Hiroki Kuroda is now a member of the New York Yankees, going to the Bronx for a reported $10 million for one year per ESPN. He will be missed.
On September 27, I wrote this about Kuroda heading into what was his final start as a Dodger:
Kuroda hasn't yet made his decision whether to come back to the Dodgers or return to Japan. He has been a very good pitcher in his four years in Los Angeles, and is a player who not only wants to win but wants to win as a Dodger. It would be great to have Kuroda back for another season, but if tonight is it, thanks for everything Hiroki.
Ned Colletti managed to turn a Kuroda decision of "Dodgers or Japan" which was heavily slanted toward returning to Los Angeles into "neither" through his flurry of two-year deals for mediocrities this offseason.
Who would you rather have?
The Dodgers made their choice. I think they chose poorly.
0 recs | 511 comments
The Colletti Legacy
Stockpiling replacement level players at the expense of better players and counting on a career year from them.
The bonus is year 2 of the contract!
Mel Gibson's Liver - January 14, 2012
Slight correction:
Stockpiling aging* replacement level players (who will get hurt anyway).
Ned is an idiot wrapped in a moron inside a buffoon.
The Dude Abides - January 14, 2012
As the Buffoon in residence, I take offense to calling Ned a Buffoon. That man is just plain incompotent.
Grimjack - January 14, 2012
He’s nincompoopotent :)
The Dude Abides - January 14, 2012
Last Dodgers pitcher coming off a 200-inning season to sign as a free agent with the Yankees was Tommy John in 1979.
Last Dodgers pitcher coming off a 200-inning season to go to the Yankees was Kevin Brown, who was traded after 2003 season.
Eric Stephen - January 14, 2012
36-year old Tommy John won 21 games and finished second in the AL CYA balloting in 1979, and won 22 games in 1980.
Eric Stephen - January 14, 2012
You could even keep Hairston (whom I like and think will be solid) and just scrap Rivera and half of Capang. Pay Kuroda $7 million in 2012 and backload a $3M-$5M signing bonus on next year’s books.
Ned talked about being creative; this would have worked and also given Sands a legit starting job.
silverwidow - January 14, 2012
This I suspect is exactly why it wasn’t done. Ned has a pathological fear of youth.
EMDarrow - January 14, 2012
Even when that youth (Gordon, Sands, De La Rosa, Sellers, Eovaldi, Jansen, Guerra, Elbert, Lindblom) bails out the crappy team of veterans that he assembled in 2011 and salvages the season. So he just doubles and triples down on more crappy veteran free agents in the off season who are even older than the crappy ones he signed in the previous off season.
The Dude Abides - January 14, 2012
Just wait until Roy Oswalt takes less than Kuroda did.
regfairfield - January 14, 2012
Ned make booboo.
But really, the markets for Hairston, Rivera, Harang, and Capuono were so strong, and the players so irreplaceable, that we HAD to move early on them.
UCLADodger32 - January 14, 2012
Was Kuroda asking for $10M back at the time before the Dodgers signed Capuano? If Capuano wasn’t such a fly ball pitcher, I’d call it a push.
Xeifrank - January 14, 2012
He was asking for 13m. Or at least that was how the speculation was going.
DodgerofTrolleys - January 14, 2012
If that’s the case, then that is the number you have to go by, not the $10M. I have no proof of this of course, but I got the feeling that this offseason knowing he was selling the team, McCourt gave Colletti the marching orders to fill out his roster as much as possible without any long term free agent contracts that could bog the team down financially and to do it ASAP.
Xeifrank - January 14, 2012
Just bog 'em down for the next year or two
DodgerofTrolleys - January 14, 2012
Right. Low risk, low reward. I think we have to herald the Matt Kemp extension though.
Xeifrank - January 14, 2012
Low risk I’d think as more of a kind of 5m deal,1-2 years, rather than 8m
DodgerofTrolleys - January 14, 2012
I guess it is all relative to what was doable at the time.
Xeifrank - January 14, 2012
Except the person who tied Ned’s hands was himself. A lot of the players he signed (Juan Rivera, Harang, Capuano, etc.) could have been replaced by players in the minors right now.
Ned signed early because that’s what he wanted to do.
Tripon - January 14, 2012
And because he's dumber than a box of rocks
The Dude Abides - January 14, 2012
Yawn
Pure Azure - January 14, 2012 via Android app
Hey, a box of rocks wouldn't have signed Rivera and Harang
Taylor Maricle - January 14, 2012
I only trust rocks as pets
Pure Azure - January 14, 2012
Try coffee :)
The Dude Abides - January 14, 2012
Who in the minors
Q: Would post a 7.88 K/9 and 2.61 BB/9?
A: Nobody.
Xeifrank - January 14, 2012
I assume you’re talking about Aaron Harang, and he hasn’t reached those totals in three years. Not even in Petco Park.
Tripon - January 14, 2012
No. No I’m not.
Xeifrank - January 14, 2012
Then who are you talking about?
Tripon - January 14, 2012
One of these.
Xeifrank - January 14, 2012
Is that really worth 2 years/10 million with a 6 million option?
Tripon - January 14, 2012
Could he be easily replaced by someone in the minors?
Xeifrank - January 14, 2012
Did I say easily replaced?
But could a pitcher like Nathan Eolvadi could approximately provide the same value of a Harang or Capuano, and still have enough money to sign Kuroda or Fielder?
Let me put it this way, do I think Eolvadi can produce a 1.4 WAR, than yes, I think he can over a full course of the season.
Tripon - January 14, 2012
This has been Jim Tracy theater, starring Tripon.
EMDarrow - January 14, 2012
Am I laughing out loud right now?
kinbote - January 14, 2012
Not right now
I don’t mind Cap, it’s the “ang” part that irks me.
Pure Azure - January 14, 2012
I just wonder if the front office felt they couldn’t keep getting more career years out of a 37 year old Kuroda.
hee came hee seop'd he choi'd - January 14, 2012 via mobile
Perfectly reasonable until you add “so I will sign Aaron Harang instead”.
regfairfield - January 14, 2012
"for two years"
Taylor Maricle - January 14, 2012
Good luck Hiroki!
DodgerofTrolleys - January 14, 2012
Good luck Hiroki, you will be missed.
With that being said I would like to sent a hearty GDGFY to Ned Colletti. Yes Ned we know that Aaron H had a winning record last year, but he had also got to face the Dodgers line up and that helped. I don’t think that Aaron or Chris will be able to keep games close like Hiro did. Chris is 5 innings and a clowd of runs style pitcher that will run our bullpen ragged. He has higher BAA the deeper that he goes into games. I hear rumors that the Redsox may be kicking the tires on the Night Stalker, so we need to look at who is available to start on the cheap. We could see some of the kids that are down on the farm being brought up due in part to the lemon party that Ned seems to want to hold this season.
Grimjack - January 14, 2012
Google warning lol
The Dude Abides - January 14, 2012
Good times for a change
See, the luck I’ve had
Can make a good man
Turn bad
So please please please
Let me, let me, let me
Let me get what I want
This time
kinbote - January 14, 2012
A little Moz for the soul.
Grimjack - January 14, 2012
Lord knows it would be the first time
Josie Becker - January 14, 2012
I like Bobby V.
http://yankees.lhblogs.com/
kinbote - January 14, 2012
Nicely said, Bobby!
But if we’re going to use logic, then this whole blog might wither and die. Emotion seems to be the rule here.
iiidown - January 14, 2012
Non-Roster Invitee chances
Josh Fields
John Grabow
Josh Bard
Anyone else?
Joey Joe - January 14, 2012
I invite you to look at the right side of your screen just below the pay roll you should see a list of non roster invitees.
Grimjack - January 14, 2012
Throw in Ledezma/Castillo as possible LHP
Eric Stephen - January 14, 2012
When we do roster predictions again, Grabow and Fields will probably be on my list.
JB 8 - January 14, 2012
I know nothing about Fields other than Phil talks about him sometimes. What’s his deal? [Fields]
kinbote - January 14, 2012
Former prospect that kinda flamed out. Bigtime power but rarely makes use of it. His one semi-full season he hit .244/.308/.480 with 23 HRs. He’s also a 3B in name only because he’s a pretty terrible one if WAR is to be believed.
EMDarrow - January 14, 2012
Plays the corners. RH bat with some pop. Had a decent rookie season for White Sox in 07, but struggled next two years. May have had an injury, but not positive. Played For KC last year and had a .810 OPS, but only 50 PA. I think he gets a good look as a RH bench option with some pop.
JB 8 - January 14, 2012
Sorry
The KC numbers are from 2010. Didn’t play in MLB last season.
JB 8 - January 14, 2012
Now I remember. Former White Sox 3b prospect.
kinbote - January 14, 2012
B-Pro decided to unlock their archives to everyone. This is Kevin Goldstein's prospect list for the Dodgers 2011 farm system
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=10024
Tripon - January 14, 2012
That is from February 2010
Eric Stephen - January 14, 2012
Tripon, Triponed himself?
Josie Becker - January 14, 2012
[head explodes]
Eric Stephen - January 14, 2012
oops
Tripon - January 14, 2012
Withrow being a 5 star should’ve given it away.
kinbote - January 14, 2012
I would've thought
Kenley Jansen being 2 stars was enough.
*repost from above
JackduhSun - January 14, 2012
agreed Eric
Ned chose……poorly
Tommy Blackjack - January 14, 2012 via iPhone app
I feel like Ned tried to use statistics and ended up being that kid in second grade that thought 1+1=11
Taylor Maricle - January 14, 2012
So ned then would be Ralph Wiggum and not
Clancy Wiggum.
Grimjack - January 14, 2012
“Hahahahahaha. Look at his nose.”
Eric Stephen - January 14, 2012
Ned’s just playing Wiggle Puppy
Tommy Blackjack - January 14, 2012 via iPhone app
I would've thought Kenley Jansen
being a 2 star would have…
JackduhSun - January 14, 2012
woops sorry! Wrong post
JackduhSun - January 14, 2012
Pierre Thomas
Got knocked the F out
Tommy Blackjack - January 14, 2012 via iPhone app
looks like some hitting going on in San Francisco.
Eric Stephen - January 14, 2012
I could be your Hiro baby
I think we need to replace the “There goes my Hiro” meme
JLS23 - January 14, 2012
We Don't Need Another Hiro ?
Wait, that doesn’t work. How about some Bowie? “We could be Hiros, just for one day”?
David Young - January 14, 2012 via iPhone app
We can be Hiros
just for 10 million
Pure Azure - January 14, 2012
Hard to imagine a better start for the 49ers.
Eric Stephen - January 14, 2012
Indeed
Tommy Blackjack - January 14, 2012 via iPhone app
or a worse start
For the Saints
Tommy Blackjack - January 14, 2012 via iPhone app
I loved them with the points
Too bad I didn’t act upon it with my bookie connections
Pure Azure - January 14, 2012
I think the Saints were getting heavily bet in Vegas on this one. Glad I don’t bet NFL.
Xeifrank - January 14, 2012
Live betting.. currently has the 49ers as 10 point favorites. They were something like 3 point dogs before the game.
Xeifrank - January 14, 2012
I wish I had the balls to bet on sports. Seems like alot of fun, but im too chicken shit to lose.
uschris0304 - January 14, 2012
You can just do little bets. It really adds a new dimension to watching a game. Especially if you are sweating out weird stuff like over/unders. But it kind of kills fandom if you take it too seriously.
Xeifrank - January 14, 2012
you probably dont remember but I told you dont count out the 9ers Eric. Never count out defense.
uschris0304 - January 14, 2012
defense wins championships, though im not saying 9ers will win the championship
uschris0304 - January 14, 2012
The Saints are like the opposite of the cattle in Firefly. They see sun and forget who they are. #twitter
Josie Becker - January 14, 2012
nice
Tommy Blackjack - January 14, 2012 via iPhone app
We never new the real budget
In an October 19 article on ESPN it was reported that the Dodger budget could go up or down and might even be higher than last year-then came the Divorce settlement. It is my belief and the fact that Ned does like to budget shop, he never really committed to Kuroda nd when the budget changed he was screwed. Also buy the fact that Kuroda saw he had one year left and wanted to try and go out a winner.
In the end Ned saw that he could get two cheap items, rather than one good one Cap and Harrang and that is what he did…..Some say divorce can be the gift that keeps on giving-wonder how many years we will have to suffer.
wineracquet - January 14, 2012
I wonder if she shops the 99 cent store
JLS23 - January 14, 2012
i meant he
fruedian slip. ned is like a woman who impulse shops. do men impulse shop?
JLS23 - January 14, 2012
-
I find that Syphilis is also the gift that keeps on giving.
Grimjack - January 14, 2012
They needed that TD
Tommy Blackjack - January 14, 2012 via iPhone app
"The Dodgers made their choice. I think they chose poorly."
Amen, Eric, amen. I look forward to Ned defending this next winter when he’s a part-time commentator for the MLB Network.
Little Blue Bicycle - January 14, 2012
49ers going to end up getting blown out
Joey Joe - January 14, 2012
I highly doubt it
Pure Azure - January 14, 2012
Good call on SF. I remember your saying it. Honesty one of the best NFL games I’ve ever witnessed.
kinbote - January 14, 2012
well lookey here
We got ourselves a football game
Tommy Blackjack - January 14, 2012 via iPhone app
you had to know the onslaught was coming
nolander - January 14, 2012
sure
But would it be in time? Turns out yes
Tommy Blackjack - January 14, 2012 via iPhone app
goddamnit crabtree
nolander - January 14, 2012
nice throw brees
NOT!
nolander - January 14, 2012
Nice interception there
VegasBlues - January 14, 2012
the niners just might be good at this defense thing
Josie Becker - January 14, 2012
maybe
but their pass d is pretty middle of the road by ypg. turnovers I’m sure they are good at though. Teams might just throw at them a lot because they stop the run so well
nolander - January 14, 2012
I think that has a lot to do with it. Nobody could run on them so why even bother trying. Their pass defense has looked above average at least when I have watched them. I usually found other games to watch though.
VegasBlues - January 14, 2012
Being +4 on turnovers and only up 3 points is nuts
Joey Joe - January 14, 2012
thats just how good the saints offense is
the niners are a top d.
nolander - January 14, 2012
make that +3
thats a bad 49er turnover
Joey Joe - January 14, 2012
5 turnovers for the Saints!
Joey Joe - January 14, 2012
i like the niners jerseys
nolander - January 14, 2012
it’s a great shade of red, no clutter, and obviously they sell well
Josie Becker - January 14, 2012
So do some at the Moonlight Bunny ranch……
Grimjack - January 14, 2012
the difference between whoring and merchandising is [redacted]
Josie Becker - January 14, 2012
good football so far
now lets have a good 2nd half for once
nolander - January 14, 2012
hanging
Out at my favorite South Bay sports bar, Mr. Pockets in Manhattan Beach
bhsportsguy - January 14, 2012 via iPhone app
Would a new owner move spring training back to Vero Beach?
Any chance of this happening?
Has Camelback been a success?
Joey Joe - January 14, 2012
No chance
VegasBlues - January 14, 2012
right
Why move away from the fan base?
Tommy Blackjack - January 14, 2012 via iPhone app
Play hard to get
Pure Azure - January 14, 2012
Still plenty of Dodger fans in Florida.
Plus, the fans that are close to Arizona can see them all year regardless.
Joey Joe - January 14, 2012
modern facility in Camelback
Tommy Blackjack - January 14, 2012 via iPhone app
Camelback Ranch was paid by Glendale, Arizona. Its a free stadium to them.
Tripon - January 14, 2012
which is pretty much
How all the new spring training sites work. I enjoy going there and it offers fans a great experience,
bhsportsguy - January 14, 2012 via iPhone app
Actually
there really isn’t that many Dodger fans left. As I recall, Dodgers didn’t draw that well the last several years in Vero.
EMDarrow - January 14, 2012
Camelback
Is something McCourt did right
bhsportsguy - January 14, 2012 via iPhone app
Camelback is such a new facility that there's really no reason at all to move back.
Taylor Maricle - January 14, 2012
These turnovers make me believe the Saints are the take.
Joey Joe - January 14, 2012
Fucking Crabtree
Pure Azure - January 14, 2012
This game could use
a jar of Stickum
Josie Becker - January 14, 2012
As a child of ten
I saw the inside of Candlestick Park probably more than any NFL stadium. Soft spot for the Niners
Josie Becker - January 14, 2012
my Dad went there once for a Dodger/Giant game
In the 60s. Said it was unbelievably cold, and the game had to be delayed due to fog. Also said Frank Howard hit a home run over the CF fence.
Tommy Blackjack - January 14, 2012 via iPhone app
Niners showing they were no fluke this year
They’re a balanced and very well-coached team, and physical. With NO flying (nearly) cross-country and playing outside, and the Niners being disrespected by the oddsmakers, I could see this coming.
Now just finish the job, SF.
Pure Azure - January 14, 2012
I hope ya'll are rooting against the 49ers on principle.
Taylor Maricle - January 14, 2012
Saints lead
Tommy Blackjack - January 14, 2012 via iPhone app
not for long
nolander - January 14, 2012
GREAT CALL
nolander - January 14, 2012
I’ve been calling for them to roll out Smith all game…guess they were saving it
Pure Azure - January 14, 2012
tebow who?
nolander - January 14, 2012
harbaugh makes lots of faces
nolander - January 14, 2012
And all of them are angry
Tommy Blackjack - January 14, 2012 via iPhone app
haha
so true
nolander - January 14, 2012
49ers lead
Pure Azure - January 14, 2012
Hell of a play
Tommy Blackjack - January 14, 2012 via iPhone app
black zukumbo howie was a bad call
nolander - January 14, 2012
hurry up and end this niners
I need to move from watching football on my couch to watching football on someone elses couch
nolander - January 14, 2012
oh for fucks sake
nolander - January 14, 2012
WOW!!!
Tommy Blackjack - January 14, 2012 via iPhone app
Jimmy Graham is a beast
Joey Joe - January 14, 2012
why does that always work on 2 point conversions
nolander - January 14, 2012
And got the 2
Tommy Blackjack - January 14, 2012 via iPhone app
willis fail
nolander - January 14, 2012
This game is insane.
That is all.
Eric Stephen - January 14, 2012
truth
kinbote - January 14, 2012
Niners got greedy on D
Pure Azure - January 14, 2012
#31** went
Pure Azure - January 14, 2012
watcha talkin bout willis
nolander - January 14, 2012
Joc Pederson, still hoping for 49ers win. He just tweeted:
Eric Stephen - January 14, 2012
Saints got SMITH'D
Pure Azure - January 14, 2012
HAHAHAHAHA
Pure Azure - January 14, 2012
WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEW
nolander - January 14, 2012
vernon davis is a mutant
nolander - January 14, 2012
LOL. Another big play
Eric Stephen - January 14, 2012
Go for the end zone once
Pure Azure - January 14, 2012
take a shot at davis in the end zone
just do it
nolander - January 14, 2012
please no overtime
nolander - January 14, 2012
called it!
nolander - January 14, 2012
Holy shit
Eric Stephen - January 14, 2012
What a game
Tommy Blackjack - January 14, 2012 via iPhone app
Top that, Tebow
Pure Azure - January 14, 2012
Quick score for NE
Tommy Blackjack - January 14, 2012 via iPhone app
Well that was a fun game to watch. I think I’d be happy if this game is half as good as that last game.
VegasBlues - January 14, 2012
Tebow being Tebow
Another fumble for him
VegasBlues - January 14, 2012
Kuroda not being apart of LA's future
sad to say. :( Will miss Kuroda. Always wanted to get a Dodger Kuroda shirt.
Side note, are the Dodgers in pursuit of Prince Fielder?
JackduhSun - January 14, 2012
more
likely they sign Prince William
bhsportsguy - January 14, 2012 via iPhone app
(need Josie for a British joke)
Tommy Blackjack - January 14, 2012 via iPhone app
She’s in the can.
kinbote - January 14, 2012
Instant Poll
Should I drag my tired ass off the daybed and go watch the UFC fights at my father-in-law’s?
kinbote - January 14, 2012
Nope
but you should watch Lakers/Clippers
Eric Stephen - January 14, 2012
Is that tonight?
kinbote - January 14, 2012
go watch the fights
Ya lazy so and so
Tommy Blackjack - January 14, 2012 via iPhone app
I really should. I’m waiting for a sign.
kinbote - January 14, 2012
you have it
I hath spoken
Tommy Blackjack - January 14, 2012 via iPhone app
word
kinbote - January 14, 2012
Jesus
Four lead changes in the last four minutes in that SF/NO game.
kinbote - January 14, 2012
The O/U for a Patriots/Packers Super Bowl may be a record high.
Joey Joe - January 14, 2012
Live Vegas odds are, Pats are 34.5 point favorites at half time.
Xeifrank - January 14, 2012
This Brady fella is good.
VegasBlues - January 14, 2012
mercy rule
Brady’s on pace for 10 td passes and 492 yards.
Joey Joe - January 14, 2012
The Niner game
Was the funnest game I’ve seen in awhile. And with Tebow losing his wings, an overall good day of football.
mleadman - January 14, 2012
Oregon’s Darron Thomas declares for NFL Draft
Wha???
He graduates in the spring so he’ll at least have a degree. I see no way in hell he gets drafted though.
This should help USC’s PAC 12 title chances even more.
VegasBlues - January 14, 2012
An 80-foot shot at the buzzer to win by a point? Thanks, NAIA (no, it’s not that Georgetown)
Eric Stephen - January 14, 2012
Verdell Jones did the exact same thing in junior high.
Joey Joe - January 14, 2012
sick knockout
To start the UFC show
Tommy Blackjack - January 14, 2012 via iPhone app
Watched it. Thanks for the push. Some interesting results.
kinbote - January 15, 2012
couple of great KOs
I think that DQ will be overturned
Tommy Blackjack - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
Lakers @ Clippers
Hope Joe enjoys the game.
Xeifrank - January 14, 2012
I don’t care how many 40-point games he has, Kobe shoots the ball too damn much for the Lakers to win sustainably and for my enjoyment of the game.
Bynum is underutilized.
Pure Azure - January 14, 2012
not disagreeing
But Bynum also needs to prove himself more against double teams
Tommy Blackjack - January 14, 2012 via iPhone app
Clippers look way fresher…first game since Wed.
Lakers 4th game in 5 nights.
Joey Joe - January 14, 2012
yup
Tommy Blackjack - January 14, 2012 via iPhone app
Kobe
Is soon to be the 5th leading scorer of all time. Scorers shoot the ball a lot. He will probably retire as the 3rd leading scorer behind Karl Malone and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
He is probably the best player of his generation and he won’t be replaced when he is gone.
bhsportsguy - January 14, 2012 via iPhone app
Damn Straight!!!
Tommy Blackjack - January 14, 2012 via iPhone app
i think kobe will break the all time record
if he averages 22/per game, he’d only need 6 more seasons or so.
Joey Joe - January 14, 2012
Only 6 more seasons?
Eric Stephen - January 14, 2012
kareem and malone played till they were 41 and 40
kobe would be 39
Joey Joe - January 14, 2012
All about mileage. Not as easy as it sounds.
Eric Stephen - January 14, 2012
it's incredibly hard
Tommy Blackjack - January 14, 2012 via iPhone app
he’s this new millenium’s Jordan, but Jordan had a way better PR department.
Josie Becker - January 14, 2012
Jordan was a prick who invented slights against him to drive him forward. They are one.
G.Scott - January 15, 2012
no one is doubting his talent
but you’re not beating good teams on a consistent basis with this Laker offense. I’m watching the Clipper broadcast on NBA TV and they can’t believe how the Lakers are wasting the presence of Bynum and Gasol. Even when the bigs get the ball they’re getting them in the wrong spots.
Pure Azure - January 14, 2012
Clipper broadcasters bad mouthing the Lakers
I am shocked. Shocked I say!
Tommy Blackjack - January 14, 2012 via iPhone app
they were very fair
Like they have a history of doing that? C’mon, take off the Laker blinders
Pure Azure - January 14, 2012
they aren't on
I’m just not putting the loss on Kobe
Tommy Blackjack - January 14, 2012 via iPhone app
fatigue probably has more to do with it tonight
but I hope the Mike Brown offense consists of more than “let Kobe do whatever the hell he wants”
Pure Azure - January 14, 2012
Too much excuses
Clipper have a better overall roster. It’s not that hard to believe is it?
JackduhSun - January 14, 2012
Clippers are good, but I’m talking about the Lakers maximizing their roster.
Pure Azure - January 15, 2012 via Android app
agree bynum needs more touches
but Pau went 7-17 tonight.
He’s not a difference maker anymore.
Joey Joe - January 14, 2012
yeah but he's not Dirk
he shouldn’t be shooting 20 footers
Pure Azure - January 14, 2012
Bob Nightengale
Eric Stephen - January 14, 2012
A’s or D-backs
Tommy Blackjack - January 14, 2012 via iPhone app
Dodgers in a stunner. Colon’s the new GM
Tripon - January 14, 2012
Dude barely speaks English and he’s still an upgrade over Ned.
EMDarrow - January 14, 2012
What could possibly go wrong with a Bartolo Colon physical?
kinbote - January 15, 2012
alex smith
nolander - January 14, 2012
chris paul
nolander - January 14, 2012
is out
with a strained left hamstring.
Xeifrank - January 14, 2012
Dodgers Spring Training Reporting dates:
Pitchers & catchers: Wednesday, Feb. 22 (38 days)
Full Squad: Tuesday, Feb. 28 (45 days)
iiidown - January 15, 2012
Both about a week later than usual (recently). Regular season also starts later this year, I guess.
berkowit28 - January 15, 2012
Sundays with Monday off rule.
kinbote - January 15, 2012
Good return by the Texans
Tommy Blackjack - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
Oh Jacoby Jones
Pure Azure - January 15, 2012 via Android app
Dumbpants
Tommy Blackjack - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
so much for containing foster
nolander - January 15, 2012
Gio Gonzalez
Gets a 5 year extension from the Nats, not bad.
Tommy Blackjack - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
fieeeeeeeeeeeelder
nolander - January 15, 2012
holy crap
Great play by Foster
Tommy Blackjack - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
hooray
It’s a game again
Tommy Blackjack - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
without that jacoby fumble
texans are outplaying the ravens
nolander - January 15, 2012
this team NEVER quits
NEVER. <3 kubiak
nolander - January 15, 2012
Foster is so, so good.
fbihop - January 15, 2012
the record for rushing yards againt the ravens in the playoffs
WAS 91. It is now 95, at the half
nolander - January 15, 2012
I want a 49ers/Texans Super Bowl as a nice big FU to the national media. Great defense.
silverwidow - January 15, 2012
so say we all
nolander - January 15, 2012
and then the media
Gets two weeks to hype up that match.
bhsportsguy - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
My point is that the media won’t have anyone to blow for two weeks. Would be nice.
silverwidow - January 15, 2012
yeah cause if there’s one thing media types are terrible about, is finding a storyline and writing and producing TV segments about it
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
That’s the one match-up that has the least superficial shit going for it. It’s all about the football and the defense and the running games. Old school, which is what I like.
silverwidow - January 15, 2012
Old School like Joe Namath in People magazine? or old school like Jim McMahon doing the Super Bowl shuffle?
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
How so?
You have a Texans team who had never made the playoffs before this year. Nope, can’t come up with a story there. They also have one of the 5 best WR’s in the game and one of the 5 best RB’s in the game (who wasn’t even drafted). There are stories everywhere with the Texans.
And the 49ers? Really? With their history?
Neither team gets the hype that the teams on the East coast get right now but believe me you’ll be just as sick of hearing about them as you would be any other team in football after the 2 weeks of hype leading up to it.
VegasBlues - January 15, 2012
Alex Smith redemption,.
fbihop - January 15, 2012
foster
and AJ would get blown hard
nolander - January 15, 2012
just so we’re clear, when you and silver say nat’l media, you mean ESPN
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
SI is a thing
so is NFLN. So is CNN Fox News etc. They do do some coverage of sports.
nolander - January 15, 2012
it’s not NFLN doing entire episodes dedicated to Tebow. I’ve never SI go completely all in on one figure, tough to write a 2000 word article that’s just fluffy praise
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
it
Would be the coaches and 2 QBs you would not expect to be in the Super Bowl.
bhsportsguy - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
It would be the 2 best RB’s and 2 best defenses though.
VegasBlues - January 15, 2012
I saw more than one article yesterday comparing Alex Smith to Joe Montana. This is what happens.
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
Patriots/Packers…i want the best teams playing
Joey Joe - January 15, 2012
You mean you want the best passing offenses.
VegasBlues - January 15, 2012
Best teams left going by point differentials
Joey Joe - January 15, 2012
I'm with you
That game would be epic. I want a 56-52 game. Lol
Ivdown - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
sounds boring
nolander - January 15, 2012
Last five minutes of that Saints/49ers game was some of the most exciting football I can remember.
fbihop - January 15, 2012
An entire game of that might not be all that fun though.
VegasBlues - January 15, 2012
The Rose Bowl was awesome
Eric Stephen - January 15, 2012
I completely lost interest at the half
nolander - January 15, 2012
I like defensive football. Nonstop scoring like that just isn’t my cup of tea. I’d take it over a sloppy game and many other outcomes though.
VegasBlues - January 15, 2012
mystery solved
Colon going to the A’s
Tommy Blackjack - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
Moneyball
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
Anatomically correct
mleadman - January 15, 2012
the new market inefficiency
stem-cell retreads
Pure Azure - January 15, 2012
Nice one-handed catch by Evans.
VegasBlues - January 15, 2012
Gotta go for it.
A TD probably wins the game
Joey Joe - January 15, 2012
4TH DOWN STOP
silverwidow - January 15, 2012
Rice has been getting stuffed all day long. Should have kicked the FG and put your team up by a TD.
VegasBlues - January 15, 2012
Would have flipped field position though, and Houston needs a TD anyway.
Joey Joe - January 15, 2012
You get 3 points and the field position wouldn’t be but 20 yards.
With a good defense and struggling offense I believe in putting points on the board whenever you get the opportunity.
VegasBlues - January 15, 2012
Those 3 plays plus the touchback on the punt just made my point for me. There goes that “Field position” in 4 plays and they don’t even have the 3 points to show for it. With Flacco at QB and Rice getting nothing on the ground you score when you can.
VegasBlues - January 15, 2012
If you’re going to go for it on 4th down, then have Rice leap over the LB who’s attacking him low and extend the ball over the plane of the goal with his arm. Would have been a TD, and if he loses the ball it’s either already a TD or Houston takes over possession anyway.
The Dude Abides - January 15, 2012
would it?
he got hit high AND low there. and rice is like 2 feet tall.
nolander - January 15, 2012
goddamnit turk
I miss our awesome rookie kicker
nolander - January 15, 2012
Guitar Hero to Twins
Joel Zumaya has agreed to a deal with Minnesota
Eric Stephen - January 15, 2012
How was that not PI?
VegasBlues - January 15, 2012
bang bang
but he maybe got there early
nolander - January 15, 2012
did I mention I lov JJ watt
nolander - January 15, 2012
JJ
WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTTTT
Tommy Blackjack - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
killwatt
nolander - January 15, 2012
*killawatt
nolander - January 15, 2012
great
Punt coverage is Baltimore’s highlight today
bhsportsguy - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
Ray Lewis is still real smart. He might have lost a step or two (or four), but he’s still got his brain.
VegasBlues - January 15, 2012
Ray
Freaking Lewis
bhsportsguy - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
Yates is playing like a rookie today.
VegasBlues - January 15, 2012
I do not want that quarterback in the Super Bowl
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
Inconsistent for sure. Still better than Tebow, though!
fbihop - January 15, 2012
Where have the Texans TE’s disappeared to today? You would think they would have been much more involved in the gameplan.
VegasBlues - January 15, 2012
take away that fumble
and ugh
nolander - January 15, 2012
That pass call was dumb.
VegasBlues - January 15, 2012
That was worse…
VegasBlues - January 15, 2012
AJ
nolander - January 15, 2012
Yates has done enough to supplant Leinart as #2 i think going into next year
Joey Joe - January 15, 2012
ok maybe not that was horrible
Joey Joe - January 15, 2012
typical heart attack texans
are we sure its 2011 and not 2009 or 2010?
nolander - January 15, 2012
Yates is horrible
VegasBlues - January 15, 2012
Bad, bad throw by Yates again.
fbihop - January 15, 2012
awful decision making by Yates
Ivdown - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
That was just a bad decision.
I dont think a perfect throw could have made that a completed pass..he was covered by 2 guys
Joey Joe - January 15, 2012
He’s been throwing into double and triple coverage a lot today. Two of the times lead to interceptions. There were a few more interceptions that were dropped as well.
VegasBlues - January 15, 2012
just like Alabama and LSU, rave about the defense all you want, but this is some awful quarterback play
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
Its a rookie QB against the best secondary in the league
it sucks but it is what it is.
nolander - January 15, 2012
then why have that rookie QB go deep against the second best secondary in the league?
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
because its within 2 minutes and you have to score a TD
what are we supposed to do, take a knee? plus, andre johnson
nolander - January 15, 2012
an out pattern, like they just ran
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
and the one that Yates couldn’t hit just now
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
2 minutes and 2 TO’s left
There was plenty of time. They could have ran the ball if they had wanted to.
VegasBlues - January 15, 2012
Just what I was gonna write.
fbihop - January 15, 2012
and now Yates goes for the hail mary rather than trying to get a new set of downs. Sure.
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
get a new set of downs
and then watch the clock run out, yay.
nolander - January 15, 2012
sidelines are a thing
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
I rewound and rewatched
there was a guy spying yates. No way he gets the 2 yards and to the sidelines
nolander - January 15, 2012
I’m fine with that last call. At best you get a new set of downs so that you can do the same thing a play later.
VegasBlues - January 15, 2012
with no check down receiver? It seemed a bit premature to go all in
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
josie they have no more time outs
and almost no time left. This is what happens in those situations. You act like you have never watched a team try to score with 40 seconds left before.
nolander - January 15, 2012
“The band is out on the field!!!!”
Tommy Blackjack - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
It may have been but it would have just been delaying the inevitable by a play or two.
VegasBlues - January 15, 2012
i'm not going to be upset
at wanting to take a shot at AJ in the end zone. I’m just not
nolander - January 15, 2012
In that situation I would be. There was just no need to go for it right there. Not into double coverage with Ed Reed being one of the guys in coverage. Too much time on the clock. Run your normal offense. If need be go for a play like that later on.
VegasBlues - January 15, 2012
Our normal offense involves taking deep shots at andre
nolander - January 15, 2012
A rookie throwing into double coverage (especially when one of those guys is playing incredibly deep to begin with) shouldn’t be part of any game plan. It can be part of a game plan against different coverages but not that one.
VegasBlues - January 15, 2012
its like you never have watched a texans game before
throwing picks into 2 or 3 man coverage on andre johnson is a staple of our offense. Yates learned well from Schuab.
nolander - January 15, 2012
That doesn’t mean it should be part of the game plan.
And honestly I don’t watch that many Texans games that don’t involve the Titans.
VegasBlues - January 15, 2012
that was humour
with a u. Schuab is known for throwing one wtf pick every game, usually when forcing it to AJ with 3 guys covering him.
nolander - January 15, 2012
It’s been real, nolander
Julio Nievas - January 15, 2012
its rough
and its even rougher when you can say that other then that stupid fumble, I think this game has been completely even. UGH.
nolander - January 15, 2012
You think Yates will be on the roster next season?
Julio Nievas - January 15, 2012
absolutely
he is our backup QB going into the year next year.. Why should one bad game agaisnt the best secondary in the league change that?
nolander - January 15, 2012
Because I know nothing about the Texans and just wondering how good he was.
Julio Nievas - January 15, 2012
he has played very well for a rookie
he led us to wins against the bengals twice and the falcons. He has a ton of potential. He may never get there, but I like what i’ve seen this far.
nolander - January 15, 2012
Don’t get carried away, now.
Rookie had a bad game against an elite defense on the road in the playoffs.
fbihop - January 15, 2012
Kinda pisses me off though because the Texans seemed like they had a good season…then go to shit for inadequate QB play from a 3rd stringer. C’est la vie in the NFL I guess..
Julio Nievas - January 15, 2012
we missed our punter almost as much today
and mario williams, and caldwell would never have been in the game to get that false start if briesel hadn’t fractured his leg a month ago and andre just never looked 100 percent today after missing 9 games. AND AND AND. Ugh injuries killed us, so so so so so so so close. It was a great year though.
nolander - January 15, 2012
Switching to the 3-4 was a great idea. I’ve never seen linebackers play so fast on a squad before.
Julio Nievas - January 15, 2012
Wade runs a one gap 3-4(pretty much everyone else runs a 2 gap)
so it was a much easier transition then I expected. Barwin is simply put an athlete. Played Basketball in college, and only played D for one year in college(was a TE before). Cushing is just a monster but you know that. Meco had his best game all year, which is great because i’ve been worried about him coming off his injury. Reed… total Wade pick. Just an unstoppable motor. This D is just fun to watch.
nolander - January 15, 2012
Wow Houston going to get the ball back
Joey Joe - January 15, 2012
Yates gets one more shot at it.
fbihop - January 15, 2012
wow
That was an abysmal idea. There were 4 defenders at the least for 2 wr
Ivdown - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
It’s not called a Hail Mary because it gets completed all the time.
Eric Stephen - January 15, 2012
should have gotten the first at a sideline
Then get another couple tries closer to the end zone
Ivdown - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
there was a spy on yates
no way he gets there
nolander - January 15, 2012
Well, can’t wait for the Patriots to hang 35 on the Ravens. Onward to Lambeau!
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
Good passing offense against a good passing defense. That plus Ray Rice should be able to run free against the Patriots. I caqn see it being a good game.
VegasBlues - January 15, 2012
Patriots are a great passing offense.
All up to whether or not the Pats D can play great two weeks in a row, I think.
fbihop - January 15, 2012
The Ravens are better than good in their pass defense. “Good” was just the word I decided to go with.
I think it could be a real good game. It could be ugly though. We’ll see.
VegasBlues - January 15, 2012
I contend ravens have the best and deepest secondary
but Reed is seriously banged up. He was hurt coming in and looked even worse going out today.
nolander - January 15, 2012
The Ravens inability to put pressure on Yates is my biggest worry for them (I’ll be rooting against the Ravens so it’s not really a worry). If they can’t get pressure on Brady then their secondary wont have a chance.
VegasBlues - January 15, 2012
Our O line has been epic this year
Bengals couldn’t get to Yates either. The Ravens are one of the few teams that has any chance to actually match up with the recievers that the pack and pats can throw at you, they are just really deep.
nolander - January 15, 2012
Patriots have won 9 games in a row and averaging 37 points a game during that stretch.
Steelers only team thats held them to fewer than 20 points in a game this year.
Joey Joe - January 15, 2012
The Ravens are the best defense they will have played
nolander - January 15, 2012
well
the best pass D. Its strength against strength.
nolander - January 15, 2012
at the very least they compare favorably to the steelers(weighted they are better but who trusts advanced stats?)
nolander - January 15, 2012
Well, go NFC I guess
Eric Stephen - January 15, 2012
at least my predicition that the Ravens wouldn't cover the spread held
nolander - January 15, 2012
with schuab the Texans win that game
I really believe that.
nolander - January 15, 2012
tough luck dude, you probably would rather not be debating semantics with me when your season just ended
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
All in all though the season was a success
I would have been crushed if they lost last week, but this I can take. The future looks bright.
nolander - January 15, 2012
Most likely
VegasBlues - January 15, 2012
latina T Mobile girl
way hotter than Carly Foulkes
Joey Joe - January 15, 2012
I gotta tip my cap to the Ravens recievers
they made some great catches
nolander - January 15, 2012
hockey to basketball at staples
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ig_N_6QvbmI
Joey Joe - January 15, 2012
Should the Packers win
the NFC and AFC title games will be 1v2 and 1v2. Hasn’t happened since 2005 playoffs.
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
since going to six playoff teams in 1991, there has never been a year where a road team didn’t win a wildcard or divisional playoff game
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
I hope that continues
Eric Stephen - January 15, 2012
you know me, I hate upsets
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
easy comeback
Must be hard to be a Cal fan then.
bhsportsguy - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
in games where I’m neutral, natch
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
I
Am the opposite in that regard
bhsportsguy - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
josie hates america
nolander - January 15, 2012
most people are, I like being contrarian, and I like the roar of a home crowd as opposed to schadenfreude in their silence : )
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
you would have loved ancient Rome
Pure Azure - January 15, 2012
USC plays their games at the Coliseum, and their nickname is the Trojans. America loves ancient Rome
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
I was more referring to the underdog Christians always losing, but yeah, decadence and empire is what America is all about
Pure Azure - January 15, 2012
I wonder if Christians being fed to lions was a more regular occurrence than gladiator fights.
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
Look up the WHIP
Pure Azure - January 15, 2012
Troy Trojans are better!
/uschatred
VegasBlues - January 15, 2012
Question: Dmitri Young, worth a non roster invite?
http://espn.go.com/mlb/hotstove11/story/_/id/7451869/dmitri-young-making-comeback
Grimjack - January 15, 2012
he wasn’t worth a NRI spot in 2006
G.Scott - January 15, 2012
that was then
This is now
Tommy Blackjack - January 16, 2012 via iPhone app
I thougth rodgers was supposed to be good
nolander - January 15, 2012
He’sa cookinga somethin up
Tommy Blackjack - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
put in matt flynn
Joey Joe - January 15, 2012
Joel Pineiro signed a minor league deal with the Phillies.
Eric Stephen - January 15, 2012
great run
D needs to use their arms
Tommy Blackjack - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
Cal quarterbacks don't slide!
Way to go Rodgers!
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
Discount Double-Check!!
Tommy Blackjack - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
IF Rodgers runs for 1st down
THEN repeat line one
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
He just slid
Eric Stephen - January 15, 2012
that was more of a sled
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
no fucking way
that was a fumble
nolander - January 15, 2012
noo way
no no no no no way
nolander - January 15, 2012
the ball is already gone before any part of his body is down
worst call i ever seen that was actually reviewed by replay
Joey Joe - January 15, 2012
yeah
and it leads to 7. Terrible.
nolander - January 15, 2012
Pereira agrees
Tommy Blackjack - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
it's OK
anything that screws the Giants is cool
Pure Azure - January 15, 2012
lol wow isnt that a fumble
Joey Joe - January 15, 2012
packers trying to outthink themselves
nolander - January 15, 2012
man
no pressure at all on manning
nolander - January 15, 2012
Packers wide receivers punishing Rodgers for his overthrow to Jennings by dropping simple passes.
fbihop - January 15, 2012
Fox touting that the entire cast of Napoleon Dynamite returns for the cartoon? I for one am shocked that they were all available. Oh wait.
Eric Stephen - January 15, 2012
Great minds.
fbihop - January 15, 2012
unless
Uncle Rico can throw a football over a mountain, I ain’t watching.
bhsportsguy - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
and Fox paid for two of the actors to be in the crowd at Lambeau? They must really have a lot invested in this cartoon.
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
Millions, and it came in late. I see this going the way of Work it.
Grimjack - January 15, 2012
They must have had a “If it doesn’t improve week 1 to week 2, then pull it” plan cause I’ve never seen a comedy disappear from the schedule that fast after getting a fair amount of publicity.
I see it going the way of Allen Gregory.
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
ABC was killing the airwaves with the “Work It” Promo and Fox is doing the same thing. The heavier the Ad campagne the more I worry about the end product. Allen Gregory is slipping into a Hypothermic sleep.
Grimjack - January 15, 2012
ugh
allen gregory is terrible. Seriously terrible. One of the jokes was LOL gregory got the teacher in trouble instead of the principle so now to keep her job she has to have sexual contact with the super intendent. Yeah, thats not funny fox.
nolander - January 15, 2012
I gave AG 15 minutes of my time spread over 3 shows. It failed to hook me. Bring on Alcatraz
Grimjack - January 15, 2012
You can now refer to Allen Gregory in the past tense.
fbihop - January 15, 2012
Work It got canceled already? LOL
Tommy Blackjack - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
It made Whitney look like Seinfeld.
fbihop - January 15, 2012
maybe The Seinfeld Chronicles.
Eric Stephen - January 15, 2012
Jon Heder is the nephew of former running back Vai Sikahema who played for the Packers (though only for one year and he played for two other teams).
Only connection I could find online.
fbihop - January 15, 2012
On Tecmo Super Bowl, my friend would always say “Vai Vai” to taunt if he returned a kick for a touchdown with Sikahema. Still makes me laugh to this day.
Eric Stephen - January 15, 2012
I knew there was a reason I knew his name. Thank you.
VegasBlues - January 15, 2012
He also fought in a “celebrity” boxing match with Jose Canseco. Sikahema won by KO.
fbihop - January 15, 2012
Jon Heder and Efrin Ramirez are at the game
Tommy Blackjack - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
and they looked as into as Zooey Deschanel at the World Series
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
that
Actress looked a non-bespectacled Tina Fey
bhsportsguy - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
Boley
Discount Double-Check
Tommy Blackjack - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
Wow
Eric Stephen - January 15, 2012
Hakeem
The Dream
Tommy Blackjack - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
Joe Buck
just showed more emotion on that pass than at any moment in the World Series
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
He likes football more
Tommy Blackjack - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
nope
Don’t forget the walk off in Game 6
bhsportsguy - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
when he calmly repeated his father’s line?
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
I was gonna say
Pure Azure - January 15, 2012
hail mary answered
Joey Joe - January 15, 2012
I guess Eli is Jesus’ favorite QB now.
fbihop - January 15, 2012
Pure Azure - January 15, 2012
Packers D looks slow and sluggish
Pure Azure - January 15, 2012
:)
Eric Stephen - January 15, 2012
though
The packers were also looking for the short out
bhsportsguy - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
37 yards really wasnt that difficult of throw though
Joey Joe - January 15, 2012
I hate Ray Lewis so, so much.
fbihop - January 15, 2012
we are a half
A way from Baltimore vs. New England being played at 10:00 a.m. next Sunday.
bhsportsguy - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
ESPN has them playing at 3pm EST.
The NFC game will be played afterwards regardless of the time zone.
Joey Joe - January 15, 2012
In just about two hours I will be on my way to death.
Cause of death: Heart attack at indoor soccer facility.
fbihop - January 15, 2012
You’ll be fine if you stretch
Tommy Blackjack - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
Oh man
What a sloppy effort from the Pack. Oh well, fuck ’em.
Pure Azure - January 15, 2012
Ouch. Packers needed a TD there.
fbihop - January 15, 2012
TO
For OSI
Tommy Blackjack - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
Mr. Momentum has changed jerseys
Pure Azure - January 15, 2012
Rodgers shows
Eli how it’s done
#Calquarterbacksdontslide
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
These Packers WRs cant coach anything today
Joey Joe - January 15, 2012
or catch
Joey Joe - January 15, 2012
Packers are soooooo off
Pure Azure - January 15, 2012
just eli manning doing work
nolander - January 15, 2012
More and more it really doesn’t seem to pay to be the #1 seed in sports playoffs, with the NBA as the exception.
Pure Azure - January 15, 2012
I think most teams will take a week off and staying home, it’s just not a guarantee of success
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
worked out for the pats and ravens and 49ers
nolander - January 15, 2012
Pats were the #1 seed and they played a bad team
Pure Azure - January 15, 2012
and?
they got to play the broncos because they where the number one seed.
nolander - January 15, 2012
it's luck of the draw
they could have played a healthy Steelers team if things worked out differently. All I’m saying is that maintaining excellent play and dealing with expectations and hype in an era of more and more intense media scrutiny (and longer playoffs of course) makes it harder than it used to be to follow through with a title on the promise of a top seed.
I’m not being reactionary here, look at the facts in the NFL and MLB in the last decade or so. The NHL is the best example.
Pure Azure - January 15, 2012
they’re not really facts, more just stuff that happens. You’re venturing into “they looked scared” territory
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
Oh come on
I’m not imagining things. They are way off today, like the Colts were as a #1 seed a few times after the “resting the regulars” stuff. All I’m saying is that longer playoffs and expectations multiplied by more media scrutiny have leveled the playing field. It’s less of a guarantee than it once was, but I never said it was EVER a guarantee.
Pure Azure - January 15, 2012
so it’s never been a 100% guarantee, but now it’s some percentage n less of a guarantee that it was
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
not a high burden of proof to meet
in the wild card era
Pure Azure - January 15, 2012
my argument then would be that the Wild Card teams often have better records than the worst division winner, so the wild card era has increased the difficulty level in the playoffs across the board, but the Giants were still the worst division winner.
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
according
To an article I just read, NFC number one seeds were 19-2 in their first round game in the playoffs since 1990.
bhsportsguy - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
does it say how many went on to the Super Bowl?
Pure Azure - January 15, 2012
I would
Guess not that many.
In a one and done situation against fairly equal teams, you probably have a margin of just a few points.
bhsportsguy - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
this game wasn’t to go to the Super Bowl
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
I see you trollin' :)
That’s what I meant when I said:
Pure Azure - January 15, 2012
some data
This article is from a few years ago, but has some data.
From 2000-2008, of those 9 Super Bowls, 8 No. 1 seeds (of 18) made the Super Bowl, and one (2003 Patriots) won.
Eric Stephen - January 15, 2012
Where was a healthy Steelers team coming from? Or are we just saying that if injuries didn’t happen then the Steelers would have won last week? If that’s the case then if the Packers were fully healthy (injured O-line, injured Jennings, and injured Jenkins were all big issues this game) then this game could have just as easily been different.
VegasBlues - January 15, 2012
yes
Pure Azure - January 15, 2012
texans too!
schuab and williams!
nolander - January 15, 2012
so the problem for the Packers is that the Giants, who struggled down the stretch and had to beat the Cowboys in the last week to make the playoffs, were just too good of a #4 seed.
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
they would lose to the saints and 49ers today too
they are playing like poo
nolander - January 15, 2012
exactly, you can’t just say oh being #1 made them play like a team without talent, they’re just playing like a team without talent. Correlation≠Causation
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
right
and 3/4 teams with a bye came out strong
nolander - January 15, 2012
and there’s nothing about being the #1 seed in baseball that means you can’t make the WS, playoffs are just random, end of.
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
you're distorting my initial statement
Pure Azure - January 15, 2012
it doesn’t pay to be any seed, then. There’s no advantage to where you are seeded, outside of the advantages I’ve already spelled out
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
The Packers weren’t built for their own stadium. Great passing offense with a crappy run game usually doesn’t bode well for January games in Lambeau. Their offensive line injuries as of late didn’t help much either.
VegasBlues - January 15, 2012
giants going to win
Joey Joe - January 15, 2012
well thats probably game
nolander - January 15, 2012
I take the blame for jinxing the Packers with my “there’s never been an offseason without a home loss” stat
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
system QB :)
Eric Stephen - January 15, 2012
I was so excited about getting to use that stat in an article
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
I see what happened, my stat combined with this stat to make a perfect storm:
DanWetzel: Since 1998, only one defending Super Bowl champ has gotten past Divisional Round (04 Pats)
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
At the very least, you should have a Wetzel’s Pretzel to alleviate the pain. :)
Eric Stephen - January 15, 2012
This sounds really good right now.
Eric Stephen - January 15, 2012
turnovers
Killing the two best offenses in the league
Tommy Blackjack - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
So its going to be:
Giants – Patriots (super bowl rematch) – already played this year
Giants – Ravens (super bowl rematch)
49ers – Patriots (best offense vs best defense)
49ers – Ravens – Harbaugh bowl – already played this year
Joey Joe - January 15, 2012
21 years later, a rematch
Eric Stephen - January 15, 2012
thank goodness the Giants came to their senses and went back to their traditional uniforms
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
that was an awful call..he never even got hit in the head
Joey Joe - January 15, 2012
it
Looks this will be both a non-repeat NFC champion (last repeater was 97-98 Packers) and non-repeat Super Bowl winner.
If 49ers win next week, they will be the 11th different NFC representative in the Super Bowl since Rams played Patriots in 2002.;
bhsportsguy - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
since 1999
11 out of 16 NFC teams have gone to the Super Bowl.
One of the teams that have not gone is the Lions. Can you name the other four.
bhsportsguy - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
Earmuffs, Keith
Eric Stephen - January 15, 2012
Redskins, Vikings, Cowboys, …
Pure Azure - January 15, 2012
49ers
Eric Stephen - January 15, 2012
yep
This is where the parity argument arises in football.
bhsportsguy - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
when did the NFL start using the salary cap?
Pure Azure - January 15, 2012
1994
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
49ers, Vikings, Cowboys, Redskins…
Josie Becker - January 15, 2012
As a Bears fan I guess I should relish the Packers’ demise but I really dislike the Giants from days gone by, so go 49ers is what I’m saying.
Pure Azure - January 15, 2012
As I told Mike this morning
I have the least amount of hatred for the NY Giants among the remaining teams, so I will root for them. But I’ll root for whichever NFC team wins in the Super Bowl.
Eric Stephen - January 15, 2012
Big potential winners
people who bet on the AFC +6 in the Super Bowl or whatever it was a few weeks ago when the Packers and Saints were the overwhelming favorites.
Eric Stephen - January 15, 2012
well
I see more State Farm commercials with Jessica now in the future
bhsportsguy - January 15, 2012 via iPhone app
Things I learned tonight
Brody Stevens follows True Blue LA. Awesome.
Eric Stephen - January 15, 2012
new post
http://www.truebluela.com/2012/1/16/2710844/clayton-kershaw
Eric Stephen - January 16, 2012
Goodbye and Good Riddance
In answer to the question whether we would be better of with Kuroda or the two pitchers acquired for half his salary, the correct answer is “None of the Above”. Resigning Kuroda at his asking price would have been a big mistake. Signing the two “replacements” was also a big mistake. Mistakes are Colletti’s calling card.
alstonshometown - January 16, 2012
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