Human factor
Media, both linear and digital, keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible. HD, 3D, Connected TV sets, Second Screen technology – the list goes on and on. So why does some sports refuse to join the 21st Century by insisting that the “human factor” makes the game more interesting. Who says that? Not anyone I know. Baseball relented and introduced partial replay, but only for home run reviews. Ask Armando Gallaraga and Jim Joyce if that’s enough. Bobby Valentine, most likely in an attempt of deflecting from the poor play of the Red Sox, recently went on a rant about umpire standards in an intraleague series. While I suspect I’ll be long gone before a machine calls balls and strikes, an expansion for reviews would minimise a lot of...
Read MoreDaring or foolish
He who dares wins, right? Yet, Erik Hamrén, who went with an attacking team featuring Toivonen instead of Svensson (moving Elm to the wing) and Lustig instead of Granquist at rightback and Olsson in the middle ended up creating an even greater hero in Andriy Shevchenko as the Ukraine captain scored twice against a hapless Swedish defense, nullifying Ibrahimovic opening goal. As half Swedish/half English I nurtured a hope going into this tournament that maybe, just maybe, both Sweden and England could proceed from the group stages leaving France and Ukraine behind. However, after the first round of games, in which Sweden’s normally solid defensive prowess was woefully inadequate and England played standstill Subbuteo football, chances are that neither go...
Read MoreYou should never go back
At least that’s what the old phrase says. I still think that KD was the right man to rescue the sinking SS LFC, but I’m now certain that he should have moved to the front office after that first year and allowed a fresh approach to the team. However, I disagree with those who say that his legend has been tarnished by his return to Anfield. Damien Comolli obviously got the blame, and accurately so, for some less than stellar player acquisitions, but in the end it wasn’t enough with League Cup silverware to keep King Kenny in his job. The Fenway Sports Group will now look at big names for the vacant managerial spot, but personally I hope they go for a younger manager than the standard names thrown around in the press; Capello, Hiddink etc. Brendan...
Read MoreOpening Day
It’s finally here…Opening Day 2012. The time of year when fans of all teams (with the exception of the Royals and the Padres?) still can feel that this could be their year! We smell the grass of the ballpark, look at our roster, glancing past the weaknesses (starting rotation!) and hyping the strengths (heart of the order!). We dream of October, games that mean something and the improbable success of the underdog. At least until the All-Star break.
Read MorePlease. Stop. Spam.
Probably the least useful post ever, as most comments I get are machine generated, but please believe me when I say that no spam oriented comment will make it through to the site, regardless of how many hundreds you try to send.
Read MorePretend Theo
First fantasy draft of the year – a few thin positions, but overall pretty happy: 1. (1) Miguel Cabrera(Det – 1B) 2. (40) Starlin Castro(ChC – SS) 3. (41) Brett Lawrie(Tor – 3B) 4. (80) Buster Posey(SF – C) 5. (81) Carl Crawford(Bos – OF) 6. (120) Gio Gonzalez(Was – SP) 7. (121) Andre Ethier(LAD – OF) 8. (160) Max Scherzer(Det – SP) 9. (161) Derek Holland(Tex – SP) 10. (200) Torii Hunter(LAA – OF) 11. (201) Ivan Nova(NYY – SP) 12. (240) Clay Buchholz(Bos – SP) 13. (241) Jon Jay(StL – CF) 14. (280) Delmon Young(Det – OF) 15. (281) Joaquin Benoit(Det – RP) 16. (320) Omar Infante(Mia – 2B) 17. (321) Trevor Cahill(Ari –...
Read MoreSounds and sights
Baseball Tonight have a recurring segment called “Sounds and Sights” where major leaguers talk about what sensations they connect emotionally with Spring Training. Some answers have included: “popcorn”, “the sound of cleats on stone” and “the green grass”. If you play baseball in the UK, spring training bring a few other words to mind: “Field work” “Showers” “Mud”. I still love it, regardless.
Read MoreYear that was
A bit like working in a chocolate factory can turn you off the sweet forever, sometimes working in sports can be a poisoned chalice. After my first year of combining sports as a profession as well as a passion, I must admit I reached points where it was close to overload. This blog was certainly one thing that got less attention – after all, the entire idea of writing was to get an outlet, a conversation if you will, even if the conversation partners were imagined. With working in sports I now have that need filled during the day, so less of a need to write about it. Despite heartbreaking lows – day 162 of the 2011 season – and surprising highs – Alex Smith on a bootleg keeper (!), this was another year that showed me why I love sport. Even...
Read MoreOutside the lines
From the often very emotional Outside the Lines segments from ESPN, Ed Burns narrates the story about Welles Crowther and asks what you would do if you had an hour left to live. You can contribute to the Welles Remy Crowther Charitable Trust by participating in the Red Bandanna run.
Read MoreNightmare on BCS Street
John Feinstein of the Washington Post describes the dream he had of a proper college football post season and the nightmare he woke up to: Now that was a thrilling Selection Sunday. Oh sure, everyone knew that LSU, Alabama, Oklahoma State and Stanford were going to be the top four seeds in the NCAA tournament but no one had any idea how the last four spots would play out and there were plenty of surprises when the field was unveiled. Nobody can argue with LSU as the #1 ranked team in the country. After that, however, it’s a crap shoot. #2 Alabama: Lost to #1 LSU but didn’t play another #10 team during the season. Will play LSU in the BCS Championship game #3 Oklahoma St: Lost to unranked Iowa St, but beat #8 Texas by one point and crushed #10...
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