Really?
This is the end, beautiful friend.
13 years ago
Thursday, July 16, 2009
I'M BACK!!
Hello readers, sorry for my lack of posts. I've been moving into my new pad in Chicago and haven't had time to write. Anyhooooo....
A lot's been going on in the Lakers front office. To begin, Dr. Buss--taking a page from the McCourt playbook--has rescinded the 4 year, 36 million dollar offer to LO. From what I've read, it appears that there aren't many, if any, teams that are willing to meet Odom's request for a $10 milly a year. It appears as though the Lakers are using this lack of interest as leverage to try and get LO to sign for less. This whole debacle is eerily similar to the contract negotiations between Manny and the Dodgers front office at the begining of the year. If you don't remember, the Doggies, knowing that Manny was attracting very limited interest, played hard ball with Boras and our dreadlocked savior from day one. Manny, like Odom, had no other offers on the table, and Colleti and Mccourt played chicken, allowing the negotiations to drag on.
I can't tell if this is a smart move or a death sentence for the Lakers. Much like Manny and the Dodgers, Odom has been a huge part of the Lakers' success. However, unlike Manny, Odom doesn't carry the baggage and unreasonable demands that Manny did-- If Marcin Gortat can get $7 million a year, then Odom has every right to ask for $10. If the Blazers, Mavs, or any other team willing to spend offers Odom the kind of money he wants and he leaves, the Lakers are in trouble. This is a bold move by the front office, and time will tell if it's a smart one.
On the diamond, the Dodgers entered the All-Star break with the best record in baseball. They're number one in virtually all of the power rankings, and our bullpen has been lights out thus far. However, don't expect the Dogs to dominate in the second half. Chad Billingsly has thrown more pitches than any other hurler in the Majors, our bullpen is starting to show signs of vulnerability, and we still don't have a consitent back-end starter. Look for the Dodgers to pursue some veteran arms to help shore up the rotation and bullpen. Don't expect the Dogs, however, to make a push for an ace such as Halladay or Dan Haren--the cost of trading for one of these studs would likely include Kershaw and a couple prospects. One name that hasn't come up yet, but should, is Ben Sheets. The dude has been out of the league all year, but don't forget he was the NL's starting pitcher in the All Star game only a few years back. If his arm isn't strong enough to start, it should be strong enough to come out of the bullpen. I'm also gonna go out on a limb and predict we see the return of Joe Beimel. He's just the type of guy we need with Belisario hurt, and he's voiced his interest in returning to LA on more than one occasion.
DB
A lot's been going on in the Lakers front office. To begin, Dr. Buss--taking a page from the McCourt playbook--has rescinded the 4 year, 36 million dollar offer to LO. From what I've read, it appears that there aren't many, if any, teams that are willing to meet Odom's request for a $10 milly a year. It appears as though the Lakers are using this lack of interest as leverage to try and get LO to sign for less. This whole debacle is eerily similar to the contract negotiations between Manny and the Dodgers front office at the begining of the year. If you don't remember, the Doggies, knowing that Manny was attracting very limited interest, played hard ball with Boras and our dreadlocked savior from day one. Manny, like Odom, had no other offers on the table, and Colleti and Mccourt played chicken, allowing the negotiations to drag on.
I can't tell if this is a smart move or a death sentence for the Lakers. Much like Manny and the Dodgers, Odom has been a huge part of the Lakers' success. However, unlike Manny, Odom doesn't carry the baggage and unreasonable demands that Manny did-- If Marcin Gortat can get $7 million a year, then Odom has every right to ask for $10. If the Blazers, Mavs, or any other team willing to spend offers Odom the kind of money he wants and he leaves, the Lakers are in trouble. This is a bold move by the front office, and time will tell if it's a smart one.
On the diamond, the Dodgers entered the All-Star break with the best record in baseball. They're number one in virtually all of the power rankings, and our bullpen has been lights out thus far. However, don't expect the Dogs to dominate in the second half. Chad Billingsly has thrown more pitches than any other hurler in the Majors, our bullpen is starting to show signs of vulnerability, and we still don't have a consitent back-end starter. Look for the Dodgers to pursue some veteran arms to help shore up the rotation and bullpen. Don't expect the Dogs, however, to make a push for an ace such as Halladay or Dan Haren--the cost of trading for one of these studs would likely include Kershaw and a couple prospects. One name that hasn't come up yet, but should, is Ben Sheets. The dude has been out of the league all year, but don't forget he was the NL's starting pitcher in the All Star game only a few years back. If his arm isn't strong enough to start, it should be strong enough to come out of the bullpen. I'm also gonna go out on a limb and predict we see the return of Joe Beimel. He's just the type of guy we need with Belisario hurt, and he's voiced his interest in returning to LA on more than one occasion.
DB
Monday, July 13, 2009
MARCIN!
Marcin Gortat is about to make just under $7 million a year. Friends, this is exhibit 1A why you want to be a professional athlete. Anyway, I was surfing the net, learning a little about our Polish friend when I stumbled upon the following video. It happened at a dunk contest somewhere in Eurasia. It is real. Polish joke.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Big Victory in the Big Citi
I saw the 2009 Dodgers in person for the first time last night. Wow. This team is impressive. Never mind that we were facing Livan "my belly interferes with my throwing elbow" Hernandez. Never mind that the squad was going up against a disastrously depleted Mets squad (The Post has resorted to calling the team "the Replace-Mets" lately). Never mind that Randy Wolf had supersticiously changed his uniform number hours before the game. The Dodgers looked incredible.This is the most stacked Dodgers offense I have ever witnessed in my life.
I walked through the Citi gates and up the
The game almost became a game in the bottom of the first, but the Mets limp lineup couldn't muster more than a run. They got another in the bottom of the third, but by that time we had tagged Livan for 6 and it really did look like the game was over.
Citi was about half full by the top of the sixth, either because Mets fans had left the building or because they were wandering around - which the stadium's design seems to encourage you to do. And that's really the best part about this new stadium. Designed by HOK Sport (the builders behind 16 other MLB stadiums - think Citizen's Bank Park, Petco, Comerica), Citi features more standing room than any stadium I've been to. There are cup holders behind seats in the last row of certain sections. The ushers let you hover anywhere you're not obstructing a view. And there are picnic tables above the bullpens in center field (more impressive: there was room to sit down).
The food's not too bad either. Of course we didn't wait 30 minutes for Shake Shack, but the Skipper and Jonny ate some carnitas tacos that they called "decent." Pete had a bag of peanuts I couldn't stop putting my hands in, and I spent no time waiting in line for a mediocre dog and a couple beers - both of which were better and cheaper than their new Yankee stadium counterparts. I'm quite convinced now that Citi tramples Yankee Stadium in every other facet, too. Dodger Stadium? Not quite. The new Mets stadium, though offering a backdrop slightly more scenic than Shea, still overlooks what looks like a vast industrial wasteland. When I think of Dodger Stadium, I Think Blue.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
2009 Draft Review
Now that it's over, can we all admit to ourselves that this was the weakest draft we've had in years? When Jrue Holiday-- a 6'4'', moderately athletic guard who averaged around 9 points in his one year at college-- is considered the "steal" of the draft, and 2 of the top 7 picks (Rubio and Curry) can't grow facial hair , something's not right. This is not to say that there weren't quality players in the draft, there were, it's just that many of them were overshadowed but a bunch of future NBDL-ers. A guy like Ty Lawson was drafted behind Terrence Williams and James Johnson. Christian Eyenga was drafted ahead of DaJuan Summers, Sam Young, and DeJuan Blair. The theme of this draft: familiarity breeds contempt. I usually dismiss anything that Dicky V says, but apparently he agrees with me on this. With this in mind, here are the best, and worst, pics of the draft.
Best Picks:
Tyler Hansborough, Indiana: A lot of people in Indiana might be upset today, but in 7 years when Earl Clark, Austin Daye, and James Johnson are out of the league and Crazy Eyes is still a big part of their team, they'll be happy to have him. People seem to forget that he is arguably the best Tar Heel of ALL TIME. To me, that is a far better indicator of what he'll be in the pros than a 40 inch vertical or a good work-out could ever be. Kudos to Larry Bird and Jim O'Brien for making the most unsexy, but possibly the safest, pick in the draft.
DeJuan Blair, San Antonio: Big Baby Blair was 9th on my list and 14 on Jay Bilas', yet somehow he slipped all the way to 37. He was by far the best offensive rebounder in the draft and will get a lot of minutes for the Spurs next year. Their draft, combined with the trade for Richard Jefferson, makes San Antonio the most improved team heading into July.
Johnny Flynn, Minnesota: After drafting Rubio, the Wolves could have shied away from Flynn. Instead, they got the best available player in a weak draft. Think of Flynn as a more athletic Jameer Nelson.
Sam Young, Memphis: Memphis might have had the best draft of any team. They were looking for solid, defensive minded players who could contribute immediately, and they got them. Young's game reminds me a lot of Trevor Ariza's--a long, athletic defender who can knock down the 3 consistantly.
Worst Picks:
Christian Eyenga, Cleveland: I'll admit that I don't know much about this dude. That being said, I'm going to go ahead and assume that he can't shoot and that he's not going to contribute this year. With that in mind, they could have landed a shooter like Sam Young, Jodie Meeks, DaJuan Summers, Chase Buddinger, or Jack McClinton. Any of those guys would have contributed to a Cavs championship run and been a great compliment to Prince James. Instead they wasted a roster spot.
James Johnson, Chicago: Chicago really needed a scoring guard and instead chose a big man who isn't going to see the court this year. They should have drafted Jrue Holliday, Ty Lawson, or Jeff Teague, with the 16th pick. Then, if they really loved this dude, they could've gotten him with the 26th pick. A wasted pick that could have really helped a team that is likely to lose Ben Gordon and/or Luol Deng.
Biggest D-Bag:
Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee: I can't believe he had the nerve to show up 4 picks late, take the stage like everyone was waiting for him, and ruin Earl Clark's moment. Jennings reeks of douchebaggery.
With regards to the Manny news, all I have to say is this: the DEA must be VERY bored if they're investigating a couple dudes who sell woman's fertility drugs.
Best Picks:
Tyler Hansborough, Indiana: A lot of people in Indiana might be upset today, but in 7 years when Earl Clark, Austin Daye, and James Johnson are out of the league and Crazy Eyes is still a big part of their team, they'll be happy to have him. People seem to forget that he is arguably the best Tar Heel of ALL TIME. To me, that is a far better indicator of what he'll be in the pros than a 40 inch vertical or a good work-out could ever be. Kudos to Larry Bird and Jim O'Brien for making the most unsexy, but possibly the safest, pick in the draft.
DeJuan Blair, San Antonio: Big Baby Blair was 9th on my list and 14 on Jay Bilas', yet somehow he slipped all the way to 37. He was by far the best offensive rebounder in the draft and will get a lot of minutes for the Spurs next year. Their draft, combined with the trade for Richard Jefferson, makes San Antonio the most improved team heading into July.
Johnny Flynn, Minnesota: After drafting Rubio, the Wolves could have shied away from Flynn. Instead, they got the best available player in a weak draft. Think of Flynn as a more athletic Jameer Nelson.
Sam Young, Memphis: Memphis might have had the best draft of any team. They were looking for solid, defensive minded players who could contribute immediately, and they got them. Young's game reminds me a lot of Trevor Ariza's--a long, athletic defender who can knock down the 3 consistantly.
Worst Picks:
Christian Eyenga, Cleveland: I'll admit that I don't know much about this dude. That being said, I'm going to go ahead and assume that he can't shoot and that he's not going to contribute this year. With that in mind, they could have landed a shooter like Sam Young, Jodie Meeks, DaJuan Summers, Chase Buddinger, or Jack McClinton. Any of those guys would have contributed to a Cavs championship run and been a great compliment to Prince James. Instead they wasted a roster spot.
James Johnson, Chicago: Chicago really needed a scoring guard and instead chose a big man who isn't going to see the court this year. They should have drafted Jrue Holliday, Ty Lawson, or Jeff Teague, with the 16th pick. Then, if they really loved this dude, they could've gotten him with the 26th pick. A wasted pick that could have really helped a team that is likely to lose Ben Gordon and/or Luol Deng.
Biggest D-Bag:
Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee: I can't believe he had the nerve to show up 4 picks late, take the stage like everyone was waiting for him, and ruin Earl Clark's moment. Jennings reeks of douchebaggery.
With regards to the Manny news, all I have to say is this: the DEA must be VERY bored if they're investigating a couple dudes who sell woman's fertility drugs.
Rich getting richer?
In an attempt to upstage the sad, small-market, teams in the draft lottery (Knicks excluded), the NBA's juggernauts are making big moves.The Cavs traded for a washed up Aristotle. This move makes very little sense to me. While his 14 points and 10 rebounds might look snazzy on paper, Shaq is going to clog the lane and make it much harder for Lebron to get to the hoop. Also, the dude can't guard the pick and roll, the go- to play of the Magic and Celtics. What the Cavs really need are consistent shooters (read: Hedu Turkoglu) to complement Lebron's drive-and-kick style of play.
There's obviously a reason--other than money-- that the Suns are trading The Big Cactus for a dude who is most likely retiring (Ben Wallace), the 30th pick, an inconsistent "shooter" who doesn't play defense (Pavlovic), and half a million dollars. The dude's washed up.
The Magic, anticipating Turkoglu's departure, also traded for a washed up superstar. They'll send Courtney Lee and the expiring contracts of Rafer Alston and Tonie Batie to the Nets for Vinsanity and Ryan Anderson. They're taking a win now approach by trading their most promising player (other than Dwight) for a 32 year old, 8 time all star with bad knees.
On the flipside, I love this trade for the Nets. The trade makes an already impressive young squad even more promising. With Devin Harris, Brook Lopez, and Courtney Lee, this team is stacked with young talent. Not only that, but this trade brings in two expiring contracts, and frees up Vince's 33 million over the next 2 years. Sorry Knick fans, but this makes the Nets the front runner in the Bron Bron sweepstakes. The prospect of Lebron teaming up with all these young stars is very, very scary.
Lastly, The Lakers, showing supreme confidence in Sun Yue and Adam Morrison, sold the 29th pick in tonight's draft to the Knicks for 3 million dollars, sighting a lack of roster space. Does this mean we're resigning LO and Ariza? Sounds like it.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Doom Bizzle's Top 10 Prospects
Because all the hype around Ricky Rubio is pissing me off:
1. Blake Griffin -- A more athletic Carlos Boozer
2. Hasheem Thabeet -- At worst, Theo Ratliff. At best, Mutumbo. Either way, he'll be productive for a lot of years.
3. Tyreke Evans -- The only "raw" draftee that I think will be productive in his freshman campaign
4. Johnny Flynn -- Most over-looked player in the draft. Has an NBA-ready game.
5. James Harden -- Reminds me of a young Grant Hill.
6. Stephen Curry -- Dude's ridiculously quick release will allow him to get his shot off in the NBA
7. Jordan Hill -- A banger down low with sweet hair
8. Gerald Henderson -- I'm predicting 12 ppg and 6 rpg in first year. Perfect fit for a team like the Bulls.
9. Dejuan Blair -- Stronger, more defensive minded Elton Brand (assuming his knees hold up)
10. Ricky Rubio -- When was the last time a European this hyped was actually good?
5 other dudes who will make an impact next season:
1. Tyler Hansborough -- He's a tool, but he's fearless.
2. Wayne Ellington -- UNC guards who stay in college for more than a year are always good.
3. Jerel McNeal -- Great scorer off the bench for a playoff team (read: Hornets, Suns, Sixers)
4. Darren Collison -- Shut down defender who can run with the best of 'em
5. Sam Young -- Got better in each of his 4 years at Pitt
1. Blake Griffin -- A more athletic Carlos Boozer
2. Hasheem Thabeet -- At worst, Theo Ratliff. At best, Mutumbo. Either way, he'll be productive for a lot of years.
3. Tyreke Evans -- The only "raw" draftee that I think will be productive in his freshman campaign
4. Johnny Flynn -- Most over-looked player in the draft. Has an NBA-ready game.
5. James Harden -- Reminds me of a young Grant Hill.
6. Stephen Curry -- Dude's ridiculously quick release will allow him to get his shot off in the NBA
7. Jordan Hill -- A banger down low with sweet hair
8. Gerald Henderson -- I'm predicting 12 ppg and 6 rpg in first year. Perfect fit for a team like the Bulls.
9. Dejuan Blair -- Stronger, more defensive minded Elton Brand (assuming his knees hold up)
10. Ricky Rubio -- When was the last time a European this hyped was actually good?
5 other dudes who will make an impact next season:
1. Tyler Hansborough -- He's a tool, but he's fearless.
2. Wayne Ellington -- UNC guards who stay in college for more than a year are always good.
3. Jerel McNeal -- Great scorer off the bench for a playoff team (read: Hornets, Suns, Sixers)
4. Darren Collison -- Shut down defender who can run with the best of 'em
5. Sam Young -- Got better in each of his 4 years at Pitt
Poll on ESPN...pshhhhh
"Was a 2-0 win against Spain a game-changing moment for the sport of soccer in the United States?"
Yes, for the next 48 hours until we get smoked by Brazil and everything goes back to normal. I've heard this hundreds of times--after our run in the 2002 World Cup, after we beat Brazil in a friendly a couple years ago, after David Beckham came to America, etc. Unlike Europe, the only soccer team that anyone in the United States has a vested interest in is the national team. Because of this, soccer's popularity in the US is, and will continue to be, directly correlated with their success. So while we're all excited today, this will all be a distant memory come Sunday when we lose to Brazil. Let's be real, soccer (and lacrosse) will always be a secondary sport in America because the only people who care about it are skinny white dudes (picture above excluded).
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
The Forgotten Weaver
From Wikipedia: "Signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers as an amateur free agent in 1991, Weaver made his Major League Baseball debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 30, 1998, and appeared in his final game on August 17, 2000."
P.S. He's not related to the other two.
Rambo vs The Zen Master
Taking a page from Vin Scully's book, Phil Jackson is consideringg only coaching some away games, leaving the majority to Kurt Rambis.
This seems like a ploy on Phil's part. It would allow the Zen Master to cash in on his 12 million, while holding a part-time position. For 12 million dollars not only should he coach every single game, whether here or in Kabul, but he should act as the equipment manager.
If Phil is actually considering this, then it's time for the Zen Master to throw in the towel and hand the reins to Rambis. Although he probably wouldn't accept, Kupchak should offer him a front office job or a spot as an assitant coach. I can't imagine a team with two head coaches would ever work.
Sad Day in the Western Conference, Good day for tacos
News of the Spurs trading Bruce Bowen has got me kinda blue. He has been a mainstay on the Spurs through their championship seasons, and through many heated battles with the Lake Show. I've always respected, and even liked, Bowen and, quite frankly, I feel bad for him. Going from a perennial contender to Milwaukee in the golden years of his career isn't ideal. The dude got a raw deal.
Don't get me wrong, anyone in their right mind would have made the trade from the Spurs' perspective. This is most likely the beginning of some significant change in San Antonio--they're clearly looking to go younger and more athletic. The trade gives them a pretty scary lineup when Parker, Ginobili (assuming he's healthy), Jefferson and Duncan are on the floor. At the same time, the losses of Oberto and Kurt Thomas drastically shorten their bench. It'll be interesting to see what they do the rest of the offseason.
On another note, the dudes who stole Lance Armstrong's bike are getting 3 years in jail while Dante Stallworth is set to serve 30 days......ummmmmm
AAAAANYWAY, I had some bomb ass carne asada tacos last night. My buddy Andrew and I made the trek down Pico to East LA to eat at El Parian. I ordered 3 carne asada cos and Andrew ordered 2 carne asada and one goat-type-thingy. Really, really delicious and authentic. If you're ever in East LA, and you like tacos like I do, check it out.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Mannyquerque!!!
After months of getting his hair did (--->) and eating sushi, Manbone will finally make his first appearance since his suspension as an Albuquerque Isotope--the Dodgers' triple A affiliate. Amid speculation that Manny would be making an appearance in Albuquerque, the club "sold almost 7,000 tickets [Friday], compared to a typical pre-game reserved sales in the hundreds for a midweek series in June". Can you say Mannyquerque?With only nine games left on his suspension, the Big Club sits 8 games ahead of the Giants (who are, surprisingly, 6 games over .500). LA's other Zen Master now faces some tough decisions. Does he:
A) Take Pierre out of his everyday role despite his incredible production? I really hope not. This would put a struggling Furcal in the leadoff spot and completely change the dynamic of a lineup that has been very productive over the past 41 games.
B) Move Pierre back to center, Kemp to right, and Ethier to the bench. Personally, I think this is our best option. Pierre has about as much arm strength as an adolescent Chad Pennington, but what he brings to the Dodgers offensively outweighs what he takes away in the field.
C) Trade Pierre. I'm not sure what we could get for him, but if the Dogs can land some fresh arms for the bullpen, it might be worth it. Torre's "excessive" use of Troncoso and Belasario has been well documented, and perhaps the Dogs could get some hurlers to help ease their burden. More arms now means fresher arms come October.
I only wish we were in the AL.
DB
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