Fantasy Athletes Speak

There is a new phenomenon on the internet. Athletes are discussing themselves as fantasy players. I first discovered this at the beginning of the season when TO told fantasy owners that he would not disappoint this year. Of course as a proud owner of TO in my keeper league, I was thrilled to know that he's working not just for the Cowboys, but that he's actually conscious of his role for fantasy owners.

Now Steven Jackson, a popular buy low candidate, is reassuring owners that he will fight through his groin injury to be back on the field.

In posts like Jackson's the truth is hard to find. Maybe he really does have no idea when he'll be back. Maybe the doctors at least told him his prognosis, which he did not mention in his post. More likely, it's just a public relations ploy to connect with the fans. That's something I don't mind at all because it's a way to close the disconnect fans have been feeling for the past decade.
I would, however, take Jackson's comments with a grain of salt. If he was likely out for the season and the team didn't want that information to be made public, Jackson's post would have been exactly the same.

So thanks TO and thanks S-Jax for letting us know that you care about our fantasy teams, but when you have some real inside information let me know.

Boumchey found not Guilty

Malibu, Calif -- Boumchey Boumchey (my dog) was found not guilty today in Malibu Supreme court of illegal trespassing on a beach. The arresting police officer failed to appear in court. The charge had a maximum sentence of a $158.00 fine.

Boumchey, who was not in court either, responded to the case's acquittal by accusing the police officer of discrimination against dogs.

"It's entirely unfair that I not be allowed on the beach, bark, bark," he said.

PETA said they would seek further action against Malibu police.

Marathon update: We are now in the middle of week 9 of marathon training (we were forced to skip some of the weeks because of the 30 weeks we had for the 38 week training regiment). This past weekend we ran seven miles for the first time, and without much hardship I must report. Yesterday Buller ran the last four miles of a five mile run on a sprained ankle. That's toughness.

Nike immediately signed him to a two year contract and placed him on the Women's World Cup Team.

In other news: The Lakers have still made no real offseason moves.

Mitch Kupchak had no comment. He was busy making sure the Space Cadet isn't snowboarding.

Matrix to LA?

If you haven't heard yet, Shawn Marion wants out of Phoenix and in to the Lakers.

Considering Marion has been whining for several years regarding his perceived lack of appreciation by the organization, this latest Marion trade rumor comes as no surprise.

Kobe's fervent determination to force the Lakers to make some kind of move...any move... might finally come to fruition.

That would be the only positive to come out of this deal for the Lakers. If the deal appeases Kobe, I am all for it.

The list of negatives is long however.

Marion for all his numbers and roto fantasy appeal is what I would call an exemplary role player. He's the best role player in the entire league. But he can't get his own shot, doesn't handle the ball well, and plays his best when running the fast break led by Steve Nash.

The problem is, the Lakers run a half court set that doesn't provide Marion the best chance to succeed. Without Nash throwing him lobs, how will Marion get his points?

He is not a good post up player, a skill almost required for any player in the triangle offense. He's not a good distributor, so putting him at the high post does no good. Remember Lamar Odom, the man rumored to be going to Phoenix was all of that. A good passer, a good post up player, and furthermore a good teammate.

Odom's numbers in November: 18.3 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 5.0 apg

(he got hurt in the 6th game of Dec. and was never the same)

Meanwhile Marion averaged 17.5ppg, 9.8rpg, 1.7 apg for the season. Pretty similar I'd say. Marion has the rebounding edge while Odom clearly is the better passer.

If Marion didn't like playing second fiddle in Phoenix, why does he think it will get better in LA with Kobe getting all the praise in wins, and the supporting cast receiving all the blame in losses?

Marion thinks learning the triangle will be no problem.

"People talk about the triangle offense all the time, like it is impossible," he said. "But it's an offense. Wherever you play, you have to learn the offense. It's not that complicated. You pass, you cut, you slash. Offense is offense. And I would love to play with Kobe."

Sounds very similar to what Gary Payton said before joining the Lakers... right before he couldn't learn the offense in the next two years.

Marion was allowed to freelance all over the court in Phoenix, slashing, cutting, and filling the lanes for Nash's passes. The triangle is structured. It's pass and cut to a certain spot. It has many options but in a sense is unimaginative compared to the Suns style.

How long before Marion becomes discontent playing in a system that doesn't fit his strengths?

As for the finances, Marion is the Suns highest paid player. He is due to make $16,440,000 this season. Odom is due to make $13,524,000. The deal would make sense for the Lakers if they could get rid of the Space Cadet and his salary of over $30 million for the next four years.

Since the Suns love to dump salary, taking on Vladimir Radmanovic wouldn't be a cost cutting move. It would guarantee that they get something out of Marion who becomes a free agent after the season.

For the Lakers, the move would free up salary cap space after this year but could mean losing Odom for nothing if Marion decides to test the free agent market. He could be asking for upwards of $20 million and will he help take the Lakers out of the first round?

Doubtful.

Check it out

Great story on one of my all-time favorite Lakers Vlade Divac and the type of person he is. Vlade deserves to be not only in the Sacramento Kings Hall of Fame, but the NBA Hall of Fame. His numbers don't do him justice for the type of impact he's had all over the world.

Random Laker of the Day: Tony Smith

Who's on Third?

Have you ever wanted to run on the field and choke Shea Hillenbrand after he struck out swinging at a ball in the dirt with two on and one out?

How many times have you looked in the box score to see Wilson Betemit (since traded, thank God) with an 0-5, 3ks, 6 LOB line?

Are you tired of Nomar Garciaparra using bricks for hands and an errant bazooka to launch balls anywhere but 1st base?

Here are the batting averages for the Dodger 3rd baseman this year:
Nomar: .284 (OBP .329)
Tony Abreu .271 (he also played 2nd base)
Shea Hillenbrand .243 (.257 OBP)
Betemit .231
Andy Laroche .217

So what's the solution? Should Laroche, who has been coddled in the farm system, be given the chance full time to form the youngest starting lineup in the history of baseball? I'm sure they could come up with a great nickname. I vote for The Baby Blue Crew.

Or the Dodgers who could go out and sign a free agent third baseman.

Here are the top candidates:

1. A-Rod



Wishful thinking maybe. A-Rod must opt out of his $25 million contract first, then decide to switch leagues and take on NL pitching, plus play in a pitcher's park. The Dodgers have to decide to pony up the cash, possibly upwards of $30 million, so Frank McCourt would have to break his piggy bank. In addition, the Angels would likely be a better candidate especially with the aggressive and free spending Arte Moreno at the helm. Chances of A-Rod playing in a Dodger uniform are as good as the Lakers trading Kobe. Not going to happen. But we can salivate at the possibility of a 3-4-5 of James Loney/A-Rod/Matt Kemp.

Stats: .311, 53 HRs, 151 RBIs

2. Mike Lowell

The drop off from No.1 to No. 2 is shall I say severe. Lowell resurrected his career with the Red Sox this year, but played with the help of the Green Monster less than 300 feet away in right. He could command big dollars as well, but historically he has produced.

2007 stats: .324, 20 HRs, 111 RBIs

3. Pedro Feliz

I would definitely not put this one past Ned Colletti. A former Giant. Hmmm. Why not. Feliz has some pop and can give the Dodgers some of the power they've been missing. Of course Feliz has never had an OBP of over .305.

2007 stats: .249, 20 HRs, 71 RBIs

4. Aaron Boone

Yes. Bleeping Aaron Boone. He's out for the season after having knee surgery and no it's not smart to sign another hobbled player after failing miserably with Randy Wolf and Jason Schmidt, after failing even more miserably with Darren Dreifort. But Boone could be a high reward for a fairly low risk, considering his recent past can't possibly garner him a huge salary. Plus in his only 162 game season in 2002, he hit 26 home runs.

2007 stats: .286, 5 HRs, 28 RBIs (in 69 games)

5. Mike Lamb

A sign that this year's third base crop isn't the most fruitful. Lamb has had a high OBP throughout his career (.370 this year, .361 last year) and hits for average. He may not be the solution, but he could be an upgrade.

2007 stats: .294, 11 HRs, 40 RBIs

Other possibilities:

Corie Koskie (2008 team option)

Abraham Nunez

Tony Batista

Cezar Izturis

Russell Branyan
Mark Bellhorn

2008 free agent 3rd baseman: Chipper Jones, Morgan Ensberg, Troy Glaus, Hank Blalock, Joe Crede

Guys who could be traded for: Miguel Cabrera, Eric Chavez

Or the Dodgers could just bring back random Dodger NORIHIRO NAKAMURA!
(Kleinman's idea)

Two websites that are great for checking out free agents and baseball contracts.

Free agents

Contracts

Are you serious?

This is ridiculous:
• In the offseason, he teaches linguistics at NYU: Isiah Thomas, in avideotaped deposition played Monday at the trial for the $10 million sexual-harassment suit against him, said he thinks it's out of line for a white man to call a black woman "bitch," but thinks it's OK for a black man to do the same.
(From ESPN's Tim Keown)

Trade made Friday:

(I get) Marshawn Lynch

(I give) Donovan McNabb

Needless to say after McNabb's game on Sunday, I'm a little nervous about this one. But I will attribute his stats to the Detroit Lions defense.

Trade almost made:

(I get) Reggie Bush, Tony Gonzales, and Mushin Muhammad (throw in)

(I give) Drew Brees, Kellen Winslow, Brandon Stokely (throw in)

Random Laker of the Day: Mike Schmek

(courtesy of Evan's boss)

Your main boy Elton Brown

Reaction to the signing of Elton Brown has been nothing if not downright enthusiastic.

To top the signing of the great Larry Turner (he will now be referred to as the great or the savior) Mitch Kupchak has given Kobe even more hope that the Lakers will be a title contender.

Here was my initial reaction:

Baller 11 15 21 (10:40:58 am): lakers just signed elton brown
romoballa (10:42:57 am): nice
romoballa (10:43:10 am): now, we got marc gasol and elton brown
romoballa (10:43:13 am): we're so close

And the reaction of others:

greenmachineAZ (04:36:11 pm):
Mitch: Kobe, how good would you say KG is?
Kobe: He's as good as Elton Brand and Kwame Brown combined
Mitch: *Signs Elton Brown*

Just a quick bio on Elton Brown for you:

1. He is not Elton Brand
2. He does not play guard for the Arizona Cardinals, although that Elton Brown also went to Virginia and is his cousin. His first cousin. I'm serious.
3. Played a grand total of 17 minutes in the NBA.
4. Pleaded guilty to a concealed weapon charge in 2005 in an altercation at a mall. USA today article
5. Came in to Virginia at 280 pounds. Has since dropped to 250 pounds
6. Led the league in rebounding. The Greek league.
7. Is not Elton Brand!

Today's random Laker: Elton Brown

Sad Times in Chavez Ravine

I always say the worst day of the year is when the Lakers are bounced out of the playoffs. On that day I usually seclude myself, take no calls, or ims, and snap at the slightest mention of the situation.

Yesterday didn't exactly fit that profile, but it was pretty bad. For the second straight day the Dodgers found a way to shoot themselves in the foot. And they have plenty of weapons and tons of ammunition. Their biggest weapon is the bullpen and the largest bullet in that weapon is Jonathon Broxton.

As Vin Scully noted, the past two games for Broxton have gone like this: First batter, single, second batter, home run, next three batters out. Each game, 22 pitches. Each game, came in with a lead. Each game, the Dodgers lost.

Totals for the past four losses: 15 runs, 44 hits, 32 runners left on base
As a result, I haven't opened the paper in two days, knowing the front page of sports will surely have a picture of one of the Dodgers with their head down.

I have trouble turning on SportsCenter and hearing division race talk. I can't stand that two other NL West teams who appeared inferior earlier in the year are both likely to make the postseason.

Yesterday was a tough day.

Yesterday I realized there would be no games after the Dodgers/Giants series.

Yesterday was the end of the road for 2007.

And frankly it sucks.

Check it out: Great and disturbing column from the LA Times on Dodger Talk

http://www.latimes.com/sports/columnists/la-sp-plaschke19sep19,1,7577245.column?coll=la-headlines-sports-columnists

Random LA Dodger of the Day: Steve Schmoll

Thanks for Playing

Ladies and gentleman...your 2007 Los Angeles Dodgers.

A doubleheader sweep by the Colorado Rockies in Coors Field where the Dodgers managed one run and left a small country left on base in the first game, then gave away a 3-0, and 8-5 lead in the second game, signaled the end of the season.

The Dodgers were listless and played like a team who was ready for a vacation. There was no fight. There was no courage, no bravado, no heroics. This isn't your '88 Dodgers.
With all the good young players the Dodgers have, the future looks bright, but the end of this season appears dim.

Food for thought:
bigtmoney032 (04:30:52 pm): would u pay for $20 dollar beers (the bigbeers) to compensate arods salary?

Just for the hell of it: Today's random Dodger is Henry Rodriguez

Coming up in a blog post this week: a list of possible free agent third baseman the Dodgers could sign.

The Beer Rule

One of the longest, most unwinnable arguments you can have in sports centers around the basic question: What is a sport?
I have the simple yet still complex answer: The Beer Rule (You can consume no more than 2 beers while still being effective.)
If you can play effectively while drinking more than 2 beers, it is not a sport. It's a game.
Yes, ESPN has a lot of programming. No, just because it is on ESPN does not mean it's a sport.
Remember, the E in ESPN originally stood for entertainment (Note: officially ESPN no longer stands for anything and is not an acronym.)
The spelling bee, bowling, darts, golf, poker, and Stump the Schwab are not sports.

Let's examine some of the more controversial sports, especially for those of you who can hit a 9-iron after taking a beer bong.

Golf: John Daly. Need I say any more. Instead of preparing for a tournament he went to the casino the day before and then finished in the top 5 in the first round. One of the game's best players is cigarrette smoking alcoholic, who probably couldn't run the 100 meters in less than three minutes.

Beers consumable while still effective: 7
Result: Game

Baseball: The sport calls tubbies David Wells, Matt Stairs, and Cecil Fielder its own and acknowledges the bar hopping A.J. Pierzinskyi as a good player. But those guys are the exception. While some players who couldn't resist the buffett possess the ability to hit for power and others could throw a perfect game hung over (Wells), overall athleticism is important for most facets of the game (i.e. running, sliding, jumping to make a catch, fielding).

Beers consumable while still effective: 2
Result: Sport

Poker: Any game that requires absolutely no standing is automatically highly questionable. Drinking at the table is not only allowed but encouraged. Yes, it requires focus and in some cases hand to eye coordination, like when you've had too many beers and you have to keep your cards away from the other players. But taking a shit sometimes requires focus also, and that has yet to be televised.

Beers consumable while still effective: As many as possible before either losing your chips or passing out
Result: Game

Random Laker of the Day: Swen Nater

Can we get Mackovic back?

Apparently www.firemikestoops.com is already taken.
I guess someone beat me to the punch.
Although the website is owned by footballhotseat.com and there's no mention of the coach soon to be looking for work or the man soon to be called former Arizona coach Mike Stoops.
As if three seasons without a bowl weren't enough, a 1-2 start with a home loss to the vaunted New Mexico Lobos should make sure Stoops will not roam the sidelines, berate officials, and fail to produce any semblance of a disciplined football team for a fifth year at Arizona.

I'll start with this conversation which puts how I feel about this year's team into perspective.

hckyman610: dude, UA is horrible
romoballa: no way
romoballa: i thought they played great
romoballa: new mexico is top 10 right
hckyman610: you're shitting me
romoballa: lol
hckyman610: no, UNM is in like the bottom tier of the WCC or whatever conference they're in
romoballa: i mean startin a season 1-2 where ur only win is against a 1-AA school is alright
romoballa: i think we'll make a bowl
hckyman610: HAHAHAHAHAHA
romoballa: if we got this close to unm, i think we'll beat usc
hckyman610: i can't wait to see stoops canned

If there was an Art Shell face in college football, Stoops should adopt it. The yelling and screaming antics on the field don't make up for a lack of preparation at practice. Like Stoops, the team appears on edge, continuously making dumb mistakes.
How else can you explain two fumbles, a wild interception on the last drive when Willie Tuitama looked like he was trying to get a touchdown from the 20 yard line on every play, and 9 penalties for 96 yards, including an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Stoops and his staff.

When does basketball season start?

And just for the hell of it: Jerome Kersey (random Laker)
courtesy of Jason Kleinman

That's Wassup

For those who don't already know, I've begun training for the LA Marathon on March 2. Call it a post college crisis or an attempt to shed beer pounds up front.
Me and my buddy Buller are doing a 37 week program in 30 weeks and are currently on our 5th week. Well, we've already skipped two weeks due to the lack of time. But they were easy weeks. Anyways, I will be updating my progress periodically in this space. Thus far, the longest run we've done was five miles, but we're going six on Sunday.
As Buller put it, we're actually working out for a reason for the first time since we ran, lifted, and practiced for basketball games in high school.
The hardest part so far hasn't been the miles but the few times I've run in the morning with the sun baking my body. Absolutely exhausting.
It will be a challenge, most likely vastly different from any other physical challenge I've ever gone through. On March 2, I hope it will be worth it.
To see our schedule, click here

Props: To Jason David, who gave up three touchdowns to Indianapolis but had the courage and the balls to sit at the podium and respectfully answer the media's questions. Taking responsibility is unfortunately seldom seen among today's athletes. Jason David was refreshing.

Sweet to Sour: Rick Ankiel was baseball's feel good story of the year. The former pitcher, who once battled embarrassing control problems was back in the Majors as a hitter and was becoming a major contributor in the St. Louis Cardinals run toward the playoffs. He already has nine home runs, including two today. Now, the NY Daily News reports he was given HGH by a Florida pharmacy in 2004. Too bad baseball can't shed the drug era and too bad Ankiel will be in the news for the near future for all the wrong reasons.

Can't Wait: for Prison Break. The show returns this Monday, and though it should have ended last season, the success of the first two full seasons has propelled the show to a third. Here's to continued entertainment and staying away from the decline Entourage has suffered.

Running to Beijing

The USA team in the Tournament of Americas was nothing short of impressive. Even for my skepticism of the direction of USA basketball and basketball in general in this country, this particular group of stars showed that they could play together, make perimeter shots, and completely dominate their lesser known counterparts.
I would, however, caution that the opponents in this tournament are inferior to whom this new Dream Team will face.
Yes, the same Puerto Rico team that beat the USA a few years ago got spanked by 40 points, but some of the European teams are much improved. Argentina, with their full complement of players will serve as a big-time challenge as well.
If all players decide to participate (which never happens but it's fun to think about) here are the USA's toughest potential opponents.

Argentina:
Starting 5
PG: Pepe Sanchez (Formerly of the 76ers)
SG: Manu Ginobilli (Spurs)
SF: Andres Nocioni (Bulls)
PF: Luis Scola (Rockets)
C: Fabricio Oberto (Spurs)

Bench: Carlos Delfino (Raptors)
Pablo Prigioni
Walter Hermann (Bobcats)
Ruben Wolkyowski (formerly of the Sonics)

France:
Starting 5:
PG: Tony Parker (Spurs)
SG: Mickael Pietrus (Warriors)
SF: Boris Diaw (Suns)
PF: Ronny Turiaf (Lakers)
C: Johan Petro (Sonics)

Bench:
Mickael Gelabale (Sonics)
Joakim Noah (Bulls)
Yakhouba Diawara (Nuggets)

Spain:
Starting 5:
PG: Jose Calderon (Raptors)
SG: Juan Carlos Navarro (Grizzlies)
SF: Rudy Fernandez (Blazers)
PF: Jorge Garbajosa (Raptors)
C: Pau Gasol (Grizzlies)

Bench: Sergio Rodriguez (Blazers)
Marc Gasol (Lakers)
Fran Vazquez (Magic)

Serbia
Starting 5:
PG: Milos Vujanic (rights held by Suns)
SG: Marko Jaric (TWolves)
SF: Peja Stojakovic (Hornets)
PF: Darko Milicic (Grizzlies)
C: Nenad Krstic (Nets)

Bench: Zarko Cabarkapa (Warriors)
Mile Ilic (Nets)
Vladimir Radmanovic (Lakers)
Jelly Rebraca (Clippers)
Peja Drobjnak

Slovenia
Starting 5:
PG:Beno Udrih (Spurs)
SG: Sasha Vujacic (Lakers)
SF: Bostjan Nachbar (Nets)
PF: Rasho Nesterovic (Raptors)
C: Primos Brezec (Bobcats)

Bench:
Uros Slokar (Raptors)

Lithuania
Starting 5
PG: Sarunas Jasikevicius (Warriors)
SG: Renaldas Seibutas (Mavs)
SF: Linas Kleiza (Nuggets)
PF: Darius Songaila (Wizards)
C: Zydrunas Ilgauskas (Cavs)

Bench: Martynus Andriuskevicius (Bulls)

Brazil
Starting 5
PG: Leandro Barbosa (Suns)
SG: Marcus Vinicius (Hornets)
SF: Anderson Verejao (Cavs)
PF: Rafael Araujo (Jazz)
C: Nene (Nuggets)


Others to consider:
China: Yao Ming, Yi Jianlian, Sun Yue, Wang Zhizhi
Russia: Andrei Kirilenko, Viktor Khryapa, Yaroslav Korolev
Italy: Andrea Bargnani, Marco Belinelli
Canada: Steve Nash, Samuel Dalembert, Jamaal Magloire

...and of course Latvia: Andris Biedrins (Warriors), Kaspars Kambala (former UNLV star), Raitis Grafs (former Valparaiso star)

Some teams can be compromised of all NBA players and enough have at least a starting five. Basketball is a global game and I only wish that these players decide to play in the Olympics and make that tournament more competitive than the one we just witnessed.