Is this what happens when I go out of town? Rob's right though. That's my latest.
So...re-signing Hedo is now a "longshot"? Fuck me. I'm not a happy man right now. I love Courtney Lee. I don't love Vince Carter and the mismatches that Hedo created were a large part of what made the Magic good. It feels like the Magic have mortgaged much of their future for the next year or so. With Dwight and Jameer both being under 25, I can't say I understand this approach.
And, yes I know he has no ACLs, but I still can't believe that DeJuan Blair didn't get picked until the 2nd round. (Sam Young too). The Spurs are gonna win another title in the next two years and we're all gonna have to bow down to Greg Poppovich and RC Buford. Fucking amazing.
That trade is going to help them a lot in the next 2 years. I like Lee, but he's kind of become this year's Rodney Stuckey overrated guy. I don't think Lee will ever be anything better than a league average starter (which is fine, but obviously not great).
In order to properly analyze it though, you have to determine whether the trade was the cause or the response to the potential loss of the Dusty Ottoman. Also, you have to consider what kind of contract it would take to keep him in the Blue and White (Ignite).
Per usual, Simmons brought the heat ith his draft diary. I truly feel bad for missing out on last night's festivities. We had some real momentum going after last year and last night was actually one of the more interesting draft nights in some time. We could've built a beautiful comedy rhombus. Could've been a banner night for G:TB. For once, I actually blame myself.
In other news, I called one of my cousin's friends who I had just met a "stupid bitch" last night during an argument over Michael Jackson (In my defense, she claimed he wasn't a musical legend/genius), drank entirely too much Jager (even for me) and got my cousin so drunk that he fell down a flight of stairs and is now sporting two huge scabs on his face. At least it will make us look tougher when we attend this afternoon's Cubs-Sox game.
I agree with all that Jerry. Except for Lee. I don't think he's going to be great but I think he could be the 4th best guy on a championship team. As for Dusty, well, I thought they'd be able to get him for $10-11 million. If thats not the case then, yeah, they should let him go.
I hadn't heard anything that intimated that the Magic weren't going to be able to re-sign Hedo (but I've been a bit out of the loop since I've been traveling for the past week) so all of this came as a bit of a shock to me. Also, I've never been a big fan of Wince so my judgement is somewhat clouded by that. He's still definitely the best 2 that the Magic have ever had. Finally Jerry, what are your thoughts on Ryan Anderson?
Also, Mardy Fish's wife is really fucking hot. Apparently, she's a model on Deal or No Deal. I've met Mardy...these kind of things don't happen if you're not a professional athlete.
4th best guy...average NBA starter...not that far apart.
With Dusty, the $$ sound about right -- the concern would be the length of the deal. If he gets 4 years, how much does he give you in years 3-4? Hard to say. Maybe a decent amount, maybe not.
Instead (assuming Dusty walks, which is no sure thing) you get VC for 2 and then free cap space, which may mitigate to some degree losing the future value of Lee.
Also, people have been raving about Carter's attitude recently.
I like Anderson as a bench guy that's nice to have around. He shoots well for his height and he's a decent rebounder. Upside is a bench guy for a good team, but he definitely fits Orlando's style. He's a 6'10" guy who shoots 3s.
I'll disagree with you there Mark. I think Elvis has significantly more social and cultural significance than Jackson. I'll back it up with nothing other than my own smugness and self-satisfaction.
i witnessed first-hand the caliber of talent that pga tour players attract during my stint on the michelob championship staff. we're not breaking any new ground here, but mark's absolutely right.
Ryan Anderson will help your team off the bench. He was stuck in the Nets' log-jam of mediocre bigs last year (Chairman Yi, Sean Williams, Boone, Najera, Lopez, etc.), but he's got potential if he gets 20 minutes a game.
VC's game has been surprisingly consistent the last two years. He played relatively hard, considering he was on a team going nowhere. Some may say he was playing for his stat line, but the Nets needed him to carry a big load.
The issue for him will be if he is willing to sacrifice his numbers to win a championship. He may be gunning for one more payday in 2011. Sharing touches with Lewis won't help his numbers, but I bet he is dying for a title.
Meanwhile, the Nets are a shit-show of a franchise. They still are unsure where/when/if they're moving, and they barely have one marketable star (Harris). If Jay Z can't bring in Bron Bron, it will be ugly. As in Calipari-era ugly.
Mark - Have an Old Time for me. And don't follow my decision to eat a trifecta of pork products on a bun at Wrigley. Seems fun at the time, but wreaks havoc later.
I will be spending my late afternoon on a cattle car of a two-hour train to the Jersey Shore with an oil can of Foster's in my hand and a guido-loathing sneer on my face. Good times.
tr, i should think it's reason enough for you to travel to d.c. (home of the one and only and quite historic ben's chili bowl). seeing us would be but a nice appetizer.
The Nets are able to operate like a Madden franchise because they don't feel obligated to show any loyalty to their fans and they get minimal media coverage. They can completely punt multiple seasons without serious repercussions.
I suspect that Thorn was anticipating a horrendous record last year and was somewhat bummed when they played well and ruined their chances of getting a high pick. Next year they'll be even worse. It's actually a pretty decent long term strategy.
I'll have a Old Time or five. I'm legitimately pumped about attending today's baseball game. I haven't been to a regular season game since I went to a game at Safeco 4 years ago. My cousin tells me that the vitriol between the Cubs and Sox fans is both palpable and awesome.
As for Anderson, I knew he could shoot it but didn't know he was a decent rebounder. I'm hoping he'll be a guy who can be a nice addition off the bench for the Magic.
With that said, I'm out. Time to get base buzz on before I hit the south side.
I think MJ was the more talented artist, but in the end, I think Elvis ends up having a larger influence because he made it socially acceptable for good christian white folks to listen to music created by bands with less than 25 people.
By the way, how did MJ go from former superstar turned creepy pedophile back to to beloved superstar in one day?
In case anyone was wondering, Chicago is awesome and I can't wait to go back. But, for the time being, I'm pretty fucking happy to be home. I've spent just under 36 hours in my hometown over the past 9 days. I really couldn't be happier to see my bed or my dogs.
This is pretty fucking awesome and unexpected. Both goals were fairly spectacular in the lead up and finish. And, I too think it sounds like this game is being played in a beehive.
There was once some goofy made-for-tv movie about a boxing kangaroo...and the kangaroo was undefeated or something...and then he finally got punched for the first time.
I came in from the beach to see this game. When my wife comes back up to the hotel she'll be happy to see I've depletd the adult beverage section of the minibar.
In the first game versus Brazil, our defenders often looked frozen/intimidated by the skill of the attacking Brazilians. Thats certainly not the case today. We're closing off angles and playing with a controlled aggressiveness.
long time listener, first time caller -had to chime in on this one though - brilliant so far - and what's up with the kurt warner lookalike playing for Brazil?
The US needs to have control of the ball more in the second half. Too much reliance on full-field counterattacking. And Howard was ridiculous. Can't expect him to keep it up. Brazil will score soon if they keep hammering away.
Yeah, I appreciate the homer announcers but that was definitely a goal. And...we'll be lucky if Brazil only gets one more goal the way they've played so far in the second half.
We could all see it coming but, damn that sucks. Pretty impressive execution by Brazil, both in the set piece and in their second half gameplan execution.
If you have HBO, turn on the replay of last night's Victor Ortiz- Marco Rene Maidana fight. It only lasted 6 rounds but man was it fantastic. I won't ruin it in case anybody wants to watch it but trust me, you'll see tons of knockdowns, entertaining fighting and some bizarre post fight antics.
(Insipid Michael Jackson tribute forthcoming, in case you were wondering.)
we had to do something to help shlara get over the disappointment of last night's draft thread.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rob. Who's baby is Gheorghe holding?
ReplyDeletemark's.
ReplyDeleteIs this what happens when I go out of town? Rob's right though. That's my latest.
ReplyDeleteSo...re-signing Hedo is now a "longshot"? Fuck me. I'm not a happy man right now. I love Courtney Lee. I don't love Vince Carter and the mismatches that Hedo created were a large part of what made the Magic good. It feels like the Magic have mortgaged much of their future for the next year or so. With Dwight and Jameer both being under 25, I can't say I understand this approach.
And, yes I know he has no ACLs, but I still can't believe that DeJuan Blair didn't get picked until the 2nd round. (Sam Young too). The Spurs are gonna win another title in the next two years and we're all gonna have to bow down to Greg Poppovich and RC Buford. Fucking amazing.
ReplyDeleteThat trade is going to help them a lot in the next 2 years. I like Lee, but he's kind of become this year's Rodney Stuckey overrated guy. I don't think Lee will ever be anything better than a league average starter (which is fine, but obviously not great).
ReplyDeleteIn order to properly analyze it though, you have to determine whether the trade was the cause or the response to the potential loss of the Dusty Ottoman. Also, you have to consider what kind of contract it would take to keep him in the Blue and White (Ignite).
Per usual, Simmons brought the heat ith his draft diary. I truly feel bad for missing out on last night's festivities. We had some real momentum going after last year and last night was actually one of the more interesting draft nights in some time. We could've built a beautiful comedy rhombus. Could've been a banner night for G:TB. For once, I actually blame myself.
ReplyDeleteIn other news, I called one of my cousin's friends who I had just met a "stupid bitch" last night during an argument over Michael Jackson (In my defense, she claimed he wasn't a musical legend/genius), drank entirely too much Jager (even for me) and got my cousin so drunk that he fell down a flight of stairs and is now sporting two huge scabs on his face. At least it will make us look tougher when we attend this afternoon's Cubs-Sox game.
I agree with all that Jerry. Except for Lee. I don't think he's going to be great but I think he could be the 4th best guy on a championship team. As for Dusty, well, I thought they'd be able to get him for $10-11 million. If thats not the case then, yeah, they should let him go.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard anything that intimated that the Magic weren't going to be able to re-sign Hedo (but I've been a bit out of the loop since I've been traveling for the past week) so all of this came as a bit of a shock to me. Also, I've never been a big fan of Wince so my judgement is somewhat clouded by that. He's still definitely the best 2 that the Magic have ever had. Finally Jerry, what are your thoughts on Ryan Anderson?
if i were dejuan blair's agent, i'd probably not let myself be alone in a room with him for a while. kid got some bad advice.
ReplyDeleteIts not his agents fault that he has no ACLS.
ReplyDeleteAlso, Mardy Fish's wife is really fucking hot. Apparently, she's a model on Deal or No Deal. I've met Mardy...these kind of things don't happen if you're not a professional athlete.
Today's lunch topic du jour was "who was the bigger influence: Elvis or Michael Jackson".
ReplyDeleteWhile I personally love the frumpy camp that Elvis brought to the table, I don't think he comes close to MJ.
4th best guy...average NBA starter...not that far apart.
ReplyDeleteWith Dusty, the $$ sound about right -- the concern would be the length of the deal. If he gets 4 years, how much does he give you in years 3-4? Hard to say. Maybe a decent amount, maybe not.
Instead (assuming Dusty walks, which is no sure thing) you get VC for 2 and then free cap space, which may mitigate to some degree losing the future value of Lee.
Also, people have been raving about Carter's attitude recently.
I like Anderson as a bench guy that's nice to have around. He shoots well for his height and he's a decent rebounder. Upside is a bench guy for a good team, but he definitely fits Orlando's style. He's a 6'10" guy who shoots 3s.
I'll disagree with you there Mark. I think Elvis has significantly more social and cultural significance than Jackson. I'll back it up with nothing other than my own smugness and self-satisfaction.
ReplyDeletei witnessed first-hand the caliber of talent that pga tour players attract during my stint on the michelob championship staff. we're not breaking any new ground here, but mark's absolutely right.
ReplyDeleteGraceland here we come...
ReplyDeleteRyan Anderson will help your team off the bench. He was stuck in the Nets' log-jam of mediocre bigs last year (Chairman Yi, Sean Williams, Boone, Najera, Lopez, etc.), but he's got potential if he gets 20 minutes a game.
ReplyDeleteVC's game has been surprisingly consistent the last two years. He played relatively hard, considering he was on a team going nowhere. Some may say he was playing for his stat line, but the Nets needed him to carry a big load.
The issue for him will be if he is willing to sacrifice his numbers to win a championship. He may be gunning for one more payday in 2011. Sharing touches with Lewis won't help his numbers, but I bet he is dying for a title.
Meanwhile, the Nets are a shit-show of a franchise. They still are unsure where/when/if they're moving, and they barely have one marketable star (Harris). If Jay Z can't bring in Bron Bron, it will be ugly. As in Calipari-era ugly.
tr, i commend to you the final comment of the farrah post for your gastronomic pleasure.
ReplyDeleteMark - Have an Old Time for me. And don't follow my decision to eat a trifecta of pork products on a bun at Wrigley. Seems fun at the time, but wreaks havoc later.
ReplyDeleteI will be spending my late afternoon on a cattle car of a two-hour train to the Jersey Shore with an oil can of Foster's in my hand and a guido-loathing sneer on my face. Good times.
Rob - Should I find myself in the vicinity of a Ben's Chili Bowl restaurant at some point in the future, I will throw down a bowl and think of you.
ReplyDeletetr, i should think it's reason enough for you to travel to d.c. (home of the one and only and quite historic ben's chili bowl). seeing us would be but a nice appetizer.
ReplyDeleteThe Nets are able to operate like a Madden franchise because they don't feel obligated to show any loyalty to their fans and they get minimal media coverage. They can completely punt multiple seasons without serious repercussions.
ReplyDeleteI suspect that Thorn was anticipating a horrendous record last year and was somewhat bummed when they played well and ruined their chances of getting a high pick. Next year they'll be even worse. It's actually a pretty decent long term strategy.
I'll have a Old Time or five. I'm legitimately pumped about attending today's baseball game. I haven't been to a regular season game since I went to a game at Safeco 4 years ago. My cousin tells me that the vitriol between the Cubs and Sox fans is both palpable and awesome.
ReplyDeleteAs for Anderson, I knew he could shoot it but didn't know he was a decent rebounder. I'm hoping he'll be a guy who can be a nice addition off the bench for the Magic.
With that said, I'm out. Time to get base buzz on before I hit the south side.
There's a joke somewhere in the W&M "Thriller" dance and MJ's death, but it's probably in poor taste to even make jokes that mild at this point.
ReplyDeleteI think MJ was the more talented artist, but in the end, I think Elvis ends up having a larger influence because he made it socially acceptable for good christian white folks to listen to music created by bands with less than 25 people.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, how did MJ go from former superstar turned creepy pedophile back to to beloved superstar in one day?
Based on the number of messages I have received from Mark, his trip to Wrigley has renewed his love for baseball.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm quite certain Mark caused the Piniella/Uncle Milty fracas.
i can't believe mark sparked up with piniella. looking forward to the story on that one.
ReplyDeletealso can't believe we've never extolled the awesomeness of the rick ankiel story. that will be rectified soon.
Fuck fucking yeah. I'm drunk and about to get waaaaay more drunk
ReplyDeleteSparky started a fracas with Sweet Lou Pinella?
ReplyDeleteIn case anyone was wondering, Chicago is awesome and I can't wait to go back. But, for the time being, I'm pretty fucking happy to be home. I've spent just under 36 hours in my hometown over the past 9 days. I really couldn't be happier to see my bed or my dogs.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I didn't do anything to or with Sweet Lou...(sighs)
ReplyDeletedempsey! nice service from spector.
ReplyDeleteu.s. far more composed in the early going than they were last week against the brazilians.
Even I'm watching this game...or match...or whatever the hell it's called.
ReplyDeleteUSA!
ReplyDeleteOk...what the hell is the constant noise in the background in these international games? Do the first 10,000 spectators get a free kazoo?
ReplyDeleteI thought it was a biblical swarm of locusts.
ReplyDeleteu.s. defense doing a nice job of denying open shots from distance, also sure on clearances thus far.
ReplyDeleteand that noise is insane-making.
Yep, shut your yap Melo Yelo
ReplyDeletethe chippiness of the brazilians is underrated. solid save by howard.
ReplyDeletedonovan gave up on that play - almost cost them.
ReplyDeleteOK, that was awesome
ReplyDeletedonovan! makes up for his mistake in a big way.
ReplyDeleteHoly shit.
ReplyDeleteThis is pretty fucking awesome and unexpected. Both goals were fairly spectacular in the lead up and finish. And, I too think it sounds like this game is being played in a beehive.
ReplyDeleteeasy, john harkes. lotta game left.
ReplyDeleteI say we kick it out of bounds for the next hour. Who's in?
ReplyDeletebrazil playing like they're not used to being pressured. keep it up, boys.
ReplyDeletetim howard! stud.
ReplyDeleteUSA!
ReplyDelete(FYI - I'm 5 minutes delayed on my TiVo. Can't wait to catch up at halftime.)
I would venture to say that even TJ finds this game mildly exciting.
ReplyDeleteCan you play four corners in soccer?
ReplyDeleteThe odd part is the US looks borderline dominant so far in this one.
ReplyDeletenot if you're the us and playing brazil.
ReplyDeleteWhoops Geoff beat me to it...
ReplyDeleteThe entire crowd has horns. I think they give them out. Soccer's version of thunder sticks.
ReplyDeleteYou can expect to hear them at the Cup next year. Not good times.
charlie davies: lots of speed, not lots of touch.
ReplyDeleteand tim howard says 'fuck you, douchebag'.
That was a nice run by D. Charlie Davies III.
ReplyDeleteThere was once some goofy made-for-tv movie about a boxing kangaroo...and the kangaroo was undefeated or something...and then he finally got punched for the first time.
ReplyDeleteThat kangaroo reminds me of Brazil.
(And no, I have not elected any popes today)
Uh oh rob, Mike Lowell's hip is flaring up...
ReplyDeletebrazil is so good, but we're giving them nothing easy so far. solid, solid work.
ReplyDeleteyeah, teej. lowell's hip's been an issue for the last week or so. looks like he'll be getting an injection of the good stuff tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteThat's really too bad TJ. The part about not electing popes, not the part about Mike Lowell's hip.
ReplyDeleteWait a second, who the hell is the guy on our squad wearing the gloves? And why?
ReplyDeleteAnd don't say Howard, Mark. I mean the non-goaltender wearing the MJ tributes.
Greg might be helping me rig an election here at halftime.
ReplyDeletethat's oguchi onyewu. it's winter in south africa.
ReplyDeleteI came in from the beach to see this game. When my wife comes back up to the hotel she'll be happy to see I've depletd the adult beverage section of the minibar.
ReplyDeleteYiiiiikkkkkesss
ReplyDeleteIn the first game versus Brazil, our defenders often looked frozen/intimidated by the skill of the attacking Brazilians. Thats certainly not the case today. We're closing off angles and playing with a controlled aggressiveness.
ReplyDeleteOh wow...that was close.
they couldn't have played a better first half. no letup now, boys.
ReplyDeleteGeoff Burr: True Patriot.
ReplyDeleteGeoffrey, what lovely seaside town are you vactioning in?
ReplyDeleteSoccer commercials, a tad over the top.
ReplyDeleteWe're at the Sanctuary in Kiawah. Playing The Ocean Course in the morning...home of the 2012 PGA.
ReplyDeletehey, you guys playin cards?..
ReplyDeletelong time listener, first time caller -had to chime in on this one though - brilliant so far - and what's up with the kurt warner lookalike playing for Brazil?
From what I can tell from the interwebs, Geoff's hotel is pretty nice. I doubt I'd be a big hit hanging out and drinking in the lobby bar.
ReplyDeleteteej, i may need a ballot before this is over. think you can make it out here?
ReplyDeleterico, it seems brazil wanted God on their side.
ReplyDeleteThe US needs to have control of the ball more in the second half. Too much reliance on full-field counterattacking. And Howard was ridiculous. Can't expect him to keep it up. Brazil will score soon if they keep hammering away.
ReplyDeletewell, shit. that's not the start we're looking for.
ReplyDeleteYikes. That was easy.
ReplyDeleteThat didn't take long.
ReplyDeleteit can't be him because they haven't showed brenda twelve times, btw i won an over bet on her in the superbowl..
ReplyDeletewhoopsie, trouble thar 2-1
gtb goes quiet. nervous?
ReplyDeleteJulio Caesar just pulled a Spurrier.
ReplyDeleteI've done something to calm my nerves. I'd suggest the rest of you do too.
ReplyDeleteis it me, or is the clock not moving?
ReplyDeleteThere are so many possibilities for the term "pulling a Spurrier".
ReplyDeleteif you're not using a mood altering substance right now, you hate America.
ReplyDeleteMark, Greg and I just did the same.
ReplyDeletehoward! damn.
ReplyDeletespector's having a very solid match.
ReplyDeleteThat looked like a goal.
ReplyDeletenope, that one stayed out. whoa.
ReplyDeletewe need a third goal, because brazil's getting another one.
ReplyDeletei was wrong, that was a goal. thank god for no instant replay.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I appreciate the homer announcers but that was definitely a goal. And...we'll be lucky if Brazil only gets one more goal the way they've played so far in the second half.
ReplyDeletetime for some new legs in the midfield, bob.
ReplyDeleteweak dive by kaka there. punish him.
ReplyDeleteoh, tim howard.
ReplyDeleteHoward is gonna kill that tiny kid.
ReplyDeleteHoward just saved Dempsey's ass. What a terrible pass.
ReplyDeleteGreg would like to know why that guy has on a scarf or "dickie" as Greg put it.
ReplyDeletedavies needed one more touch. nice, dangerous run.
ReplyDeleteIf Davies could keep the ball more consistently close to his feet on the run he would be deadly.
ReplyDeletefuck. matter of time.
ReplyDeleteThis is not gonna end well.
ReplyDeletejay demerit hanging tough. whew.
ReplyDeleteaaand fuck.
ReplyDeleteDagger
ReplyDeleteFucking a man.
ReplyDeleteWe could all see it coming but, damn that sucks. Pretty impressive execution by Brazil, both in the set piece and in their second half gameplan execution.
ReplyDeletelots of lessons for the us here. enough there to be optimistic for 2010 and they know how big the gap they need to fill is.
ReplyDeleteand, hey - the draft thread did go over 100 comments.
ReplyDeleteohhhhhh, gooch.
Glove guy...so close.
ReplyDeleteThe US subs brought nothing to the table. Klestian in particular was awful.
ReplyDeleteYou wanna talk about awful subs, just walk into any Blimpie. Terrible.
ReplyDeleteG:TB Programming Note:
ReplyDeleteIf you have HBO, turn on the replay of last night's Victor Ortiz- Marco Rene Maidana fight. It only lasted 6 rounds but man was it fantastic. I won't ruin it in case anybody wants to watch it but trust me, you'll see tons of knockdowns, entertaining fighting and some bizarre post fight antics.
for whitney's sake, i hope that he and teejay never consummated a case bet on the yanks/mets series.
ReplyDeletehas anyone seen the new giant cheetos? color me intrigued.
ReplyDelete