State definitely needs to get the new head coach and staff in place ASAP to get back on the recruiting trail, in contact with the commitments for next year, and to talk to the returning team to prevent departures.
But now Wichita State won the NIT tonight, meaning Gregg Marshall's season is now done. Shaka Smart's season will be done no later than Monday night. If in fact those two are the top two coaches of interest for State they're freeing up to speak with around this time. So State will soon find out if Marhall or Smart actually have interest in the job.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
some other tidbits around Opening Day
Derek Jeter started at short for the Yankees against Detroit. Jorge Posada was the DH. Mariano Rivera came in in the top of the 9th and earned the save. When Rivera entered the game to things happened.
That made Jeter, Posada, and Rivera the first 3 teammates in the history of any Major League Baseball, NHL, NBA, or NFL team to play in a game together in 17 consecutive seasons. 17 straight seasons for 3 guys to be playing together is impressive in any era of sports. In the modern era of free agency and common player movement it's incredible.
Rivera's save made him the oldest Yankee to ever earn a save. He'll be adding to that record with every save.
In St. Louis, Albert Pujols, who came into this Opening Day Game with around a .480 batting average in openers, went hittless. He also grounded into 3 double plays It was the first time that Pujols had ever grounded into 3 double plays in a game. He also became the first player in Major League history to do that on Opening Day. Dubious record for such a great career, and Pujols certainly wouldn't be a guy you'd think would do that.
St. Louis lost only 2 games all last season when they lead in the 8th inning. They lost 1 today, when San Diego's Cameron Maybin hit a monster home run to dead center field to tie the game with 2 outs in the 9th. Maybin had that huge homer, a nice hit in the 11th that led to San Diego's winning run, and also made a couple tremendous defensive plays in center. Maybe this season is the year that Maybin achieves the potential that Asheville has been waiting to see (he played high school baseball at TC Roberson) and the potential that both Detroit and Florida gave up on. Maybin is still young and has time to put it all together. But Detroit gave up on waiting and could get Miguel Cabrera for him instead. Florida got something in the way of a productive starter in a trade this off-season as well. It came down to slow developing potential vs. getting something that was producing now.
That made Jeter, Posada, and Rivera the first 3 teammates in the history of any Major League Baseball, NHL, NBA, or NFL team to play in a game together in 17 consecutive seasons. 17 straight seasons for 3 guys to be playing together is impressive in any era of sports. In the modern era of free agency and common player movement it's incredible.
Rivera's save made him the oldest Yankee to ever earn a save. He'll be adding to that record with every save.
In St. Louis, Albert Pujols, who came into this Opening Day Game with around a .480 batting average in openers, went hittless. He also grounded into 3 double plays It was the first time that Pujols had ever grounded into 3 double plays in a game. He also became the first player in Major League history to do that on Opening Day. Dubious record for such a great career, and Pujols certainly wouldn't be a guy you'd think would do that.
St. Louis lost only 2 games all last season when they lead in the 8th inning. They lost 1 today, when San Diego's Cameron Maybin hit a monster home run to dead center field to tie the game with 2 outs in the 9th. Maybin had that huge homer, a nice hit in the 11th that led to San Diego's winning run, and also made a couple tremendous defensive plays in center. Maybe this season is the year that Maybin achieves the potential that Asheville has been waiting to see (he played high school baseball at TC Roberson) and the potential that both Detroit and Florida gave up on. Maybin is still young and has time to put it all together. But Detroit gave up on waiting and could get Miguel Cabrera for him instead. Florida got something in the way of a productive starter in a trade this off-season as well. It came down to slow developing potential vs. getting something that was producing now.
Tigers fall to the Yankees in their season opener
Detroit fell 6-3 to the Yankees today. New York hasn't lost a home opener since 1982. Curtis Granderson victimized his former team again, hitting a tiebreaking home run off Phil Coke in the 7th inning. Detroit and the bullpen got sloppy as a Brandon Inge throwing error led to a run scoring, and a wild pitch brought a run home. The final was 6-3. In addition to his homer, Granderson made 2 great defensive plays, robbing Will Rhymes of a single in the first inning and Brandon Inge of what would likely have been an RBI double later.
Inge was 2-4 with a double and RBI single. Miguel Cabrera drove in a run with a sac fly and scored twice. Jhonny Peralta had an RBI sac fly as well. But Detroit missed out on the big hits. They had the bases loaded and no outs against CC Sabathia in the second and came away with only that sac fly.
Justin Verlander threw 31 pitches in the first inning. He settled down but gave up a 3-run homer to Mark Texieria. He ended up giving up 3 runs on 3 hits in 6 innings pitched. He struck out 8 but walked 4, which drove his pitch count to 115.
Phil Coke took the loss, giving up the homer to Granderson in the first batter he faced. He gave up 2 runs, 1 earned. Coke is the 5th starter but with an off-day tomorrow Detroit won't need a 5th starter for a couple weeks, so that put Coke in the pen to get some work. He worked well out of the bullpen last year, and a lot of people think he was just too good there and will end up back in the bullpen before the year is out.
Brad Penny is getting the start on Saturday apparently.
Inge was 2-4 with a double and RBI single. Miguel Cabrera drove in a run with a sac fly and scored twice. Jhonny Peralta had an RBI sac fly as well. But Detroit missed out on the big hits. They had the bases loaded and no outs against CC Sabathia in the second and came away with only that sac fly.
Justin Verlander threw 31 pitches in the first inning. He settled down but gave up a 3-run homer to Mark Texieria. He ended up giving up 3 runs on 3 hits in 6 innings pitched. He struck out 8 but walked 4, which drove his pitch count to 115.
Phil Coke took the loss, giving up the homer to Granderson in the first batter he faced. He gave up 2 runs, 1 earned. Coke is the 5th starter but with an off-day tomorrow Detroit won't need a 5th starter for a couple weeks, so that put Coke in the pen to get some work. He worked well out of the bullpen last year, and a lot of people think he was just too good there and will end up back in the bullpen before the year is out.
Brad Penny is getting the start on Saturday apparently.
more 2011 Tiger firsts
The first Tiger extra base hit goes to Brandon Inge with a 6th inning double. He's also the first Tiger with a multi-hit game, though he certainly wouldn't be a top candidate.
Still waiting for the first home run of the season and the first multi-RBI hit.
Still waiting for the first home run of the season and the first multi-RBI hit.
Detroit is on the board
Jhonny Peralta hit a bases loaded sac fly to drive in Miguel Cabrera for the first Tiger run of the season. Victor Cabrera also tagged up and moved from second to third. Jim Leyland said in the spring it was going to be a point of emphasis to focus on aggressive baserunning and seizing the opportunity to take an extra base when it presents itself. When the season's first chance came, Martinez tagged from second to third on the deep flyball to Curtis Granderson.
Play Ball!
Opening Day is here! The Tigers are on TV. So far they went down in order in the top of the first. Austin Jackson struck out for the first time on the season. On the good side he brought an 0-2 count back to a full count, and fouled a pitch off. A leadoff hitter at least wants to to make the pitcher throw pitches, especially the first time through the order so the guys behind him can get a look at the pitcher a bit. So working 7 pitches, and not swinging at stuff out of the strike zone on 0-2 are both improvements if that holds.
Justin Verlander's emphasis on getting off to a good start in April looks good early. He struck out Brett Gardner to leadoff, but has fallen into some 2-out trouble after a walk on a 3-2 2 pitch, a wild pitch, and a walk on a 3-2 pitch to ARod.
He got out of the inning by striking out Robinson Cano, again on a full count. But it was a 32 pitch first inning. That was a problem Verlander had early last seasons. Even when he wasn't getting hit hard he threw too many pitches so he was hitting 100 pitches in the 5th inning and coming out at that point.
It seems like he's in line for something like that today, especially on a cold day and the first start of the season. Verlander's the workhorse so the bullpen depends on him to go 7-8 innings to give them a little rest.
This was a little bad luck. He got squeezed by the ump a bit on the two 3-2 walks. Some close pitches didn't go his way so that added to the pitch count.
In the top of the second Miguel Cabrera singled for Detroit's first hit of the season. Victor Martinez followed with a single in his first Tigers' at-bat.
Justin Verlander's emphasis on getting off to a good start in April looks good early. He struck out Brett Gardner to leadoff, but has fallen into some 2-out trouble after a walk on a 3-2 2 pitch, a wild pitch, and a walk on a 3-2 pitch to ARod.
He got out of the inning by striking out Robinson Cano, again on a full count. But it was a 32 pitch first inning. That was a problem Verlander had early last seasons. Even when he wasn't getting hit hard he threw too many pitches so he was hitting 100 pitches in the 5th inning and coming out at that point.
It seems like he's in line for something like that today, especially on a cold day and the first start of the season. Verlander's the workhorse so the bullpen depends on him to go 7-8 innings to give them a little rest.
This was a little bad luck. He got squeezed by the ump a bit on the two 3-2 walks. Some close pitches didn't go his way so that added to the pitch count.
In the top of the second Miguel Cabrera singled for Detroit's first hit of the season. Victor Martinez followed with a single in his first Tigers' at-bat.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Why I figure NC State will hire Shaka Smart to be their next head coach
It seems like State has a knack more than any school I know to manage to do things to make itself the butt of jokes. Even to me, an alumni.
So I figure they'll hire Shaka Smart as head basketball coach just because that immediately and inevitably sets them up for "Shaka Zulu" and "Shaka Khan" jokes.
So I figure they'll hire Shaka Smart as head basketball coach just because that immediately and inevitably sets them up for "Shaka Zulu" and "Shaka Khan" jokes.
Detroit has announced its lineup for the season opener vs. the Yankees.
1. Austin Jackson, CF
2. Will Rhymes, 2B
3. Magglio Ordoñez, RF
4. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
5. Victor Martinez, DH
6. Ryan Raburn, LF
7. Jhonny Peralta, SS
8. Brandon Inge, 3B
9. Alex Avila, C
That's a pretty nice improvement, and an upgrade, especially in the bottom third, over previous years, when Brandon Inge, Gerald Laird, and Adam Everett hit .235, .190. and .150. At least this incarnation will hit .245-.255 with some power, .240-.250 with some power, and probably .260 or so with some power.
The top 3 are all guys who should hit around .300 ahead of Miguel Cabrera. If Will Rhymes doesn't fall into some rookie (or second year depending on if he didn't get enough at-bats last year to burn his rookie status) bad hitting habits, he should get some good pitches to hit. If he doesn't chase junk pitchers are going to give him pitches to put in play since nobody wants to walk him ahead of Ordonez and Cabrera. Victor Martinez should protect Cabrera pretty well so he can't be pitched around completely.
The question mark comes if Rhymes doesn't hit for some reason. Who gets put in the 2 hole? Carlos Guillen will get the second base job if/when he's healthy. He's still a better hitter than Rhymes I'd say, but who knows when we'll see him or for how long. Maybe Ryan Raburn gets moved to the 2 hole and Rhymes gets dropped to 8 or 9. If needed he could possibly do well hitting 9th, since the trendy thing these days in the AL is to not necessarily put your worst hitter there but to put someone a bit more productive there to be a "second leadoff hitter" who can be on base for the top of the lineup.
1. Austin Jackson, CF
2. Will Rhymes, 2B
3. Magglio Ordoñez, RF
4. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
5. Victor Martinez, DH
6. Ryan Raburn, LF
7. Jhonny Peralta, SS
8. Brandon Inge, 3B
9. Alex Avila, C
That's a pretty nice improvement, and an upgrade, especially in the bottom third, over previous years, when Brandon Inge, Gerald Laird, and Adam Everett hit .235, .190. and .150. At least this incarnation will hit .245-.255 with some power, .240-.250 with some power, and probably .260 or so with some power.
The top 3 are all guys who should hit around .300 ahead of Miguel Cabrera. If Will Rhymes doesn't fall into some rookie (or second year depending on if he didn't get enough at-bats last year to burn his rookie status) bad hitting habits, he should get some good pitches to hit. If he doesn't chase junk pitchers are going to give him pitches to put in play since nobody wants to walk him ahead of Ordonez and Cabrera. Victor Martinez should protect Cabrera pretty well so he can't be pitched around completely.
The question mark comes if Rhymes doesn't hit for some reason. Who gets put in the 2 hole? Carlos Guillen will get the second base job if/when he's healthy. He's still a better hitter than Rhymes I'd say, but who knows when we'll see him or for how long. Maybe Ryan Raburn gets moved to the 2 hole and Rhymes gets dropped to 8 or 9. If needed he could possibly do well hitting 9th, since the trendy thing these days in the AL is to not necessarily put your worst hitter there but to put someone a bit more productive there to be a "second leadoff hitter" who can be on base for the top of the lineup.
"Billy Donovan Knocked on my Front Door and said "Jeremy I'm gonna coach NC State!"
Or not. But the Billy Donovan hype has kind of gone crazy the last few days. It's not like the last coaching search cycle when there were rumors that John Calipari was on a plane to Raleigh." "Caripari was negotiating". "Calipari said Yes!" "Calipari said No!" "Now Steve Lavin is in talks!" Debbie Yow has kept things more business like and kept the stories of what is actually happening well under wraps.
But still rumors had it that Donovan was in Raleigh yesterday or today and seen around campus. Other sources, including friends of his say he was still in Florida that day. So there has been some Donovan Mania. If that happens it would shock me.
Other rumors, which sound more reasonable, are that State is interested in Wichita State's Gregg Marshall and/or that they plan to make a big pitch at Shaka Smart when VCU concludes its season either Saturday or Monday. I'd definitely believe the latter. I'm sure State will make a big pitch. Other than Butler's Brad Stevens, Smart is the hottest name in coaching right now. Stevens quickly shot down any interest in leaving Butler after the made the Championship Game last year. I'd expect that to happen again though. So that leaves Smart on State's radar. And anyone else's who may be trying to fill a coaching vacancy. So do I think State will make a serious overture to Shaka Smart? Yes. So too will probably a dozen other schools. And who knows if Smart is even interested in leaving VCU.
But still rumors had it that Donovan was in Raleigh yesterday or today and seen around campus. Other sources, including friends of his say he was still in Florida that day. So there has been some Donovan Mania. If that happens it would shock me.
Other rumors, which sound more reasonable, are that State is interested in Wichita State's Gregg Marshall and/or that they plan to make a big pitch at Shaka Smart when VCU concludes its season either Saturday or Monday. I'd definitely believe the latter. I'm sure State will make a big pitch. Other than Butler's Brad Stevens, Smart is the hottest name in coaching right now. Stevens quickly shot down any interest in leaving Butler after the made the Championship Game last year. I'd expect that to happen again though. So that leaves Smart on State's radar. And anyone else's who may be trying to fill a coaching vacancy. So do I think State will make a serious overture to Shaka Smart? Yes. So too will probably a dozen other schools. And who knows if Smart is even interested in leaving VCU.
Opening Day Eve is upon us
Tomorrow is Major League Baseball Opening Day. Detroit's opener is televised on ESPN. Playing at Yankee Stadium on Opening Day always helps. I'll be tuned in at 1:05.
Detroit officially placed Carlos Guillen and Joel Zumaya on the DL to start the season. Neither is a surprise, based on recent events and longer term trends.
Guillen is still recovering from microfracture surgery on his knee. Officially it's a 15 Day DL. But the fact is that this is the type of injury that can go on all year and he's injury prone anyway. So honestly, if Guillen contributes more than about 6 HR and 30 RBI this season I'd be very surprised.
Joel Zumaya is still experiencing pain in the elbow that he broke last last. Again, allegedly the 15 Day DL. But he's had all sorts of finger and arm problems, and this is the third time in 4 seasons he's started the season on the DL. The last 3 in a row he's ended it on the DL as well. He's young. He's got raw talent. But some pitchers just can't keep their arms healthy enough to reach it.
There's alot of excitement around Detroit, with hopes of all the at-bats that rookies got last year translating into even bigger seasons for Austin Jackson, Alex Avilla, Will Rhymes, Casper Wells, and Brennan Boesch.
They made significant additions in the lineup and in the bullpen. They didn't lose any key players. They shed overpriced contracts off the books and cut ties with some guys whose time had come. I wouldn't have minded seeing Armando Galarraga return. But he'd underachieved for 3 years and did his part to ensure losing his place on the team. It was time for Bonderman to go. It was time for Gerald Laird to go. Much kudos to his dominance at throwing out base stealers, but you give back what you take away when you hit .200 or less for 3 straight seasons.
So very well paid guys who weren't getting it done gone. Promising young players in. If there's a knock on Jackson it's that he struck out waaaaaaay too much. I think he led the AL. But he was a 2 week slump at the end of the season from hitting .300 and had the highest batting average on balls hit in play since Ichiro back in 2003. When he actually hit the ball rather than making that post-strikeout turn to the dugout he hit .396. If he can cut that 170 strikeouts down to 120 he could be more like a .320 hitter. Also his .345 on-base percentage is pretty low for a guy who hit .293 and also had that insane batting average on balls put in play. Cutting the strikeouts down will help, especially if he can lay off some bad pitches and walk more. He only walked 47 times and you'd definitely like to see more out of a leadoff hitter.
Also, with his blazing speed, Detroit needs more than 27 stolen bases out of him. Especially since he's the only base stealing threat they have. Jackson has said he's emphasized his reading of pitchers and his leadoff move, and his goal is to steal at least 40 this year. That's even more important since he power hasn't developed yet. Scouts say that with his frame he should fill out to the point of having enough muscle to be a 15-20 homer guy at leadoff. He hit 4 homers last year along with 10 triples and 34 doubles. The triples will come in cavernous Comerica Park, just like they did with Curtis Granderson before Jackson. Only 34 doubles means Jackson's not driving the ball in the gap. Again not a mega criticism but if he's going to be a star, and if he's going to continue to have 134 of his 182 hits in a season land him at first base as singles, he needs to be able to steal more bases to get himself to second base base more often. You can live with 134 singles if the odds of stealing second base to advance anyway are high. The threat of the stolen base usually gives a batter better pitches to hit. Having a runner at second base instead of first also affects the pitches the batter sees.
Will Rhymes, in the one month look he got last year, seems to be a solid contact hitter and definitely has gap power. He needs to work on his defense a bit and we'll see if the .304 batting average was a fluke. The Tigers' organization seems to think it's not.
Brennan Boesch has monster power, as demonstrated by his crushing of the ball in the first half. He also has the ability to pressure himself when he's slumping, swing at bad pitches, and fall apart, as demonstrated by the .163 second half with 2 homers and 19 RBIs, and most of those coming via sac flies and groundouts. He had very few RBI hits in the second half. If he can lay off the down and away pitches that most left-handed batters see a ton of and be willing to take a walk if he doesn't get a pitch he likes, he should be okay. He showed some signs in Spring Training of taking some walks and settling for some opposite field singles by going with the outside pitch a bit. He also had a couple 420+ foot tape measure homers. He did something right in order to win a spot in an extremely hard fought outfield battle. But still if you hit .345 with 12 homers and 42 RBIs in a half season of baseball that's going to give you a second look, unless you just show no signs of all of making adjustments to the issues that led to the fall back to Earth in the second half.
Alex Avila is going to be catching 100+ games this season, since Victor Martinez is going to be more DH than catcher.
Detroit added Victor Martinez of course, one of the better hitters in the game. That's an upgrade. You can plug him in for a .300 batting average, 20+ homers and 90-some RBIs or more. The talk of most analysts is that Detroit is one hitter short of being able to win the AL Central.
You can pencil in Miguel Cabrera for a batting average around .300 with 30 some homers and 110+ RBIs. A monster MVP type season where he's closer to 40 homers and 140 RBIs is certainly well within his capabilities.
If he stays healthy Magglio Ordonez should be good for a near .300 batting average, 15-20 homers and 85-95 RBIs.
Then there's Martinez.
But after that who is going to be the big productive bat, especially if Cabrera starts getting pitched around?
Brandon Inge? He'll be good for about 70-75 RBIs. But he'll hit .240 to do it. Last year he had an absurd batting average with 2-outs and runners in scoring position. He was something like 0-25 or 1-30 or something. And his batting average after the 7th inning was pitiful. Inge is the guy for whom the other team brings in a relief matchup specialist in a tight late game situation in order to get him out. He's not the guy who gets the tough hit anyway and spoils the strategy. So no.
Jhonny Peralta? We'll see. Probably good for 80 RBIs or so. But may only hit about .250. That's still an improvement over the offensive black hole at shortstop the last few years but maybe not enough.
Ryan Raburn? Maybe. He pounded the ball in the second half. Not only did that maybe save his Tiger future, but earned him a starting job for the first time ever. Is he the guy who can hit 20-25 homers and 80 RBIs or more? Or is he the guy who hit .160 something with 1 homer and single digit RBIs in the first half last season. He's had talent. Jim Leyand always said he lacked confidence in himself. Maybe he found it in the second half. Raburn has to produce if the Tigers are going to win. Or he gets replaced by Boesch or Wells, or Dirks or Clete Thomas in the minors. But they have to produce.
There are question marks on all those guys, thus the thought that Detroit needs one more reliable bat. Of course those people all thought Rayburn, Boesch, Wells, Clete Thomas, someone out of that outfield log jam could get traded in spring training. Maybe the rapid advancement of Dirks makes some one even more expendable, but there hasn't been a Spring Training trade. So much for that. Now would have been the time when all those guys were hitting well. If someone is hitting .097 in April that kind of diminishes that trade value if you're trying to get an impact player.
The experts think the Tigers could still be lacking a reliable arm in the rotation. I don't know. They could have the best rotation in the AL. They could have Verlander and 4 underachievers.
It's time for Verlander to win 20 games. The last 3 years he's been one of those guys that when you come up with "the top 8 pitchers to be considered for the Cy Young Award" he's at the edge of that conversation. It's time to take that next step forward and be on the "short list" . He needs to move to the elite level from "very good". Getting off to a good April and May will help that. He's been terrible the first 6 weeks about the last season, then found dominance after the All-Star Break. He knows it and he's focused on his intensity in Spring Training so he can reach top form earlier.
Max Scherzer could be a dominant #2. Rick Porcello has the potential to be dominant. Brad Penny has been in the past when healthy. Phil Coke? Who knows. Good stuff. Dominant in the bullpen. We'll see if it translates. Mariano Rivera was a terrible starting pitcher for the Yankees. So he got moved back to the pen and we know how that worked.
Or it could end up being the "first half Max Scherzer" with an ERA over 5 rather than the guy who gave up no more than 1 ER in a start over like 8 straight starts in the second half, struck out 16, struck out 14, etc. etc. It could be the "every month but September" Rick Porcello, not the guy who looked sharp winning 6 straight starts at one point.
Or the "hurts his back early in the year and is ineffective all year" Brad Penny, not the guy who can give you 200 innings and 15 wins.
There have been enough sustained flashes of brilliance from everyone on the roster just about to see this team coming together for a World Series run. Or there could be injuries, hard to define issues more between the ears than anywhere else in the starting rotation and overall lineup and they hover around .500 again.
Hell after the bleak years between 1993-2006, and the way my sports teams generally perform, anytime I can head into a season with hope and optimism that's good.
Of course I had hope and optimism about NC State's basketball team this year too...
Detroit officially placed Carlos Guillen and Joel Zumaya on the DL to start the season. Neither is a surprise, based on recent events and longer term trends.
Guillen is still recovering from microfracture surgery on his knee. Officially it's a 15 Day DL. But the fact is that this is the type of injury that can go on all year and he's injury prone anyway. So honestly, if Guillen contributes more than about 6 HR and 30 RBI this season I'd be very surprised.
Joel Zumaya is still experiencing pain in the elbow that he broke last last. Again, allegedly the 15 Day DL. But he's had all sorts of finger and arm problems, and this is the third time in 4 seasons he's started the season on the DL. The last 3 in a row he's ended it on the DL as well. He's young. He's got raw talent. But some pitchers just can't keep their arms healthy enough to reach it.
There's alot of excitement around Detroit, with hopes of all the at-bats that rookies got last year translating into even bigger seasons for Austin Jackson, Alex Avilla, Will Rhymes, Casper Wells, and Brennan Boesch.
They made significant additions in the lineup and in the bullpen. They didn't lose any key players. They shed overpriced contracts off the books and cut ties with some guys whose time had come. I wouldn't have minded seeing Armando Galarraga return. But he'd underachieved for 3 years and did his part to ensure losing his place on the team. It was time for Bonderman to go. It was time for Gerald Laird to go. Much kudos to his dominance at throwing out base stealers, but you give back what you take away when you hit .200 or less for 3 straight seasons.
So very well paid guys who weren't getting it done gone. Promising young players in. If there's a knock on Jackson it's that he struck out waaaaaaay too much. I think he led the AL. But he was a 2 week slump at the end of the season from hitting .300 and had the highest batting average on balls hit in play since Ichiro back in 2003. When he actually hit the ball rather than making that post-strikeout turn to the dugout he hit .396. If he can cut that 170 strikeouts down to 120 he could be more like a .320 hitter. Also his .345 on-base percentage is pretty low for a guy who hit .293 and also had that insane batting average on balls put in play. Cutting the strikeouts down will help, especially if he can lay off some bad pitches and walk more. He only walked 47 times and you'd definitely like to see more out of a leadoff hitter.
Also, with his blazing speed, Detroit needs more than 27 stolen bases out of him. Especially since he's the only base stealing threat they have. Jackson has said he's emphasized his reading of pitchers and his leadoff move, and his goal is to steal at least 40 this year. That's even more important since he power hasn't developed yet. Scouts say that with his frame he should fill out to the point of having enough muscle to be a 15-20 homer guy at leadoff. He hit 4 homers last year along with 10 triples and 34 doubles. The triples will come in cavernous Comerica Park, just like they did with Curtis Granderson before Jackson. Only 34 doubles means Jackson's not driving the ball in the gap. Again not a mega criticism but if he's going to be a star, and if he's going to continue to have 134 of his 182 hits in a season land him at first base as singles, he needs to be able to steal more bases to get himself to second base base more often. You can live with 134 singles if the odds of stealing second base to advance anyway are high. The threat of the stolen base usually gives a batter better pitches to hit. Having a runner at second base instead of first also affects the pitches the batter sees.
Will Rhymes, in the one month look he got last year, seems to be a solid contact hitter and definitely has gap power. He needs to work on his defense a bit and we'll see if the .304 batting average was a fluke. The Tigers' organization seems to think it's not.
Brennan Boesch has monster power, as demonstrated by his crushing of the ball in the first half. He also has the ability to pressure himself when he's slumping, swing at bad pitches, and fall apart, as demonstrated by the .163 second half with 2 homers and 19 RBIs, and most of those coming via sac flies and groundouts. He had very few RBI hits in the second half. If he can lay off the down and away pitches that most left-handed batters see a ton of and be willing to take a walk if he doesn't get a pitch he likes, he should be okay. He showed some signs in Spring Training of taking some walks and settling for some opposite field singles by going with the outside pitch a bit. He also had a couple 420+ foot tape measure homers. He did something right in order to win a spot in an extremely hard fought outfield battle. But still if you hit .345 with 12 homers and 42 RBIs in a half season of baseball that's going to give you a second look, unless you just show no signs of all of making adjustments to the issues that led to the fall back to Earth in the second half.
Alex Avila is going to be catching 100+ games this season, since Victor Martinez is going to be more DH than catcher.
Detroit added Victor Martinez of course, one of the better hitters in the game. That's an upgrade. You can plug him in for a .300 batting average, 20+ homers and 90-some RBIs or more. The talk of most analysts is that Detroit is one hitter short of being able to win the AL Central.
You can pencil in Miguel Cabrera for a batting average around .300 with 30 some homers and 110+ RBIs. A monster MVP type season where he's closer to 40 homers and 140 RBIs is certainly well within his capabilities.
If he stays healthy Magglio Ordonez should be good for a near .300 batting average, 15-20 homers and 85-95 RBIs.
Then there's Martinez.
But after that who is going to be the big productive bat, especially if Cabrera starts getting pitched around?
Brandon Inge? He'll be good for about 70-75 RBIs. But he'll hit .240 to do it. Last year he had an absurd batting average with 2-outs and runners in scoring position. He was something like 0-25 or 1-30 or something. And his batting average after the 7th inning was pitiful. Inge is the guy for whom the other team brings in a relief matchup specialist in a tight late game situation in order to get him out. He's not the guy who gets the tough hit anyway and spoils the strategy. So no.
Jhonny Peralta? We'll see. Probably good for 80 RBIs or so. But may only hit about .250. That's still an improvement over the offensive black hole at shortstop the last few years but maybe not enough.
Ryan Raburn? Maybe. He pounded the ball in the second half. Not only did that maybe save his Tiger future, but earned him a starting job for the first time ever. Is he the guy who can hit 20-25 homers and 80 RBIs or more? Or is he the guy who hit .160 something with 1 homer and single digit RBIs in the first half last season. He's had talent. Jim Leyand always said he lacked confidence in himself. Maybe he found it in the second half. Raburn has to produce if the Tigers are going to win. Or he gets replaced by Boesch or Wells, or Dirks or Clete Thomas in the minors. But they have to produce.
There are question marks on all those guys, thus the thought that Detroit needs one more reliable bat. Of course those people all thought Rayburn, Boesch, Wells, Clete Thomas, someone out of that outfield log jam could get traded in spring training. Maybe the rapid advancement of Dirks makes some one even more expendable, but there hasn't been a Spring Training trade. So much for that. Now would have been the time when all those guys were hitting well. If someone is hitting .097 in April that kind of diminishes that trade value if you're trying to get an impact player.
The experts think the Tigers could still be lacking a reliable arm in the rotation. I don't know. They could have the best rotation in the AL. They could have Verlander and 4 underachievers.
It's time for Verlander to win 20 games. The last 3 years he's been one of those guys that when you come up with "the top 8 pitchers to be considered for the Cy Young Award" he's at the edge of that conversation. It's time to take that next step forward and be on the "short list" . He needs to move to the elite level from "very good". Getting off to a good April and May will help that. He's been terrible the first 6 weeks about the last season, then found dominance after the All-Star Break. He knows it and he's focused on his intensity in Spring Training so he can reach top form earlier.
Max Scherzer could be a dominant #2. Rick Porcello has the potential to be dominant. Brad Penny has been in the past when healthy. Phil Coke? Who knows. Good stuff. Dominant in the bullpen. We'll see if it translates. Mariano Rivera was a terrible starting pitcher for the Yankees. So he got moved back to the pen and we know how that worked.
Or it could end up being the "first half Max Scherzer" with an ERA over 5 rather than the guy who gave up no more than 1 ER in a start over like 8 straight starts in the second half, struck out 16, struck out 14, etc. etc. It could be the "every month but September" Rick Porcello, not the guy who looked sharp winning 6 straight starts at one point.
Or the "hurts his back early in the year and is ineffective all year" Brad Penny, not the guy who can give you 200 innings and 15 wins.
There have been enough sustained flashes of brilliance from everyone on the roster just about to see this team coming together for a World Series run. Or there could be injuries, hard to define issues more between the ears than anywhere else in the starting rotation and overall lineup and they hover around .500 again.
Hell after the bleak years between 1993-2006, and the way my sports teams generally perform, anytime I can head into a season with hope and optimism that's good.
Of course I had hope and optimism about NC State's basketball team this year too...
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Billy Donovan interviewing for the NC State head coaching job?
There's a rumor saying that Billy Donovan, Florida's 2-time NCAA Champion winning coach, will be interviewing for the State job within the next couple days.
I have a hard time believing that. He's got a good thing going in Florida. Despite a couple down years after the second NCAA Championship they've rebounded and almost made it to the Final Four this year.
I will grant that SEC basketball is not ACC basketball. Some of these rumors say that Donovan is frustrated that Florida is heavily a football school. Maybe so. But keep putting banners in the rafters of the basketball arena and you'll get your share of attention. I don't think Florida basketball suffers a lack of attention.
Some of these rumors say that Donovan and Debbie Yow have developed a relationship of mutual respect since she has become State AD. That seems like a legit fact. Some rumors say Donovan's relationship with his AD has started to sour badly. Maybe. And some say that he feels like he's done everything he can at Florida and he's interested in the next challenge. That being coming to Tobacco Road to slug it out with Duke and UNC 3-4 times a year. Some high achieving coaches may walk away from an established and decorated program to do that.
Personally I just don't see it happening. Some "anonymous sources" have been saying for a week that State intents on making a blockbuster coaching move. Donovan would be it. But unless the situation with his AD and his belief in the future of the program have deteriorated way beyond anything that's gone public, I just can't see this happening. Donovan turned down Kentucky a couple years ago, though having to coach against Florida every year could have factored in to that.
I do think it behooves State to come up with a slam dunk coach. Someone either with big track record or someone who's currently a hot commodity (Shaka Smart of VCU). They need their best possible chance to keep the rising sophomores in the program and to keep the incoming recruits, especially that 7'0" center who seems to get more and more positive buzz every day for the last couple weeks, coming. Nailing the coaching search could keep anyone from jumping ship. If everyone were to stay intact, State would have a core talented enough to be an NCAA Tournament team. Sure they have to replace Tracy Smith but if the sophomores grow, along with Richard Howell and a freshman contribution, and the new coach can get them to not underachieve, then could win 20 games in the regular season.
Or they totally blow the search, there are mass transfers and de-commitments and they win 8 games next year like Wake Forest. If they "settle" like they did when they got Lowe last time that could be what happens. I didn't mind the Lowe hire, bringing someone in from the Wolfpack Family with some passion. Something like that again would make the program take 2 steps back. Lowe brought a connection to the 1983 National Championship game, a reconnection to NC State legacy, passion for the program, and a knowledge of NBA sets. It didn't work out, because he didn't bring focus on defense, team chemistry building skills, an ability to transmit emphasis on the fundamentals, etc. Somewhere the communication or the ability to teach just wasn't there.
Billy Donovan may even be able to keep CJ Leslie in Raleigh and get him to maximize that considerable potential. I just can't imagine why he would leave Gainesville for Raleigh.
I have a hard time believing that. He's got a good thing going in Florida. Despite a couple down years after the second NCAA Championship they've rebounded and almost made it to the Final Four this year.
I will grant that SEC basketball is not ACC basketball. Some of these rumors say that Donovan is frustrated that Florida is heavily a football school. Maybe so. But keep putting banners in the rafters of the basketball arena and you'll get your share of attention. I don't think Florida basketball suffers a lack of attention.
Some of these rumors say that Donovan and Debbie Yow have developed a relationship of mutual respect since she has become State AD. That seems like a legit fact. Some rumors say Donovan's relationship with his AD has started to sour badly. Maybe. And some say that he feels like he's done everything he can at Florida and he's interested in the next challenge. That being coming to Tobacco Road to slug it out with Duke and UNC 3-4 times a year. Some high achieving coaches may walk away from an established and decorated program to do that.
Personally I just don't see it happening. Some "anonymous sources" have been saying for a week that State intents on making a blockbuster coaching move. Donovan would be it. But unless the situation with his AD and his belief in the future of the program have deteriorated way beyond anything that's gone public, I just can't see this happening. Donovan turned down Kentucky a couple years ago, though having to coach against Florida every year could have factored in to that.
I do think it behooves State to come up with a slam dunk coach. Someone either with big track record or someone who's currently a hot commodity (Shaka Smart of VCU). They need their best possible chance to keep the rising sophomores in the program and to keep the incoming recruits, especially that 7'0" center who seems to get more and more positive buzz every day for the last couple weeks, coming. Nailing the coaching search could keep anyone from jumping ship. If everyone were to stay intact, State would have a core talented enough to be an NCAA Tournament team. Sure they have to replace Tracy Smith but if the sophomores grow, along with Richard Howell and a freshman contribution, and the new coach can get them to not underachieve, then could win 20 games in the regular season.
Or they totally blow the search, there are mass transfers and de-commitments and they win 8 games next year like Wake Forest. If they "settle" like they did when they got Lowe last time that could be what happens. I didn't mind the Lowe hire, bringing someone in from the Wolfpack Family with some passion. Something like that again would make the program take 2 steps back. Lowe brought a connection to the 1983 National Championship game, a reconnection to NC State legacy, passion for the program, and a knowledge of NBA sets. It didn't work out, because he didn't bring focus on defense, team chemistry building skills, an ability to transmit emphasis on the fundamentals, etc. Somewhere the communication or the ability to teach just wasn't there.
Billy Donovan may even be able to keep CJ Leslie in Raleigh and get him to maximize that considerable potential. I just can't imagine why he would leave Gainesville for Raleigh.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
more magic from VCU...
VCU ran out to a big lead against Kansas. They maintained that lead at 14 at the half, then turned back Kansas' rally attempts in the second half. VCU stunned the last #1 seed, 71-61.
Maybe the biggest Cinderella of all time moves into the Final 4. They'll be taking on Butler in one Super Cinderella National Semi-Final. VCU, maybe the biggest Cinderella of all time, versus Butler, probably the greatest 2 year Cinderella ever and the only team to ever make back to back Final Fours and not be a 1 or 2 seed either year.
So either Butler or VCU is going to the Championship game, which will be the second straight title game featuring a mid-major crashing the show. On the other side will be a traditional power. UConn awaits the winner of UNC-Kentucky.
Maybe the biggest Cinderella of all time moves into the Final 4. They'll be taking on Butler in one Super Cinderella National Semi-Final. VCU, maybe the biggest Cinderella of all time, versus Butler, probably the greatest 2 year Cinderella ever and the only team to ever make back to back Final Fours and not be a 1 or 2 seed either year.
So either Butler or VCU is going to the Championship game, which will be the second straight title game featuring a mid-major crashing the show. On the other side will be a traditional power. UConn awaits the winner of UNC-Kentucky.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
The Tigers have completed their Opening Day Roster
They optioned second baseman Danny Worth to Toledo today and also sent down outfielder Andy Dirks and pitcher Adam Wilk. Worth made it a battle but this means that Will Rhymes is the starting second baseman to open the season. Jim Leyland has said that Carlos Guillen will have the job when he's healthy but his knee's not ready to go yet and he'll start the season on the DL.
Rhymes hit well last September in the 2 spot. Andy Dirks wasn't expected to be a big league factor this season but almost slugged his way onto the team. He was in a very heated and very competitive battle with Casper Wells, Brennan Boesch, and Clete Thomas for 2 reserve outfield spots. Boesch of course hit like an All-Star in the first half last season before slumping after the break. Wells got a September call up and got a lot of Boesch's former at bats. He hit well. Clete Thomas most of last season with an injury but has been up a number of times over the previous 2 seasons and was productive.
All of the guys hit very well, which gives Detroit plenty of options and made the decision tough. Boesch and Wells got the spots. Last season probably helped them both. Boesch has tremendous power and could be a 30 homer guy as long as he picks his pitches like he did in the first half, rather than pressing and swinging at pitchers pitches like he did in the second. Casper Wells has a nice bat but also a nice arm, pretty good speed, and is the best outfield defender other than Austin Jackson, and is able to back him up in center field. Those facts probably got them the nods. But Jim Leyland has already said we can expect to see Dirks and Thomas this season as roster moves are needed.
Detroit's looked good in Spring Training for what that's worth. 19-12, best record in Florida. The rotation and bullpen guys have all pitched well. Most everyone, regulars and the guys fighting for the last few spots, hit well in Florida. Jhonny Peralta has been in a slump but that's it. Hopefully he can turn it around, and hopefully nobody else starts April with an ice cold bat. Detroit could use a quick start. Justin Verlander especially has focused on that, since he's been terrible the last 2 Aprils in a row, with an ERA over 5.
Rhymes hit well last September in the 2 spot. Andy Dirks wasn't expected to be a big league factor this season but almost slugged his way onto the team. He was in a very heated and very competitive battle with Casper Wells, Brennan Boesch, and Clete Thomas for 2 reserve outfield spots. Boesch of course hit like an All-Star in the first half last season before slumping after the break. Wells got a September call up and got a lot of Boesch's former at bats. He hit well. Clete Thomas most of last season with an injury but has been up a number of times over the previous 2 seasons and was productive.
All of the guys hit very well, which gives Detroit plenty of options and made the decision tough. Boesch and Wells got the spots. Last season probably helped them both. Boesch has tremendous power and could be a 30 homer guy as long as he picks his pitches like he did in the first half, rather than pressing and swinging at pitchers pitches like he did in the second. Casper Wells has a nice bat but also a nice arm, pretty good speed, and is the best outfield defender other than Austin Jackson, and is able to back him up in center field. Those facts probably got them the nods. But Jim Leyland has already said we can expect to see Dirks and Thomas this season as roster moves are needed.
Detroit's looked good in Spring Training for what that's worth. 19-12, best record in Florida. The rotation and bullpen guys have all pitched well. Most everyone, regulars and the guys fighting for the last few spots, hit well in Florida. Jhonny Peralta has been in a slump but that's it. Hopefully he can turn it around, and hopefully nobody else starts April with an ice cold bat. Detroit could use a quick start. Justin Verlander especially has focused on that, since he's been terrible the last 2 Aprils in a row, with an ERA over 5.
Cinderella still has a spot in the NCAA Tournament
There was a bit of traditional order in the regional semifinals last night. UNC led Marquette 40-15 at the half en route to an 18 point win.
Kansas blew out Richmond, shattering that glass slipper. But VCU beat Florida State by 1 to roll into the Elite 8. Interestingly VCU's run should squash any talk of the First Four concept being pointless. It's a bit strangely executed true, and may need a revamp. But it's not like the winners all went on to lose by 20 in the next round. VCU's now taken it run to the Elite Eight out of the very first First Four.
Butler held off Wisconsin on Thursday. Then they beat Florida in OT to punch their second straight ticket to the Final Four. Pretty much before the confetti had stopped falling after the championship game last year, people said Duke could be poised to repeat next year, while Butler would go the opposite direction after losing key personnel. Butler started out slow this year. They got crushed by Duke in a neutral floor rematch. That was the game that Kyrie Irving got hurt for Duke and was gone until the tournament. All that though, and Butler came alive at the right time. They're the first team outside of one of the Big 6 Power Conferences to go to back to back Final Fours since Jerry Tarkanian's 1990 and 1991 UNLV teams got there one step ahead of the NCAA rule committee.
Butler's coach is the first coach to make 2 Final Four appearances before the age of 35. Instead of falling to mid-major mediocrity it's Butler with 2 Final Four appearances, not Duke.
Kentucky upset overall #1 seed Ohio State last night. That sets the stage for UNC-Kentucky, college basketball's 2 winningest programs, to go head to head with the Final Four on the line. They met back in December, with UNC winning 75-73 in Chapel Hill.
Tonight UConn punched a ticket to the Final Four by edging Arizona. UConn is on one of the more memorable post-season runs ever. They may not have had to win the Big East Tournament to get into the Big Dance, but they ripped off 5 wins in 5 days to do so, and have now won 4 more. 9 straight post-season wins.
Can VCU ride its white stallion one game further? Kansas is a tall order. A beast of a team. This would be their biggest upset yet.
Kansas blew out Richmond, shattering that glass slipper. But VCU beat Florida State by 1 to roll into the Elite 8. Interestingly VCU's run should squash any talk of the First Four concept being pointless. It's a bit strangely executed true, and may need a revamp. But it's not like the winners all went on to lose by 20 in the next round. VCU's now taken it run to the Elite Eight out of the very first First Four.
Butler held off Wisconsin on Thursday. Then they beat Florida in OT to punch their second straight ticket to the Final Four. Pretty much before the confetti had stopped falling after the championship game last year, people said Duke could be poised to repeat next year, while Butler would go the opposite direction after losing key personnel. Butler started out slow this year. They got crushed by Duke in a neutral floor rematch. That was the game that Kyrie Irving got hurt for Duke and was gone until the tournament. All that though, and Butler came alive at the right time. They're the first team outside of one of the Big 6 Power Conferences to go to back to back Final Fours since Jerry Tarkanian's 1990 and 1991 UNLV teams got there one step ahead of the NCAA rule committee.
Butler's coach is the first coach to make 2 Final Four appearances before the age of 35. Instead of falling to mid-major mediocrity it's Butler with 2 Final Four appearances, not Duke.
Kentucky upset overall #1 seed Ohio State last night. That sets the stage for UNC-Kentucky, college basketball's 2 winningest programs, to go head to head with the Final Four on the line. They met back in December, with UNC winning 75-73 in Chapel Hill.
Tonight UConn punched a ticket to the Final Four by edging Arizona. UConn is on one of the more memorable post-season runs ever. They may not have had to win the Big East Tournament to get into the Big Dance, but they ripped off 5 wins in 5 days to do so, and have now won 4 more. 9 straight post-season wins.
Can VCU ride its white stallion one game further? Kansas is a tall order. A beast of a team. This would be their biggest upset yet.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
It's My Favorite Moment of the NCAA Tournament
That moment right after the final horn of the championship game? Nah. It's the moments just after Duke gets eliminated.
The slackjawed looks on those blue painted faces. The thousand yard stares from the cheerleaders. That absolutely incredulous look that only a Duke fan can get, as if they never expected that a loss can happen.
Coach K now will not be passing Bob Knight as the all time men's winningest basketball coach by winning the NCAA Championship. It looks instead that will happen on November 19th against mighty Colgate.
The slackjawed looks on those blue painted faces. The thousand yard stares from the cheerleaders. That absolutely incredulous look that only a Duke fan can get, as if they never expected that a loss can happen.
Coach K now will not be passing Bob Knight as the all time men's winningest basketball coach by winning the NCAA Championship. It looks instead that will happen on November 19th against mighty Colgate.
The Big News in the NCAA Tournament
Arizona has Duke on the brink. They're up 82-68 with 4:40 to play. Arizona has outrebounded Duke 19-6 in the second half.
Still a bit too early to count Duke out, but they're definitely on the ropes and wobbly.
This win would make NC State want Arizona coach (and Herb Sendek's former assistant at State) Sean Miller as their next head coach. He's got Arizona atop the Pac-Ten and has said he has no interest in leaving.
It's now 86-69 with 3:47 left. I think they can turn off the lights at Cameron at this point.
Still a bit too early to count Duke out, but they're definitely on the ropes and wobbly.
This win would make NC State want Arizona coach (and Herb Sendek's former assistant at State) Sean Miller as their next head coach. He's got Arizona atop the Pac-Ten and has said he has no interest in leaving.
It's now 86-69 with 3:47 left. I think they can turn off the lights at Cameron at this point.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
a gleeful NCAA Tournament fact I forgot to point out earllier
There was some basketball snickering when the ACC sent only 4 teams to the NCAA Tournament while the Big East sent 11.
That was over a week ago. In the here and now:
Teams in the NCAA Tournament: Big East - 11 ACC - 4
Teams in the Sweet 16 Big East - 2 ACC - 3
Of all the Big East teams only UConn and Marquette survived the first weekend. In the ACC, UNC, Duke, and Florida State all advanced. Only Clemson lost in the first round, ironically to West Virginia, a Big East team.
I will at least acknowledge that the Big East lost 2 teams due to 2 all Big East matchups in the second round, necessitated by the large number of teams they entered, making it impossible to avoid their conference mates until the Elite Eight, which is the norm. So UConn had to eliminate Cincinnati, and Marquette upset Syracuse.
But still, a bad showing for the Big East. Their #1 seed Pitt was upset by 8 seed Butler in the second round. Their #2 seed Notre Dame was upset by 10 seed Florida State in the second round. 4 seed Louisville suffered the biggest upset of the first round, getting beat by 13 seed Morehead State.
That was over a week ago. In the here and now:
Teams in the NCAA Tournament: Big East - 11 ACC - 4
Teams in the Sweet 16 Big East - 2 ACC - 3
Of all the Big East teams only UConn and Marquette survived the first weekend. In the ACC, UNC, Duke, and Florida State all advanced. Only Clemson lost in the first round, ironically to West Virginia, a Big East team.
I will at least acknowledge that the Big East lost 2 teams due to 2 all Big East matchups in the second round, necessitated by the large number of teams they entered, making it impossible to avoid their conference mates until the Elite Eight, which is the norm. So UConn had to eliminate Cincinnati, and Marquette upset Syracuse.
But still, a bad showing for the Big East. Their #1 seed Pitt was upset by 8 seed Butler in the second round. Their #2 seed Notre Dame was upset by 10 seed Florida State in the second round. 4 seed Louisville suffered the biggest upset of the first round, getting beat by 13 seed Morehead State.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
after not making a couple late plays UNC made a couple
John Henson deflected the in-bounds while defending the baseline. Dexter Strickland corralled the ball and made both ends of a 1-and-1.
The drama wasn't quite over. Washington threw up a half court shot with more than 2 seconds left on the clock, for whatever reason. Maybe the guy thought UNC was going to foul him with fouls to give. But John Henson let the well-off course shot slip through his hands and land out of bounds. So game over? Nope, Washington's ball under their own basket with 0.5 seconds left. In truth it should have been more like 1 second, but the refs didn't check the time.
Washington missed the catch and shoot at the buzzer. Henson mysteriously tried to bat the ball off the rim for no reason, leading to goaltending. The shot was a 2 with a foot on the line so the brain cramp, if called, wouldn't have tied the game.
But wow. UNC escaped 86-83. Roy Williams needs to do some mental coaching with Henson though. Let the last shot sale out of bounds and time expires or UNC gets it back with less than a second left. Game over. But touch it and give Washington one last gasp. Then nearly bat a shot that was well short off the rim off and get a cheap goaltend.
The drama wasn't quite over. Washington threw up a half court shot with more than 2 seconds left on the clock, for whatever reason. Maybe the guy thought UNC was going to foul him with fouls to give. But John Henson let the well-off course shot slip through his hands and land out of bounds. So game over? Nope, Washington's ball under their own basket with 0.5 seconds left. In truth it should have been more like 1 second, but the refs didn't check the time.
Washington missed the catch and shoot at the buzzer. Henson mysteriously tried to bat the ball off the rim for no reason, leading to goaltending. The shot was a 2 with a foot on the line so the brain cramp, if called, wouldn't have tied the game.
But wow. UNC escaped 86-83. Roy Williams needs to do some mental coaching with Henson though. Let the last shot sale out of bounds and time expires or UNC gets it back with less than a second left. Game over. But touch it and give Washington one last gasp. Then nearly bat a shot that was well short off the rim off and get a cheap goaltend.
UNC is living on the edge
They've missed a couple chances to close out a dogfight of a game. Harrison Barnes missed a short shot. Kendall Marshall missed the front end of a 1-and-1 with 15 seconds left. Washington with the ball down 1 with 7 seconds left.
Washington-UNC
Roy's Temper Meter appeared to be at "Volcanic" heading to halftime. UNC is down 45-44. It's been a good game with a nice pace. But UNC needs to defend the perimeter better to give Washington tougher looks at the 3-point shot. Washington is scoring points in bunches off of open 3-point looks.
UNC also needs to do a much better job keeping Washington off of the offensive glass, especially.since they have a size advantage in there. Washington's quick to the ball though. UNC just needs to block out better.
Washington is also active on defense so UNC needs to make crisper passes. They've had a number of lazy passes intercepted and hands getting in to knock the ball away on lazy catches.
UNC also needs to do a much better job keeping Washington off of the offensive glass, especially.since they have a size advantage in there. Washington's quick to the ball though. UNC just needs to block out better.
Washington is also active on defense so UNC needs to make crisper passes. They've had a number of lazy passes intercepted and hands getting in to knock the ball away on lazy catches.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Pitt is the first #1 seed to fall
After the top 4 seeds in each bracket had rolled so far except for Louisville yesterday against Morehead State, Butler stunned Pitt 71-70.
Both teams committed bizarre needless fouls in the last 2 seconds. Butler committed a mid-court foul with 1.4 seconds left and a one point lead. That very well could have doomed them, but Pitt made only 1 of 2 and committed a foul on the rebound attempt of the second with 0.8 seconds left. Butler made the first for the margin of victory.
Much adieu was made of 11 Big East teams making the tournament. Louisville went down to Morehead State yesterday in the biggest upset of the fir...I mean second...round of the tournament. St. Johns got thumped by Gonzaga. George Mason beat Villanova. VCU beat Georgetown last night.
Today Kentucky beat West Virginia. Butler stunned Pitt. That's 6 of 11 teams down.
UConn and Cincinnati are playing right now, the unusually early conference match up caused by the large number of Big East Teams making it impossible to avoid each other prior to the Regional Finals which is the norm. So that will be one more Big East team down. Tomorrow Syracuse has to play Marquette, so more of the same. So that will be 8 of 11 that don't make the Sweet 16.
The two winners of those Big East matchups will advance. Notre Dame could join them if they beat Florida State tomorrow. But even if that happens 3 of 11 is not a good showing to the Sweet 16 after all that hype.
Both teams committed bizarre needless fouls in the last 2 seconds. Butler committed a mid-court foul with 1.4 seconds left and a one point lead. That very well could have doomed them, but Pitt made only 1 of 2 and committed a foul on the rebound attempt of the second with 0.8 seconds left. Butler made the first for the margin of victory.
Much adieu was made of 11 Big East teams making the tournament. Louisville went down to Morehead State yesterday in the biggest upset of the fir...I mean second...round of the tournament. St. Johns got thumped by Gonzaga. George Mason beat Villanova. VCU beat Georgetown last night.
Today Kentucky beat West Virginia. Butler stunned Pitt. That's 6 of 11 teams down.
UConn and Cincinnati are playing right now, the unusually early conference match up caused by the large number of Big East Teams making it impossible to avoid each other prior to the Regional Finals which is the norm. So that will be one more Big East team down. Tomorrow Syracuse has to play Marquette, so more of the same. So that will be 8 of 11 that don't make the Sweet 16.
The two winners of those Big East matchups will advance. Notre Dame could join them if they beat Florida State tomorrow. But even if that happens 3 of 11 is not a good showing to the Sweet 16 after all that hype.
maybe the first super compelling game of the Tourney
San Diego State - Temple has gone to a second OT. San Diego State is a 2 seed, Temple #7. Some people thing San Diego State is a soft 2 seed. I haven't seen them play this year but I'd have to say that they may not be as battle tested as some schools. I know they beat BYU at least once while they were at full strength before Davies got kicked off the team for having sex with his girlfriend.
Some experts say San Diego State is the real deal. Who knows. In this environment you can keep winning to back it up.
VCU has done that in its "feud" with Jay Bilas.
Some experts say San Diego State is the real deal. Who knows. In this environment you can keep winning to back it up.
VCU has done that in its "feud" with Jay Bilas.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Tuesday evening came the inevitable
Athletic Director Debbie Yow announced the resignation of Sidney Lowe Tuesday night. I expect it was a "resign so we don't have to fire you, but you're not coaching here next season" type deal.
A search committee has been put together. We'll see what happens there, as well as with transfers or NBA jumps from Leslie, Harrow, and Brown. I expect Leslie is gone. Most likely he'll make an NBA jump, ill-advised though it may be. A transfer is also possible. I'd not be surprised if either Brown or Harrow left as well, but I personally think it's more likely that the two of them stay than Leslie. Still though, 50/50. We'll also see what happens with this incoming recruiting class and that 5 star center.
Best case scenerio, next season could be a season of player growth and some spark and improvement over this season if there's little to no attrition. Or all three freshmen leave, the recruiting class decommits, and it's Richard Howell, CJ Williams and a bunch of walk-ons and State is next year's Wake Forest.
A search committee has been put together. We'll see what happens there, as well as with transfers or NBA jumps from Leslie, Harrow, and Brown. I expect Leslie is gone. Most likely he'll make an NBA jump, ill-advised though it may be. A transfer is also possible. I'd not be surprised if either Brown or Harrow left as well, but I personally think it's more likely that the two of them stay than Leslie. Still though, 50/50. We'll also see what happens with this incoming recruiting class and that 5 star center.
Best case scenerio, next season could be a season of player growth and some spark and improvement over this season if there's little to no attrition. Or all three freshmen leave, the recruiting class decommits, and it's Richard Howell, CJ Williams and a bunch of walk-ons and State is next year's Wake Forest.
The ACC in the NCAA Tournament
The ACC got 4 teams into the NCAA Tournament. Duke got the automatic bid and the #1 seed in the West. UNC earned the #2 seed in the East. Florida State is the 10th seed in the Southwest Region. Clemson earned the 12th seed in the East, but had to beat UAB in one of the first First Four games, which aren't play-in games but are considered first round games. Clemson won that game to make it to what is now considered the 2nd round. They played West Virginia today and have already completed their annual post-season collapse.
an impressive run in the Big East Tournament by UConn
Impressive is an understatement. UConn won 5 games on 5 straight days, 4 over ranked opponents, to claim the Big East Tournament. UConn is the first team to ever win a conference tournament winning 5 games in 5 days. Nobody even knows the last time a team won 5 games in 5 days. That type of schedule is pretty unprecedented outside of tournament play. I'm not the Elias Sports Bureau so I don't know either. It's very likely that's never happened before. The Harlem Globetrotters don't count.
The ACC Tournament Wrapup
UNC overcame another double digit deficit against Clemson in the ACC semi-finals. Harrison Barnes was a one man wrecking crew, scoring 42 as UNC pulled away in overtime. That was the highest scoring total in a Tournament game in 16 years. It set the single game tournament scoring record for a freshman, as was the most points in a tournament game by a UNC player in more than 40 years.
Fittingly, it was Duke vs. UNC in the Championship Game. It was another slow UNC start and the hole was too big to recover from against a team as good as Duke. Duke cruised to the ACC Tournament Championship and a #1 seed.
For Duke seniors Kyle Singler and Nolan Smith they capped off their careers with 3 ACC Tournament Championships in 4 years, with a National Championship and still some work left to do.
The All-Tournament Team was:
Nolan Smith, Duke (MVP)
Kyle Singler, Duke
Harrison Barnes, North Carolina
Tyler Zeller, North Carolina
Demontez Stitt, Clemson
Fittingly, it was Duke vs. UNC in the Championship Game. It was another slow UNC start and the hole was too big to recover from against a team as good as Duke. Duke cruised to the ACC Tournament Championship and a #1 seed.
For Duke seniors Kyle Singler and Nolan Smith they capped off their careers with 3 ACC Tournament Championships in 4 years, with a National Championship and still some work left to do.
The All-Tournament Team was:
Nolan Smith, Duke (MVP)
Kyle Singler, Duke
Harrison Barnes, North Carolina
Tyler Zeller, North Carolina
Demontez Stitt, Clemson
Friday, March 11, 2011
like a lightning bolt
UNC looked on the verge of being toast. That of course is relative considering what Miami did yesterday just to be here. But still...
But just like that the 3's start raining down and UNC is down 4 with 5 to play...
But just like that the 3's start raining down and UNC is down 4 with 5 to play...
ACC Tournament Day 2: Miami vs. UNC
UNC is off to a sluggish start with 9 turnovers. Roy Williams just pulled his starting 5 off the floor and put in 5 walk-ons while he rips into the regulars on the bench. How's that for motivation? And I bet it will work.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
In the ACC Quarterfinal Nightcap a Big Ten Game Broke Out
Georgia Tech outsucked Virginia tech to the tune of 43 to 59. Yeah, Virginia Tech won it and Georgia Tech melted the scoreboard to the tune of 43 points. The win improves Virginia Tech to 20-10 and keeps them firmly settled on the NCAA Bubble.
Georgia Tech turns off the lights and locks up the gym until Midnight Madness, finishing at 13-18 on the season. They did still manage to equal NC State for conference wins. Looking at things now it's shocking that Georgia Tech beat UNC by 20 back in January.
But where NC State had the transmission blow on their season in January, and they're now headed for the junkyard, UNC got its engine tuned up and is now humming at interstate speed. Good coaches and good team systems do that.
Georgia Tech turns off the lights and locks up the gym until Midnight Madness, finishing at 13-18 on the season. They did still manage to equal NC State for conference wins. Looking at things now it's shocking that Georgia Tech beat UNC by 20 back in January.
But where NC State had the transmission blow on their season in January, and they're now headed for the junkyard, UNC got its engine tuned up and is now humming at interstate speed. Good coaches and good team systems do that.
NC State moves into the Rampant Head Coach Speculation Portion of Its Season
Otherwise known as "The Off-season". State bowed out of the ACC Tournament against Maryland, in a game where they played without passion or direction for large chunks of the game.
The end result was a 75-67 loss. Tracy Smith ends his career with 14 points. He didn't start the game due to nagging knee soreness. Javier Gonzalez ended his career with 10 points. I wonder if CJ Leslie ended his State career with 5 points, crappy shot selection, and 11 rebounds.
Ryan Harrow had 10 points. Richard Howell had 8 points and 9 rebounds.
State finished up 15-16 on the season. Allegedly sub-.500 teams are NIT eligible now, with the NCAA having expanded to 68 teams and taken the talent pool a bit further away from the NIT. But I don't see that happening.
Already the speculation about Sidney Lowe begins. Apparently an anonymous source close to NC State is saying that Sidney Lowe is almost certain to be fired and that an informal coaching search is already underway.
The end result was a 75-67 loss. Tracy Smith ends his career with 14 points. He didn't start the game due to nagging knee soreness. Javier Gonzalez ended his career with 10 points. I wonder if CJ Leslie ended his State career with 5 points, crappy shot selection, and 11 rebounds.
Ryan Harrow had 10 points. Richard Howell had 8 points and 9 rebounds.
State finished up 15-16 on the season. Allegedly sub-.500 teams are NIT eligible now, with the NCAA having expanded to 68 teams and taken the talent pool a bit further away from the NIT. But I don't see that happening.
Already the speculation about Sidney Lowe begins. Apparently an anonymous source close to NC State is saying that Sidney Lowe is almost certain to be fired and that an informal coaching search is already underway.
and now the game for which I have been charging my Boo Batteries all day
NC State-Maryland. State came out in a coma. Jordan Vandenberg, and not Tracy Smith, came out in the starting lineup. State fell behind 12-3.
They've now fought back to within 18-12. Smith is playing. Officially his knee was sore and he was taking a bit more time to warm up, so they warmed him up on the sideline and brought him off the bench.
Are we down to 32 minutes left in Sidney Lowe's NC State coaching career though?
They've now fought back to within 18-12. Smith is playing. Officially his knee was sore and he was taking a bit more time to warm up, so they warmed him up on the sideline and brought him off the bench.
Are we down to 32 minutes left in Sidney Lowe's NC State coaching career though?
Boston College handled its ACC Tournament business
They cruised out to a 16 point halftime lead against Wake Forest and held off a little run by Wake. Wake was spirited, but BC handled the team that had won only 8 games and only one in conference.
Mission Accomplished for Virginia
And by "accomplished" I mean "they completed their choking collapse in overtime". Miami completed their rise from the dead like Lazarus, winning 69-62 in overtime.
Dumbfounding.
At one point in the OT Miami was on a 22-4 run over the previous 5 minutes of the game.
The stats that led to Virginia letting it slip away just boggle my mind. 1-6 free throws in the last 29 seconds. 4 turnovers. Not just turnovers but turnovers that gave Miami the ball directly under their own basket with no need to burn time bringing the ball up the court. Inbounds, dunk. Inbounds, layup and foul. And one Miami steal under their own basket for another quick layup. Talk about the 3 quickest and easiest baskets you could make in that situation.
People wonder about the end of game fouling strategy. Jo was in my room watching the end of an NC State game last week, where State was trying the foul strategy. It didn't work. But like I told Jo, once in a hundred tries or something teams don't make their free throws, other stuff happens, and a miracle ensues. That happened big time today.
Dumbfounding.
At one point in the OT Miami was on a 22-4 run over the previous 5 minutes of the game.
The stats that led to Virginia letting it slip away just boggle my mind. 1-6 free throws in the last 29 seconds. 4 turnovers. Not just turnovers but turnovers that gave Miami the ball directly under their own basket with no need to burn time bringing the ball up the court. Inbounds, dunk. Inbounds, layup and foul. And one Miami steal under their own basket for another quick layup. Talk about the 3 quickest and easiest baskets you could make in that situation.
People wonder about the end of game fouling strategy. Jo was in my room watching the end of an NC State game last week, where State was trying the foul strategy. It didn't work. But like I told Jo, once in a hundred tries or something teams don't make their free throws, other stuff happens, and a miracle ensues. That happened big time today.
This is unbelievable
Virginia is on the verge of the biggest late game collapse I have ever seen. They were up by 10 with 29 seconds to play. In that time they've gone 1-6 from the free throw line, while Miami buried 3's, and committed 4 turnovers at their own baseline. One of those led to an easy inbounds dunk for Miami. Another was a Miami steal under their own basket for a layup and foul. Miami actually missed a free throw that would have given them a 1 point lead. Miami also missed 2 last possession game winning shots. Virginia survived to limp to OT. But holy crap. They literally did everything they possibly could do to lose that game. Miami spared them by missing a free throw and 2 last possession shot efforts.
they're called free throws...if they're free, take them
There's a guy for Virginia who shoots 37% from the line for the year. Really?
I just don't get that. You could take Stevie Wonder, put him at the foul line, and teach him routine, form, and a good release and he could make more than 37% of his free throws. That's all it is.
That's a fact. I've seen Michael Jordan swish free throws either in an All-Star or in garbage time of a regular game while shooting with his eyes closed.
I just don't get that. You could take Stevie Wonder, put him at the foul line, and teach him routine, form, and a good release and he could make more than 37% of his free throws. That's all it is.
That's a fact. I've seen Michael Jordan swish free throws either in an All-Star or in garbage time of a regular game while shooting with his eyes closed.
The ACC Tournament Begins! Virginia-Miami
As seems to be typical with the noon game to kick things off, there have been lots of bricks and turnovers by each team. Teams tend to start out sleepwalking at the early noon tipoff time, in addition to the early tournament jitters.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Bring On The Madness
March Madness now hits fever pitch. The mid-majors had their conference tournaments starting last weekend. UNCA punched its ticket.
Now it's the big boys' turn. The Big East started their first round today. St. John's escaped with a win on its secondary home floor of The Garden. In a 2 point game against Rutgers, St. John's committed 2 fouls in about the final 6 seconds, including on the deciding half court inbounds pass. After the non-foul call, St. Johns recovered the loose ball, took 3 steps without a dribble with about 2 seconds left, stepped out of bounds with 1.7 seconds left, and threw the ball out of bounds with time remaining. Based on what happened to that Louisville cheerleader who got T-ed up for taking the ball and throwing it as the horn expired (despite the fact that it took a replay to put 0.2 seconds back on the clock) against Pitt, that should have been called a T.
So 2 fouls, a travel, stepping out of bounds, and a T for throwing the ball with time still on the clock. And still 2 seconds to play. Except the refs called nothing. They swallowed their whistles and walked off the floor. Or they got hit in the head by a steel chair by Pitt, who turned heel in order to screw over Rutgers for some previous slight, thus missing the pivotal call. And somewhere Vince McMahon nodded in approval.
Tomorrow the main event begins. The ACC Tournament. I already moved my work laptop and my nice office chair from our office bedroom to my bedroom, so I can be next to my TV while I work.
Jo helped me rearrange my work environment but doesn't understand. "It's the ACC Tournament." That says it all. If you understand, nothing more needs to be said.
Now it's the big boys' turn. The Big East started their first round today. St. John's escaped with a win on its secondary home floor of The Garden. In a 2 point game against Rutgers, St. John's committed 2 fouls in about the final 6 seconds, including on the deciding half court inbounds pass. After the non-foul call, St. Johns recovered the loose ball, took 3 steps without a dribble with about 2 seconds left, stepped out of bounds with 1.7 seconds left, and threw the ball out of bounds with time remaining. Based on what happened to that Louisville cheerleader who got T-ed up for taking the ball and throwing it as the horn expired (despite the fact that it took a replay to put 0.2 seconds back on the clock) against Pitt, that should have been called a T.
So 2 fouls, a travel, stepping out of bounds, and a T for throwing the ball with time still on the clock. And still 2 seconds to play. Except the refs called nothing. They swallowed their whistles and walked off the floor. Or they got hit in the head by a steel chair by Pitt, who turned heel in order to screw over Rutgers for some previous slight, thus missing the pivotal call. And somewhere Vince McMahon nodded in approval.
Tomorrow the main event begins. The ACC Tournament. I already moved my work laptop and my nice office chair from our office bedroom to my bedroom, so I can be next to my TV while I work.
Jo helped me rearrange my work environment but doesn't understand. "It's the ACC Tournament." That says it all. If you understand, nothing more needs to be said.
Congratulations to Kevin Love
In the midst of the Minnesota Timberwolves' awful season, Kevin Love has been the definition of consistency. The other night he notched his 54th straight double-double. That breaks Moses Malones' record for the longest such streak since the ABA-NBA merger. 54 straight. He's held the record for most consecutive in a single season for some time. Malone accumulated his 53 split over 2 seasons, not that it takes anything away from it.
That's impressive. We're not talking about a bunch of cheap 10 points and 10 rebounds games either. Love has more 30 point 20 rebound games this season than the rest of the league combined. He also became the first player since Moses Malone nearly 30 years ago to have a 30 point 30 rebound game.
A lot of guys mutter that they hate playing in the World Championships/Olympic circuit in their offeasons. Love played on the World Championship team as they went younger last season, with almost everyone from the Gold Medal winning Olympic team sitting the World Championships out. The US still finished first, and Love was a big reason why. His game elevated from playing on that stage and it's obviously carried over.
That's impressive. We're not talking about a bunch of cheap 10 points and 10 rebounds games either. Love has more 30 point 20 rebound games this season than the rest of the league combined. He also became the first player since Moses Malone nearly 30 years ago to have a 30 point 30 rebound game.
A lot of guys mutter that they hate playing in the World Championships/Olympic circuit in their offeasons. Love played on the World Championship team as they went younger last season, with almost everyone from the Gold Medal winning Olympic team sitting the World Championships out. The US still finished first, and Love was a big reason why. His game elevated from playing on that stage and it's obviously carried over.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
From the Asheville Bureau of Snark...
UNCA earned an NCAA Tournament bid for only the second time ever. Ultimately they'll probably get fed to Duke, if they win the ACC Tournament and earn a #1 seed. Talk of March Madness is for later though.
For right now though the important news is that twice the newscaster in Asheville said that UNCA was going to the "NAACP Tournament". Apparently they'll play the Reverend Al Sharpton in the first round, with a game against the Reverend Jesse Jackson looming in the second round.
For right now though the important news is that twice the newscaster in Asheville said that UNCA was going to the "NAACP Tournament". Apparently they'll play the Reverend Al Sharpton in the first round, with a game against the Reverend Jesse Jackson looming in the second round.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
the Duke-UNC game made me think...
I need to come up with an All-Goofy Ass Bastard Team.
Kyle Singler is definitely on the team.
I'd have to add Jeremy Hyatt from my days at NC State.
Kyle Singler is definitely on the team.
I'd have to add Jeremy Hyatt from my days at NC State.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
hmm
I just read that Miguel Cabrera has a lawyer who says he's going to prove Cabrera is 100% innocent of his DUI charge. In general if you're blasted while sitting in the driver's seat of a running car you're going to get charged. Then there's the small problem of Cabrera taking a big swig of scotch right in front of the officer. Maybe he mistook it for the bottle of mouthwash he also had in the car, and wanted minty fresh breath for the visiting police officer?
Dude, just admit you have a problem. Go through the treatment that Major League Baseball has enrolled you in. Clean up your life and move forward. Forget about the sleazy lawyers and lame excuses. For whatever reason Cabrera made a mistake and relapsed in his battle against his drinking problem.
Dude, just admit you have a problem. Go through the treatment that Major League Baseball has enrolled you in. Clean up your life and move forward. Forget about the sleazy lawyers and lame excuses. For whatever reason Cabrera made a mistake and relapsed in his battle against his drinking problem.
NC State again refuses to sustain non-mediocrity
I'd be interested to know what the all-time basketball winning percentage is for teams that fall behind 16-0 in a game. NC State didn't improve on that tonight at Virginia. They did battle back from that huge hole to be down only 4 at the half. But they never could get over that hump and fell 69-58.
Javier Gonzalez had a season high 16 points to go along with 4 assists. Tracy Smith had 10, but they were the only two Pack players in double figures. Scott Wood had 9 points. Lorenzo Brown also had 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. Richard Howell chipped in 10 rebounds but was held to 4 points.
State fell to 15-13 on the season, 5-10 in the ACC.
Javier Gonzalez had a season high 16 points to go along with 4 assists. Tracy Smith had 10, but they were the only two Pack players in double figures. Scott Wood had 9 points. Lorenzo Brown also had 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. Richard Howell chipped in 10 rebounds but was held to 4 points.
State fell to 15-13 on the season, 5-10 in the ACC.
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