best kickers in the league in Josh Brown. The Bengals front seven will have its hands full with Shaun Alexander but secondary should do a good enough job against Deion Branch and Darrell Jackson to allow for a Bengals win.
Week 4) Bengals host the New England Patriots at home on yet another Monday Night Football game, this time the only game billed for the night. NE is coming off divisional game against Buffalo at home.
Week 5) Bye
Week 6) Travel to Arrowhead Stadium to face the Chiefs for the second time in as many years. KC is coming off JAX at home, while Bengals have a day under two weeks to prepare for this game. Damon Huard faces a tough test against the team that made him a starter last season.
Week 7) Bengals host the Jets at home, with the Jets just removed from facing the Philadelphia Eagles at home. Pennington is adequate, but won’t be able to out-duel Carson or beat our secondary with the WR corps he has.
Week 8) Bengals host the Steelers at home with PIT coming off tough Sunday Night Football game against Denver. Steelers breaking in new coach. Tough rookie season despite arguably easiest schedule in the league.
Week 9) Bengals travel to Buffalo. Bills just back from trip to the Meadowlands to face the Jets. Without LB Takeo Spikes, CB Nate Clements and an established run game to speak of with the trade of Willis McGahee, I see this as being a moderately easy tally for the W column.
Week 10) Bengals travel to Baltimore, who is coming off a MNF appearance at Pittsburgh. Good news: Chris Henry is back.
Week 11) Bengals host Arizona Cardinals at home, with the Cardinals fresh off host Detroit at home. The Cardinals are one of those teams with a ton of potential but lack the coaching to make them a contender. With Whisenhunt in charge, this will be a good team with Lienart, Boldin, Fitzgerald and the Edge, but simply not in Whiz’s first year as head coach.
Week 12) Bengals host Tennessee Titans, who are fresh off a MNF appearance at Denver. The Titans are an explosive team, as seen by their late-season run in 2006. Vince Young has a year under his belt and will only get better, but without any help from his receivers, rushers Travis Henry and Chris Brown gone and LenDale White eating his way out of the starting lineup, Young won’t have much help on the O side of the ball.
Week 13) Bengals travel to Pitt., where the Steelers just hosted Miami for MNF.
Week 14) St. Louis comes to Paul Brown Stadium after hosting the Falcons at home. Bulger, Holt and Bruce simply aren’t the Greatest Game on Turf anymore. Host a questionable defense, strong run game and aging passing game easily spell a win for the Bengals.
Week 15) Bengals travel to San Francisco to face the 49ers on the Saturday Night game. SF hosted Minnesota week before at home. San Fran is on the right path to contention, but without a decent passing game due to the release of Antonio Bryant, Frank Gore simply will be overmatched unless the 49ers add a few quality WRs in the draft.
Week 16) With an extra day of rest, Bengals come home to face the Browns. Browns hosted Buffalo the Sunday before.
Week 17) Bengals round out season on road against the Dolphins, with Miami coming off tough divisional game against NE. This puts onus on MIA since the last two games may have playoff implications, especially against NE.
With that said, here are some important points:
1) Two Monday Night Football games at home, with one including an extra day of rest following a long trip to Seattle to face the Pats right before the bye week.
2) Bengals don’t face a single team coming off their bye week. That’s huge. The Steelers face three while the Chiefs, Falcons, Bucs, Broncos, Bills and Saints all face two. Coincidentally, the Chiefs’ two games off teams coming off byes are in consecutive weeks, where they host the Jaguars and Bengals in Week 5 and 6. Bodes well for our Week 6 game.
2) In the second half of the season, not only do the Bengals get Chris Henry back, but the Bengals face three teams coming off Monday Night Football appearances the week before, two of the teams playing on the road: the Titans and the Ravens. In Week 10, the Bengals travel to Baltimore, who return from MNF at the Steelers. The Bengals host the Titans in Week 12, just off a MNF at Denver. The following week, the Bengals travel to Pittsburgh to play the Steelers, fresh off hosting the Dolphins on MNF the week before. Statistically speaking, teams that play on MNF generally don’t fare well the following week, especially teams that win that showcase game.
3) The last seven games of the season are against teams without winning records last year, with four of those games at home. Granted, three of the first four games are against division winners, but this schedule is not unmanageable.
My predictions
The Bengals will pick up wins against Baltimore, at Cleveland, at Seattle, against New England, against NY Jets, against Pittsburgh, at Buffalo, against Arizona, against Tennessee, at Pittsburgh, against St. Louis, at San Francisco, against Cleveland and at Miami.
I see the lone losses to come against Kansas City and Baltimore, both on the road.
Potential upsets: at Seattle, against New England and at Miami.
Predicted 2007 outcome: no worse than 12-4.
Week 1) Open the season at home during the early game of the Monday Night Football show against defending division winner Baltimore Ravens. Did I mention this is against the Ravens, who the Bengals easily handled last year at home, on Monday Night Football and it’s at home? Add to that the loss of Adalius Thomas and an aging offense (with the exception of newly-acquired Willis McGahee) and I say enough said.
Week 2) Bengals travel to Cleveland for a divisional game. The Browns are coming off the Steelers at home, so should be a competitive game, although I don’t see the Browns having enough to pull out an upset.
Week 3) Bengals travel out west to Seattle, who is coming off road game against divisional foe Arizona. This will be a tough game. Seattle features a good run game, adequate passing game, stout defense and one of the best kickers in the league in Josh Brown. The Bengals front seven will have its hands full with Shaun Alexander but secondary should do a good enough job against Deion Branch and Darrell Jackson to allow for a Bengals win.
Week 4) Bengals host the New England Patriots at home on yet another Monday Night Football game, this time the only game billed for the night. NE is coming off divisional game against Buffalo at home.
Week 5) Bye
Week 6) Travel to Arrowhead Stadium to face the Chiefs for the second time in as many years. KC is coming off JAX at home, while Bengals have a day under two weeks to prepare for this game. Damon Huard faces a tough test against the team that made him a starter last season.
Week 7) Bengals host the Jets at home, with the Jets just removed from facing the Philadelphia Eagles at home. Pennington is adequate, but won’t be able to out-duel Carson or beat our secondary with the WR corps he has.
Week 8) Bengals host the Steelers at home with PIT coming off tough Sunday Night Football game against Denver. Steelers breaking in new coach. Tough rookie season despite arguably easiest schedule in the league.
Week 9) Bengals travel to Buffalo. Bills just back from trip to the Meadowlands to face the Jets. Without LB Takeo Spikes, CB Nate Clements and an established run game to speak of with the trade of Willis McGahee, I see this as being a moderately easy tally for the W column.
Week 10) Bengals travel to Baltimore, who is coming off a MNF appearance at Pittsburgh. Good news: Chris Henry is back.
Week 11) Bengals host Arizona Cardinals at home, with the Cardinals fresh off host Detroit at home. The Cardinals are one of those teams with a ton of potential but lack the coaching to make them a contender. With Whisenhunt in charge, this will be a good team with Lienart, Boldin, Fitzgerald and the Edge, but simply not in Whiz’s first year as head coach.
Week 12) Bengals host Tennessee Titans, who are fresh off a MNF appearance at Denver. The Titans are an explosive team, as seen by their late-season run in 2006. Vince Young has a year under his belt and will only get better, but without any help from his receivers, rushers Travis Henry and Chris Brown gone and LenDale White eating his way out of the starting lineup, Young won’t have much help on the O side of the ball.
Week 13) Bengals travel to Pitt., where the Steelers just hosted Miami for MNF.
Week 14) St. Louis comes to Paul Brown Stadium after hosting the Falcons at home. Bulger, Holt and Bruce simply aren’t the Greatest Game on Turf anymore. Host a questionable defense, strong run game and aging passing game easily spell a win for the Bengals.
Week 15) Bengals travel to San Francisco to face the 49ers on the Saturday Night game. SF hosted Minnesota week before at home. San Fran is on the right path to contention, but without a decent passing game due to the release of Antonio Bryant, Frank Gore simply will be overmatched unless the 49ers add a few quality WRs in the draft.
Week 16) With an extra day of rest, Bengals come home to face the Browns. Browns hosted Buffalo the Sunday before.
Week 17) Bengals round out season on road against the Dolphins, with Miami coming off tough divisional game against NE. This puts onus on MIA since the last two games may have playoff implications, especially against NE.
With that said, here are some important points:
1) Two Monday Night Football games at home, with one including an extra day of rest following a long trip to Seattle to face the Pats right before the bye week.
2) Bengals don’t face a single team coming off their bye week. That’s huge. The Steelers face three while the Chiefs, Falcons, Bucs, Broncos, Bills and Saints all face two. Coincidentally, the Chiefs’ two games off teams coming off byes are in consecutive weeks, where they host the Jaguars and Bengals in Week 5 and 6. Bodes well for our Week 6 game.
2) In the second half of the season, not only do the Bengals get Chris Henry back, but the Bengals face three teams coming off Monday Night Football appearances the week before, two of the teams playing on the road: the Titans and the Ravens. In Week 10, the Bengals travel to Baltimore, who return from MNF at the Steelers. The Bengals host the Titans in Week 12, just off a MNF at Denver. The following week, the Bengals travel to Pittsburgh to play the Steelers, fresh off hosting the Dolphins on MNF the week before. Statistically speaking, teams that play on MNF generally don’t fare well the following week, especially teams that win that showcase game.
3) The last seven games of the season are against teams without winning records last year, with four of those games at home. Granted, three of the first four games are against division winners, but this schedule is not unmanageable.
My predictions
The Bengals will pick up wins against Baltimore, at Cleveland, at Seattle, against New England, against NY Jets, against Pittsburgh, at Buffalo, against Arizona, against Tennessee, at Pittsburgh, against St. Louis, at San Francisco, against Cleveland and at Miami.
I see the lone losses to come against Kansas City and Baltimore, both on the road.
Potential upsets: at Seattle, against New England and at Miami.
Predicted 2007 outcome: no worse than 12-4.
Monday, April 9, 2007
A Majestic Easter
I have to say from a "fan of sports," that after the first week of the baseball season and the Masters concluding with a rookie win, that I am pleastly intrigued. Not only did the Redlegs pitching rotation look good, providing at least 6 innings in each outing (Milton does not count), the fundamental level of the game has greatly improved. I can not recall encountering a sac fly earlier in the season than Brandon Phillips providing one in the third installment against the Cubbies. Lest we forget Adam Dunn providing the bang behind 75% of the clubs first 6 runs and Edwin Encarnacion lighting it up offensivly and defensivly. Once Homer Baily is given the green light, look out National League for this year's darkhorse for the pennant. I also believe that Josh Hamilton will be this year's comeback player of the year.
Secondly give it up for Zach Johnson, you can not say enough about the 3 under he posted when it was all on the line and the gifted cat clawing behind him. To get your second career victory at that event, with the players that were chasing him all the way, speaks to the performance; Poise and steel nerves. Personally I felt that Tiger was going to mount a charge, but it was not to be this time around. That is a reflection of the greatness that is Mr. Woods, that we are surprised and wonder what is amiss about his game. When he doesn't come through in the clutch it is a letdown to all who watch. There is nothing but love at the Man Blawgs for the Masters.
To close we must give props to those who serve and protect as two friends near and dear to the Man Blawgs have returned from overseas. God speed to the men and women serving now, you all are braver than I.
To close we must give props to those who serve and protect as two friends near and dear to the Man Blawgs have returned from overseas. God speed to the men and women serving now, you all are braver than I.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Random Thoughts
For starters how about that National Championship last night? I don't think I am alone here, but witnessing one of the all time great tournament runs in history was a pleasure as a basketball fan. That group of players brings something unique to the table and feed off what the opposition is giving in a display that isn't common. It didn't matter which way you wanted them to go, they would berate you with lessons on how to counteract the game plan. Truly a special group of kids with a bright future.I think all but Green will be decent when they get into the league.The best opening day in my memory, with the pageantry of a newly refurbished Fountain Square and Josh Hamilton.Can we all agree that Yennick Noah is not Joakim's father and underneath all the wild outfits is none other than Cincinnati's own Bootsy Collins? I say yes, especially seeing that pimp hat, bug eyed sunglasses, and pirate shirt ensemble that was bestowed upon our eyes.
Since I can't come up with anything else, Check out this. Truly amazing stuff. Just watch any of the clips.
http://www.collegehumor.com/search/billiards
Since I can't come up with anything else, Check out this. Truly amazing stuff. Just watch any of the clips.
http://www.collegehumor.com/search/billiards
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