They say that sausage and legislation are similar in that while they both can have their good points, you don't want to see how they're made. The same might be said of NCAA Division I major sports, namely football and basketball. The era of the innocent scholar jock, if it ever existed, was long ago replaced by a big business, money rules philosophy, with only lip service paid to sportsmanship, amateurism, the primacy of academics and the holistic nurturing of the student athletes. One of the more insidious trends has been the introduction of Saudi oil sheik-level salaries for Division I coaches. And along with the money, come the scandals.
The latest, with a particularly salacious twist, is Pitino-gate. How much immunity does Rick Pitino's superstar status provide him from the fallout of his highly publicized, er, "indiscretion"?
Coach Pitino has always seemed a bit too slick by half. You didn't have to be an expert in reading body language to figure out that this guy was full of himself. He may have been the first big-time coach to employ the annoying practice of pacing the sidelines for virtually the entire game, all the time with a studied look on his face. It was as if he were a mathematician using all of his cognitive power to solve a complicated problem in advanced calculus instead of just trying to figure out if his opponent was playing zone or man-to-man.
He could be ingenuous. In 1997, rumors were circulating that Pitino was a candidate for the Celtics' head coaching job. On the Charlie Rose Show, he was asked if was going to take the job and Pitino offered an unqualified "no". A week or two later, Pitino announced he was taking the job, it was an opportunity he couldn't turn down, historic franchise, etc., etc. He then proceeded to antagonize most everyone in Beantown with his arrogance while compiling a won-lost record 40 games under .500 during his tenure.
He went immediately to the University of Louisville from Boston, was hailed like MacArthur returning to the Philippines, and given the keys to Fort Knox. In the meantime, he found time to write books like "Success Is A Choice" where, according to the blurbs, he instructed the reader on how to subordinate his ego and how to feel better about himself. Very prophetic.
Still, Pitino's success in the college ranks is undeniable. His records at Providence, Kentucky and Louisville are impressive. The Dick Vitale's of the world would have you believe that this was a product of Coach Pitino's keen basketball mind. Vitale calls Pitino a "brilliant strategist". Of course, in offering this praise, Dickie V. is attempting to elevate his own importance as an evaluator of this brilliance. In the incestuous NCAA-ESPN connection, it's all about self promotion.
Probably closer to the truth is that Coach Pitino acquired fame and fortune largely on the backs of talented inner city kids. The smooth talker would visit the families of the prospects, who often lived in difficult circumstances, and emphasize that this was not just about basketball. He would be their boy's mentor off the court as well, their life coach, big brother, father figure. It turns out that it's the coach who needed the mentoring, or at least a chaperone.
When Pitino was coaching the Celtics, and they were struggling, he famously excused their ineptitude by saying that Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parrish were not about to walk through the door. So even he was admitting that it's all about the players, not the strategizing.
When Elizabeth Edwards was asked if it was appropriate that her husband run for President while she was battling cancer, she replied that she did not want to deprive the country of John's services. The country needed him and only him. We now know she would have been doing the country a great service if she had deprived us of his services. Rick Pitino, who seems to operate from the same playbook as John Edwards, is likewise not indispensable - to the University of Louisville or any other basketball program. There are dozens of well-qualified candidates capable of running solid programs without the extracurricular activities.
Coach Pitino's Louisville contract has a morality clause which allows firing for "acts of moral depravity or misconduct that damages the university's reputation". It would seem that threshold has been met.
This is not about forgiveness which is done at the personal level by family and friends. And it's not about second chances. By all accounts, this is a very wealthy individual, hardly a hardship case. He has had numerous coaching opportunities over a long career, and others may present themselves down the road, perhaps better for him and us if he looked outside the big-time intercollege level. But he violated a trust and a written contract, and should not be paid millions by a public university after such a sordid episode.
This is not the same as a company CEO whose personal peccadillos have no bearing on his job performance. For someone in Pitino's position, with so much influence over young impressionable minds, it is impossible to separate moral propriety from job performance. Yes, other coaches have engaged in non-choir boy behavior. And yes, Pitino's high profile draws money, or at least has until now, into university coffers. But at some point, a line in the campus quadrangle needs to be drawn.
If Louisville feels compelled to retain Coach Pitino, they should offer him a $1 salary, with the remainder of his usual compensation package going into a scholarship fund. Otherwise, they should send him packing with their best wishes. Anything more will signal business as usual and sausage-making will look elegant by comparison.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
The Phillies' 800 Pound Gorilla In the Room
Most of the attention in recent weeks has been on the Phillies' pitching staff. And not without reason. The additions of Lee and Martinez. Multiple injuries among the the relief core. The emergence of J. Happ. The travails of Cole Hamels. The future of Jamie Moyer. And watching Brad Lidge enter a game has become like observing the pilot of your airplane getting on board carrying a copy of "How To Overcome Your Fear of Flying". Not exactly a confidence-builder.
But the underlying assumption seems to be that if the pitching can be sorted out, the Phillies can start printing World Series tickets. Not so fast. The 800 pound gorilla in the room is the Philadelphia hitters.
Most everyone seems to be in awe of the Fightin's offensive juggernaut which leads the league in runs scored, averaging over 5 runs per game, and home runs. But if you've watched this team for the past three seasons, you know it's not that simple.
First of all, that runs/game stat is misleading. The team has had 51 games scoring 4 runs or less, and 40 games with three or less. On the other hand, they have had 13 games scoring 10 or more runs and 9 games with 8 or more runs. So many of those runs were of little consequence.
The Phils have become very dependent on the long ball, but are not so good at small ball. Even their running game, which played a major role in '07 and '08, seems to be less effective. When they find themselves in a home run drought, as they are right now, runs can be hard to come by. Jimmy Rollins has been their most reliable power hitter in recent weeks, not a good sign. Too many runners are being left on base, but again this has been a characteristic of this squad for several years.
Jason Werth and Ryan Howard are major talents but they are excrutiatingly inconsistent with a tendency to strike out. Werth rarely has more than one good week in a row and Howard's inability to hit southpaws this year (under .200) has been a major liability. Utley, Victorino, and Rollins are all susceptible to frequent dry spells. Rollins of course is coming out of a three-month drought with a vengeance but he's still at a point, in mid-August, where a 1 for 4 day raises his average.
The addition of the rock-solid Ibanez has helped to even out the extreme peaks and valleys of the offense. But even Raul, who at one point was a Triple Crown threat, has been slowly reverting to his excellent, but more earthly, lifetime .290 batting average.
Last summer, the Phillie bats were struggling until the stretch run when Howard and Rollins went on tears and carried the team to the playoffs. A similar scenario may unfold in 2009. But last year, all that was required was a one-run lead for Lidge in the 9th. This time around, they may have to find a new recipe for success.
But the underlying assumption seems to be that if the pitching can be sorted out, the Phillies can start printing World Series tickets. Not so fast. The 800 pound gorilla in the room is the Philadelphia hitters.
Most everyone seems to be in awe of the Fightin's offensive juggernaut which leads the league in runs scored, averaging over 5 runs per game, and home runs. But if you've watched this team for the past three seasons, you know it's not that simple.
First of all, that runs/game stat is misleading. The team has had 51 games scoring 4 runs or less, and 40 games with three or less. On the other hand, they have had 13 games scoring 10 or more runs and 9 games with 8 or more runs. So many of those runs were of little consequence.
The Phils have become very dependent on the long ball, but are not so good at small ball. Even their running game, which played a major role in '07 and '08, seems to be less effective. When they find themselves in a home run drought, as they are right now, runs can be hard to come by. Jimmy Rollins has been their most reliable power hitter in recent weeks, not a good sign. Too many runners are being left on base, but again this has been a characteristic of this squad for several years.
Jason Werth and Ryan Howard are major talents but they are excrutiatingly inconsistent with a tendency to strike out. Werth rarely has more than one good week in a row and Howard's inability to hit southpaws this year (under .200) has been a major liability. Utley, Victorino, and Rollins are all susceptible to frequent dry spells. Rollins of course is coming out of a three-month drought with a vengeance but he's still at a point, in mid-August, where a 1 for 4 day raises his average.
The addition of the rock-solid Ibanez has helped to even out the extreme peaks and valleys of the offense. But even Raul, who at one point was a Triple Crown threat, has been slowly reverting to his excellent, but more earthly, lifetime .290 batting average.
Last summer, the Phillie bats were struggling until the stretch run when Howard and Rollins went on tears and carried the team to the playoffs. A similar scenario may unfold in 2009. But last year, all that was required was a one-run lead for Lidge in the 9th. This time around, they may have to find a new recipe for success.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Another Blockbuster Move by the Sixers
Shaq traded to Cleveland.
Vince Carter traded to Orlando.
Hedo Turkoglue goes to the Raptors.
Roy Jefferson signs with the Spurs.
Rasheed Wallace signs with the Celtics.
Ben Gordon signs with the Pistons.
The Mavericks acquire Shawn Marion.
Ron Artest signs with the Lakers.
Andre Miller signs with the Trailblazers.
And not to be outdone, the Sixers are in talks to re-sign Royal Ivey. The excitement in South Philly is palpable.
Vince Carter traded to Orlando.
Hedo Turkoglue goes to the Raptors.
Roy Jefferson signs with the Spurs.
Rasheed Wallace signs with the Celtics.
Ben Gordon signs with the Pistons.
The Mavericks acquire Shawn Marion.
Ron Artest signs with the Lakers.
Andre Miller signs with the Trailblazers.
And not to be outdone, the Sixers are in talks to re-sign Royal Ivey. The excitement in South Philly is palpable.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Phillies vs. Sixers
It's ironic that the Phillies, the current world champions and on the verge of running away with their division this year, have been the ones making national headlines in the trade and free agent markets whereas their neighbors in South Philly, the going-no-place-fast Sixers, have been in hibernation for the summer - the best they could come up with so far was signing a shooting specialist with a lifetime 7.5 ppg average, hiring a journeyman coach with a sub-.500 winning percentage, and a failure to re-sign their point guard.
Of course, the structures of major league baseball and pro basketball are very different and the Phillies have far more options. And last year, it was the Sixers who made the blockbuster deal. The deal to acquire Elton Brand may have been defensible at the time but unfortunately it ended up blowing up in the team's face and the fallout from that explosion could last for years to come.
Even in the worst case scenario, it is hard to foresee the acquisitions of Pedro Martinez and now Cliff Lee undermining the baseball franchise. In fact, it's hard to see how Lee in particular does not make the Phillies a better team. But enthusiasm should be tempered. A National League pennant is not a slam dunk. More on that in the next post.
Of course, the structures of major league baseball and pro basketball are very different and the Phillies have far more options. And last year, it was the Sixers who made the blockbuster deal. The deal to acquire Elton Brand may have been defensible at the time but unfortunately it ended up blowing up in the team's face and the fallout from that explosion could last for years to come.
Even in the worst case scenario, it is hard to foresee the acquisitions of Pedro Martinez and now Cliff Lee undermining the baseball franchise. In fact, it's hard to see how Lee in particular does not make the Phillies a better team. But enthusiasm should be tempered. A National League pennant is not a slam dunk. More on that in the next post.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Hamels and Lidge for Halladay?
Even as the Phillies have accumulated their longest winning streak in nearly 20 years, much of the news flow has dealt with the team's efforts to acquire a prime time pitcher or two before the trading deadline.
And all the while, the current much-maligned staff has been nothing short of stellar, and deep. Happ, Blanton, Moyer and Lopez have been solid starters; Condrey, Durbin and Park have been exceptional as middle and long relievers; Madson seems to find an extra mile/hour in his fastball in each outing. And waiting in the wings, there are some very exciting minor league prospects.
But how's this for irony? The Phillies' two most unreliable pitchers may be their most celebrated hurlers - Cole Hamels and Brad Lidge. Hamels, while the victim of some bad luck and lack of offensive support, has been inconsistent since day 1, unable to hold leads and unable to get to the late innings.
Lidge has been doing a pretty good Mitch Williams/Flash Gordon imitation, digging a hole for himself with walks or hit batsmen as we close our eyes while he tries to climb out. It's becoming evident that his early season struggles were not injury-related as management tried to make out.
How about Lidge and Hamels for Roy Halladay? OK, just kidding.
And all the while, the current much-maligned staff has been nothing short of stellar, and deep. Happ, Blanton, Moyer and Lopez have been solid starters; Condrey, Durbin and Park have been exceptional as middle and long relievers; Madson seems to find an extra mile/hour in his fastball in each outing. And waiting in the wings, there are some very exciting minor league prospects.
But how's this for irony? The Phillies' two most unreliable pitchers may be their most celebrated hurlers - Cole Hamels and Brad Lidge. Hamels, while the victim of some bad luck and lack of offensive support, has been inconsistent since day 1, unable to hold leads and unable to get to the late innings.
Lidge has been doing a pretty good Mitch Williams/Flash Gordon imitation, digging a hole for himself with walks or hit batsmen as we close our eyes while he tries to climb out. It's becoming evident that his early season struggles were not injury-related as management tried to make out.
How about Lidge and Hamels for Roy Halladay? OK, just kidding.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Sixers Running In Place in the Off-Season
In the aftermath of the disappointing 08-09 season, the Sixers were faced with three major issues - the respective futures of Sam Dalembert, Elton Brand and Andre Miller.
The team reportedly tried to shop Brand and Dalembert, to no avail. The former's market value is severely diminished because of contract size, age and injuries. And even the Yao Ming-less Rockets were not sufficiently tempted to make a play for the seven-footer from Haiti.
As for Miller, if you believe the press reports, the Sixers have not even made a serious offer. It may be that what we've been hearing from both sides is negotiating posturing. And perhaps a significant sign-and-trade deal could be constructed.
But the fact remains that while numerous teams around the league have already made significant improvements, Eddie Jordan's squad is excrutiatingly similar to that of Tony DiLeo.
The personnel moves made in the last few months have been marginal at best. Jason Kapono is a fine long-range shooter and that was a Sixer shortcoming. But Kapono is still a limited minutes role player. In the right situation, he could be a difference-maker the way John Paxson and Steve Kerr were on the great Bulls' teams but this Philadelphia ensemble will never be confused with those Jordan-led Chicago teams.
And despite the glowing scouting reports of draft pick Jrue Holiday, his resume is just too limited to plan your future around him. He could turn out to be the Wachovia Center's version of Paul Pierce - or he could be the reincarnation of Rodney Carney.
In the meantime, Ed Stefanski says the team needs a guard, a swingman, and two bigs. Oh is that all? A wish list like that doesn't exactly inspire confidence in the immediate future.
Right now we're looking at last year's team but with Lou Williams replacing Miller at point which is certainly not an upgrade. No doubt some new role players will be added up front and in the backcourt but the Sixers don't have a lot of bargaining chips with which to deal from a position of strength.
What we're left with is the audacity of hope, and Eddie Jordan's motion offense.
The team reportedly tried to shop Brand and Dalembert, to no avail. The former's market value is severely diminished because of contract size, age and injuries. And even the Yao Ming-less Rockets were not sufficiently tempted to make a play for the seven-footer from Haiti.
As for Miller, if you believe the press reports, the Sixers have not even made a serious offer. It may be that what we've been hearing from both sides is negotiating posturing. And perhaps a significant sign-and-trade deal could be constructed.
But the fact remains that while numerous teams around the league have already made significant improvements, Eddie Jordan's squad is excrutiatingly similar to that of Tony DiLeo.
The personnel moves made in the last few months have been marginal at best. Jason Kapono is a fine long-range shooter and that was a Sixer shortcoming. But Kapono is still a limited minutes role player. In the right situation, he could be a difference-maker the way John Paxson and Steve Kerr were on the great Bulls' teams but this Philadelphia ensemble will never be confused with those Jordan-led Chicago teams.
And despite the glowing scouting reports of draft pick Jrue Holiday, his resume is just too limited to plan your future around him. He could turn out to be the Wachovia Center's version of Paul Pierce - or he could be the reincarnation of Rodney Carney.
In the meantime, Ed Stefanski says the team needs a guard, a swingman, and two bigs. Oh is that all? A wish list like that doesn't exactly inspire confidence in the immediate future.
Right now we're looking at last year's team but with Lou Williams replacing Miller at point which is certainly not an upgrade. No doubt some new role players will be added up front and in the backcourt but the Sixers don't have a lot of bargaining chips with which to deal from a position of strength.
What we're left with is the audacity of hope, and Eddie Jordan's motion offense.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Phillie Notes: Howard's Malaise, Rollins' Sabbatical
Howard's Malaise:
In the last month and a half, Ryan Howard's strikeouts have been increasing, and his batting average, slugging and on-base percentages have been declining. Last night was his first home run since June 20 and he has hit only three since June 11. It was also his first four-bagger to the opposite field since June 7. This last factoid may be most telling.
Howard was reported to have worked intensely on going the other way at the plate in spring training and the fruits of this were seen in April and May with a higher batting average and fewer K's. When the homers started to come in bunches, a high percentage was to left and left-center. But that has not been the case in recent weeks.
We have seen this movie before, usually several times each season. Howard is productive and consistent when going with the pitch; far less so when he doesn't. Perhaps the absence of Ibanez is allowing opposing pitchers to give the first baseman less to hit but it's time for Howard to make some adjustments. Maybe last night was a sign that he is.
Rollins' Sabbatical:
Charlie Manuel sat Jimmy Rollins down for 4 games last week as a form of therapy for the shortstop's extended hitting slump. Upon his return, Rollins had 2 hitless games, but then followed up with a solid series against the Mets. So did Manuel's treatment work? Maybe, but
it was probably just coincidental. Did anyone think that Rollins was going to go 0 for 300 in the next three months?
After his sabbatical, J-Roll was probably the focus of even more attention with everyone examining his every move to detect signs of change - different batting stance, more relaxed, less relaxed, smiling, not smiling, etc. Better to sit him for one game, then return him to the lineup toward the bottom of the order where there's a little less attention than in the leadoff spot.
In the last month and a half, Ryan Howard's strikeouts have been increasing, and his batting average, slugging and on-base percentages have been declining. Last night was his first home run since June 20 and he has hit only three since June 11. It was also his first four-bagger to the opposite field since June 7. This last factoid may be most telling.
Howard was reported to have worked intensely on going the other way at the plate in spring training and the fruits of this were seen in April and May with a higher batting average and fewer K's. When the homers started to come in bunches, a high percentage was to left and left-center. But that has not been the case in recent weeks.
We have seen this movie before, usually several times each season. Howard is productive and consistent when going with the pitch; far less so when he doesn't. Perhaps the absence of Ibanez is allowing opposing pitchers to give the first baseman less to hit but it's time for Howard to make some adjustments. Maybe last night was a sign that he is.
Rollins' Sabbatical:
Charlie Manuel sat Jimmy Rollins down for 4 games last week as a form of therapy for the shortstop's extended hitting slump. Upon his return, Rollins had 2 hitless games, but then followed up with a solid series against the Mets. So did Manuel's treatment work? Maybe, but
it was probably just coincidental. Did anyone think that Rollins was going to go 0 for 300 in the next three months?
After his sabbatical, J-Roll was probably the focus of even more attention with everyone examining his every move to detect signs of change - different batting stance, more relaxed, less relaxed, smiling, not smiling, etc. Better to sit him for one game, then return him to the lineup toward the bottom of the order where there's a little less attention than in the leadoff spot.
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