Another week of sports action and drama has past, and we here on the Clipboard have so much to discuss. Please take the time to weigh in on as many of the following as you wish.
MLB has officially shifted into its Hot Stove League. Do any of the seasoned veterans find Joe Torre’s move to LA a little unsettling? I grew up on 70’s baseball when the Yanks and Dodgers were rivals. I’m trying to imagine Billy Martin in Dodger Blue, or Pasta Lasorda in Pinstripes. Can Torre make the Dodgers relevant again? Can Joe handle the McCourt family as well as he handled Georgy Porgy?
Does anyone think Joe Girardi might have violated some unwritten code of player-coach loyalty? Torre gets forced out, and Girardi (the pajama shopper) has no problem reaping a benefit.
Is the 2007 AL MVP a lock with A-Rod?
Who will win the NL MVP?
Last week, Thrilla mentioned his concern for the Mets and their 20 year drought since last winning the Series. Hmmmm….should we suggest the possibility of a new jinx. The last time the Mets won was ’86 (arrrghhh-please refrain from any comments). Of course we know the Sox were their victims. The Mets beat the Sox in ’86, and the Sox went 86 years between titles. It is conceivable that one of those cast of characters on that ’86 Met squad made a deal with the devil. I can see Keith Hernanadez with a voodoo doll. Considering that the Mets’ performance in September was eerily reminiscent of the ’78 Sox debacle, could we be seeing history repeat?
Anyone want to take at gander at some free agent signings?
The AP announced their pre-season Men’s poll this week. Can Huckleberry Hound….errr…Roy Williams and the Tar Heels cut down the nets in San Antonio?
To whet everyone’s appetite for the upcoming College Hoops season:[youtube=https://youtube.com/watch?v=LFYnersg2Us]
Thanks to brother Reynell for the tip on this video.
Does the current state of Division 1A football have you yearning for a playoff? Or do you like the current BCS system? Does anyone want to see the likes of Oregon(7-1) get a chance at winning it all? How ‘bout Hawaii (8-0)? Boise St. is 7-1. Have they merited a chance? Boston College finally lost. Should they still get a shot at the title?
While those schools jockey for the top two spots in the BCS standings, which university has experienced the more precipitous drop: Notre Dame or Nebraska?
The Irish fell to 1-8 in losing to Navy for the first time in 43 years. We learn more about a person when they lose as opposed to when they win. What have we learned about Uncle Charlie this season?
The Cornhuskers gave up 76 points to Kansas. They now have a 4-6 record.
On the surface USC’s 7-2 record suggests little drop off, but during last week’s loss to the Ducks, the c-word (conservative) was used to describe SC’s offense. Just last year Pete Carroll described his linebackers as the fastest corps he had ever coached. Now the Trojan defense seems content to bend but not break. Are the recruiting scandals catching up to Pete?
Can Michigan top the Buckeyes?
Don’t look now; the Buffalo Bills are .500. Since their MNF loss to the Cowpokes, the Bills have won three in a row. Are the Bills poised for a run at the playoffs?
What did this week’s version of a game-of-the-century teach us? Many current members of the Clipboard Community were not around when we debated Brady and Manning and their place with QBs of the past. Would it be too easy for me to re-open the discussion about the greatest QB of all-time?
Is it possible for someone on the Jints’ coaching staff to motivate Eli to do what his older brother couldn’t?
In light of a return to his old self is anyone else willing to forgive Brett Favre for his repeated soap-opera-like retirement announcements?
In case you haven’t seen this:[youtube=https://youtube.com/watch?v=siIkMT25ImQ]
Cheers to Al Cervi. As part of its NBA season preview SI picked an all-time all-size team. The 90-year-old Rochester resident earned SI’s all-time 5-foot-11 player. Cervi led the Rochester Royals to the 1947 National Basketball League title.
Staying with the Rochester theme. One year after winning the American East Conference the RIT Tigers men’s hockey team has continued on the upswing. The Tigers sold out their home opener versus Bowling Green. One week later the Tigers knocked off #18 Cornell at the Blue Cross Arena. The question now is what does RIT do to accommodate the crowds? Should the college expand upon the 2,100 seat Frank Ritter arena? Or should a new facility be built?
Noteworthy: Canandaigua High’s Kaheem Gist continues his march through the post-season. The senior tailback has rushed for 979 yards (including a record 449 yards in the sectional semi-finals) and 16 touchdowns in the Braves’ last three games.
File under – can we get Tuck on the Clipboard: Will we see a change at the top of the Premiership? Man U looked vulnerable early – what with Rooney injured and Ronaldo suspended, but the Red Devils seemed to have righted their ship. Man City looked like the team to beat early. That is until Chelsea put a hurting on the Blues. Arsenal seems to have adjusted to life after Henry.
‘Cause we all need some rockin’: [youtube=https://youtube.com/watch?v=DYbZNamJQ5g]
One last question: Aaron keenly pointed out that when going to an opera cans definitely take precedence over bottles, but what about in general? Is it cans? Or is it bottles?
In honor of Muels’s reference to Hogan’s Heroes: [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dV2ECMd66M&rel=1]
Casey
ccww says
For a complete list of MLB free agents check out: https://www.mlb4u.com/freeagency.php
Casey
THe Thrilla in Manilla says
First off, Im fairly new to the clipboard, but im considering not being around as much because of any mention of Professional soccer…ERRRRRRRR Drama club
I’ll Take a deep breath.
Ok Better know
Arod will be the al mvp, no clue on the NL, my personal opinion is that you can win Cy Youngs, Gold gloves silver sluggers based on you reg. season stas, but MVP’s should include post season. Im not saying you cant win based on just reg season stats but, the playoffs make everything more valuable.
Would Curt Schilling be in the HOF if they took away his post seasons, Probably not. Kirby “I like sex in bathrooms” Pucket has almost the identical stats as Donnie Baseball, but Donnie might not ever make it into the Hall, Kirby is already in.
Papi should be the AL MVP based on regular season and Post season
Notre Dame deffinatley has taken the bigger fall
Michigan will beat the Buckeyes and will be in a BCS Bowl, College Football needs a 16 team playoff
Buffalo needs to give JP a chance he is the answer.
Im sorry if i offended any body and appoligize for any gramatical errors I JUST DONT CARE, Casey knows that first hand
One more question is the a G rated board or can I make it rain
Its been fun but I have a feeling in ten minute i’ll be doing something a litle funner (take that one english teachers)
XXX THE THRILLA
ccww says
Drama club? Don’t get me started on the antics of professional athletes. NBA players six feet too many with arms three feet in length dunking on a rim ten feet high and then breaking into some pantomime as they trot up the floor. You haven’t walked on water or given sight to the blind; get your tail up the floor and earn your exorbitant paycheck -play some defense. Then there are the batters who hang over the plate and get hit by a pitch only to feign masculinity as they glare at the mound. The same look a fifth grader has when he realizes someone stole his twinkies and his mommy isn’t there for the rescue. Yeah, it hurts. Take your base and stop complaining. The rest of us would give an appendage to do what you are doing. And then football players with dances for scoring touchdowns and making tackles? Isn’t that what they are overpaid to do?
The beautiful game has its place on the Clipboard!
Casey
ccww says
Thrilla,
Interesting you knew I was referring to futbol. You must have some background knowledge. Are you hiding some latent love for the beautiful game? 🙂
Casey
Aaron Smith says
Futbol is relevant in any conversation period.
This just in – Schilling has resigned with the Sox. $8 million, incentive laden..
Sox are looking Beckett, Dice K, Schilling, Lester and Bucholtz..Tim Wakefield as the 6th man and what a 6th man that is.. Another year for Lester and Bucholtz to learn the art of pitching and preparation from Schilling. Can you put a price on that?
While still basking in the warm glow of the 2007 championship, I can’t help but think of what lies ahead in 2008.
Torre is LA? Could this be a “effff” you statement from Torre to Hank Steinbrenner. More importantly, can he be luring Mariano, Jorge, and Pettite away from the Yankees?
JD says
I hope Joe Torre made the correct decision. I really like the guy but I almost find it harder to cheer him as the Dodger manager than I did when he was the Yankee manager. Honestly, I actually liked many of the players on the Yankee team and enjoyed watching them play. Their come back this year was one of the great stories in baseball during the 2007 season. Maybe it was just time for a change but the baseball world is just a bit different. I am not sure about Girardi. Wasn’t he the one who left Florida because of a disagreement with management. No tougher management than in NY. We’ll see.
Did anyone here the recent reports that drinking beer after a workout is better than drinking water. Finally a reason to actually do 30 pound curl before doing the 12 ounce one.
Unfortunately I also heard that farmers had not grown enough hops and the price of beer was going to go up. Damn farmers.
Solution – since the government wants everyone to be healthy, the farmers should receive subsidies to grow more hops which will drop the price of hops reducing the price of beer, encouraging people to work out and drink the beer which improves their health. Finally the government would be doing something useful.
Tar Heels #1 – they look pretty good on paper. I am glad Hansbrough came back for a third year. I enjoy watching him play.
Wally says
1) Nebraska is in much hotter water than Notre Dame. Why would I say this? They are about 10 seconds away from firing their coach, Callahan. This will cause further disarray due to the inevitable transition chaos. so Nebraska will get worse before they get better. On the other hand, Weis isn’t going anywhere for at least 1 more season and probably two. He has a GREAT recruiting class coming in to combine with the previous two that were both Top 10 caliber. ND will show improvement next year (say 7-5) and will be Top 5 caliber in 2009. It’s taking time to flush the Willingham crap out of the system. CW has made several mistakes, BUT I believe he is both learning from them and working his tail off. (Just wish he’d work some of that paunch off, too).
2) College football could use a playoff, there’s no doubt about it. I would hate to see Oregon get screwed again. Nobody is playing better than they are … and nobody wants to play them. However, even if they run the table, they could indeed finish 3rd again. Unfortunate, cuz they may indeed be the best team in the country this year … and we may never know for sure.
3) I see Ohio State winning a close one at Michigan. Carr just cannot beat Tressel. Henne throws an INT late in 4th Qtr to cement the game for the Buckeyes.
4) Would love to see Torre take the Dahjuz to the series and whip up on the “new Yankmees” in a year or two. Priceless.
Wally
Muels says
My link to Hogan’s Heroes isn’t working- I see NOTING, NOTING!!!!
ccww says
JD,
I didn’t work out, but I cracked open a cold one; is that okay? Can I still be healthy. By the way, it’s a bottle. The Tar Heels will be tough to beat.
Aaron – Schill is still a Sock. Good stuff! Did I read it correctly – he does NOT have an agent representing him? Let’s get Lowell signed!!!!!!!
Muels – no video? You’re gonna have to borrow Farnsworth’s lap top and satellite.
Wally – I agree – the Cornhuskers look like they have run amuck while the Irish might have a light at the end of a tunnel. Oregon is a great team. Dixon is exciting to watch.
Casey
ccww says
THRILLA? Oh THA-RILLA? Where are you hiding?
StevieD says
Torre managing the Dodgers – They should have hired Scoscia when they had the chance, I don’t like the game of musical chairs thats been played with the manager’s seat since Tommy stepped down, since O’Malley sold the team for that matter.
The worst thing about the Huskers being so bad is that UB is going to lose Turner Gill as soon as the season is over. He’s done great work building the program, Best of luck to him as he goes back to Lincoln.
RIT needs a new rink. I’ve been to a few games at Ritter and the ice surface just looks crowded, let alone the fact that I never get there early enough to have a seat…
ccww says
Stevie D.!!!
Welcome back to the Clipboard; it’s been too long. I understand what you’re saying about Ritter. I just love watching games there.
Never thought about the possibility of Turner Gill making the move to Nebraska.
Is it true you will be welcoming a new addition? Congratulations.
Casey
JD says
Just wondering – where’s Tiki now that the Giants are on a roll.
ccww says
Where ever you find Tiki, he is sure to be sitting there with that smug friggin’ smile of his.
Eli’s comin’ hide your heart girls.
Casey
The Thrilla in Manilla says
THE THRILLA SPEAKS
Boston Talkin’ to Boras, I told you socks fans it will happen Say GOODBYE to Lugo, IF the Rod comes to boston they WILL win 3 of the next 5 WS. Take that downtown and print it. (LEE Elia)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uv23pqH9iG0 Check this out you’ll love it. Cubs fans beware
Im a Mets fan and would love to see the ROD with the Squad.
DO you think the eagles might be rethinking what they did with TO, Reid runs a drug emporium and MCFAG is terrible.
I like the sox siging the schill, every ws champion deserves a chance to repeat.
The SOX are the new evil empire.
Bruce Springsteen is the man you all msut see one of his shows this could be the last with the E Street band
Im OUT
ccww says
Thrilla, Thrilla, Thrilla,
How ’bout you buyin’ into the rumor mill. Boras sits down to tea with Theo and everyone’s talkin’. Scotty needs to create a market for his 30mill per year guy. Where better to start than with the WS champ.
Funny you mention Bruce – I was just checking out some you tube stuff – great version of Kitty’s Back. Where did you see him recently and how close is he coming to western new york?
you gotta re-post that link. It didn’t work for some reason.
The eagles have more problems than TO can solve.
Casey
Z Dubbs says
I like the Three Dog Night reference. The New York football Giants may actually be a contender in the NFC due in part to little Manning finally playing some football and that defense. Can they dethrone the Cowboys this Sunday? I’ll take the Giants at home with something to prove and I’ll take the over at 49.
And the Baby Bulls finally got a W tonight!
Aaron Smith says
Thrilla, you must be mixing something “extra” in that hot chocolate of yours, because you are certainly reading into the “extra, extra, extra” on ESPN.com. A-Rod will have to pay the Sox $30 million a year to come play for them. He is a team chemistry killer and doesn’t understand the concept of being on a team, see his twin – Barry Bonds. The Sox are already set up to potentially win 3 of the next 5 WS.. how doe A-Rod really help that team? He certainly wouldn’t be helping in the post season..
Which leads me to the question. Can A-Rod even run the risk of playing for the Red Sox? For the most part, he choked in New York. If he came to Boston and choked in the post season, he may go down as the greatest choke artist of all time. There is no coming back from that…
If anything, I see the Sox making a deal for Johann Santana or Danny Haren.. They would have to part with one of their young guys and Coco so the chances are remote.
But that has a better chance then A-Fraud becoming a member of the Sox. He will have enough money though to sign up and become of member of Red Sox Nation..
So what scenario be better for sports. The Pats running the table and the Dolphins going 0-16 in the same season? Or the Pats running the table and then have the #1 pick in the NFL draft? San Fran is 2-6 and you never know.. I know, I know… long way to go.. But I think Don Shula provided enough bulletin material.. See the Sport’s Guy article..
https://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/071109&sportCat=nfl
He even references a “soccer” movie.. Thrilla, lookout!!
And why isn’t there more reporting on the Colts cheating with background crowd noise CD? The NFL is trying to cover it up with that CBS tape crap, but when players on the field could hear it skipping and other teams have complained about it in the past..Something is up.. I guess 2 major scandals in one year is too much for the NFL to handle. This is huge..
Red Sox World Series champions, Pats Super Bowl Contenders, Revolution play for MLS championship on Sunday, and the Celtics are relevant again.. Pretty nice time to be a Boston sports fan..
The Thrilla in Manilla says
Just go to you tube and type in Lee Elia tirade, and you will be in luck
ccww says
Aaron,
Comin’ in strong…nice. Pretty amusing Don Shula and the *talk. Younger members of the Clipboard might not remember ’72. I remember watching that great team. Yeah, the Fish were great. Thing is they had Mercury Morris. As a child I would think as I watched him taking a kickoff and running hell bent into the pack like a man possessed. The same goes for every time Mercury got the ball. He just ran like a man who was out-of-his-mind and had complete disregard for his personal safety. Years later, Morris admitted to being high on coke throughout most of his NFL career. Now, I’m not insinuating that Mercury won all those games, but is one 1,000 rusher coked out-of-his mind worthy of an *? All of this does not matter ’cause Osi and Strahan are gonna have a meeting-at-QB party when they face ‘Hollywood’ Brady. Mark it down – Jints over the Pats.
Z-Dubbs – not only did the baby Bulls win, Tyrus Thomas stopped ‘Sheed on back-to-back possessions late in the game.
A-Fraud = damaged post-season goods. He is Mr. June, July, August, & September.
Casey
Aaron Smith says
Strahan and Osi meeting? Will Strahan still have passion for game in Week 17 or does he want a new contract??
After Belichek gets done with Eli Manning, Eli will be calling Matt Leinart and pleading with him to take his place at the Manning dinner table.
Alas, we are weeks away from it. Bills in 2 weeks and they are playing well. Should be a tough game.
One thing is for sure.. Does anyone want to guess what the score will be of the Pats/Jets game ? If the Pats have the ball on the Jets 10 with 1:00 to go, do you think Belichek will have his QB kneel or do you think he will be sending Man-genius a little message??