In his most significant public policy announcement to date, President-Elect Barack Obama threw his support behind a college football playoff format to replace the current BCS system. Sarah Palin, perhaps sensing a media trap, said that she wanted time to study the issue.
Presidential politics aside, the emotion that this issue arouses is mystifying. For sure, the BCS system is not without flaws. But the idea that some sort of playoff is needed to produce a "true" or "deserving" national champion is just plain silly. Any playoff is going to involve human judgment in determining brackets. All sorts of subjective criteria are going to come into play. Inevitably the common opponent will be used as a measuring stick which has been shown over many years in many sports to be highly imperfect at best.
March Madness is held out as the ideal. Yes, as spectacle the basketball tournament is terrific but the idea that it rules out any doubt as to who the best team in the country is is absurd. A team that gets hot at the right time, gets a favorable draw, plays at a site close to home and avoids injury can go deep into the tournament even it lost in the second round of its conference tournament a month earlier. In the NBA, a team can be downright mediocre all season, then get it together in the playoffs as Miami did a few years ago. The examples are endless. Is there something magical about seven game series? Would nine be a truer test? Or eleven?
If you want to tinker with the college football format fine but not with the expectation you're going produce a perfect meritocracy.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Phillies' Outfield - Review and Preview
It's a bit premature to discuss the outlook for the outfield pending the resolution of the left field situation. But here goes. The odds of Pat Burrell returning are slim. But if he is not as sought after by the American League as is generally believed, it is not inconceivable that he would be re-signed as Charlie Manuel has been very supportive of him.
If Burrell is not signed, the Phils need to acquire a right-handed hitting outfielder. Rotating three lefty hitters - Jenkins, Stairs, Dobbs - is unthinkable. In any case, the team needs additional right-sided swingers, both starting and off the bench.
Shane Victorino and Jason Werth are set in the other outfield slots. The defensive prowess of these two is one of the Phillies' enduring strengths - Shane and Jason have terrific range and strong, accurate arms, probably as good a defensive outfield combination as there is in the big leagues. Offensively, the two are coming off very solid years but they are not without issues. Victorino's playoff heroics not withstanding, he was unsuccessful in clutch situations too often in the regular season. Werth has a strikeout problem, 144 in '08 in a less-than-full season. To justify that kind of number, he needs to hit at least 30 hr next year. He also has a history of struggling against right-handed pitchers. The guess here is that both Victorino and Werth will endure extended dry spells at the plate from time to time requiring Manuel to spell them. But for the time being, all eyes are on left field.
If Burrell is not signed, the Phils need to acquire a right-handed hitting outfielder. Rotating three lefty hitters - Jenkins, Stairs, Dobbs - is unthinkable. In any case, the team needs additional right-sided swingers, both starting and off the bench.
Shane Victorino and Jason Werth are set in the other outfield slots. The defensive prowess of these two is one of the Phillies' enduring strengths - Shane and Jason have terrific range and strong, accurate arms, probably as good a defensive outfield combination as there is in the big leagues. Offensively, the two are coming off very solid years but they are not without issues. Victorino's playoff heroics not withstanding, he was unsuccessful in clutch situations too often in the regular season. Werth has a strikeout problem, 144 in '08 in a less-than-full season. To justify that kind of number, he needs to hit at least 30 hr next year. He also has a history of struggling against right-handed pitchers. The guess here is that both Victorino and Werth will endure extended dry spells at the plate from time to time requiring Manuel to spell them. But for the time being, all eyes are on left field.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Phillies' Infield - Review and Preview
For most of the season, Charlie Manuel platooned his catcher and third baseman. Pedro Feliz started a majority of the games at third base but Greg Dobbs received a significant number of starts against right-handed pitchers. Likewise, Carlos Ruiz started most games behind the plate but Chris Coste played often, particularly earlier in the season when he was hitting well. However, this pattern changed late in the season. Although Manuel never made any formal announcement on the subject, Feliz and Ruiz began starting virtually every game. Ruiz had a terrible year at the plate but he is an excellent defensive catcher, and when Coste's hitting went south, pencilling Carlos' name in the lineup became an easy decision. The icing on the cake was that Ruiz' hitting picked up dramatically at the end of the season and into the playoffs. Manuel's decision to play Feliz more was obviously dictated by defensive considerations - Feliz was rock solid with a Gold Glove to prove it. Pedro was erratic at the plate all year but he did manage to come through at some very opportune times.
So assuming the Phils stand pat, we are looking at an infield of Ruiz, Howard, Utley, Rollins and Feliz next year with Bruntlett as backup. Defensively, Ruiz, Rollins, and Feliz are as good as it gets. Utley is solid if not spectacular. Howard, unfortunately, is a liability, but this is not the American League and there is no place for him to hide.
Offensively, Utley, Howard and Rollins are the team's nucleus, but in the best of all possible worlds, they would and should each hit at least 15 points higher next year. If Feliz plays almost every day, he should hit at least 20 home runs but probably not for average. Ruiz is the intriguing case. It should not be hard to improve on his .219 average of 2008 and if he can get to .260 with a bit of power, he would provide some needed juice to the bottom of the order. But more importantly, it would enable Manuel to stick with Feliz. It's difficult for any team, especially in the National League and no DH, to use two position players solely for their defense. It just takes too much pressure off opposing pitchers. If either Ruiz or Feliz don't become a more consistent threat at the plate, the Phils' manager will likely have to return to some sort of platooning scheme, or even consider a trade or acquisition.
So assuming the Phils stand pat, we are looking at an infield of Ruiz, Howard, Utley, Rollins and Feliz next year with Bruntlett as backup. Defensively, Ruiz, Rollins, and Feliz are as good as it gets. Utley is solid if not spectacular. Howard, unfortunately, is a liability, but this is not the American League and there is no place for him to hide.
Offensively, Utley, Howard and Rollins are the team's nucleus, but in the best of all possible worlds, they would and should each hit at least 15 points higher next year. If Feliz plays almost every day, he should hit at least 20 home runs but probably not for average. Ruiz is the intriguing case. It should not be hard to improve on his .219 average of 2008 and if he can get to .260 with a bit of power, he would provide some needed juice to the bottom of the order. But more importantly, it would enable Manuel to stick with Feliz. It's difficult for any team, especially in the National League and no DH, to use two position players solely for their defense. It just takes too much pressure off opposing pitchers. If either Ruiz or Feliz don't become a more consistent threat at the plate, the Phils' manager will likely have to return to some sort of platooning scheme, or even consider a trade or acquisition.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Utley's Injury - A Silver Lining?
The confirmation that Chase Utley was indeed playing with a hip injury which will require surgery raises a couple of interesting questions.
When Utley's offensive production fell off dramatically after the All-Star break, there were rumors circulating of an injury as there seemed to be no other possible explanation, particularly with the drop in Utley's power numbers. The taciturn second baseman, of course, would offer no corroboration and to his credit, did not want to use injury as an excuse. However, for those of us watching virtually every game, it was remarkable that there were no visible signs of physical limitations. His running was unimpaired. His compact swing, the shortest stroke in baseball, looked unchanged. He still pulled almost every ball. But his strike outs were up and his power was way down.
It is impossible to gauge the effect of an injury. Certainly even a minor or nagging injury could be enough to disrupt a hitter looking at 90 mph fastballs. It could be something so subtle that even Utley himself couldn't pinpoint. However, the speculation here, and speculation is all it is, is that Utley's second half slump was due to something else - his torrid first half. Chase Utley is most effective as a 25-30 hr, .315-320 hitter, not as a 40-45 hr, .275 hitter. One can't help but think that all the long balls in April, May and June subconsciously altered Utley's swing leading up to his forgettable appearance in the home run hitting contest. Then if you layer on top of this a nagging hip injury, you have the makings of a serious hitting funk.
Utley is going to have to unlearn some bad habits in the next few months to restore his hitting to where it should be. Recovering from surgery, assuming no complications of course, could aid in this as he will, in a sense, be starting from scratch. This will be an intriguing subplot come next season.
When Utley's offensive production fell off dramatically after the All-Star break, there were rumors circulating of an injury as there seemed to be no other possible explanation, particularly with the drop in Utley's power numbers. The taciturn second baseman, of course, would offer no corroboration and to his credit, did not want to use injury as an excuse. However, for those of us watching virtually every game, it was remarkable that there were no visible signs of physical limitations. His running was unimpaired. His compact swing, the shortest stroke in baseball, looked unchanged. He still pulled almost every ball. But his strike outs were up and his power was way down.
It is impossible to gauge the effect of an injury. Certainly even a minor or nagging injury could be enough to disrupt a hitter looking at 90 mph fastballs. It could be something so subtle that even Utley himself couldn't pinpoint. However, the speculation here, and speculation is all it is, is that Utley's second half slump was due to something else - his torrid first half. Chase Utley is most effective as a 25-30 hr, .315-320 hitter, not as a 40-45 hr, .275 hitter. One can't help but think that all the long balls in April, May and June subconsciously altered Utley's swing leading up to his forgettable appearance in the home run hitting contest. Then if you layer on top of this a nagging hip injury, you have the makings of a serious hitting funk.
Utley is going to have to unlearn some bad habits in the next few months to restore his hitting to where it should be. Recovering from surgery, assuming no complications of course, could aid in this as he will, in a sense, be starting from scratch. This will be an intriguing subplot come next season.
Friday, November 21, 2008
PHILLIES BULLPEN - REVIEW AND PREVIEW
The Phillies' bullpen was the strongest and most consistent component of the team last season. Brad Lidge made them almost unbeatable after the 8th inning, and their mix of middle and late relievers gave them at least a chance to get to Lidge when the starters faltered or failed to go deep into the game. Looking ahead to 2009, the relievers may be a victim of their own success as it will be difficult to even match their accomplishments in 2008.
The pitcher who will have the most difficult comparison of course is Brad Lidge who is coming off one of the greatest closer years of all time. Can he repeat perfection? Not likely. But there is no reason to think he cannot continue to be one of the most overpowering finishers in the game for a number of years to come. It is true that late last season, Lidge had to work his way through several self-inflicted jams. But rather than be a source of concern, this highlighted his mental toughness, a closer's best friend when he doesn't have his best stuff.
The most significant development down the stretch in '08 was the emergence of Ryan Madson as the 8th inning closer. Prior to this, Madson had been frustratingly inconsistent. If this emergence carries over and proves to be the real deal, the Phils' pen could indeed become even more formidable. The only reservation here though is whether Madson has that Lidge-like toughness. One still senses that Madson's psyche is fragile and could crack under pressure. It remains to be seen if he is truly over that hump.
One large question mark is Chad Durbin. Durbin was huge in middle and long relief, appearing in 71 games. However, he faltered late. Whether this was simply due to fatigue, as many speculated, or other issues, mechanical or otherwise, remains to be seen. How this plays out in spring training and the early regular season will be key.
The Phillies are not loaded with left-handed relievers. J.C. Romero's appearances are sure to elevate your heart rate, but for two years he has been remarkably effective. Scott Eyre, who has been re-signed, pitched well but 14 innings is hardly an adequate sample size. If J.A. Happ does not make it to the starting rotation he could be useful out of the bullpen.
So the nucleus of the relief core is intact. The best guess here is that the front office will attempt to add depth to Durbin's spot and perhaps add another southpaw if at all possible.
The pitcher who will have the most difficult comparison of course is Brad Lidge who is coming off one of the greatest closer years of all time. Can he repeat perfection? Not likely. But there is no reason to think he cannot continue to be one of the most overpowering finishers in the game for a number of years to come. It is true that late last season, Lidge had to work his way through several self-inflicted jams. But rather than be a source of concern, this highlighted his mental toughness, a closer's best friend when he doesn't have his best stuff.
The most significant development down the stretch in '08 was the emergence of Ryan Madson as the 8th inning closer. Prior to this, Madson had been frustratingly inconsistent. If this emergence carries over and proves to be the real deal, the Phils' pen could indeed become even more formidable. The only reservation here though is whether Madson has that Lidge-like toughness. One still senses that Madson's psyche is fragile and could crack under pressure. It remains to be seen if he is truly over that hump.
One large question mark is Chad Durbin. Durbin was huge in middle and long relief, appearing in 71 games. However, he faltered late. Whether this was simply due to fatigue, as many speculated, or other issues, mechanical or otherwise, remains to be seen. How this plays out in spring training and the early regular season will be key.
The Phillies are not loaded with left-handed relievers. J.C. Romero's appearances are sure to elevate your heart rate, but for two years he has been remarkably effective. Scott Eyre, who has been re-signed, pitched well but 14 innings is hardly an adequate sample size. If J.A. Happ does not make it to the starting rotation he could be useful out of the bullpen.
So the nucleus of the relief core is intact. The best guess here is that the front office will attempt to add depth to Durbin's spot and perhaps add another southpaw if at all possible.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
How Good is Wayne Ellington?
The beginning of the college hoops season is always a reason to feel good, even more important in the midst of an international economic meltdown. And the national game between Kentucky and North Carolina was particularly intriguing. The Tar Heels are ranked #1 in the pre-season and are loaded, and Kentucky is trying to return to glory in the second year under coach Billy Gillespie. Unfortunately, there was not a whole lot of suspense as Carolina controlled the game from the early minutes.
Coach Williams' team, playing without Player of the Year Tyler Hansbrough, was very impressive, particularly its defensive intensity. This might have been somewhat misleading though because of the weak play by Kentucky's guards. It is surprising that a big-time program would send a team on the floor so devoid of ballhandling and backcourt quickness. Against a pressure defense like Carolina's, this bordered on the suicidal. And Roy Williams teams always seem to be able to throw wave after wave of quality players at you, even with a key injury or two.
The Tar Heels' three most publicized players are Hansbrough, Ty Lawson, and Wayne Ellington and much has been made of the fact that all three of them decided against going into the NBA draft. The main interest here is Ellington because he is a Philadelphia-area product and teamed with Duke's Gerald Henderson at Episcopal Academy to form one of the most precocious tandems in the history of Philadelphia high school basketball - multi-talented sharpshooting 6'5" swingmen with speed, quickness, strength, and vertical leap. It was a treat to watch them play together. But although they have had fine collegiate careers to date, neither has attained the superstardom that many expected. This is probably due to the caliber of major programs in Division I basketball. Duke and Carolina can recruit the best talent from around the world and their programs are so team-oriented that it's hard for any individual to stand out from the pack - although Hansbrough for one seems to be doing a pretty good job of it.
But truth be told, Ellington has been somewhat disappointing. His shot is erratic, the release is not particularly quick, and Ellington has not shown the ability to get it off under pressure - either off the dribble or catch-and-shoot. He also does not have unlimited range with his shot so the extended three-point line could impact him negatively. His ballhandling is mediocre as are his defense and rebounding. It's not a case of not being ready for the pros; it's hard to see his game ever being suited to the NBA. At this point in his NCAA career, one might characterize Ellington has a good role player on a very good team.
Gerald Henderson has some of the same issues as his former teammate but we will discuss him in more detail on another occasion.
Coach Williams' team, playing without Player of the Year Tyler Hansbrough, was very impressive, particularly its defensive intensity. This might have been somewhat misleading though because of the weak play by Kentucky's guards. It is surprising that a big-time program would send a team on the floor so devoid of ballhandling and backcourt quickness. Against a pressure defense like Carolina's, this bordered on the suicidal. And Roy Williams teams always seem to be able to throw wave after wave of quality players at you, even with a key injury or two.
The Tar Heels' three most publicized players are Hansbrough, Ty Lawson, and Wayne Ellington and much has been made of the fact that all three of them decided against going into the NBA draft. The main interest here is Ellington because he is a Philadelphia-area product and teamed with Duke's Gerald Henderson at Episcopal Academy to form one of the most precocious tandems in the history of Philadelphia high school basketball - multi-talented sharpshooting 6'5" swingmen with speed, quickness, strength, and vertical leap. It was a treat to watch them play together. But although they have had fine collegiate careers to date, neither has attained the superstardom that many expected. This is probably due to the caliber of major programs in Division I basketball. Duke and Carolina can recruit the best talent from around the world and their programs are so team-oriented that it's hard for any individual to stand out from the pack - although Hansbrough for one seems to be doing a pretty good job of it.
But truth be told, Ellington has been somewhat disappointing. His shot is erratic, the release is not particularly quick, and Ellington has not shown the ability to get it off under pressure - either off the dribble or catch-and-shoot. He also does not have unlimited range with his shot so the extended three-point line could impact him negatively. His ballhandling is mediocre as are his defense and rebounding. It's not a case of not being ready for the pros; it's hard to see his game ever being suited to the NBA. At this point in his NCAA career, one might characterize Ellington has a good role player on a very good team.
Gerald Henderson has some of the same issues as his former teammate but we will discuss him in more detail on another occasion.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
PHILLIES STARTING ROTATION - PART 2
So at least for the present, the rotation starts with Hamels, Myers, Moyer and Blanton. As noted last time, there are legitimate questions surrounding the reliability and/or durability of Myers, Moyer and Blanton but right now they have each earned first dibs on a regular starting spot. So the big question is the fifth starter. The internal options are Kyle Kendrick, J.A. Happ, taking Brad Durbin out of the bullpen, and prospects Carlos Carrasco and Drew Carpenter.
If Kendrick could return to form, he would seem to be the best of this group. He has had a full year of starting in the majors and has shown the ability to go deep into games. But as he unraveled last season, he was a control pitcher without control, a bad combination. Happ would likely be the second choice. He exhibited poise in his few outings in '08 and in terms of style, he is something of a left-handed Kendrick. Durbin raises two concerns. One is that he faltered late in the season. The other is his important spot in the bullpen would have to be filled. Carrasco and Carpenter are raw and untested.
Will the front office go outside of the organization? Management has implied that they will not go after a high-profile pitcher such as Sabbathia. But it would be shocking if they did not make a move for a second tier free agent pitcher or trade for one or more. Based on their experience with Adam Eaton and Freddy Garcia, and other notorious examples like Barry Zito, they should and likely will tread carefully.
The Phils will likely begin the '09 campaign with the four starters who get them through the post-season plus Kendrick/Happ or an outsider. But given the fragility of pitchers in general, and the baggage that most of the Phillies' starters have in particular, they had better have options 2,3 and 4 at the ready.
If Kendrick could return to form, he would seem to be the best of this group. He has had a full year of starting in the majors and has shown the ability to go deep into games. But as he unraveled last season, he was a control pitcher without control, a bad combination. Happ would likely be the second choice. He exhibited poise in his few outings in '08 and in terms of style, he is something of a left-handed Kendrick. Durbin raises two concerns. One is that he faltered late in the season. The other is his important spot in the bullpen would have to be filled. Carrasco and Carpenter are raw and untested.
Will the front office go outside of the organization? Management has implied that they will not go after a high-profile pitcher such as Sabbathia. But it would be shocking if they did not make a move for a second tier free agent pitcher or trade for one or more. Based on their experience with Adam Eaton and Freddy Garcia, and other notorious examples like Barry Zito, they should and likely will tread carefully.
The Phils will likely begin the '09 campaign with the four starters who get them through the post-season plus Kendrick/Happ or an outsider. But given the fragility of pitchers in general, and the baggage that most of the Phillies' starters have in particular, they had better have options 2,3 and 4 at the ready.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
MVP DEBATE - A QUANTUM OF NONSENSE
Albert Pujols has won the National League MVP award for 2008. Ryan Howard has not. Let the debate begin. The arbitrariness of the MVP award has been commented on here previously. The only real reason to even have an MVP award, as opposed to simply a Best Player award, is that it generates endless discussion in the Hot Stove League. So depending on your criteria, you can make a reasonable case for Pujols or Howard.
But now a new dimension has been added to the mix. At least one observer (sportswriter Phil Sheridan) argues that the baseball writers who vote on the MVP have not just made the wrong choice, they have sandbagged Ryan Howard's contract negotiations. Poor Ryan's agent may have to go into an arbitration hearing with the albatross of Howard being merely the runner-up to Pujols. This is real "give me liberty or give me death" material. Ryan Howard made $10 million last season and will be in line for a fat increase with or without arbitration. The possibility of his losing a couple million is truly horrifying. But perhaps there is a way to avert this impending catastrophe. In addition to his athletic prowess, Albert Pujols is admired for his community service - he won the Roberto Clemente Award this year for his charitable endeavors. When he learns of Howard's plight, Albert would surely abdicate his MVP throne in favor of Ryan. Pujols' contract is up in a couple of years and perhaps Howard can return the favor.
But now a new dimension has been added to the mix. At least one observer (sportswriter Phil Sheridan) argues that the baseball writers who vote on the MVP have not just made the wrong choice, they have sandbagged Ryan Howard's contract negotiations. Poor Ryan's agent may have to go into an arbitration hearing with the albatross of Howard being merely the runner-up to Pujols. This is real "give me liberty or give me death" material. Ryan Howard made $10 million last season and will be in line for a fat increase with or without arbitration. The possibility of his losing a couple million is truly horrifying. But perhaps there is a way to avert this impending catastrophe. In addition to his athletic prowess, Albert Pujols is admired for his community service - he won the Roberto Clemente Award this year for his charitable endeavors. When he learns of Howard's plight, Albert would surely abdicate his MVP throne in favor of Ryan. Pujols' contract is up in a couple of years and perhaps Howard can return the favor.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Phillies' Starting Rotation: Review and Preview
Baseball watchers around the country might be excused for thinking the Phillies' starting rotation in 2008 was in the tradition of the formidable pitchers of the great Yankee or Oakland Athletic dynasties. After all, the Phils steamrolled their way through the post-season with only three losses which included only two weak starting efforts, one by Myers and another by Moyer. Hamels, Blanton, Myers and Moyer were imposing if not necessarily overpowering. However, for the Delaware Valley fans who saw the first 162 games, the reality was not so simple.
Overall, the starters were in fact effective and a major part of the Philadelphia story. But there was a lot of addition and subtraction. Eaton was now you see him, now you don't. Kendrick was for a while a major producer, then he was a nonproducer and gone. Myers performed his usual high-wire act. Hamels anchored the staff and was outstanding. Moyer overachieved, again. Blanton made a major contribution. But for a team that just won the World Series, this cast of characters presents far more questions than answers going into 2009.
Start with Cole Hamels. He performed brilliantly in the playoffs and Series to go along with a solid regular season which was marred by poor run support. Barring any health issues, you should be able to pencil in at least 15 wins for Hamels. So far so good.
But then there is Myers. It seems there are many who believe that he has exorcised all his demons, both mechanical and otherwise, and from here on it's clear sailing. That seems a bit premature. He pitched well in the second half of the season, but he was bombed in two outings late in the season to go along with that bad start in the post-season. All that you can pencil in here is a question mark, although with Myers' newfound hitting prowess, he may be the solution to the left fielder issues.
Jamie Moyer continues to defy numerous rules of physics as well as the normal aging process. It seems fruitless to bet against him but every time out he seems to be engaging in his own high-wire act without a net - there's just no margin for error. Joe Blanton was solid if not flashy but he only pitched in 13 games and struggled with his control frequently so the jury is still deliberating here. Also, Moyer and Blanton rarely went more than 5-6 innings so there was usually pressure on the middle relievers.
So how should the Phils structure their staff going into next season? Wholesale changes or minor tweaking?
Overall, the starters were in fact effective and a major part of the Philadelphia story. But there was a lot of addition and subtraction. Eaton was now you see him, now you don't. Kendrick was for a while a major producer, then he was a nonproducer and gone. Myers performed his usual high-wire act. Hamels anchored the staff and was outstanding. Moyer overachieved, again. Blanton made a major contribution. But for a team that just won the World Series, this cast of characters presents far more questions than answers going into 2009.
Start with Cole Hamels. He performed brilliantly in the playoffs and Series to go along with a solid regular season which was marred by poor run support. Barring any health issues, you should be able to pencil in at least 15 wins for Hamels. So far so good.
But then there is Myers. It seems there are many who believe that he has exorcised all his demons, both mechanical and otherwise, and from here on it's clear sailing. That seems a bit premature. He pitched well in the second half of the season, but he was bombed in two outings late in the season to go along with that bad start in the post-season. All that you can pencil in here is a question mark, although with Myers' newfound hitting prowess, he may be the solution to the left fielder issues.
Jamie Moyer continues to defy numerous rules of physics as well as the normal aging process. It seems fruitless to bet against him but every time out he seems to be engaging in his own high-wire act without a net - there's just no margin for error. Joe Blanton was solid if not flashy but he only pitched in 13 games and struggled with his control frequently so the jury is still deliberating here. Also, Moyer and Blanton rarely went more than 5-6 innings so there was usually pressure on the middle relievers.
So how should the Phils structure their staff going into next season? Wholesale changes or minor tweaking?
Friday, November 14, 2008
Larry Brown Watch
The Charlotte Bobcats are off to a 2-5 start. Off course, it's far too early to draw any conclusions from this. But it will be interesting to chart the team's progress because of the arrival of Larry Brown as head coach. It has been noted here before that while Brown has left at least four NBA franchises - New Jersey, Indiana, Philadelphia, and New York - in shambles, not to mention one olympic team, his name is at or near the top of every list when a coaching vacancy surfaces whether it be the pros, the collegiate ranks, or the 3rd graders at P.S. 189. Brown is the ultimate "teacher" we're told, the guru of the hardwood. One pictures Coach Brown sitting in the lotus position on a Himalayan peak where general managers come calling. The GM's are accompanied by sherpas carrying sacks of money to entice the coach to come down from the mountain just once more to lead their struggling teams to the promised land. Making the playoffs in the mediocre Eastern Conference should not be an impossible dream for a Hall of Fame coach. But whether he succeeds, or presides over another implosion, count on Brown's reputation to remain unsullied.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Elton Brand and the Sixers - A Cautionary Tale for the Phillies
The early struggles of the Sixers may offer some lessons for the Phillies as they consider roster changes over the next few months. First a few caveats. Basketball is very different from baseball - integrating a new player is certainly not as complicated in the latter. Furthermore, the difficulties the Sixers are having incorporating Elton Brand into the offense may well be ironed out over time. But there are still issues worth considering.
Elton Brand is a blue chip player with impeccable credentials - scorer, rebounder, intelligent, good attitude, defender. The only question might be his multiple injuries in recent years although he seems fine at the present. However, his arrival in Philadelphia has required the home team to move Andre Iguodala, probably their highest profile player, to another position in which he is obviously uncomfortable. Brand's presence has slowed down the Sixers' running game which was so important in last year's playoff run. Brand plays with his back to the basket and requires the ball a lot which is causing stagnation and confusion among the other players. Even the team defense seems to be tentative. Again, this could just be normal growing pains and the Sixers could be a stronger team in a couple of months, better equipped to make a deep playoff run. But one wonders of Philadelphia's management considered all of the implications of the deal.
How does this relate to the Phillies? They have a number of personnel decisions to make. Some of these will be determined by the business of baseball, free agency, etc. But there's always that pressure to not just stand there but do something. The left field situation is the most obvious example. Whether Pat Burrell stays or not may be out of the Phils' hands if he gets a large offer from an American League team. But to contemplate replacing him with Manny Ramirez, which reportedly Charlie Manuel favors, is extremely risky. Burrell is loaded with liabilities. He is a mediocre to poor fielder, poor baserunner, strikes out too much. He has two assets. He has power at the plate which can only be realized if the pitcher makes a mistake. Ramirez can do things with the bat that Burrell, and most others, can only dream about. But Burrell's second asset is he is a team-oriented guy, and that is something Manny can only dream about. It should also be added that Ramirez is the only left fielder who makes Pat Burrell look like a Gold Glover.
This is not to argue that the Phils should make a full court press to resign Burrell. Adding a competent right-handed batter to platoon with their lefty swingers in left field might well be an upgrade. But one of the Phillies' unsung heroes in their championship run was chemistry which could be destabilized by a volatile entity like Manny Ramirez.
Elton Brand is a blue chip player with impeccable credentials - scorer, rebounder, intelligent, good attitude, defender. The only question might be his multiple injuries in recent years although he seems fine at the present. However, his arrival in Philadelphia has required the home team to move Andre Iguodala, probably their highest profile player, to another position in which he is obviously uncomfortable. Brand's presence has slowed down the Sixers' running game which was so important in last year's playoff run. Brand plays with his back to the basket and requires the ball a lot which is causing stagnation and confusion among the other players. Even the team defense seems to be tentative. Again, this could just be normal growing pains and the Sixers could be a stronger team in a couple of months, better equipped to make a deep playoff run. But one wonders of Philadelphia's management considered all of the implications of the deal.
How does this relate to the Phillies? They have a number of personnel decisions to make. Some of these will be determined by the business of baseball, free agency, etc. But there's always that pressure to not just stand there but do something. The left field situation is the most obvious example. Whether Pat Burrell stays or not may be out of the Phils' hands if he gets a large offer from an American League team. But to contemplate replacing him with Manny Ramirez, which reportedly Charlie Manuel favors, is extremely risky. Burrell is loaded with liabilities. He is a mediocre to poor fielder, poor baserunner, strikes out too much. He has two assets. He has power at the plate which can only be realized if the pitcher makes a mistake. Ramirez can do things with the bat that Burrell, and most others, can only dream about. But Burrell's second asset is he is a team-oriented guy, and that is something Manny can only dream about. It should also be added that Ramirez is the only left fielder who makes Pat Burrell look like a Gold Glover.
This is not to argue that the Phils should make a full court press to resign Burrell. Adding a competent right-handed batter to platoon with their lefty swingers in left field might well be an upgrade. But one of the Phillies' unsung heroes in their championship run was chemistry which could be destabilized by a volatile entity like Manny Ramirez.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Allen Iverson, Always A Lightning Rod
Controversy has always shadowed Allen Iverson. During his tenure with the Sixers, it seemed he was either loved or hated, with no middle ground. For his fans, he employed his considerable offensive skills and maximum intensity every night in pursuit of wins. For his detractors, he shot too much, dribbled too much, and took too many chances on defense. The reality, of course, is more complicated. Iverson is hugely gifted. He is one of the fastest and quickest, with and without the ball, to play the game. He is one of the best finishers, maybe THE best, among little men and his effort is never in question. But he is not easy to coach or play with because he needs the ball so much and because his small stature creates match-up issues on defense in the NBA. Iverson has also been portrayed, justly or unjustly, as a complicated personality which brings a soap opera element wherever he goes. When joined with the equally complicated personna of coach Larry Brown for several years, the Sigmund Freud Society couldn't believe its good fortune.
So the surprising, fascinating trade of Iverson to the Detroit Pistons for Chauncey Billups last week invites us to revisit some of these issues. Supporters of the trade emphasize the practical, longer term benefits of the deal for the Pistons. Iverson is in the last year of a big money deal. Billups had a few years to run on his contract, also for big money. So after this season, Iverson can test the free agent market, and Detroit has a windfall to splurge on one or more free agents, if it chooses not to make a serious move to resign Iverson. In the meantime, they have rented one of the most exciting players in the game not far past his prime.
But strictly in a basketball sense, the transaction seems rather puzzling for the Pistons. They have been one of the most consistent teams in the East for almost a decade with a solid, if aging, nucleus and a couple of impressive young players. Their offense has been notable for its balance with the high scorer changing from night to night. And until the recent ascendance of the Celtics, Detroit's team defense was probably unsurpassed in the East. It's hard to see how Iverson can upgrade any of these areas. At the age of 33, he certainly doesn't bring youth to the equation. And in a word association exercise, neither "team offense" nor "team defense" spring immediately to mind after "Iverson, Allen".
Yet the one constant about Iverson has been his unpredictability. His stats last year with Denver were pretty much in line with his career numbers but with Wallace, Prince, and Hamilton, Detroit is probably not looking for 27-30 ppg from Iverson. But he has said time and again that he can and will do anything it takes to win so this will be his opportunity to prove it. But the window of opportunity for the Georgetown graduate is closing fast; this may be the last chance to make his case. It will be an interesting experiment.
So the surprising, fascinating trade of Iverson to the Detroit Pistons for Chauncey Billups last week invites us to revisit some of these issues. Supporters of the trade emphasize the practical, longer term benefits of the deal for the Pistons. Iverson is in the last year of a big money deal. Billups had a few years to run on his contract, also for big money. So after this season, Iverson can test the free agent market, and Detroit has a windfall to splurge on one or more free agents, if it chooses not to make a serious move to resign Iverson. In the meantime, they have rented one of the most exciting players in the game not far past his prime.
But strictly in a basketball sense, the transaction seems rather puzzling for the Pistons. They have been one of the most consistent teams in the East for almost a decade with a solid, if aging, nucleus and a couple of impressive young players. Their offense has been notable for its balance with the high scorer changing from night to night. And until the recent ascendance of the Celtics, Detroit's team defense was probably unsurpassed in the East. It's hard to see how Iverson can upgrade any of these areas. At the age of 33, he certainly doesn't bring youth to the equation. And in a word association exercise, neither "team offense" nor "team defense" spring immediately to mind after "Iverson, Allen".
Yet the one constant about Iverson has been his unpredictability. His stats last year with Denver were pretty much in line with his career numbers but with Wallace, Prince, and Hamilton, Detroit is probably not looking for 27-30 ppg from Iverson. But he has said time and again that he can and will do anything it takes to win so this will be his opportunity to prove it. But the window of opportunity for the Georgetown graduate is closing fast; this may be the last chance to make his case. It will be an interesting experiment.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Utley's Gaffe
Chase Utley has been known for his reticence during his tenure with the Phillies. Now we begin to know why. Apparently the UCLA curriculum does not emphasize vocabulary development because Utley seems to be limited to articles, pronouns and a familiar Anglo-Saxon expletive. Utley's remark was boorish, tasteless, offensive, insulting, and demeaning. What on earth was he thinking?
Professional athletes are among the most favored in our society. They are compensated obscenely to play games the rest of us would engage in for nothing. They are feted and fawned over. Jason Werth recently remarked it was a long time since he had to pick up a tab in Philadelphia. Warren Buffett and Bill Gates would surely trade places with Chase Utley or Pat Burrell in a heartbeat. What do we ask in return? Not Albert Schweitzer or Mother Theresa, just a modicum of propriety. Instead we get crudity in the afternoon in front of adoring millions. Does a 30 year-old college educated multimillionaire need a crash course in etiquette - Amy Vanderbilt for Second Basemen 101?
You will remember that over the summer Jimmy Rollins was raked over the coals for making a fairly innocuous remark on late-night television about Philly fans being "front-runners". It was clear that Rollins didn't mean it to come out the way it did. But he was taken to task and was booed for weeks. Now comes the Chase Utley embroglio and Utley's backers are rushing to his defense as if he were a Christian martyr. Utley's remark was "cool" and "genuine" and "real". Or that this was Utley's way of coming out of his protective shell, assertiveness training on the fly. Oh now I get it. So this all about Chase's path of personal development. No doubt he will get a standing ovation in his next plate appearance to reward the courage it must have taken to overcome his shy, introverted personality. We can eagerly anticipate the next milestone in Utley's journey of personal discovery.
The only thing uglier than Utley's remark are these feeble, pathetic attempts to justify, even celebrate it. Is this the price we have to pay for a world championhip?
Professional athletes are among the most favored in our society. They are compensated obscenely to play games the rest of us would engage in for nothing. They are feted and fawned over. Jason Werth recently remarked it was a long time since he had to pick up a tab in Philadelphia. Warren Buffett and Bill Gates would surely trade places with Chase Utley or Pat Burrell in a heartbeat. What do we ask in return? Not Albert Schweitzer or Mother Theresa, just a modicum of propriety. Instead we get crudity in the afternoon in front of adoring millions. Does a 30 year-old college educated multimillionaire need a crash course in etiquette - Amy Vanderbilt for Second Basemen 101?
You will remember that over the summer Jimmy Rollins was raked over the coals for making a fairly innocuous remark on late-night television about Philly fans being "front-runners". It was clear that Rollins didn't mean it to come out the way it did. But he was taken to task and was booed for weeks. Now comes the Chase Utley embroglio and Utley's backers are rushing to his defense as if he were a Christian martyr. Utley's remark was "cool" and "genuine" and "real". Or that this was Utley's way of coming out of his protective shell, assertiveness training on the fly. Oh now I get it. So this all about Chase's path of personal development. No doubt he will get a standing ovation in his next plate appearance to reward the courage it must have taken to overcome his shy, introverted personality. We can eagerly anticipate the next milestone in Utley's journey of personal discovery.
The only thing uglier than Utley's remark are these feeble, pathetic attempts to justify, even celebrate it. Is this the price we have to pay for a world championhip?
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