Mariano Rivera Out, David Robertson, You’re Up

 Analysis, Sports  No Responses »
May 082012
 

Time for a sports post! Been meaning to start putting up moar sports posts because after all, we’re a blog for all forms of entertainment.

I never imagined in my wildest dreams, that the greatest closer of all time, Mariano Rivera, would succumb to such a freak injury like he did last Thursday, May 3rd. To tear your ACL shagging fly balls–a routine Rivera has done in every pre-game warm-up in his career–is as random as it gets.  As sad as this news is for all Yankee fans, there is hope. Rivera, one of the fiercest competitors in all of sports, has vowed to come back. He has vowed not to end his career due to some fluke injury, but to leave on his own terms.  The best never quit.

However, the closer void still needs to be filled. Enter David Robertson. This Alabama native (woot!) has been one of the best relievers in baseball period over the past 1+ seasons. Last year, he had an insane stat line: a 1.08 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 100 K’s to 35 BB’s, all in 66.2 IP.  He gave up ONE home run. This season, in 13 IP, he has a 0.00 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and a 23:5 K to BB ratio. Incredible. He has had two straight appearances where he struck out the side (4/30 vs. Baltimore and 5/4 vs. Kansas City).  Tonight’s outing, in which he recorded his first save of the season, he loaded the bases.  What did he do? He remained calm and poised, and he struck out the final batter, Carlos Pena, on a called strike three.

It is because of the ability to remain calm under pressure which has helped Robertson become one of the most dominant relievers in baseball.  Who also possesses this ultimate calm? You guessed it, Mo himself. Just to further prove this, according the the Elias Sports Bureau, Robertson has held opponents to one hit in their last 25 at-bats with the bases loaded, and he’s retired 16 of those batters via strikeout (tonight’s performance included).  So while he’s no Mo (Robertson even joked tonight saying, “Mo would have probably thrown 12 pitches and broke a bat and we would have been done 20 minutes ago”), Robertson is as close to him as you can get. Not bad at all.

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The Courtroom Special feat. Hippiefreak of Anime Tree Part 3 of 3: American Views on Asians

 Analysis, Anime, Comics, Commentary, Movies, Sports  1 Response »
Feb 222012
 

(Continued from Part 2)

Judge:  Hmmm that’s interesting.  In high school, no one I knew liked anime.  I wasn’t as big into it as I am now, but that’s because I have people to share my interest with.  Sharing culture is great as it promotes interest.  Hmmm anything else on this part? Otherwise, I think you’ve mentioned some aspect of part 3 a little: American perception of Asians.  Right off the bat, I know one thing I want to say is: HOLLYWOOD STOP DESTROYING ANIME!

Hippiefreak: Hollywood has ruined anime.  Look at Dragonball Z.  The way i remember Dragonball Z is one dude charging his power, episode ends, next episode other dude charges his power, and it repeats. How hard could it be to screw THAT up?

Do not want

Continue reading »

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The Courtroom: Tebowmania

 Commentary, Sports  1 Response »
Jan 162012
 

With the Denver Broncos now ousted from the playoffs, it’s time to examine one of the greatest phenomenons in professional sports–”Tebowmania.”  No other quarterback in recent memory was able to garner so much attention–both positive and negative–as Tebow did this season.  What was the cause of such craziness?  Well…many things.  A combination of a questionable skills, winning, religion, and Skip Bayless all played a big role in creating “Tebowmania.”

As a big fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide, I knew far too well the man that is Tim Tebow.  I knew of his amazing comebacks and inspirational speeches. Bama was unfortunately on the wrong end of one of his comebacks (2008 SEC Championship Game).  However, there were serious doubts by many analysts that he could become a successful NFL quarterback.  It’s time to put things in perspective.

You know it’s really sad that you are labeled a “hater” by simply stating facts.  I’ve been called a Boise State “hater” before, but I’m not bothered by it.  They have definitely proved they can play with the big boys…when given enough time to prepare.  With Cam Newton, I was very skeptical that he could make it in the pros.  However, his play this year has eased my concerns a little bit.  I want to see if he can do it next year, and the year after.  You see, with me, I have to be shown that a particular team or athlete can perform at a high level over multiple years for me to say, “They’re the real deal.”  What can I say?  I’m a pessimist and a skeptic.  I was very wary of Jose Bautista when he smacked 54 home runs a year ago.  Those worries were largely put at rest when he came out this season and had another monster year (a year which he deserved the MVP).  As much as I love Curtis Granderson (and as much as I believe this year he really turned the corner), he better go out there and do it again.

Michael Jordan told Ray Allen after the Boston Celtics won the 2008 NBA Finals that they were “lucky” and to talk to him again when he won “at least 2.”  This was by no means cocky; it’s the truth.  Winning a championship is hard in any sport; it does require some luck.  However, winning multiple championships is the true measurement of greatness.  Obviously, winning multiple requires luck as well, but that factor diminishes the moar and moar you win.  The Yankees Dynasty of the 90′s and the Patriots of the early 2000′s are proof of this.  They will always be remembered as the best of the best.  That’s what I want to see out of any player.  He doesn’t have to win a championship, but I want to see high levels of play over multiple years.  One good year does not mean sustained success (remember Rex Grossman?).  Tebow is the ultimate example of a one year wonder.  Not saying he’s going to be, but that he has all the makings of one.  People are so quick to jump on his bandwagon.  I’ve even heard some lunatics say that he’s “broken the mold for QB’s in the NFL.”  What the hell?  People are crazy. Continue reading »

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The Courtroom: No Winners in This Year’s BCS NCG

 Commentary, Sports  2 Responses »
Jan 092012
 

It's unfair, but it's what we're stuck with.

EDIT: CONGRATS TO BAMA! 21-0! Blowout and shutout! Still though, I have a hard time justifying Bama getting the outright title.  As happy as I am, it doesn’t feel right.  The moar I think about it, it’s only one game. They’re 1-1 against each other.  Regardless of the margin victory, LSU still went into Bama and won.  Fan in me: we’re the champs! Rational side of me: split the title.

Well in a few hours, the 2011 college football season will come to a close.  And guess what? The controversies surrounding the BCS will be stronger than ever.  Not that it would be much of a surprise.  Every year, the groans and moans for the BCS grow louder and louder.  It’s a flawed system that causes moar problems than it solves.  In this year’s “National Championship Game” (using quotations because there really is no outright national champion in my opinion), #1 LSU will take on #2 Alabama.  I’m an Alabama fan through and through, but I’m here to tell you that they don’t belong in the NCG.   Continue reading »

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The Courtroom: The CP3 Drama

 Commentary, Sports  No Responses »
Dec 212011
 

The biggest headline for the NBA this offseason (besides the dreadful lockout) has been the L.A. Clippers acquisition of Chris Paul, instantly transforming the hopeless franchise into a contender.  However, before CP3 was sent to the Clippers, a storm of criticism was directed at NBA commissioner David Stern for vetoing a trade that wold have sent Paul to the Lakers instead. It was a three team deal between the New Orleans Hornets, the Lakers, and the Houston Rockets.  Technically speaking, the league did own the New Orleans Hornets, therefore giving Stern the right to veto a trade.  But this was a major conflict of interest.  How can the league maintain unbiased when it owns one of the teams?  The Hornets management was hamstrung and at the mercy of Stern and his cronies.

It was universally agreed upon that the Hornets were getting a great deal for Paul; getting Lamar Odom from the Lakers and Luis Scola, Kevin Martin, Goran Dragic, and a 2012 first round pick from Houston (while Houston would get Pau Gasol from the Lakers) was a fantastic haul.  What was even worse was the fact that the commissioner’s office cited “basketball reasons” for the vetoed trade.  What the hell does that mean?  Anyone with half a brain stem knew that Stern gave in to the disgruntled owners who cried foul over the trade.  One of them was (predictably) Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, who sent a very interesting email to Stern calling the trade a travesty.  Now Stern works for the owners, and he also owns the Hornets.  As I mentioned earlier, Stern has the right as an owner to veto the trade.  He also is in the right for listening to his employers.  But this just sets a terrible precedent.  It’s a major conflict of interest.  Former Laker coach and Hall of Famer Phil Jackson predicted this very scenario a year ago.  Phil is never wrong.  Continue reading »

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Heisman Picks

 Analysis, Sports  No Responses »
Dec 102011
 

Hey guys Judge here with a quick prediction of the Heisman Trophy placings.

  1. Robert Griffin III, QB Baylor University:  RG3 has been the most dynamic player in college football.  Without him, Baylor is a .500 team at best.  His stats aren’t that shabby either; he has 3998 passing yards, a 72.4% completion percentage, a 10.84 YPA indicating his insane big play ability, and a 36/6 TD to INT ratio.  He’s also rushed for 644 yards and 6 TD’s.  His Heisman buzz has been a roller coaster ride: it started off high with an exciting win over TCU, died down after a 4 game stretch where they 1-3, and then picked back up with his clutch play to lead Baylor to victory over Oklahoma.  Nonetheless, he should win the Heisman.
  2. Montee Ball, RB University of Wisconsin: “Moneyball” has been a point machine this season, scoring 38 TD’s (one shy of Barry Sanders all-time mark of 39) and rushing for 1759 yards with a 6.4 average.  He’s clearly been the most statistically dominant player this season, but stats aren’t everything.  Unlike RG3, Ball plays with one of the best quarterbacks in the nation in Russell Wilson.  No doubt that Ball has led Wisconsin to a few victories, but RG3 has done it all by himself.  And even if he breaks Sanders’ all-time TD record (which he no doubt will in the Rose Bowl), he’ll never be as great.  Some stats: Sanders rushed for 2628 yards and 39 TD’s in 11 games;  Ball has compiled his stats thus far in 13 games.  Bowl game stats weren’t counted towards season stats in Sanders time; if they had been, Sanders amazing Holiday Bowl performance in which he ran for 222 yards and 5 TD’s would have given him season totals of 2850 yards (7.6 average) and 42 TD’s.
  3. Trent Richardson, RB University of Alabama: I’m as big an Alabama fan out there, but I also happen to be one of the most rational sports fans as well.  Richardson has been great for the Crimson Tide, rushing for 1583 yards and 20 TD’s.  He’s been Alabama’s only offensive weapon, which has caused opposing defenses to key in on him.  Yet he’s still gotten the job done.  However, lots of Alabama fans (and SEC homers) like to bring up the “strength” of the mighty SEC.  I believe I have mentioned this once on this blog before, but I support ONE team, not the whole damn conference.  I’d rather eat dirt than cheer on a rival team.  In reality, Alabama’s schedule has been soft, with it’s only real competition being LSU.  Yes they’ve beaten who they’re supposed to beat (and in convincing fashion too), but Ball’s competition has been just as equal as Bama’s.  Arkansas, Florida, Tennessee, and Mississippi State are all top 50 in points against, but they’re not that great.  On a side note, I’ll be writing a moar in-depth look at the National Championship Game, and why I think Bama does NOT deserve to be there (yes you heard me right…this coming from a Bama fan).
  4. Tyrann Mathieu, DB LSU: The “Honey Badger” has definitely made his mark on college football this year with his numerous game changing plays.  However, if Ndamukong  Suh or especially Hugh Green couldn’t win the award, then Mathieu doesn’t deserve to win it either.  Perhaps if he made a few moar game changing plays like Charles Woodson did in 1997 for Michigan then maybe I’d be singing a different tune.  Oh well, at least he got recognized as a finalist right?
  5. Andrew Luck QB Stanford University:  This is going to get a lot of Stanford fans fuming.  There’s no doubt in my mind that Andrew Luck is the most pro-ready quarterback in college football (although Matt Barkley from USC has certainly made a nice case).  However, from an objective point of view, any person can see that Luck does not deserve to win the Heisman this year or place higher than any of the other finalists.  His stats are down from last year, and he’s been moar a product of media hype than anything else.  If Richardson’s competition was soft, Luck’s was even softer.

The Courtroom: Say It Ain’t So, Joe!

 Analysis, Commentary, Sports  No Responses »
Nov 152011
 

Even if you’re not a sports fan, you have probably of the Jerry Sandusky sex scandal at Penn State University, which led to the firing of legendary coach Joe Paterno. I’m going to say it right now, but I disagree with the firing.  Many people are going to disagree with me and will likely call me a Paterno apologist.  I’m going to counter by saying the media and everyone else who is called for Paterno’s head, are irrational idiots.  Let me make this very clear: I completely agree that Joe Pa made a HUGE mistake by not following up with his higher-ups.  However, one mistake does not tarnish an entire life’s work of good deeds.  He should have been allowed to finish out the season.   Here are a few other things that come to mind: Continue reading »

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Analysis: Eli Manning, New York Giants Step up Big

 Analysis, Sports  No Responses »
Nov 082011
 

Week 9 of the NFL has come and gone, and what do you know?  The New York Football Gaints are sitting atop the NFC East at 6-2.  And guess who they beat this past weekend?  The New England Patriots.  The supposed favorites to win the Superbowl this season.  The team with Tom Brady, the supposed best quarterback in the league.  The team that had 20 straight home wins.  Yup those Patriots.  Who would have thought at the beginning of the season that the Giants would be in control of the NFC East?  Who would have thought that Eli Manning would be a serious MVP contender at this point?  Who would have thought they could beat the mighty Patriots in Week 9? On the road?  With all the off season drama, not many.  Myself included.  I’m a Giants fan through and through, but I am also a realistic one (a fact I love stating in many articles on this site).  With the losses of players like starting center Shaun O’Hara (released), starting left guard Rich Seubert (released), Pro Bowl wide receiver Steve Smith (FA), tight end Kevin Boss (FA), defensive tackle Barry Cofield (FA), cornerback Terrell Thomas (season ending injury), linebacker Jonathan Goff (season ending injury), and 1st round pick Marvin Austin (season ending injury).  Think about it for one second. Two starting offensive linemen gone. Starting tight end gone.  Losing a Pro Bowl wide receiver, which gave us at the start of the season only Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham as reliable targets.  Best cornerback lost.  Losing a reliable defensive tackle.  Losing a linebacker in an already weak linebacking corp.  All this is a recipe for disaster.  Continue reading »

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MLB Regular Season Review + Awards Predictions

 Analysis, Commentary, Recap, Sports  No Responses »
Oct 112011
 

Hey guys I know it’s a little late, but I thought I would do a little season review based on my predictions back at the beginning of the season. Man was I wrong on some of my picks! Ok let’s get started!

AL East

I picked the Boston Red Sox to win the division; boy was I wrong.  As a Yankee fan, however, I couldn’t be moar glad.  One of my best friends is a Red Sox fan, and his reaction to their epic collapse was priceless.  It also cost Terry Francona his job.  I had picked the Yankees to come in second and win the wild card, and we ended up winning the division.  The celebration was short-lived though, as the Yanks were eliminated from the playoffs by the Detroit Tigers in 5 games.  But it was still a good season nonetheless.

As for the rest of the division, the Tampa Bay Rays, who I picked to finish fourth, ended up catching the Red Sox to win the wild card.  The Toronto Blue Jays finished fourth thanks in huge part to Jose Bautista (who is my AL MVP), and the Baltimore Orioles finished dead last even though I picked them to finish third.  Looks like I bought into Buck Showalter’s magic too much.  They did, however, play help play spoiler and keep the Red Sox out of the playoffs, so I am happy about that.

Pre-season picks: Red Sox, Yankees (Wild Card), Orioles, Rays,  Blue Jays

Reality: Yankees, Rays (Wild Card), Red Sox, Blue Jays, Orioles Continue reading »

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 Posted by at 8:00 pm  Tagged with:

The Courtroom: NFL Topics: Where’s the Defense?

 Commentary, Sports  No Responses »
Sep 242011
 

UPDATED: 12/18

Wassup guys? I haven’t done a good commentary in a while, so I figured I better get on one before you forget that this column exists.  There have been a few topics of interest in the opening weeks of the NFL.  The one I want to address the most is the apparent lack of defense in games thus far.

Where's the defense?

In the first two weeks of the season, there have been a record number of points scored and yards gained.  Teams that you wouldn’t expect to score like the Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions have put up a ton of points.  Teams with great defenses on the other hand, have struggled.  The Green Bay Packers have given up nearly 1000 yards in 2 games (952 to be exact).  And then you have individuals like Tom Brady putting up monster numbers. (He’s on pace for 7500 yards!) Continue reading »

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