Upon something for the Jamesians

Would it suprise you to learn that the Mets are statistically inferior to the Yankees in just about every relevant fielding category? Looks like the pinstripers are succeeding in spite of their "anchor" of a shortstop.

Upon Some More things to Stop

This post has no real significance other than to vent:

STOP- calling rapper 50 Cent Fiddy or Fitty. You look horribly out of touch when you write that or pronounce his moniker like that. No one calls him "Fiddy" except white people who think they are making an in-touch reference. You are embarassing yourselves STOP


STOP- wearing your bluetooth all day. First it was pagers, then car phones, then talking on cell phones in public spaces (restaurants, offices). Now everyone thinks they should keep their bluetooth headset in all day long. It is bad enough with business people, but at least some jobs call for constant phone contact. The rest of the people, and we all know who they are, just look ridiculous. STOP

STOP- coming out with one-hour dramas about doctors, lawyers, or cops. Seriously, are those the only three professions that make for good television shows? Politicians should probably go in this rant too. I know many doctors, lawyers and cops, and their lives are usually not glamourous or worth making 6 series on 3 networks. (no offense to any of the foregoing who I might know). I know that the underlying life and death and criminal justice angles appeal to many people, but what hasn't been covered in these genres? Is it easier to just stick with what works?

Upon the Boston Celtics Off-Season

Many Boston Celtics fans were hoping that the 2007 NBA Draft would net them one of the next generation superstar players, Kevin Durant or Greg Oden. When the ping-pong balls bounced the way of the Portland Trailblazers and Seattle Supersonics, ownership and management apparently decided to forget about the future and focus on the present.

The plans began in earnest, with a draft day deal which sent the Celtics #5 draft pick to Seattle along with Delonte West and Wally Szczerbiak, in exchange for Ray Allen. Allen has been a premier scorer in the league, and his deft shooting touch was expected to complement Paul Pierce's scoring. He was also coming off a year where he scored 26 plus points per game, and shot free throws at approximately 90%. However, he is also 32 years old, and had both of his ankles surgically repaired. On the surface, the move appeared to be more of a updated Pierce/Antoine Walker tandem. Celts fans began to talk themselves into Pierce, Allen, and Al Jefferson as a possible playoff trio.

A few weeks later, the Celtics front office was able to pull off the second piece of their plan. After months of speculation, and a potential deal which fell apart the the early stages, Boston was able to swing a trade for Kevin Garnett. Boston gave up a large chunk of their roster: Al Jefferson, Gerald Green, Ryan Gomes, guard Sebastian Telfair and center Theo Ratliff (which is essentially an expiring contract), two first-round draft picks and cash. In return, they received one of the premier players of our generation. KG is a statistical monster, who has toiled in Minnesota as the lone superstar on a team often loaded with also-rans. Now he was headed to a team with a proud championship history and joining two players in Pierce and Allen who were also tired of individual numbers and hungry for an elusive ring.

From a talent stand point, the Celtics now have a trio that is unmatched in the Eastern Conference, and compares favorably to anything the West has to offer. What they then needed to do was to fill out their roster, as the Allen and Garnett trades had stripped the team of mostly every other serviceable player on the team. Holdover Kendrick Perkins, and new additions Scot Pollard, and the infamous Michael Olowokandi will be the options at center. Eddie House will compete with second year player Rajon Rondo for the starting PG duties. The Big Three figure to log big minutes.

So with all the changes made to a team that was unwatchable and in full tank mode last year, where do the Celtics stand? With three superstars who are also prolific scorers, Ray Allen will not average 26 ppg, and Paul Pierce will not average 25 ppg. Each will see shots which formerly went exclusively to them now going to the other. KG is a 7 foot monster in the East, and should not lose more than a point or two. The unproved point guards will have to show the ability to get everyone their shots and run a team with such skilled players. It remains to be seen if these moves will result in playoff success.

I do believe that the Celtics should make the playoffs next year. But in what spot? Cleveland is still a strong squad, even if they should not have been in the Finals. The Bulls are LOADED, and run 12 deep with skilled players. Detroit may have one more go-round in them, and bolstered all their key starters with youth and athleticism on the bench. New Jersey resigned Vince, and with Carter, Kidd, Jefferson and Kristic have a strong core. Miami has Shaq, D-Wade, and whats left of Penny. Orlando signed Rashard Lewis to a team which made the playoffs last year on the back on Dwight Howard. The Knicks added Zack Randolph to a team which is getting better and better. Toronto is flying under the radar with a very good team that is a tough matchup. So who is not invited to the party?

If everyone stays healthy, the Celtics are a 6-seed in my opinion. LeBron proved the East is wide-open, so anything can happen in the playoffs. I think that without strong or proven options in the middle and especially at the point, there are still too many holes for the Celtics to achieve more than a big win-loss swing, and a playoff birth with a possible first round win. Necessary improvements were made for sure, and I think they will be a fun team to watch.

Upon Random Musings

• Last night's Baltimore game was one of those things that was bound to happen in the midst of a good run, usually by a team otherwise whistling in the wind. With 5 healthy starters, I am wondering why Jeff Karstens is getting starts in a pennant push.
• While watching the PGA Championship on Sunday, I wondered: Could I have seen the greatest golfer, basketball, hockey and baseball players of all time play during my sports viewing youth?
• On the golfing note, I always enjoy watching the best around dominate in the big spots, like Tiger did on Sunday. Its a cool viewing experience to sit back and say "There is no way anyone is beating this guy today", and to watch that player/team exhibit the same attitude. The Yankees had it, as did Mariano. Jordan had it. Adam Vinateri has it. The unstoppable athlete is something to behold. The time always arrives when the competition catches up, or the star comes back to the pack because of age or injury. However (without too much hyperbole) while they are at their peak it is truly special to witness. When Tiger was coming down the back 9, I was looking for the "no way I'm losing this tournament" moment. Ernie Els was closing in with inspired shot-making, and Woody Austin kept hanging around and drew within one stroke after a Tiger 3-putt for bogey. However, on the last par 5 of the course, Woods pulled out the big driver. When he gets erratic with his drives, and misses fairways, the field has a better chance. Not this time. Tiger rears back and blasts it 340 yards, right down the middle. And you knew thats where it would be. There is always a moment with live golf between the player's swing camera, and the tracking camera that follows the filght of the ball. You usually get a reaction shot from the player to give you and indication of how they liked the shot. With Tiger, when he really likes a shot, he will hold the club up at the top of his follow-through, and then twirl the club down with a flourish. I have noticed this since about 2004, and its almost always an indication of an awesome shot. Not just good, awesome. Tiger looks mad on shots to within 12 feet. He has a grouchy face on 270 yard iron shots. On Sunday, he held the club up just a little bit longer, and spun it down like a swordsman sheathing his weapon with just enough flourish to blur the cocky/confident line. You knew that the other two guys had no shot after that. (which was almost a foregone conclusion anyway, given his 12-0 major record when holding a lead going into the final round- which became 13-0)

Upon the Yankees- 8/7

Some thoughts re: the Yankees this week-

• The Joba Chamberlain era began last night. For those who don't know, Chamberlain is a 21 year old prospect whom the Yankees are very high on. They have zealously guarded him in the minors, refused to discuss him in trade rumors, and have coaxed him along in much the same way as Phil Hughes. Last night he got the 8th and 9th innings, and looked impressive. He has a good looking slider, and a upper 90s heater. There is no room in the rotation right now, and it was only 2 innings, but the first impression was positive.
• The Yankees are continuing to show that their farm system is capable of producing impact players. Cano and Cabrera are among the Yankees hotter hitters, and Wang might be the staff ace. This year, Hughes, Chamberlain and Shelley Duncan are high-profile names contributing in their brief appearances, Andy Phillips plays first on a regular basis, and Jeff Karstens, Sean Henn and others are pushing for bullpen spots. The fact that the Yankees are keeping their kids, and letting them play next to the $15-20 million dollar players is encouraging.
• Roger Clemens is not going to stop being old-school. Retaliation is never going to be a Yankee trademark, but Rocket is going to protect his superstars, and Alex Rios got one right between the numbers to prove it. A-Rod may have asked for something to happen with the "Ha" play, but 2 days in a row several weeks after the fact is pushing it. I like brawls for team chemistry, even if one didn't materialize.
• Jason Giambi is back with the team. He will get ABs at DH, and should, but Torre needs to be cognizant of youth, chemistry and enthuiasm. Forcing Sheff back in last year was a mistake, and removing Shelley Duncan's bat or Phillip's glove should be done carefully.
• Looking at the schedule going forward, there is a stretch beginning 8/16 that is 4 home to Detroit, 3 at LAA, 4 at Detroit, 3 home to Red Sox. This will probably determine the playoffs for the Yankees, especially given the Sox schedule during the same time: 4 home LAA, 3 at Tampa, 4 at Chi Sox, 3 at Yankees.

Upon Stats Arguement

I am still working out my full answer, but while I do...does Zone rating factor in only ground balls? Does range factor incorporate a subjective analysis by an observer as to the type of hit? Should the Bill James panel carry equal weight to a survey of the coaches and managers who watch each play with more on the line than legitimizing a theory created to sell books? Can you tell me any shortstop's range factor or zone rating without looking it up?

More to come