Blanchester boy hits winning shot from his butt....
Good guys video of the week:
College Football has too much money video of the week:
I will adding a real blog post later in the day, but I missed the Weekly Update this week.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Weekly Update
Coolest Shot of the Week:
Blanchester boy hits winning shot from his butt....
Good guys video of the week:
College Football has too much money video of the week:
I will adding a real blog post later in the day, but I missed the Weekly Update this week.
Blanchester boy hits winning shot from his butt....
Good guys video of the week:
College Football has too much money video of the week:
I will adding a real blog post later in the day, but I missed the Weekly Update this week.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
From phenom to addict to super star
"I can't have anything bad happen to me now. If I'm put in an awkward situation... there is too much on the line." - Josh Hamilton in high school
Starting at a young age, Tony and Linda Hamilton knew that they had a special son when it came to the baseball field. Playing shortstop, the position in which the most athletic player on the team plays during the first years of baseball, Josh Hamilton would leave welts and bruises on his first baseman's hands. It got so bad that teammates began to refuse to play first base and Josh was forced to play with older kids, which did not solve a thing.
By the time high school came around, Josh was not only the star on the Athens Drive High School team but also was rapidly ascending to be the number one prospect in the nation. Hamilton was aware of what he could accomplish with his skills, but he did not allow that to blind him from being a good person and making right decisions. Hamilton would kiss his mother and grandmother before every single game and befriended Ashley Pittman. Pittman, born with down syndrome, was the team manager who after the state semi-final loss was seen crying heavily on the team bus ride home. Hamilton took it upon himself to sit with Pittman and try to make him feel better, as it turned out Pittman thought he had done something to cause the team to lose. Hamilton told him that they win as a team and lose as a team, which caused Pittman to stop crying immediately as he looked at Hamilton and smiled saying, "Does that mean I'm a part of the team?" When Hamilton informed him that of course he was,Pittman broke down again, but this time in joyous manner and gave Hamilton a huge hug.
On the field Hamilton was as dominant as they come, a size 19 shoe wearing left hander that topped out at 96 while also hitting .556 with 11 home runs and only striking out 4 times. On the mound Hamilton was nearly unstoppable compiling a 7-1 record while striking out 83 batters in 47 innings. The most astonishing feat in high school may have occurred during his sophomore year when he had not pitched all year due to extreme growing pains but in the playoffs threw four shutout innings to lead his team to victory.
Hamilton eventually was drafted number 1 overall by the Tampa Bay Rays in 1999 and began a promising career. In 2000, Hamilton proved why he was the number one pick as he was named Minor League Player of the Year, played in the futures game, and was the MVP of the South Atlantic All-Star Game. Sadly, for Hamilton,this was the beginning of the downward spiral.
In the off-season before the 2001 season Hamilton was in a car accident with his parents and began spending large portions of time at a local tattoo parlor that led to his drug and alcohol abuse and his eventual first trip to a rehab center. By the end of the 2002 season,one that was cut short by injuries, Tampa Bay had sent Hamilton to the Betty Ford Rehabilitation Center in order to get help with recovery.
2003 got off to a rocky start as well for Hamilton as he failed his first drug test of Spring Training and missed multiple team and organizational events. Hamilton ended up missing the entire season due to "personal reasons". In 2004, Hamilton was suspended the entire season due to failing an additional two tests.
By this point in his life,Hamilton was deeply addicted to alcohol and crack while also intermingling marijuana and pills. In an article on ESPN.com (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2926447) Hamilton discusses a time when he suddenly awoke from a trance and was walking down the middle of a 2 lane highway with cars zooming past him on both sides. He had consumed so many drugs that his mind had stopped working, but his body continued. It turns out he had ran out of gas on his way to his drug dealer's house and decided he should walk the remainder of the way. There are many more stories of Hamilton doing crazy things while high including getting tattoos that he no longer can remember what the majority of them represent or burning the back of his hand with four lit cigarettes because he was mad at a person in rehab, but thanks to a confrontation by his grandmother he began to turn things around in 2005.
Hamilton's baseball career began to take off and turn around in 2007 when selected by the Chicago Cubs in the rule 5 draft and traded to the Cincinnati Reds. Hamilton had an explosive and successful spring which lead to the Reds having him active on their 25 man roster on Opening Day. When Hamilton's name was announced on Opening Day, the sellout crowd at Great American Ballpark gave Hamilton a standing ovation that lasted nearly 25 seconds.
In that same ESPN article Hamilton acknowledges his feelings on that opening day,"I'll never forget Opening Day in Cincinnati.When they called my name during introductions and a sellout crowd stood and cheered, I looking into the stands and saw Katie and our two kids - Sierra, who'snearly 2,and my 6-year-old stepdaughter,Julia - and my parents and Katie's parents. I had to swallow hard to keep from breaking down right there. They were all crying, but I had to at least try to keep it together.
I pinch-hit in the eighth inning of that game against the Cubs, and Lou Piniella decided to make a pitching change before I got to the plate. The crowd stood and cheered me for what seemed like forever. It was the best sound I've ever heard. When I got into the box, Cubs catcher Michael Barrett looked up at me from his crouch and said,"You deserve it, Josh. Take it all in, brother. I'm happy for you."
Starting at a young age, Tony and Linda Hamilton knew that they had a special son when it came to the baseball field. Playing shortstop, the position in which the most athletic player on the team plays during the first years of baseball, Josh Hamilton would leave welts and bruises on his first baseman's hands. It got so bad that teammates began to refuse to play first base and Josh was forced to play with older kids, which did not solve a thing.
By the time high school came around, Josh was not only the star on the Athens Drive High School team but also was rapidly ascending to be the number one prospect in the nation. Hamilton was aware of what he could accomplish with his skills, but he did not allow that to blind him from being a good person and making right decisions. Hamilton would kiss his mother and grandmother before every single game and befriended Ashley Pittman. Pittman, born with down syndrome, was the team manager who after the state semi-final loss was seen crying heavily on the team bus ride home. Hamilton took it upon himself to sit with Pittman and try to make him feel better, as it turned out Pittman thought he had done something to cause the team to lose. Hamilton told him that they win as a team and lose as a team, which caused Pittman to stop crying immediately as he looked at Hamilton and smiled saying, "Does that mean I'm a part of the team?" When Hamilton informed him that of course he was,Pittman broke down again, but this time in joyous manner and gave Hamilton a huge hug.
On the field Hamilton was as dominant as they come, a size 19 shoe wearing left hander that topped out at 96 while also hitting .556 with 11 home runs and only striking out 4 times. On the mound Hamilton was nearly unstoppable compiling a 7-1 record while striking out 83 batters in 47 innings. The most astonishing feat in high school may have occurred during his sophomore year when he had not pitched all year due to extreme growing pains but in the playoffs threw four shutout innings to lead his team to victory.
Hamilton eventually was drafted number 1 overall by the Tampa Bay Rays in 1999 and began a promising career. In 2000, Hamilton proved why he was the number one pick as he was named Minor League Player of the Year, played in the futures game, and was the MVP of the South Atlantic All-Star Game. Sadly, for Hamilton,this was the beginning of the downward spiral.
In the off-season before the 2001 season Hamilton was in a car accident with his parents and began spending large portions of time at a local tattoo parlor that led to his drug and alcohol abuse and his eventual first trip to a rehab center. By the end of the 2002 season,one that was cut short by injuries, Tampa Bay had sent Hamilton to the Betty Ford Rehabilitation Center in order to get help with recovery.
2003 got off to a rocky start as well for Hamilton as he failed his first drug test of Spring Training and missed multiple team and organizational events. Hamilton ended up missing the entire season due to "personal reasons". In 2004, Hamilton was suspended the entire season due to failing an additional two tests.
By this point in his life,Hamilton was deeply addicted to alcohol and crack while also intermingling marijuana and pills. In an article on ESPN.com (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2926447) Hamilton discusses a time when he suddenly awoke from a trance and was walking down the middle of a 2 lane highway with cars zooming past him on both sides. He had consumed so many drugs that his mind had stopped working, but his body continued. It turns out he had ran out of gas on his way to his drug dealer's house and decided he should walk the remainder of the way. There are many more stories of Hamilton doing crazy things while high including getting tattoos that he no longer can remember what the majority of them represent or burning the back of his hand with four lit cigarettes because he was mad at a person in rehab, but thanks to a confrontation by his grandmother he began to turn things around in 2005.
Hamilton's baseball career began to take off and turn around in 2007 when selected by the Chicago Cubs in the rule 5 draft and traded to the Cincinnati Reds. Hamilton had an explosive and successful spring which lead to the Reds having him active on their 25 man roster on Opening Day. When Hamilton's name was announced on Opening Day, the sellout crowd at Great American Ballpark gave Hamilton a standing ovation that lasted nearly 25 seconds.
In that same ESPN article Hamilton acknowledges his feelings on that opening day,"I'll never forget Opening Day in Cincinnati.When they called my name during introductions and a sellout crowd stood and cheered, I looking into the stands and saw Katie and our two kids - Sierra, who'snearly 2,and my 6-year-old stepdaughter,Julia - and my parents and Katie's parents. I had to swallow hard to keep from breaking down right there. They were all crying, but I had to at least try to keep it together.
I pinch-hit in the eighth inning of that game against the Cubs, and Lou Piniella decided to make a pitching change before I got to the plate. The crowd stood and cheered me for what seemed like forever. It was the best sound I've ever heard. When I got into the box, Cubs catcher Michael Barrett looked up at me from his crouch and said,"You deserve it, Josh. Take it all in, brother. I'm happy for you."
Hamilton went on to make a run at the NL Rookie of the Year award but not without help from his family and Johnny Narron. Narron was the Reds bench who had also coached Hamilton when he was 15. He took Josh under his supervision with the Reds and put many precautionary measures into action. Narron would collect Hamilton's meal money on the road and only give him enough for one meal at a time because they did not want him walking around with hundreds of dollars of cash. His wife would drop him off and pick him up from the stadium before and after all games in order to make sure he did not drift from the correct path.
Playing in the majors did come with a price as now everyone knew of Hamilton's past struggles and playing on the road was always rough. At one stop in St. Louis a fan stood up and yelled "Hey, I'm Josh Hamilton and I'm a drug addict!" Hamilton responded by turning to the stands and joked back "Tell me something I don't know!" The fun loving and happy Hamilton from high school was beginning to return.
Twice since 2009 Hamilton has admitted to slipping up and drinking. The first was in March of 2009 when photos were taken of him shirtless in a bar and witnesses claimed to hear him asking where he could find cocaine and claiming to be heading to a strip club afterwards. The second was in February of 2012 when he went to a bar by himself for a few drinks before calling Ian Kinsler to come get him. While relapses are common nature for recovering addicts,throughout his career Hamilton's teammates have made it as easy on him as possible. While playing for the Reds, it was standard for rookies to carry all of the beer on to the plane but Hamilton was allowed to be removed from this task,and when the Rangers clinched a playoff spot they celebrated with Ginger Ale as opposed to Champagne to help Josh avoid alcohol.
This past off season, Hamilton signed a monster deal with Angels and will for the first time be on his own to fight his addiction. Johnny Narron was with him for his stints with the Reds and Rangers but he is now the hitting coach for the Milwaukee Brewers. All the pressure to maintain sobriety falls back onto Hamilton's shoulders.
We can guarantee that Hamilton will be in the news at some point this season, lets just hope that it is because he has a shot at MVP and not just that he had a shot.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
2012 NFL Re-Draft
If each NFL team could go back and redraft after the 2012 season, I am guessing that the majority of the teams would choose differently in the 1st round. Here is my projections for the 2012 NFL Redraft! (teams slotted in original drafting position and Josh Gordon was not allowed to be drafted because he was a supplemental pick)
1 Colts
- Andrew Luck QB
I think they are more than pleased with their pick.
2 Rams
- Robert Griffin III QB
Same pick. Different Team. No way Rams trade this pick after seeing what RG3 can do.
3 Vikings
- Matt Kalil OT
When you make the correct selection the 1st time, there is no reason to redo it
4 Browns
- Russell Wilson QB
The Browns FINALLY find their franchise QB.
5 Buccaneers
- Doug Martin RB
The Bucs get their same man but they have to pick him 26 spots earlier. Proved to be most explosive RB in draft.
6 Redskins
- Alfred Morris RB
The 6th round pick becomes the 6th overall pick this time around. Without RG3, the Redskins can still have a stabilized running game thanks to Morris.
7 Jaguars
- Justin Blackmon WR
Really came on in the second half of the season to show that he has serious long term potential and will become an explosive option for the Jags
8 Dolphins
- Luke Kuechly LB
The Cincy kid won Defensive ROY, it only makes sense he is the first defensive player off the board.
9 Panthers
- Bobby Wagner LB
Arguably had a better first campaign than Kuechly. Will be making plays for years.
10 Bills
- Alfonzo Dennard CB
When you play the Patriots twice, you better have good defensive backs.
11 Chiefs
- Fletcher Cox DT
The Chiefs have surprising fire power on offense, but need better athletes on defense.
12 Seahawks
- T.Y. Hilton WR
T.Y. gives Matt Flynn a speed option to go along with Sidney Rice and Golden Tate.
13 Cardinals
- Trent Richardson RB
Injury prone Beanie Wells is to big of a question mark to pass on a talent like Richardson.
14 Cowboys
- Janoris Jenkins CB
After throwing a lot of money at Brandon Carr, the addition of Jenkins will help the Cowboys to defend against the talent passing games of the Eagles and Giants 4 games a year.
15 Eagles
- Lavonte David LB
Linebackers are key to any defense being dominant and David is a great centerpiece to build a defense around.
16 Jets
- Vontaze Burfict LB
The days of the Jets having the nasty, hard hitting, and feared defense have past and there is no better player in this draft to bring that tough mindset back than Burfict.
17 Bengals
- Casey Hawyard CB
Great defensive line. Old secondary. Hawyard, who led all Rookies in interceptions, will help to liven up the back end of the defense.
18 Chargers
- Jonathan Martin OT
Philip Rivers was on his back far too often this season due to a horrible offensive line, and while Martin can not block everyone, at least Rivers will know he will have protection from one spot.
19 Bears
- Mitchell Schwartz OT
Jay Cutler was on his back far too often this season due to a horrible offensive line, and while Schwartz can not block everyone, at least Cutler will know he will have protection from one spot. Sound familiar?
20 Titans
- Bruce Irvin DE/LB
Character issues behind Irvin, he is the most explosive hybrid player in the draft and will bring some new life to the Titans.
21 Bengals
- Harrison Smith S
The Bengals continue to revamp their secondary while building one of the strongest units in the NFL. A must if you wish to compete in the Winter months in the AFC North.
22 Browns
- Mark Barron S
The run on safeties continue as the Browns get some help for TJ Ward at the safety position.
23 Lions
- Chandler Jones DE
Explosive offense. Porous defense. Jones will help sure up things on that side of the ball.
24 Steelers
- Vick Ballard RB
Injury prone Mendenhall has neither proven he can stay healthy or be successful. Time for the Steelers to give Ben a solid running game.
25 Broncos
- Derrick Wolfe DT
There are not a lot of holes for the Broncos, but the biggest that needed filled was the interior defensive line. The high energy and effort filled Wolfe will shine in Mile High.
26 Texans
- Dont'a Hightower LB
All pros at QB, RB, and WR means that you better build a defense to help establish a winner. Hightower will help Houston to get closer to that Super Bowl.
27 Patriots
- Stephon Gilmore CB
With the amount of points that the offense scores, the defense must be prepared and able to defend against the pass in high volumes nearly every week. Gilmore will make it difficult on opposing offenses in obvious passing downs.
28 Packers
- Morris Claiborne CB
See the Patriots reasons.
29 Ravens
- Courtney Upshaw DT
Another aging defense gets a little younger with the addition of Upshaw.
30 49ers
- Kendall Wright WR
The 49ers have completely revamped their offense to be speed, speed, and more speed. With that said, why not take the fastest receiver in the draft. Pairing Wright with Crabtree and the 49ers have an explosive young receiving tandem.
31 Patriots
- Quinton Coples DE
We already discussed the high volume of passing plays that Patriot opponents run due to the high scoring Patriot offense so Coples will have lots of chances to get after the QB and record sacks.
32 Giants
- Dwayne Allen TE
Martellus Bennett started the season well but is only on a one year contract. Allen looks like a budding star at TE and we all know how much Eli loves his TEs.
1 Colts
- Andrew Luck QB
I think they are more than pleased with their pick.
2 Rams
- Robert Griffin III QB
Same pick. Different Team. No way Rams trade this pick after seeing what RG3 can do.
3 Vikings
- Matt Kalil OT
When you make the correct selection the 1st time, there is no reason to redo it
4 Browns
- Russell Wilson QB
The Browns FINALLY find their franchise QB.
5 Buccaneers
- Doug Martin RB
The Bucs get their same man but they have to pick him 26 spots earlier. Proved to be most explosive RB in draft.
6 Redskins
- Alfred Morris RB
The 6th round pick becomes the 6th overall pick this time around. Without RG3, the Redskins can still have a stabilized running game thanks to Morris.
7 Jaguars
- Justin Blackmon WR
Really came on in the second half of the season to show that he has serious long term potential and will become an explosive option for the Jags
8 Dolphins
- Luke Kuechly LB
The Cincy kid won Defensive ROY, it only makes sense he is the first defensive player off the board.
9 Panthers
- Bobby Wagner LB
Arguably had a better first campaign than Kuechly. Will be making plays for years.
10 Bills
- Alfonzo Dennard CB
When you play the Patriots twice, you better have good defensive backs.
11 Chiefs
- Fletcher Cox DT
The Chiefs have surprising fire power on offense, but need better athletes on defense.
12 Seahawks
- T.Y. Hilton WR
T.Y. gives Matt Flynn a speed option to go along with Sidney Rice and Golden Tate.
13 Cardinals
- Trent Richardson RB
Injury prone Beanie Wells is to big of a question mark to pass on a talent like Richardson.
14 Cowboys
- Janoris Jenkins CB
After throwing a lot of money at Brandon Carr, the addition of Jenkins will help the Cowboys to defend against the talent passing games of the Eagles and Giants 4 games a year.
15 Eagles
- Lavonte David LB
Linebackers are key to any defense being dominant and David is a great centerpiece to build a defense around.
16 Jets
- Vontaze Burfict LB
The days of the Jets having the nasty, hard hitting, and feared defense have past and there is no better player in this draft to bring that tough mindset back than Burfict.
17 Bengals
- Casey Hawyard CB
Great defensive line. Old secondary. Hawyard, who led all Rookies in interceptions, will help to liven up the back end of the defense.
18 Chargers
- Jonathan Martin OT
Philip Rivers was on his back far too often this season due to a horrible offensive line, and while Martin can not block everyone, at least Rivers will know he will have protection from one spot.
19 Bears
- Mitchell Schwartz OT
Jay Cutler was on his back far too often this season due to a horrible offensive line, and while Schwartz can not block everyone, at least Cutler will know he will have protection from one spot. Sound familiar?
20 Titans
- Bruce Irvin DE/LB
Character issues behind Irvin, he is the most explosive hybrid player in the draft and will bring some new life to the Titans.
21 Bengals
- Harrison Smith S
The Bengals continue to revamp their secondary while building one of the strongest units in the NFL. A must if you wish to compete in the Winter months in the AFC North.
22 Browns
- Mark Barron S
The run on safeties continue as the Browns get some help for TJ Ward at the safety position.
23 Lions
- Chandler Jones DE
Explosive offense. Porous defense. Jones will help sure up things on that side of the ball.
24 Steelers
- Vick Ballard RB
Injury prone Mendenhall has neither proven he can stay healthy or be successful. Time for the Steelers to give Ben a solid running game.
25 Broncos
- Derrick Wolfe DT
There are not a lot of holes for the Broncos, but the biggest that needed filled was the interior defensive line. The high energy and effort filled Wolfe will shine in Mile High.
26 Texans
- Dont'a Hightower LB
All pros at QB, RB, and WR means that you better build a defense to help establish a winner. Hightower will help Houston to get closer to that Super Bowl.
27 Patriots
- Stephon Gilmore CB
With the amount of points that the offense scores, the defense must be prepared and able to defend against the pass in high volumes nearly every week. Gilmore will make it difficult on opposing offenses in obvious passing downs.
28 Packers
- Morris Claiborne CB
See the Patriots reasons.
29 Ravens
- Courtney Upshaw DT
Another aging defense gets a little younger with the addition of Upshaw.
30 49ers
- Kendall Wright WR
The 49ers have completely revamped their offense to be speed, speed, and more speed. With that said, why not take the fastest receiver in the draft. Pairing Wright with Crabtree and the 49ers have an explosive young receiving tandem.
31 Patriots
- Quinton Coples DE
We already discussed the high volume of passing plays that Patriot opponents run due to the high scoring Patriot offense so Coples will have lots of chances to get after the QB and record sacks.
32 Giants
- Dwayne Allen TE
Martellus Bennett started the season well but is only on a one year contract. Allen looks like a budding star at TE and we all know how much Eli loves his TEs.
Monday, February 11, 2013
10 Questions facing the Reds heading into Spring Training
With only 1 day to go until Pitchers and Catchers report to Spring Training, the Reds have only a few questions they face heading into this baseball season, and most of them are very large "What ifs". The Reds have a very complete roster which promises to be one of the best in baseball, but like all teams they have their questions, here are 10 of the most pertinent:
10. What the catching situation and who is the starter?
Going into last season, the Reds made a big statement about how highly they thought of Devin Mesoraco when they traded Yasmani Grandal to San Diego as part of the Mat Latos deal, but then turned around and made about as big of a statement by sitting him consistently in favor of Ryan Hanigan and eventually sending him to AAA. Last postseason, the Reds kept Dioner Navarro on their roster as opposed to Mesoraco and then signed Miguel Olivo in the offseason. Now the Reds must decide what to do with one of their former top prospects. There is an outside chance that they send him to Louisville for more seasoning and they keep Olivo and Hanigan on the active roster, but more than likely he will be with the big league club and watching Ryan Hanigan, a grossly underrated catcher, anchor the Reds' promising pitching staff.
9. Who will be this Spring's surprise?
Every year there is a player that no one has paid any attention to in the past (Daniel Corcino last season) who busts onto the scene and suddenly makes a name for themselves. Typically this player does not make the roster, but at the very least sets themselves up for the future as a potential contributor. After reviewing the roster, I would put my money on Kyle Lotzkar to turn some heads this Spring Training. Then again, the point of the Spring surprise is that no one can predict it in advance right?
8. How likely are the sophomore slumps?
Todd Frasier and Zack Cozart both played huge roles in the Reds run to the NL Central crown last season, but the Reds have to hope that neither of them fall victim to the "Sophomore Slump". The Reds may be able to handle if one of them slumps this upcoming season but if the entire left side of their infield struggles it will be incredibly difficult to repeat as division champs.
7. Why does Scott Rolen have so much control?
Speaking of a possible Todd Frasier slump, we can not discount the Scott Rolen effect. Firstly, if Rolen elects to play this season, does he come in and take over the starting position at the hot corner? Personally, I and every other Reds fan do not understand why he holds so much power over the Reds anyhow. I get the idea that he brings a veteran leadership and presence to the clubhouse which helps the club to have success, so why not make him the bench coach or a special "clubhouse adviser". Rolen's stat line of 157 games with a .243 BA 13 Hrs and 75 RBI does not sound terrible until you realize that it is his combined stats for the last 2 seasons. The Reds need to turn the page on Rolen and not let him make the decision if he wants to come back and play, but rather make their own decision. Why do they want him so badly anyway?
6. What if Billy Hamilton is the best player in camp?
Although highly unlikely, what happens if Billy Hamilton outperforms everyone else in camp and has the best Spring Training of anyone on the roster? Can the Reds afford to allow him to make the Opening Day roster? Say he makes the roster as an OF, who does not start? Is it the guy you traded for this off season or the guy who you resigned? I do not see Hamilton having a Spring worthy of 25 man roster consideration, but if he does then he rest of the roster decisions become even more cluttered.
5. Which Ryan Ludwick shows up in 2013?
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Ludwick. The Reds hit it big last year with Ryan Ludwick having a great spring back year and at times carrying the entire offense during the absence of Joey Votto, but there has to be some fear that he will return to the quality of play he displayed in San Diego. Ludwick had not hit over .265 or had more than 22 home runs since 2008 before last season, and if Ludwick regresses back to those numbers it could put a huge dent in what appears to be a talented offensive unit for Cincy.
4. Can Shin-Soo Choo play Centerfield?
UZR (ultimate zone rating): The number of runs above or below average a fielder is in both range runs, outfield arm runs, double play runs and error runs combined.
(Courtesy of fangraphs.com)
Last season while playing Right Field for the Indians Choo recorded a UZR score of -17 which ranked 17th among all right fielders and 61st overall when compared to all Outfielders. By comparison, Drew Stubbs was 16th overall with a 6.5 rating. The reason this is extra scary for the Reds is the fact that Choo will now be playing centerfield which requires more ground to be covered and an increased likelihood of an even lower UZR. The lasting effect this will have on the Reds is that the pitchers will be giving up a few more hits, which will result in a few more runs. The Reds are hoping his increased offense can offset the downgrade on defense.
3. Is Joey Votto healthy?
Votto was on his way to competing for another MVP last season before injuring his knee and being forced to sit out an extended period of time. After recovering, he was not the same player as he was before and was forced to be more of a line drive doubles hitter than a power hitter. Although he still reached base at nearly a .500 clip after returning from injury, the Reds will need a healthy Joey Votto to help power the middle of this lineup. If he can come back healthy and be the MVP player that Votto has proven to be in the past, this Reds' could have one of the scariest lineups in the National League.
2. Can Aroldis Chapman be a quality starting pitcher?
I have been against this move from the beginning. I get all the reasons that people think it could/should work. He is paid too much to be a closer, he was a starter in Cuba, he COULD be the next Randy Johnson. He also could have arm problems, not have enough pitches to be effective as a starter, fall back into the trap of overthrowing and walking too many people. I hope that I am wrong and Chapman succeeds as a starters but gun to my head, I think Chapman ends up on the DL before the end of May with "shoulder fatigue".
1. How good can the Reds really be?
Should they start planning the parade now? Maybe not but the idea is certainly legitimate and may be necessary come Fall. Each year there are multiple teams that have a real chance at winning a World Series title, and this year the Reds are one of those teams but in order to win it all, nearly everything must go right for the club. Do I think the Reds win the World Series this season? No, but I think they win the NL Pennant.
10. What the catching situation and who is the starter?
Going into last season, the Reds made a big statement about how highly they thought of Devin Mesoraco when they traded Yasmani Grandal to San Diego as part of the Mat Latos deal, but then turned around and made about as big of a statement by sitting him consistently in favor of Ryan Hanigan and eventually sending him to AAA. Last postseason, the Reds kept Dioner Navarro on their roster as opposed to Mesoraco and then signed Miguel Olivo in the offseason. Now the Reds must decide what to do with one of their former top prospects. There is an outside chance that they send him to Louisville for more seasoning and they keep Olivo and Hanigan on the active roster, but more than likely he will be with the big league club and watching Ryan Hanigan, a grossly underrated catcher, anchor the Reds' promising pitching staff.
9. Who will be this Spring's surprise?
Every year there is a player that no one has paid any attention to in the past (Daniel Corcino last season) who busts onto the scene and suddenly makes a name for themselves. Typically this player does not make the roster, but at the very least sets themselves up for the future as a potential contributor. After reviewing the roster, I would put my money on Kyle Lotzkar to turn some heads this Spring Training. Then again, the point of the Spring surprise is that no one can predict it in advance right?
8. How likely are the sophomore slumps?
Todd Frasier and Zack Cozart both played huge roles in the Reds run to the NL Central crown last season, but the Reds have to hope that neither of them fall victim to the "Sophomore Slump". The Reds may be able to handle if one of them slumps this upcoming season but if the entire left side of their infield struggles it will be incredibly difficult to repeat as division champs.
7. Why does Scott Rolen have so much control?
Speaking of a possible Todd Frasier slump, we can not discount the Scott Rolen effect. Firstly, if Rolen elects to play this season, does he come in and take over the starting position at the hot corner? Personally, I and every other Reds fan do not understand why he holds so much power over the Reds anyhow. I get the idea that he brings a veteran leadership and presence to the clubhouse which helps the club to have success, so why not make him the bench coach or a special "clubhouse adviser". Rolen's stat line of 157 games with a .243 BA 13 Hrs and 75 RBI does not sound terrible until you realize that it is his combined stats for the last 2 seasons. The Reds need to turn the page on Rolen and not let him make the decision if he wants to come back and play, but rather make their own decision. Why do they want him so badly anyway?
6. What if Billy Hamilton is the best player in camp?
Although highly unlikely, what happens if Billy Hamilton outperforms everyone else in camp and has the best Spring Training of anyone on the roster? Can the Reds afford to allow him to make the Opening Day roster? Say he makes the roster as an OF, who does not start? Is it the guy you traded for this off season or the guy who you resigned? I do not see Hamilton having a Spring worthy of 25 man roster consideration, but if he does then he rest of the roster decisions become even more cluttered.
5. Which Ryan Ludwick shows up in 2013?
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Ludwick. The Reds hit it big last year with Ryan Ludwick having a great spring back year and at times carrying the entire offense during the absence of Joey Votto, but there has to be some fear that he will return to the quality of play he displayed in San Diego. Ludwick had not hit over .265 or had more than 22 home runs since 2008 before last season, and if Ludwick regresses back to those numbers it could put a huge dent in what appears to be a talented offensive unit for Cincy.
4. Can Shin-Soo Choo play Centerfield?
UZR (ultimate zone rating): The number of runs above or below average a fielder is in both range runs, outfield arm runs, double play runs and error runs combined.
(Courtesy of fangraphs.com)
Last season while playing Right Field for the Indians Choo recorded a UZR score of -17 which ranked 17th among all right fielders and 61st overall when compared to all Outfielders. By comparison, Drew Stubbs was 16th overall with a 6.5 rating. The reason this is extra scary for the Reds is the fact that Choo will now be playing centerfield which requires more ground to be covered and an increased likelihood of an even lower UZR. The lasting effect this will have on the Reds is that the pitchers will be giving up a few more hits, which will result in a few more runs. The Reds are hoping his increased offense can offset the downgrade on defense.
3. Is Joey Votto healthy?
Votto was on his way to competing for another MVP last season before injuring his knee and being forced to sit out an extended period of time. After recovering, he was not the same player as he was before and was forced to be more of a line drive doubles hitter than a power hitter. Although he still reached base at nearly a .500 clip after returning from injury, the Reds will need a healthy Joey Votto to help power the middle of this lineup. If he can come back healthy and be the MVP player that Votto has proven to be in the past, this Reds' could have one of the scariest lineups in the National League.
2. Can Aroldis Chapman be a quality starting pitcher?
I have been against this move from the beginning. I get all the reasons that people think it could/should work. He is paid too much to be a closer, he was a starter in Cuba, he COULD be the next Randy Johnson. He also could have arm problems, not have enough pitches to be effective as a starter, fall back into the trap of overthrowing and walking too many people. I hope that I am wrong and Chapman succeeds as a starters but gun to my head, I think Chapman ends up on the DL before the end of May with "shoulder fatigue".
1. How good can the Reds really be?
Should they start planning the parade now? Maybe not but the idea is certainly legitimate and may be necessary come Fall. Each year there are multiple teams that have a real chance at winning a World Series title, and this year the Reds are one of those teams but in order to win it all, nearly everything must go right for the club. Do I think the Reds win the World Series this season? No, but I think they win the NL Pennant.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Best Sports Movies of All Time
Top 10 Disney/Childhood Sports Movies
9. The 6th Man
8. Rookie of the Year
7. Little Big League
6. Cool Runnings
5. The Sandlot
4. Angels in the Outfield
3. Space Jam
2. Little Giants
1. Mighty Ducks
Top 10 Sports Comedies
10. The Longest Yard
9. The Replacements
8. Bad News Bears
7. Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
6. Talladega Nights
5. The Waterboy
4. Baseketball
3. Happy Gilmore
2. Major League
1. Caddyshack
Top 10 Other Sports Movies
10. Remember the Titans
9. The Hurricane
8. Love and Basketball
7. Rudy
6. Field of Dreams
5. Blue Chips
4. Finding Forrester
3. Hoosiers
2. Coach Carter
1. Any Given Sunday
Think I missed a movie or screwed up the order? Leave a comment and let me know!
Also because it is awesome (some graphic language)
Saved by a Trade: The Jerome Harrison Story
December 20, 2009 was the best day of Jerome Harrison's career. Oct 18, 2011 was the luckiest day of his life.
On December 20,2009 Harrison, a running back for the Cleveland Browns, ran for 286 yards and 3 touchdowns against the Kansas City Chiefs in a late season victory. The 286 yards broke a single game Browns' record held by Jim Brown and placed him in 3rd place all-time for single game yards. Quickly, Harrison became a hot commodity on the fantasy waiver wire and gave the Browns hope of their next great running back.
Unfortunately for Harrison, things did not continue in this positive direction and he lost his job to Peyton Hillis which lead to his being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. While this was sad for Harrison, it turns out to have the first step in saving his life.
Harrison never caught on with the Eagles and struggled to succeed in 2010 which led to his signing with the Detroit Lions in the off-season, only to be traded right back to the Eagles. To the surprise of Harrison, this trade was the greatest thing to ever happen in life, in fact it saved his life.
During the routine physical, Harrison had to take in order for the trade to be completed, a tumor was found on his brain stem. The doctors were surprised that he was able to walk or even stand at this point. A surgery was set up to remove the tumor and it was supposed to be a three hour procedure, but it ended up lasting twelve hours as it was determined that the tumor was wrapped in veins and complications had occurred.
After surgery, the doctors were not positive if Harrison would be able to survive. The day following the surgery Harrison suffered a blood clot in his brain which resulted in him having a stroke and falling into a coma. Harrison was announced a quadriplegic and had paralyzed vocal chords requiring a feeding tube.
Harrison eventually was moved to a rehab center in Ann Arbor where he began recovery.
The player who had rushed for the 3rd most yards ever in a single NFL game now had to learn how to live an entirely new life, thanks to a trade that saved his.
James Brown did a special piece on Harrison on NFL Today:
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505263_162-57553570/jerome-harrison-opens-up-about-brain-tumor/
On December 20,2009 Harrison, a running back for the Cleveland Browns, ran for 286 yards and 3 touchdowns against the Kansas City Chiefs in a late season victory. The 286 yards broke a single game Browns' record held by Jim Brown and placed him in 3rd place all-time for single game yards. Quickly, Harrison became a hot commodity on the fantasy waiver wire and gave the Browns hope of their next great running back.
Unfortunately for Harrison, things did not continue in this positive direction and he lost his job to Peyton Hillis which lead to his being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. While this was sad for Harrison, it turns out to have the first step in saving his life.
Harrison never caught on with the Eagles and struggled to succeed in 2010 which led to his signing with the Detroit Lions in the off-season, only to be traded right back to the Eagles. To the surprise of Harrison, this trade was the greatest thing to ever happen in life, in fact it saved his life.
During the routine physical, Harrison had to take in order for the trade to be completed, a tumor was found on his brain stem. The doctors were surprised that he was able to walk or even stand at this point. A surgery was set up to remove the tumor and it was supposed to be a three hour procedure, but it ended up lasting twelve hours as it was determined that the tumor was wrapped in veins and complications had occurred.
After surgery, the doctors were not positive if Harrison would be able to survive. The day following the surgery Harrison suffered a blood clot in his brain which resulted in him having a stroke and falling into a coma. Harrison was announced a quadriplegic and had paralyzed vocal chords requiring a feeding tube.
Harrison eventually was moved to a rehab center in Ann Arbor where he began recovery.
The player who had rushed for the 3rd most yards ever in a single NFL game now had to learn how to live an entirely new life, thanks to a trade that saved his.
James Brown did a special piece on Harrison on NFL Today:
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505263_162-57553570/jerome-harrison-opens-up-about-brain-tumor/
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Reds roster projections and season predictions
After careful consideration and research, I have come to the conclusion that 23 spots on the Reds current roster are filled. This means that the majority of my predictions are likely to be accurate and I will look way smarter than I really am so I am also going to make 10 season predictions at the end of this post to show my true lack of intelligence.
Roster Locks:
- Pitchers
Johnny Cueto
Mat Latos
Homer Bailey
Bronson Arroyo
Aroldis Chapman
Jose Arrendondo
Sean Marshall
Jonathon Broxton
JJ Hoover
Alfredo Simon
Sam LeCure
(11)
- Position Players:
Joey Votto
Ryan Hanigan
Brandon Phillips
Zach Cozart
Todd Frazier
Ryan Ludwick
Shin-Soo Choo
Jay Bruce
Chris Heisey
Devin Mesoraco
Xavier Paul
Jack Hanrahan
(12)
Bubble Players:
- Pitchers (of which I think they will keep 1)
Manny Parra: Left handed reliever with nasty stuff but poor results
Mike Leake: Could be used as a long reliever/"6th" starter to give Chapman rest in order to cut innings
Tony Cingrani: The longest of long shots, the future top of the rotation starter proved he could handle his own out of the bullpen at the end of the season last year
Logan Ondrusek: Mainstay in the bullpen the last few seasons, but struggled towards the end of last year and is now in a fight for his position.
Prediction: Manny Parra (Must have 2 lefties in bullpen)
- Position Players (of which I believe they keep 1)
Miguel Olivo: Veteran catcher with some power, but most likely only in camp to add depth to be able to handle excess of pitchers at beginning of Spring Training
Jason Donald: Very versatile, can play infield or outfield
Cesar Izturis: Veteran infielder with great hands but ability to play three positions, age is concern
Emmanuel Burriss: Killed the Reds in post season last year
Prediction: Jason Donald (Too much versatile and not much competition)
Wildcards:
Nick Masset: When healthy, possibly the nastiest stuff in the bullpen. Key words: When Healthy
Scott Rolen: Appears to have ability to make decision on return. I'm not convinced they aren't better off without him
Roster Locks:
- Pitchers
Johnny Cueto
Mat Latos
Homer Bailey
Bronson Arroyo
Aroldis Chapman
Jose Arrendondo
Sean Marshall
Jonathon Broxton
JJ Hoover
Alfredo Simon
Sam LeCure
(11)
- Position Players:
Joey Votto
Ryan Hanigan
Brandon Phillips
Zach Cozart
Todd Frazier
Ryan Ludwick
Shin-Soo Choo
Jay Bruce
Chris Heisey
Devin Mesoraco
Xavier Paul
Jack Hanrahan
(12)
Bubble Players:
- Pitchers (of which I think they will keep 1)
Manny Parra: Left handed reliever with nasty stuff but poor results
Mike Leake: Could be used as a long reliever/"6th" starter to give Chapman rest in order to cut innings
Tony Cingrani: The longest of long shots, the future top of the rotation starter proved he could handle his own out of the bullpen at the end of the season last year
Logan Ondrusek: Mainstay in the bullpen the last few seasons, but struggled towards the end of last year and is now in a fight for his position.
Prediction: Manny Parra (Must have 2 lefties in bullpen)
- Position Players (of which I believe they keep 1)
Miguel Olivo: Veteran catcher with some power, but most likely only in camp to add depth to be able to handle excess of pitchers at beginning of Spring Training
Jason Donald: Very versatile, can play infield or outfield
Cesar Izturis: Veteran infielder with great hands but ability to play three positions, age is concern
Emmanuel Burriss: Killed the Reds in post season last year
Prediction: Jason Donald (Too much versatile and not much competition)
Wildcards:
Nick Masset: When healthy, possibly the nastiest stuff in the bullpen. Key words: When Healthy
Scott Rolen: Appears to have ability to make decision on return. I'm not convinced they aren't better off without him
10 Reds Predictions
(Will tell of success at end of year)
1. Aroldis Chapman will miss time this season due to elbow soreness.
2. Ryan Ludwick will come back down to Earth and people will be clamoring for Heisey by early May.
3. Joey Votto will return to being Joey Votto (32 hrs. 117 RBI .356 BA) and end up 2nd in MVP race
4. Jay Bruce will become Bruce Almighty (41 hrs 112 RBI .282 BA) and end up 3rd in MVP race
5. Ryan Hanigan will start 75% of games when healthy
6. The short fences of GABP will allow Choo to hit 20+ home runs
7. JJ Hoover will end season as closer, and be very effective
8. Mat Latos wins NL Cy Young
9. Johnny Cueto and Homer Bailey finish in top 12
10. Xavier Paul enters discussion as top 3 pinch hitter in NL
How will they finish and how far will they go?
99-63
1st Place in NL Central by 7 games
Win NLCS and make it to first World Series since 1990
Lose in World Series to Los Angeles Angels
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