One of the best things about the Champions League Playoff Round is seeing all of the different kits from teams that are not usually on TV.
Sometimes there are great jersey and other times there are terrible one, but of all of the teams I have seen German giants Werder Bremen take the cake for the worst kits. Two shades of green and a lighting blot separating the greens on the front of it, i just do not get it. Usually they have some classic designs and I like them but this one is not up the standards they have set in the past.
So you have Jonathan Mayo and Peter Gammons, two of the biggest names in minor league and draft coverage, on your roster and what do you show on draft deadline signing day an hour before the deadline, show a program recapping the days games.
While MLB Network continues to grow last night it made a huge mistake in not doing some type of signing deadline specials. For a network that builds itself to be the home of baseball to treat the second biggest day in the prospects calendar, the draft being the first, like this is just not right.
Some years there are few story lines when it comes to signing day but this year there were a ton of them. From Harper and the Nats trying to get a deal done to Lee with the Dodgers to Parker and the Rockies. That does not count all of the sandwich round guys that signed for over slot.
Maybe next year MLB Network will step up and do a late night show tracking the signs. That would be nice for the network that says they have everything in baseball covered. Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
The Barclays Premier League season kicked off today with a bang, but during the last couple of weeks media members from around the world have been making their predictions about how the final table will look in early May. The predictions that have been made might not mean anything by Sept. 1.
With the transfer window not shutting until Sept. 1, making predictions on how the season will go is not even worth it. So if people picked United to finish second to Chelsea before the season, that may change if United get Ozil or Manchester City might be favorite if they spend another $200 million on an overrated player.
There are two ways to stop this from happen, how about FIFA closes the transfer window after the first week of August. This would allow teams to start the season with the squads that they have and not have to worry about after the second game a player handing in a transfer request. It would also allow people who like predicting the table to have a fair shot and know what they are predicting. The second thing is to allow predictions to be made after the transfer window is closed this would allow predictor to have a better idea of what they are predicting.
People don't bet on horse races until they know the horses that are racing, why not make it the same when it comes t predicting the Premier League.
Since I was a kid I always looked forward to Sports Illustrated's College Football preview issue but this year it lacks something when it comes to its competitor, ESPN Magazine.
So yesterday both magazines showed at the home office and boy is there a difference in them. First Sports Illustrated is your basic preview issue with stories on the Top 25 teams and one major feature on college football.
ESPN The Magazine took a different tack with their preview issue. Gone are the previews of the Top 25 teams, which I'm fine with, replacing them are a couple of great features. The features include: a story on coming out of the tunnel, a great feature on Bill Curry starting the Georgia State football program, and a feature on compliance officers at program. These are great stories ideas instead of your basic preview type stories. The issue also includes a photo feature on the numbers of college football including Alabama spending $3,329.95 at a Chick-fil-A in Arlington, Va before their visit to the White House to see the president after their BCS Title.
During the course of the last couple of years, Sports Illustrated as continued to do great work, but when it comes to their college football preview issues SI is starting to look like a lower BCS program while ESPN The Magazine is looking a BCS title contender. Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
So I was playing NCAA 2011 and led Miami to a 14-0 record and a win over Alabama in the Orange Bowl. At the end of the season the computer asked if I would like to accept an extension or take the Michigan job. Randy Shannon to replace Rich Rod at Michigan, I've heard some weird things and that might be the weirdest thing that I have heard. Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Went out to the mailbox and had a nice surprise, my Rutgers season tickets were waiting for me. while they are not as nice as last year, it means only one thing, the season will soon be here. Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
This was in an ESPN.com story about the Madden video game over the years. Love the ole school covers with just Madden on the cover, talk about an ego crazy person.
I always held out hope that the story would be different, but today I found out different. The Blue Heron Pines East Course (course map above), which was a favorite of mine, is never going to come back. The Press of Atlantic City reported that the course will soon be sold to a developer so housing can be built. Its such sad news. The course has been closed for the last couple of years, but I continued to hold you hope that it might reopen, but that is not going to happen.
Its rare that you see a course that has hosted a USGA event only seven years ago close. The course, which was extremely difficult, hosted the 2003 USGA Public Links. The event included such PGA Tour players as Jeff Overton annd Brandt Snedeker. The event also included countless college stars of the time including Chez Reavie. Snedeker, Nashville, Tenn., triggered by 11 birdies in 27 holes, defeated Dayton Rose, 20, of Stillwater, Okla., 10 and 9, in the 36-hole match play final.
During the last couple of years the golf industry has taken its share of hits and selling of Blue Heron East is a hard hit to take. There are few courses in the area that tested people this much, from its greens to its fairways, it was challenge and now its a challenge that will be gone forever.
First it was Jayson Hayward, then it was Mike Stanton, then Strasburg, and now Dominic Brown. What do all four have in common. These are arguably the best four prospects in baseball who have made their major league debuts this year, but besides that they have been making a ton of money for their big league clubs since the first day they walked on the field.
While people complain about the Internet, it has been a great marking tool for major league baseball when it comes to getting people ready for the next generation of stars in the game. If there was no Internet would any know about Staton or Brown, but because of it people have been able to check on them on a daily basis, which means when they came up people are wanting any type of jersey or shirt with their name on it.
The first day after Strasburg first start I order a t-shirt jersey of the stud. Despite it being the first day, the shirt was still on back order and came about five weeks later.
Then Brown made his major league debut on Wednesday night and then the fun happened. He hit an RBI double in his first at-bat, scoring Jayson Werth, and scored his first run on a fielder's choice by Wilson Valdez. He notched his second hit with a single in his third at-bat, scoring again on a double by Carlos Ruiz. So I went to the Phillies game on Thursday night and in one of the clubhouse stores there were a bunch of Brown t-shirt jerseys and people where buying them up and at $25 a piece the Phillies were making some coin.
The same thing happened to Hayward at the start of the year. Without the Internet would baseball fans be so willing to fork out money for any minor league player that comes up, I think not, but with people knowing in advance about these players they are a little more willing to spend their money and make a ton of money for their major league teams.
Back to the ballpark again, this time as the Phillies took on the Diamondbacks. It was 80's night and boy was it a blast.
Mitchell and Ness had an 80's theme display in front of the one of the club house stores
Kyle Kendrick gets ready for his start, notice the very 80's music in the background
Since it was 80's night at the ballpark, every player had a 80's themed photo. Ryan Howard meets Mr. T.
Dominic Brown gets a huge hand as he pinch hit
For all of the technology on a major league scoreboard, they still have not figured out how to keep all of the innings on the score board when it goes to extra innings.
Arthur Brown (above) was supposed to be the next great linebacker at Miami, and his brother, Bryce was supposed to be the next great running back at Tennessee, but the brothers have proven that neither will happen.
Arthur Brown came to Miami in 2008 as the type of player that would help rebuild the program, but that did not happen. After struggling as a freshman, Brown moved from his normal weak side linebacker position to the inside and flourished. But that did not make Arthur happy as he returned home to Kansas transferring to Kansas State.
Bryce (right) was supposed to join Jamal Lewis and all of the great Tennessee running backs, but that did not happen as Bryce proved to have issues from the start. On February 22, 2008, Brown chose to follow his brother and orally committed to the University of Miami.However, Brown did not sign a letter of intent on National Signing Day 2009, but instead planned to announce his decision on March 16, naming five other "finalists" despite his oral commitment to Miami: LSU, Tennessee, Oregon, USC, and Kansas State, according to wikipedia
At the time ESPN.com′s Tom Luginbill said “If I was Randy Shannon and the Miami staff, I would tell the kid and Brian Butler to go jump in a lake. I got to imagine that deep down, Miami's coaches have to be thinking, ‘This is getting ridiculous,’” according to wikipedia. Prior to his announcement, Brown paid official visits to Oregon and Clemson, and finally took an impromptu visit to Tennessee on March 13Citing an anonymous source, the Associated Press reported the University of Miami would not reissue a national letter of intent to Brown to replace the one that expired Wednesday, February 18. Brown's advisor Brian Butler told AP he was unaware those scholarship offers have an expiration date, but reiterated that Brown would not sign until March 16.According to Palm Beach Post′s Jorge Milian UM coach Shannon called Brown on Tuesday, February 17, and allegedly told him the University of Miami was no longer interested in his services. However, Brown later told Wichita Eagle that Shannon still wanted him to be a Hurricane. Due to NCAA rules, Shannon was not allowed to comment. On March 16, 2009, Brown announced at a press conference at the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame in Wichita, Kansas, that he will attend the University of Tennessee, according to wikipedia.
After leaving Miami in the dark, Bryce has done the same thing to his current school. Bryce texted new Tennessee head coach Derek Dooley to let him know that they was not returning to for this season. Ok if you want to leave, its fine, just meet with the coach like a man and then tell him, but Bryce decided to skip a scheduled meeting and just send a text, which is totally bush league. Its a good bet that Brown will now be joining his brother at Kansas State.
Sure both of these kids have a ton of talent, but sometimes someone has to put their foot down and just say it. This is out of control.
How many players are too many player well this is Manchester City squad, according to wikipedia. Now that is a large list and that does not include the possible signings of Mario Balotelli and Torres. I hope there is a plan to off load some of these player. That is just way too many players to have on one team. Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Over the course of the time, the MLS has produced a couple of players that have gone on to make an impact in different leagues around Europe. The two that come to mind the most are Clint Dempsey and Michael Bradley. But over the next couple of years that list will probably include this years #1 pick in the MLS Super Draft, Philadelphia Union's Danny Mwanga.
On Wednesday, I headed to the Linc to see Manchester United take on the Union and the one thing that stood out to me was the performance of Mwanga. In approximately, 60 minutes of work, Mwanga put pressure on the United back four. At over six foot tall Mwanga, is a force both on the ground in the air.
Coming up over the next couple of years, the league will face a choice: sell him or make him a star in this league. So far this season in his 12 appearances, Mwange has scored five goals. Mwanga is going to continue to grow and when he does some team from the Dutch League or another similar league will make a bid for the talented 19 year old and the league is going to have to make a choice. I would try to hold on and with his dual citizenship he could be in Brazil wearing the stars and stripes.
Next up at Barclay's New York Football Challenge is Manchester City vs. Sporting Lisbon.
Here are so quick thoughts: • The thing with City is very simple, they now have a huge squad. Its going to take a couple of weeks for them to all get on the same page. Which could set them back. • If Spurs are interested in Sporting Yannick Djalo the price went up a couple of million pounds with his first half performance. • Jo's purple shoes are a thing of beauty. • I don't get it, Stephen Ireland needs to play week in and week out for City. He is wasting away on the Citizens bench. Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Spurs took on the New York Red Bulls in the first game of the Barclays New York Challenge.
Here are my quick thoughts: • Henry looks like he still has it and will be great in MLS. Nice way to start for him scoring against an old North London rival. • With Croatia not making the World Cup that should give the Spurs Croatian group a nice rest and allow them to be fresh for the season. • Nice to see Modric and Henry exchange shirts after the first half. • The Red Bulls defense is not the best. • Seen Spurs twice already during the preseason and something is lack. I know its preseason but this might be a concern. Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
So OTWT Tailgating Crew headed to Philly to see their favorite club team. Manchester United took on the Philadelphia Union. The game was one of the better friendlies I have seen in the last couple of years.
The Linc looked great
United newest signing Obama, it only cost them a couple of billion in stimulus funds. United start their warm ups
Fred the Red has some fun before the match starts.
The Phillies are struggling and some moves might need to be made. While the Phils might have dealt some of their best prospects away in the Halladay deal, there are still some really good prospects sitting in Lakewood. During the course of the last month, the OTWT scouting crew has had a chance to see them here is a little report on them.
Jonathan Singleton, 1b: Might be the most valuable prospect in the system with Howard being tied to first base for the next bunch of years, Singleton might be part of any deal for a pitcher. The only issue that I saw with him was the fact that he was not the greatest athlete and a move to the outfield might not be in the cards. According to Baseball America prospects book, Singleton was the 20th ranked prospect at the start of the season.
Jiwan James: The outfielder showed great speed and defense in the time that we saw him. Reminds me a little of Eric Davis in his body type, long and lean. A project at this point in time but could be a major part of any deal if a team falls in love with him. Baseball America had him ranked as the 11th best prospect in the system.
Sebastian Valle: currently playing catcher at Lakewood, so that adds some extra value to him. Thought he did a good job handling the pitchers the time I saw him. Baseball America had him ranked as 7th best prospects in the system.
Jonathan Pettibone: This is a guy that I really like during the start that I saw he threw his fastball around 93 mph with good movement. While not ranked by Baseball America, he could be a steal for a team looking for another good arm in a deal.
The BlueClaws also feature pitchers Brody Colvin and Jarred Cosart, who are both ranked in the top 15 in the system, that could be part of any deal. The day we saw the BlueClaws the scouts were out looking hard at all members of the team.
Yesterday we focused on United and Celtic, today is Spurs and San Jose.
• Love the Spurs retro jersey look.
• With the gray hairs, Robbie Keane is starting to look like Steven Cohen or World Football Daily.
• Why do I think that I'm watching one of Keane's final games with Spurs.
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During the course of the next six week OTWT will be breaking down the as many friendlies as we can. We start with United and Celtic in Toronto.
• Oberton needs to play more. He has the skills but needs more seasoning. • Love the United kids back line of the de Silva twins, Smalling, and Evans. Now if that is something to look forward to. • I know its preseason, but Celtic do not look like a good team at all. If I'm Rangers, I'm not that worried in the. SPL. • Wow Berba actually showed some effort in this one good to see. He showed the skill that he has with several moves during the match. • Diouf might not get a lot of first team chances but with a loan spell he may be something good. • On a tv note, I love listen to Kyle Martino on the radio during the World Cup and he did another great job today. He might be a real star on tv.
Tomorrow at some point we will running the microscope over Spurs and San Jose game. Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
I was driving home from work yesterday, listening to my XM Radio and found a familar voices come on, former ESPN analist and Mets GM Steve Phillips. Instead of working for one of the best best networks on tv or running a major market baseball team, Phillips is now the co-host of a fantasy baseball show on XM Radio's Fantasy Sports Radio, now that is a long fall. After working with the greatest of the game he is now working with such great personalities as Anita Marks and Matt Camps, now that is big time.
The fall from grace started, on October 21, 2009 when it was revealed that Phillips had been involved in an affair with a 22-year-old ESPN production assistant. After an initial suspension by ESPN, Phillips was fired by the company on October 25, 2009.
While some people think Phillips is a hack on TV, I was always in the other camp. I thought that he was a fun to listen to and one of the better ESPN guys. Its just surprising to see fall this far.
One of the best things about the Champions League Playoff Round is seeing all of the different kits from teams that are not usually on TV.
