Well, here is the final part of my 2008 in review, it is my take on the year that my sports teams have had. I have a whole lot to say, so let's get started.
MLB- New York Yankees
What a year, what a TOUGH year. It was the first time since I was in kidnergarten that we missed the playoffs, injuries killed the team, and we got sense of reality, that in fact, the Yankees are not that good. I think that despite the lousy year, it was good for the Yankees to wake up and smell the coffee, there needs to be changes.
The Yankees have a TON of hope for next season, which was highlighted in the final week of the season. The thing I like about this Yankee team is that unlike a certain other team I root for (I will mention it later) this team is proud to play in New York and will give 110% every time out. Derek Jeter, in particular, kills it every time out and his stirring speech after the final game at Yankee Stadium was the icing on the cake for me. Then, watching them play hard despite being out of contenion against Boston was inspiring.
This is a team that could be dangerous in 2009. I am expecting huge thngs for this team in 2009. 2008 might not have bore fruit, but you can't get to the dance every year and let's face it, making the playoffs 15 times in a row in baseball is remarkable.
NFL- Dallas Cowboys
Oh boy, where do I start? Well I'm going to cover things more in-depth with a post on "How to Fix the Dallas Cowboys" later next week, but for now, let me say this.
First off, enough dissing Jerry Jones. Yeah, I know he isn't popular with most Dallas fans, yeah he made some poor decisions, but he wants to win. He might only want to win his way, but he wants it.
That being said, this year was painful for Dallas. It was bad, so bad that I think it was worse than watching the team in the early 2000's. Yeah, those teams were going 5-11, but they played hard, and with heart. This year's team played with an ugly swagger when they won, and acted as though they didn't give a s***. They weren't a team, they were, as many said, a collection of overly paid bums.
I always hated T.O. ever since the incident with the star. I looked at his signing and immediatly said "this is a HUGE mistake". Now we're stuck with a virus.
Wade Phillips is a defensive mastermind, however he isn't a head coach, he can't lead a team, he can't motivate. I looked at his hiring and said "this is a HUGE mistake". Now we're stuck with a lackadasical wimp.
Pacman Jones, Roy Williams, Flozell Adams, Tank Johnson, Marc Colombo, and Tony Romo, they playe without heart, without feeling. Unlike guys before them, there was no pride to wear the star. I would rather watch the 2002 crew play hard and fall short than watch this collection of bums again.
Next season is a new year, and I have high hopes that the team will play with heart for once. Next year, I don't ask for a Super Bowl win, a division championship, heck even a playoff spot. Just play your eart and play your best, and I'll be happy.
NBA- Toronto Raptors
What happened Toronto? After such a fun and exciting 2007, 2008 just went downhill. First the team slowed down, literally, in the second half of the 2008 season. They still got into the playoffs, but were forgettablly dismantled by Orlando. Then came the big kicker. They traded Ford and Nesterovic for Jermaine O'Neal. Now, not to diss O'Neal, who has done all he has could since he came over, but it was a bad trade. We lost depth, a speed with the trade and at the beginning of the 08-09 season, looked like a team moving at the speed of a slug. Then Sam Mitchell was fired, and the team continued to implode.
Stll, the worst part of this is that Toronto may make the playoffs. That would be a worst case scenario, by which the Raptors would get in as a 7 or 8 seed and get crushed by Boston or Detroit. Instead, I hope Toronto looks at their future in 2009. Give Jawai extended playing tme, further develop Ukic and Solomon and devlop a rhythem.
I love watching Toronto, because of their youth and enthusiasm. Still, they have a long way to go to being a top team, but the pieces are there.
And at least they have heart.
NHL- Philadelphia Flyers
Hey, the story of the year!! The Flyers were a blast to watch, going from last place to Eastern Conference finalists. It was one of my favorite seasons in 2008 and there is a lot to look forward to. The Flyers have contnues their success into the 08-09 season with a very bright core and bst of all, lots of depth. This is the best the Flyers have been in at least 5 years and maybe since our last Cup trip in 97.
Can the Flyers get to the elusive Finals and finally win? Tough call, I'm not sure if this year's their year. I think they can beat anyone in league on any given day, but over a 7 game series I think some teams are just too tough to beat. Still, I am excited to watch the team and I am going to get to see them in person in March (at Nassau Coliseum against the terrible Islanders). It's a day I look forward to.
That's all for 2008, hopefulyl 2009 will bring good forutne all of you readers as well as myself, so long.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
2008 NFL Prediction
Yeah, I know, it's late, the Atlanta-Arizona game is nearly over, with the Cardinals up 13 with 12:30 to go. But in any case, I'm going to give my picks.
It's been a strange NFL season, I would have never guessed Atlanta, Miami, and Baltimore would get into the playoffs. In any case, I'm disappointed that Dallas choked down the stretch (again), but that's a post for another day. Right now, I'm going to make my predictions for the 2008 playoffs.
Wild Card Weekend Picks
Atlanta over Arizona
Indianapolis over San Diego
Miami over Baltimore
Minnesota over Philadelphia
I know, Atlanta is not looking good, and I was hopign for them to go deep, but seriously, Arizona has played so bad, who wuld have known they would play so well? Indy is the hottest team heading into the playoffs in my opinion and with Tomlinson hobbeled, I don't see the Chargers winning here. Initially, I was going with Baltimore over Miami, but I have confidence in Chad Pennington to pick apart that tough Baltimore D and pull out a tough one. And sorry Eagles fans, but I obviously have a thign against Philly right now after last week. I can't pick them.
Divisional Round Picks
NY Giants over Atlanta
Carolina over Minnesota
Indianapolis over Tennessee
Pittsburgh over Miami
I was going to go with Atlanta here, but with it looking more like the Giants will be playing Arizona or Philly, now I changed my mind. The Panthers are a favorite of mine this season and they should roll over the Vikings and into another NFC Championship. The Colts are playing much better than earlier this season when the Titans beat them (week 17 doesn't count), I smell a big upset in Nashville. And sorry to Miami, but their miracle season ends against the Steel Curtain.
Conference Championship Picks
Carolina over NY Giants
Pittsburgh over Indianapolis
The Panthers, in my mind, beat the Giants week 16. True, the Giants won the game, but thought they were outplayed by Carolina. This time the Panthers finish business. It was tough for me to pick against the red hot Colts, but the Steelers have such poise and have mpressed me all season long, I can't pick against them.
Super Bowl XLIII
Pittsburgh over Carolina
Two teams that are very similar in make up face off in Tampa. I see a more experienced Steeler team taking it to the Panthers here and winning yet another Super Bowl, their second in 4 years.
That s it, my picks for this year's playoffs, let's see how well I do.
I decided to jsut do the 2008 in review for my sports teams to finish up my 2008 in review rather than 2 more parts, that will liekly be done tonight.
It's been a strange NFL season, I would have never guessed Atlanta, Miami, and Baltimore would get into the playoffs. In any case, I'm disappointed that Dallas choked down the stretch (again), but that's a post for another day. Right now, I'm going to make my predictions for the 2008 playoffs.
Wild Card Weekend Picks
Atlanta over Arizona
Indianapolis over San Diego
Miami over Baltimore
Minnesota over Philadelphia
I know, Atlanta is not looking good, and I was hopign for them to go deep, but seriously, Arizona has played so bad, who wuld have known they would play so well? Indy is the hottest team heading into the playoffs in my opinion and with Tomlinson hobbeled, I don't see the Chargers winning here. Initially, I was going with Baltimore over Miami, but I have confidence in Chad Pennington to pick apart that tough Baltimore D and pull out a tough one. And sorry Eagles fans, but I obviously have a thign against Philly right now after last week. I can't pick them.
Divisional Round Picks
NY Giants over Atlanta
Carolina over Minnesota
Indianapolis over Tennessee
Pittsburgh over Miami
I was going to go with Atlanta here, but with it looking more like the Giants will be playing Arizona or Philly, now I changed my mind. The Panthers are a favorite of mine this season and they should roll over the Vikings and into another NFC Championship. The Colts are playing much better than earlier this season when the Titans beat them (week 17 doesn't count), I smell a big upset in Nashville. And sorry to Miami, but their miracle season ends against the Steel Curtain.
Conference Championship Picks
Carolina over NY Giants
Pittsburgh over Indianapolis
The Panthers, in my mind, beat the Giants week 16. True, the Giants won the game, but thought they were outplayed by Carolina. This time the Panthers finish business. It was tough for me to pick against the red hot Colts, but the Steelers have such poise and have mpressed me all season long, I can't pick against them.
Super Bowl XLIII
Pittsburgh over Carolina
Two teams that are very similar in make up face off in Tampa. I see a more experienced Steeler team taking it to the Panthers here and winning yet another Super Bowl, their second in 4 years.
That s it, my picks for this year's playoffs, let's see how well I do.
I decided to jsut do the 2008 in review for my sports teams to finish up my 2008 in review rather than 2 more parts, that will liekly be done tonight.
Friday, January 2, 2009
2008 in Review (Part 4 of 6) Worsts of 2008
3 blogs coming tonight: parts 4 and 5 of my 2008 in review PLUS my NFL playoff predictions. But first, here comes my worsts of 2008, which is a favorite blog of mine, as I get to rant and rabe about the very worst of the worst of this past year. So here we go.
Worst Song
Fly on the Wall- Miley Cyrus
My hatred for music this year took a trend towards Disney-backed singers. In all fairness, See You Again by Miley was tolerable, I didn't mind it. Then it all spiraled downhill for Cyrus, finally toppeling over with Fly on the Wall. Terrible lyrics, terrible basis for a song, terribly sung, and terrible music video.
Worst Artist
The Jonas Brothers
I had them penciled in for this category right after watching them at halftime of the Cowboys thanksgiving game. Then, on New Year's Eve, they performed again and somehow sounded WORSE. I know, it's mean to the thousands of kids who watch Disney that love this band, but please, they suck.
Worst Movie
AVP: Requiem
I went through this the other day, so I won't spend a ton of time explaining this. But when you don't know what is going on in the movie because of the lighting and when the acting is as bad as AVP: R was, then you have a definite winner for worst 2008 film.
Worst Actor/Actress
Keanu Reeves (The Day the Earth Stood Still)
This is ashame, because Keanu Reeves is a favorite actor of mine, but he was very unconvincing as Klaatu in this remake. There wasn't a clear cut really bad actor, so unfortunatly I went with the most disappointing and it was Keanu.
Worst TV Show
Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles (FOX)
When this movie was first promoted early last year, it looked like it would be interesting. So I tried to watch it, and I failed to become stimulated. This movie seemed to stray too far from the films, the acting was poor, and plus, what till happen when the new Terminator movie comes out?
Worst Sports TV Show
Madden Nation (ESPN/ESPN2)
It's an interesting premise, throw a bunch of guys on a bus and have them play through a Madden Torunament, with the final on the big screen at Times Square. Then you put it into practice and realize how ridiculous the concept is. I mean, watch people play video games, it's not exactly my idea of entertainment.
Worst Sports Team
Detroit Lions (NFL)
History was made in 2008 as the Lions EVERY regular season game, going 0-16. Imagine, going to practice for 5-6 months, working hard every week, and then NEVER winning a game. I'm sorry, but what a waste of time, it's pathetic!!! The good news for Detroit, is that it can't be any worse.
Worst Sports Championship
MLB Phillies defeat Rays
No crack on the Phillies and the city of Philadelphia, but sitting in the New York market and watching the Series made me see the complete indifference the rest of the country had. Not to mention dull moments in the Series and lots of rain and clod led to yet another boring Fall Classic.
That is it for the worsts, I will put in my favorite team's 2008 in review later.
Worst Song
Fly on the Wall- Miley Cyrus
My hatred for music this year took a trend towards Disney-backed singers. In all fairness, See You Again by Miley was tolerable, I didn't mind it. Then it all spiraled downhill for Cyrus, finally toppeling over with Fly on the Wall. Terrible lyrics, terrible basis for a song, terribly sung, and terrible music video.
Worst Artist
The Jonas Brothers
I had them penciled in for this category right after watching them at halftime of the Cowboys thanksgiving game. Then, on New Year's Eve, they performed again and somehow sounded WORSE. I know, it's mean to the thousands of kids who watch Disney that love this band, but please, they suck.
Worst Movie
AVP: Requiem
I went through this the other day, so I won't spend a ton of time explaining this. But when you don't know what is going on in the movie because of the lighting and when the acting is as bad as AVP: R was, then you have a definite winner for worst 2008 film.
Worst Actor/Actress
Keanu Reeves (The Day the Earth Stood Still)
This is ashame, because Keanu Reeves is a favorite actor of mine, but he was very unconvincing as Klaatu in this remake. There wasn't a clear cut really bad actor, so unfortunatly I went with the most disappointing and it was Keanu.
Worst TV Show
Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles (FOX)
When this movie was first promoted early last year, it looked like it would be interesting. So I tried to watch it, and I failed to become stimulated. This movie seemed to stray too far from the films, the acting was poor, and plus, what till happen when the new Terminator movie comes out?
Worst Sports TV Show
Madden Nation (ESPN/ESPN2)
It's an interesting premise, throw a bunch of guys on a bus and have them play through a Madden Torunament, with the final on the big screen at Times Square. Then you put it into practice and realize how ridiculous the concept is. I mean, watch people play video games, it's not exactly my idea of entertainment.
Worst Sports Team
Detroit Lions (NFL)
History was made in 2008 as the Lions EVERY regular season game, going 0-16. Imagine, going to practice for 5-6 months, working hard every week, and then NEVER winning a game. I'm sorry, but what a waste of time, it's pathetic!!! The good news for Detroit, is that it can't be any worse.
Worst Sports Championship
MLB Phillies defeat Rays
No crack on the Phillies and the city of Philadelphia, but sitting in the New York market and watching the Series made me see the complete indifference the rest of the country had. Not to mention dull moments in the Series and lots of rain and clod led to yet another boring Fall Classic.
That is it for the worsts, I will put in my favorite team's 2008 in review later.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
2008 in Review (Part 3 of 6) Top Sports Moments (Overall)
Hey guys, I know I have fallen way behind on these blogs, but I am going to catch up by the end of Saturday. In any case, tonight I will go over my top sports moments of 2008. I will do my review of my favorite teams in a seperate blog. So here we go
Baseball
Last Year- Phillies win NL East over Mets
This Year- Last All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium
No offense to the hometown Phillies, and yeah this is kidn of biased, but the best moment of this past season was the extra long 15 inning all-star game at Yankee Stadium, it was such a fun game to watch and the ceremonies before the game were amazing. This was the icing on the cake of a memorable New York Yankee season.
Football
Last Year- Bears-Colts Rain Bowl
This Year- David Tyree's Catch
It was the second best Super Bowl I have ever seen (only second to Super Bowl XXXVI). The catch by Tyree though, what a play!!! Eli made an amazing scramble and Tyree with the ridiculous catch!! Capped off a really good game.
Basketball
Last Year- Golden State Upsets Dallas
This Year- Lakers-Celtics
I'll admit, unless the matchup is something noteworthy or Toronto is playing, I won't always watch the NBA. However, Boston-Los Angeles was something special as I saw a display of some of the best (and best of all hard working) players in the game. Yeah, I hate the Boston Celtcis, but mostly because they are so good, the best team since the Bulls of the 90's.
Hockey
Last Year- The Not So Mighty Ducks Win the Cup
This Year- Penguins-Sabres in the Great Outdoors
It's funny, today was the second incarnation of the Winter Classic and though it was enjoyable, nothing will top the great game between Buffalo and Pittsburgh. It was close all the way through and seeing a game played through a wind blown snow and players fight through the elements and play hard was great. If only the Penguins lost....
Tennis
Last Year- Venus Takes Down Bartoli at Wimbledon
This Year- Nadal and Federer Marathon at Center Court of Wimbledon
The GREATEST match I ever saw. Rafal Nadal and Roger Federer played a match that lasted for many hours and was so well played that no one really had a handle on the match for an extended period of time. It was an incredible match and an incredible win for Nadal, who finally won a Wimbledon title.
NASCAR
Last Year- Harvick edges Martin at 500
This Year- Jimmie Johnson wins third title
What a run for Jimmie Johnson. He became jsut the second driver to ever win third straight NASCAR titles. I have a lot of respect for Johnson, who may not be the best driver, but he drives with heart, as by far the best overall team, and most of all has class. That's all I can ask for in a champion.
That's it!!! I am not including the Olympics because I don't feel like it (Phelps' gold medals would win if you're wondering) and other psort I did not watch enough of. Tomorrow is the WORST of 2008. So long for now.
Baseball
Last Year- Phillies win NL East over Mets
This Year- Last All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium
No offense to the hometown Phillies, and yeah this is kidn of biased, but the best moment of this past season was the extra long 15 inning all-star game at Yankee Stadium, it was such a fun game to watch and the ceremonies before the game were amazing. This was the icing on the cake of a memorable New York Yankee season.
Football
Last Year- Bears-Colts Rain Bowl
This Year- David Tyree's Catch
It was the second best Super Bowl I have ever seen (only second to Super Bowl XXXVI). The catch by Tyree though, what a play!!! Eli made an amazing scramble and Tyree with the ridiculous catch!! Capped off a really good game.
Basketball
Last Year- Golden State Upsets Dallas
This Year- Lakers-Celtics
I'll admit, unless the matchup is something noteworthy or Toronto is playing, I won't always watch the NBA. However, Boston-Los Angeles was something special as I saw a display of some of the best (and best of all hard working) players in the game. Yeah, I hate the Boston Celtcis, but mostly because they are so good, the best team since the Bulls of the 90's.
Hockey
Last Year- The Not So Mighty Ducks Win the Cup
This Year- Penguins-Sabres in the Great Outdoors
It's funny, today was the second incarnation of the Winter Classic and though it was enjoyable, nothing will top the great game between Buffalo and Pittsburgh. It was close all the way through and seeing a game played through a wind blown snow and players fight through the elements and play hard was great. If only the Penguins lost....
Tennis
Last Year- Venus Takes Down Bartoli at Wimbledon
This Year- Nadal and Federer Marathon at Center Court of Wimbledon
The GREATEST match I ever saw. Rafal Nadal and Roger Federer played a match that lasted for many hours and was so well played that no one really had a handle on the match for an extended period of time. It was an incredible match and an incredible win for Nadal, who finally won a Wimbledon title.
NASCAR
Last Year- Harvick edges Martin at 500
This Year- Jimmie Johnson wins third title
What a run for Jimmie Johnson. He became jsut the second driver to ever win third straight NASCAR titles. I have a lot of respect for Johnson, who may not be the best driver, but he drives with heart, as by far the best overall team, and most of all has class. That's all I can ask for in a champion.
That's it!!! I am not including the Olympics because I don't feel like it (Phelps' gold medals would win if you're wondering) and other psort I did not watch enough of. Tomorrow is the WORST of 2008. So long for now.
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