Sports Talk With Steve Tannen

IN WHAT WORLD? by ST

2012-01-30T11:24:00.001-08:00

Have heard from some frustrated Duck hoop fans over yesterday's loss in the Civil War. Please stop saying they "should" have won the game. How you figure? 23 turnovers is a recipe for losing. From a Jeremy Jacob bucket with 17 1/2 minutes left in the game until Carlos Emory scored with 5:16 left no Duck aside from Joseph made a basket. That's terrible and another recipe for defeat. They got caught in a 17-1 Beaver run. Tough to overcome that! Don't get me wrong, this was far from a masterful performance by OSU who committed a couple of really stupid fouls late in the game to stop the clock and put the Ducks on the line. Bottom line, both appear to be pretty mediocre teams benefitting from competing in a weak conference.
Some things in sports are just painful to watch. I recall the 93 Wimbledon final between Jana Novatna and Steffi Graff. Jana was up 5-1 in the 3rd and decisive set. She double faulted, went to pieces and failed to win another game. She would collapse into the arms of the Duchess of Kent after the match. Then you have the Jean Van de Velde tank job at the 99 British Open. Needed a double bogey on 18 for the title. Cranked out a triple then lost in the playoff to Paul Lawrie. On a much lesser scale yesterday, we had Kyle Stanley leading by 3 with a 77 yard wedge into the par 5 18th hole. Knock it on, even 3 putt and the Farmers Insurance Open is his. Splashed into the water, dropped, approached and 3 putted. Tied! Oh the horror! Lost to Brandt Snedeker. Still searching for that 1st PGA Tour win. It hurt to watch. On today's show we'll explain the value of a victory on golf's premier circuit.
All week long we talk Super Bowl, and on Wed & Thur we hit you with special football recruiting programming. We'll have some great guests.

Rematch, by Casey Mitchell

2012-01-27T11:43:00.000-08:00

This is Casey Mitchell guest blogging for ST today. After two great Conference Championship games, the big game is set between the Patriots and the Giants. This match up could be completely flipped around if it weren't for a couple of goats from the Ravens and the Niners. It could be Baltimore and San Francisco in the Super Bowl if it wasn't for the right leg of Billy Cundiff and two critical fumbles by Kyle Williams. Trust me, I wasn't to happy with Kyle Williams at the time, but time moves on and people need to realize that they are part of a team. Eli manning is the true definition of tough. Mud in the face, Justin Smith right in his grill, and he still finds a way to extend the play and still deliver the ball right on the money when it's all on the line. With the win over the Niners, Manning won his sixth road playoff game, which is a new record. This game will not lack anything when it comes down to the quarterbacks. While Eli Manning has been getting a lot of the accolades lately, Tom Brady has just booked his ticket to his fifth Super Bowl. Brady didn't have his best game last week against the Ravens, going 22 for 36 and throwing two picks, but he did enough to get lead his team to Indianapolis. It was sure a great game four years ago when New York upset the Pats to kill their perfect season. The revenge factor is certainly there for New England and it will be quite the interesting game next week in the rematch for the ages.

Well the Ducks dodged a bullet with Chip staying in Eugene instead of heading to Tampa last week. While we have him now, I don't see him coaching the college game for too much longer. Who can blame him? He has done a great job with the Oregon program, leading us to three BCS games in three years. He said he had some unfinished business to take care of, and hopefully he takes care of that and sticks with us. But if we win a Natty in the next few years with Chip as our coach and he decides to leave, it's his choice and he will always remembered as a great coach for the Ducks.

Championship Weekend, by Casey Mitchell

2012-01-19T20:52:00.000-08:00

This is Casey Mitchell guest blogging for ST today. It's not quite the match ups that everyone expected coming into the Playoffs, but the Conference Championship games are all set for this Sunday. It kicks off with the Ravens flying into Foxborough to face the Pats. Ed Reed injured himself late in the game on Sunday, but it seems that he will be just fine come game time. New England may be the best team left out of the remaining four teams. They are certainly the favorites but that doesn't mean that the Ravens can't pull it off. They may be old but they can still play football and they can play it well. Baltimore has the 3rd best defense in the NFL and an underrated offense. Joe Flacco will keep the Ravens in the game, and Ray Rice always has the big play threat if you are an opposing defense. Flacco didn't have his best game last week vs. the Texans, getting sacked five times and having gone 3-and-outs eight times. It wasn't a sexy performence, but he did enough to get the win and that's all that really counts when it's all said and done. On the other side of the spectrum, Tom Brady is having no problems finding his groove this postseason. Last week Brady threw for a postseason record, six touchdown passes. Brady went 26 for 34 with 363 yards in a 45-10 thrashing of Tim Tebow and the Broncos. This isn't Brady's first time around the block in big games, looking for his fourth ring in ten years, so that will be his advantage for the remaining postseason. It won't be a picnic for either team but I see New England booking their ticket to Indianapolis. Prediction -- Patriots 34 Ravens 21

As far as the NFC goes, the two hottest teams left are squaring off at Candlestick Park for a chance to go to the Super Bowl. There were a large portion of people who thought these two teams would be watching from their couch, but both these teams have proven that they will never give in. Last week, the Niners seemed as if they were dead in the water, but now everyone knows never to doubt Alex Smith ever again. Alex Smith? Yes, Alex Smith! Smith threw for nearly 300 yards against the Saints. 180 of which went to tight end Vernon Davis, who has gone threw many ups and downs in his career all the way from the "WE WANT WINNERS" rant to The Catch III. Don't get me wrong, Eli Manning is having a terrific season, all but capped off with a huge upset over the Packers at Lambeau Field. This will be a tight game filled with defense and it will most certainly come down to the wire. Prediction -- 49ers 17 Giants 14

LACK? HOW ABOUT NONE! by ST

2012-01-19T11:11:00.000-08:00

Just read the piece about why Penn State fired Joe Paterno. The board of trustees determined his lack of action upon hearing about children being raped justified his termination. He didn't do anything except wait a full day then make some kind of half assed communication to a higher up. Then as the scope & horror of the scandal exploded he greeted fans on his front lawn to lead them in school cheers. I'm also disturbed by the support he continues to receive. This whole logic of trying to incorporate what his reputation "was" holds no water. I've mentioned this before but regardless of past accomplishments or perceptions, when you shield a child rapist they're rendered completely meaningless and you are a clueless dirt bag.
This is the most important regular season game the Oregon men hoopers have played since beating Arizona at The Pit to end 2008. That hit the 18 win mark and put them at .500 in the Pac 10 so despite losing to Washington State in round one of the Conference tournament they got an invite to the Big Dance. They must win this game. USC is reeling. They have an out of league loss to Cal Poly where they managed just 36 points. In a defeat versus New Mexico the Trojans totalled a measly 41 at home. They're searching for that 1st Pac 12 victory. If the Ducks are to hit some of those aspirations this season, a slip up at this juncture is not acceptable. It's hard to be sold on exactly what this 2nd edition of Dana Alman's Oregon is, but I'll be curious to see their development as I'm a believer coach can take them some terrific places.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHAMP by ST

2012-01-17T11:43:00.000-08:00

Today Muhammad Ali turns 70 years old. I'm sure that's hitting some folks like a ton of bricks. I don't recall the early part of his career as I was not even 5 years old when he won the title from Sonny Liston. By the time I was of age to be a fan he'd been stripped of his title. I do remember his 1st bout upon having his license restored. It was against Jerry Quarry in the summer of 1970 which he won easily. Later that year he stopped a guy named Oscar Bonevena. During his absence, Joe Frazier won the vacated title dropping Jimmy Ellis. The stage was set for the 1st "Fight of the Century" of my life. It would take place at Madison Square Garden on March 8th, 1971 between Smokin Joe & Ali. There was a media blitz that for it's time was unprecedented. TV ads with a split screen showing Frazier calling Ali "Clay". At Preakness Elementary School in Wayne, New Jersey sides were taken with me leading the Ali patrol and Ronny Pia taking charge for Joe's fans. We bet the money we had for allowance, cutting lawns, paper routes or perhaps it was ticketed for lunch. The funny thing was none of us was going to watch the fight. It wasn't like we could dial it up on demand! The next day I was devastated. My dad went to the Garden with a buddy of his. I listened to WINS 1010 AM which provided updates, not a blow by blow and it became apparent early that if Ali didn't kayo Frazier he'd lose. I recall my dad returning home with a program but I was a sad little guy. On today's show we'll share some memories of The Champ and perhaps that fight, the 2 others against Joe or of course the "Rumble in the Jungle" stunning win against George Foreman.

NO SALE by ST

2012-01-16T11:02:00.000-08:00

Sorry! I'm not buying. Folks can talk till their blue in the face. Bring on all the stats or won/loss record. The decision by Darron Thomas and his friends or advisors is ridiculous. If he's sick of school, so be it. I guess first I should point out what a staunch supporter I've been of D.T from my preseason article on his potential to make New York as a Heisman Finalist. Then I took on some of you over the crackpot theory Bryan Bennett should be in there instead. I don't see Thomas as an NFL quarterback. Never did. Until he's out there in a regular season game taking snaps, I never will. You thought Tim Tebow didn't fit the mold because of his throwing motion and inaccuracy? At least he's physically capable at 240 lbs to bang with the big, bad, pro defenders. Look at all the successful NFL quarterbacks and let me know if D.T fits. He also lacks that classic throwing motion or ability to carve up a defense from the pocket. I love his leadership, heart and playmaking ability....IN THE COLLEGE GAME! He's one of my all time favorite Duck players. I can't imagine a general manager or personnel man spending a valuable draft pick on Darron. With the troubled season turned in by Colt McCoy we're still looking for our 1st spread option style QB to have legit success in the pro game. I almost fell out of my chair when Thomas mentioned Cam Newton. Really? A guy with linebacker size and a rocket for an arm is his barometer? Sorry, DT is not in Cam's league physically. Don't like this move at all.
I did, however, love the weekend in the NFL. If you listened to the shows Friday I provided a rarity with me. 100%. Hit every game, including the over in the New England blowout. The Texans covered the spread but should have won the game as they outplayed Baltimore. The Giants victory at Lambeau was kind of odd. The bounces and breaks went New York's way but the officiating crew seemed to favor the Pack. There was a phantom holding call to start a Giant drive, a terrible non-reversal on a blatant Green Bay fumble, a made up blow to the head call that bailed out Aaron Rodgers and some blind eye non holding calls on the Packers O'line. The Gmen are the most balanced team left of the Final 4 top to bottom. I like their chances.

PLAYOFFS?, by Casey Mitchell

2012-01-13T10:34:00.000-08:00

This is Casey Mitchell guest blogging for ST today. Divisional Playoff games start tomorrow with the Saints and the 49ers at Candlestick Park. In Jim Harbaugh's first year as the San Francisco head coach, he has led the 49ers to their first playoff appearance in nine years. The Saints have never won a road playoff game, and San Francisco's weather is a far cry from the Super-dome. This season, New Orleans was 5-3 on the road and the Niners were 7-1 at home. The Saints aren't particularly stout in the rushing department and it won't be any easier facing the 49ers #1 rush defense in the league. As far as the quarterback match up goes, it's obvious that Drew Brees is the better quarterback of the two, but Alex Smith is a good game manager and will be able to keep it close throughout the game. If the Niners want to make it to the NFC Championship Game, they need to get Vernon Davis involved. Davis was a huge part of their offense for the majority of the season, but as of late, he hasn't been much of a factor.

Moving on to the AFC, the Broncos take on the Patriots for the second time this season in New England. Last week Tim Tebow pulled off a big upset over the Steelers at home, and Tebow looked like he was playing his best ball in a while. In order to beat the broncos again, the Pats are going to need to keep Tebow in the pocket, and restrict him from extending plays. New England will have former Duck Patrick Chung back from an injury, so that will be a boost to the defense. If the Broncos want to keep their fairy tail season going, they need to get the big plays like they got last week vs. Pittsburgh. Denver receiver Eric Decker is not expected to play after suffering a sprained knee, so Demaryius Thomas will need to step it up like he did last week. Once again, no one is expecting the Broncos to win, but that's when Tim Tebow thrives.

STOP BRAGGING ABOUT WHO YOU ARE by ST

2012-01-12T11:12:00.000-08:00

We've heard this annoying battle cry from State College, PA in the form of "We Are Penn State"! Sorry folks, that's no longer a source of pride but a disgrace or a punchline at best. Now we're hearing alleged child rapist Jerry Sandusky was sitting in the University President's private box for the Illinois game this season, a week before he was formally indicted. I remain amazed at the number of Nittany alum who are still in Joe Paterno's corner. If what Sandusky stands accused of is true, I feel Paterno should be on that list of slime balls who should face criminal charges. Last night(wed), PSU president Rodney Erickson got semi-raked over the coals during an alumni gathering in Pittsburgh. He tap danced around certain issues like how many defendants Penn State is paying legal fees for. Apparently the loudest applause came from the suggestion the entire PSU board of trustees steps down. Turns out disgraced ex-president Graham Spanier informed members of the board about the grand jury investigation into Sandusky months before he was charged in November. It's unfathomable he was allowed on campus and in particular to be a guest in that aforementioned president's private box for a football game.
On a lighter note, Manny "Another Juicer" Ramirez says if a team gives him another shot to play in the majors, he'll be a role model. I'll give you the necessary time to pick yourself up off the floor from hysterical laughter. Claims he wants to send a message that if you make a mistake, don't quit. Hmm! Bit to late for that Manny! Upon being informed he'd flunked another drug test he literally fled the country for Spain rather than face the 100 game suspension or even address the issue like a man. Any team that rolls the dice on this idiot deserves the snake eyes that will surely come up.
Big series in the desert for the Duck men. Arizona State is in a bit of turmoil and if Oregon is to make forward progress, they need to win games like this, even on the road. Catch ya later!

TIMMY T AS EASY AS 1-2-3 by ST

2012-01-11T12:26:00.000-08:00

Latest ESPN poll has Tim Tebow first as fans favorite active pro athlete. About 15-hundred interviewed from a national sample. He got 3% of the vote. Kobe received two. The top five was rounded out by Aaron Rodgers, Peyton and Tom Brady who received support between 1.5 and 1.9 percent. This was not quite a Nixon versus McGovern 1972 presidential landslide. I think it's more interesting than telling. If you surveyed 1500 different folks and asked them which active professional jock they hated most, I wonder if Tebow makes the list? I'd hope not, but I don't trust the judgement of people because they might possibly watch "Jersey Shore". Right now if a guy with a clip board walked up to you outside a restaurant, stadium or in a mall and hit you with "top 3 pro athletes right now", what would your answer be? Same circumstance, "least favorite trio of pro athletes right now"? We'll chat this up on Crunchtime & SportsTalk this afternoon.
Nice win for the Blazers at home last night avenging one of their two defeats this season. On day one of 2012 they came up light in a comeback attempt against the Clippers in LA. The Clips attempt at a rally fell a tad short in Portland. Make a note of something that could prove key. Free throw shooting. Just the season before last the Blazers were in the bottom third, but for the 2nd consecutive year they're sky high, 2nd best in the Association. When you have a go to guy who teams would prefer to foul, typically a big guy, it can be an achillies heel, particularly in the playoffs. If they go inside to Aldridge, he knocks out 79%. Of their crunch time performers Gerald Wallace is okay at 75% but that's very strong for 5th. Felton is 77%, Mathews drops them at a 90% clip with Crawford longtime money from the stripe at 85%. Just another aspect where they can hurt you. Camby had extended minutes last night. On the floor for 35, most since the 29 logged in the opener versus Philly. Nobody played better than my man Wes Matthews. His +/- of plus 16 blew everyone away, only Gerald Wallace at +11 was close. Orlando is in tonight. ESPN has the double header with Mavs/Boston Whiners then Heat/Clips but you can sneak the Portland game on in low def on KEVU.

ASKED AND ANSWERED by ST

2012-01-10T11:14:00.001-08:00

Any time a sports season approaches someone writes about or does a segment along the lines of "10 key questions". The bottom line is the search for one. Who is the best team? In many cases it coincided with who wins the championship. I think that applies to college football for the 2011 campaign. Alabama without question is the BCS champ. From my chair I think all doubt has been removed as to who the top team is as well. I dismiss all the Oklahoma State supporters as they lost to a 6 & 7 team. If they were so special we're not having this conversation. Oregon fans have no say as well with the loss to USC. The performance of the Tide defense last night goes in the books as one of the most clutch, memorable and dominating in sports championship history.
If I live to be a million I'll never understand why Les Miles didn't pull Jordan Jefferson for Jarrett Lee at quarterback. What did they have to lose. By halftime it was apparent JJ had no answer and no chance to put points on the board against that Bama "D". At least with Lee you can try bombs away. Even if he threw one of his patented pick 6 disasters, what's the difference? The Tide defense is unique as they have the speed to chase sideline to sideline, much like LSU, but the main difference is they eat you alive inside as well. Don't forget they were the top ranked defense in the country by a fairly wide spread. They allowed just 191 yards a game. LSU was 2nd at 252. That's more than a 25% difference. No contest. One of the best ever. Well done. 2nd Natty in the last 3 years.

PLEASE CHECK THE BOX SCORE by ST

2012-01-09T11:51:00.000-08:00

For all those losing their minds in the wake of the Denver victory over Pittsburgh yesterday you do realize the "BRONCOS" beat the Steelers, not just Tim Tebow right?? Don't get me wrong, my admiration for this guy grows with each accomplishment but Timmy isn't a one man show. I'm not a Steeler fan but any amateur analyst knows that Pitt "D" is far from 100% and the unit that won the AFC last year. Their best corner Ryan Clark was out, linebacker Lamar Woodley is operating at about 50% and they lost their 2 top lineman Casey Hampton and Brett Keisel. On offense obviously Big Ben is limited by that ankle ding, their top rusher was out with a torn ACL and Hines Ward is so banged up he's retiring. Throw in at least 3 dropped passes and the formula for the upset presented itself. Oh, their starting center Maurkice Pouncey was also out. All that said, it still took some brilliant execution, pinpoint throws by Tebow and a defense that got after the pocket. This was a tremendous, well deserved victory but please make an intelligent overall evaluation before you offer any over the top opinion.
I'll send out a cautionary thought to Packer fans thinking they're gonna run roughshod over the Giants. Don't ignore history. We just saw these 2 play a dynomite down to the wire masterpiece 5 weeks ago. New York's defense is healthier and better than they were back then and I know the game was at the Gmen's house. I don't trust the NY secondary all that much but not many have a Front 4 more capable of doing damage to the QB in the pocket especially with the return of Osi Uminyiora who was not on the field that day. He managed 9 sacks this year despite missing 7 complete games and parts of 3 others. I think it's the deepest defensive line in the NFL. Offensively they can do damage as witnessed that day in North Jersey.
Looking forward to the Natty tonight. I don't care what anyone says, the 2 best teams are vying for the BCS title. Remember, the goal of this organization is to present us the 2 top teams, not conference winners or jazzy styles. Far from perfect and ridiculous in the system NOT having a playoff, it's been far better since it's birth in 1998 than previously. Remember, from 1997 back the 2010 Ducks would have had to have defeated Wisconsin and hope Auburn lost the Sugar Bowl to win it a year ago. No one and nothing has convinced me Alabama isn't the 2nd best team in America.

Pasadena Sunshine, by Casey Mitchell

2012-01-05T20:35:00.000-08:00

This is Casey Mitchell guest blogging for ST today. For the first time since 1917, the Ducks are bringing the roses to Eugene. In case you missed the award ceremony, Lavasier Tuinei came out with offensive MVP honors, and linebacker Kiko Alonso scrapped his way back from Chip Kelly's doghouse to win defensive MVP. It's people like Kiko that you really seem to root for. He ended up with five tackles, 1 and a half sacks, and of course, the clutch interception late in the third quarter that set up an Oregon scoring drive. Alonso has come a long way since his second DUI last May. Being a Junior, we will get him back for one more season. Speaking of star players coming back, De'anthony Thomas will be returning for potentially three more reasons. Thomas racked up over 300 all purpose yards at the Rose Bowl while averaging 77.5 yards a carry. In what could have been his final game in a Duck uniform, LaMichael James went out with a bang with 159 yards on the ground, but most of all, he brought a Rose Bowl back to his city.

According to sources, Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O' Brian has been hired as Penn State's new head football coach. O' Brian coached 12 years in the ACC as an assistant and was hired by the Pats in 2007. He went to Brown University and that was actually Joe Paterno's Alma mater. It won't be an easy task to take over the situation over there at Penn St. We'll see how it all pans out.

BLAZER M.O WORKING by ST

2012-01-04T10:51:00.001-08:00

How about the Trailblazers taking out Oklahoma City at their place? This team has been fantastic in the 2nd half during the early part of this season. They regularly put up more than 50 points over the final 24 minutes and seem to clamp down defensively. Outscored the Thunder 52-40 during that stretch last night. I really like what we're seeing from Gerald Wallace. It appears he's now settled as a Blazer. Upon arriving in Portland at last season's trade deadline, at times you got the sense he wasn't comfortable. The welcoming nature of the fans and the understanding he has a key role on a pretty solid team appears to have worked wonders. In this particular win he did not allow an off night shooting to spill over into the other critical areas of his all around game. His defense on Kevin Durant was nothing shy of spectacular. GW was on KD from the opening bell torturing him into an 8 of 26 shooting performance. One of my new obsessive stats is plus/minus. For years it was primarily used in discussing hockey, but Wallace had the highest positive number on the court with LeMarcus Aldridge at +11. The worst? Durant at -11. Wallace also pulled down a team high 10 boards.
I know all have expressed their opinion, but I think Peyton Manning is done in Indy. Like Dennis Leary says, "life is tough, wear a helmet". The Colts owe Peyton nothing. They just paid him nearly 30 million dollars for a season they knew he'd produce nothing. In a cap driven league like the NFL it's harsh but if you're not forward thinking you are dead. With that top pick they must select Andrew Luck and rebuild a horrifying defense. Even with #18 under center, they're not a contender in the very tough AFC. Another key fact is with the nature of Manning's neck injury, it's no lock he ever takes the field in an NFL game again.
Look forward to chatting you all up this afternoon.

Beginning To Smell Roses, by Casey Mitchell

2011-12-30T11:02:00.000-08:00

This is Casey Mitchell guest blogging for ST today. We are three days away from the long anticipated Rose Bowl Game between the Ducks and the Badgers. It's been about three weeks since either team has played, and both are very hungry for a Rose Bowl title. The game lacks nothing in the running game, having Montee Ball with 38 touchdowns on the year (hopefully it stays that way) and LaMichael James leading the nation with 149.6 rush yards per game. A lot is being made of the size of the Wisconsin o-line compared to Oregon's d-line. Not only are they big, they are very strong, but they don't block the same as the Ducks offense does. They don't have to pull and block next level like our guys do, but with a punishing back like Montee Ball, they don't have to. I think if our guys can bring the speed, the size differential will be a non-factor. One aspect of the game I think a lot of people are overlooking is the quarterback play from both teams. Darron Thomas and Russell Wilson have both had exceptional years under center, but whoever can limit the mistakes the most on January 2nd will take home the roses. Not to any one's surprise, the Ducks have unveiled their new uniforms for the Rose Bowl, and if they play as good as they will look, it will be a very enjoyable game in for Duck fans in my opinion. The keys to the game are to neutralize Montee Ball and Russell Wilson in the redzone, and ware the Badger defense down with both our tempo, and physicality. If we can do that, it should be enough to get the Ducks their first Rose Bowl title since 1917. Prediction -- Ducks 42 Badgers 34

Heisman winner RG3 showed us all why he took home the hardware, last night in the Alamo Bowl. if you missed it, it was quite the shootout to say the least. The game set the bowl record for most points scored in regulation with 123. Baylor won 67-56 and Griffen went 24 for 33 with nearly 300 yards. The Bears were trailing Washington 42 - 24 early in the third quarter, but once the offense started to click... Boy did it click. It seemed like either the Huskies or the Bears would be scoring every 30 seconds, but when it was all said and done, Baylor ran away with it. It was arguably the best game this bowl season and both teams played fantastic. RG3 is set to announce his decision to either enter the draft or stay in school sometime within the next week.

Various Thoughts, by Casey Mitchell

2011-12-23T10:15:00.000-08:00

This is Casey Mitchell guest blogging for ST today. Yesterday Trojan quarterback Matt Barkley made his decision to stay in Southern California for his senior season. It didn't come as much a surprise seeing that the USC band was at the Press Conference. This is a guy who was a Trojan fan growing up and always wanted to play quarterback for USC. Even though Christmas came early in Southern Cal, the news isn't so fine and dandy for Duck fans. Now that the sanctions have been lifted, the Trojans are now eligible for the Pac-12 Championship Game and a bowl birth starting next season. I think from a personal standpoint, he made a good choice by coming back. Next season he should be the golden boy in the draft and he's only going to get better. You have to figure that he will certainly be in the Heisman discussion in the upcoming year.

A lot has been made of the decision to play Ben Roethlisberger last Monday against the 49ers. They were playing for a #2 seed and a first round bye, and Roethlisberger gave them their best shot at it. Also, it didn't help that he was playing against San Francisco's best defense in the NFL. Through 14 games this season, the Niners haven't given up a rushing touchdown for the first time in history. Big Ben is still questionable for tomorrow against the Rams, but I believe they can beat St. Louis with Charlie Batch or Dennis Dixon, and they don't need Roethlisberger under center.

With the Colts winning two straight games, the campaign for Luck is now wide open. The Colts, Rams, and Vikings all are sitting at two wins apiece. If Indianapolis loses next week in Jacksonville, they get the first pick in the draft. It's obvious that Andrew Luck is going to be the first quarterback taken and RG3 still hasn't decided whether or not to enter the draft. Kellen Moore isn't getting talked about to much but I think he could be very effective at the next level. i wasn't a big fan of Moore in college, but after watching the Maaco Bowl last night, I realized he looks fairly equipped for the NFL.

2 WRONGS AND NO RIGHT? by ST

2011-12-20T11:12:00.001-08:00

So Ohio State gets clipped with a 1 year bowl ban and loses 3 scholarships per year for 3 years. USC's penalty was much harsher. The lesson? Don't go toe to toe with the NCAA like former Trojan A.D Mike Garrett. His comment that the only reason the Boys from Troy were being pursued was "jealousy". Apparently did not sit well. I think what was doled out to SC was a total joke. We still don't have any idea what the coaches or administration knew about Reggie Bush, an agent and free housing. We know exactly what Jim Tressell was aware of when he deliberately used ineligible players. What the Buckeyes got hit with seems okay. Held up against the Trojans it seems light. But the NCAA blew it with Southern Cal.
A lot is being made about the Steelers playing a dinged up Ben Roethlisberger last night in that really bad loss at Frisco. Really? With Baltimore losing Sunday night the division lead and a shot at a first round bye was at stake. If you're franchise horse can go he goes, period! Should they have started Mark Malone or maybe Bubby Brister? This is one of those made for 24/7 talk radio debates that is beyond stupid. Cue Herm Edwards "you play to win the game" sound file. No brainer. And by the way, since when does that franchise not do the 100% right thing? Idiots!

Tebow Time, by Casey Mitchell

2011-12-16T11:59:00.000-08:00

This is Casey Mitchell guest blogging for ST today. After starting 1-4 and seemingly out of the playoff picture, the Denver Broncos decided to give Tim Tebow the starting nod. For the first couple of weeks, you could just tell that John Elway and John Fox weren't very fond of Tebow. Since getting the nod, Tebow has gone 7-1 and six of his seven wins have been decided by 7 or less. The only game that the Broncos won by more than seven, they were tied with the Raiders going into the fourth and Tebow led them to score 14 in the final fifteen minutes. Appropriately, the fourth quarter has now been coined "Tebow Time," but as far as the other three quarters it is an entirely different story. Tebow has the worst QBR in the league in the first three quarters, but the best in the final fifteen... Some things just can't be explained. For all those people who still don't believe, get this stat. Since becoming a starter, nobody has thrown for more yards in the fourth except for Eli Manning. It doesn't get any easier for Tebow and the Broncos this week, taking on the New England Patriots on Sunday. Not sure if they can continue their magic, but one thing is for sure... It's Tebow Time!

The College Football bowl season begins tomorrow, and it is just the beginning of what is sure to be a great year for bowl games. Great non-BCS games like the Cotton Bowl with Kansas State vs. Arkansas, and the Alamo Bowl with Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin and Baylor take on the Washington Huskies. But we are all looking ahead to the match up on January 2nd in what will be LaMichael James' final game in a Duck uniform. The Ducks are favorites by six as the losers of the last two Rose Bowls square off. Arguably, the two best running backs in the nation go head to head in Montee Ball and LaMichael James, and it's going to be a heck of a game in Pasadena.

THIS MOVE MEANS??? by ST

2011-12-15T12:04:00.000-08:00

Just read the Blazers landed free agent 2 guard Jamal Crawford. You always like your team dipping into the talent pool to upgrade the quality of the franchise, but I wonder. Has Portland taken up residence in NBA purgatory? No way this team wins 30 or less games to land in the lottery but do you seriously consider them a viable threat to even make the West Finals or win a round in the playoffs? FYI...that hasn't happened since they sent Utah packing in 5 games prior to losing the Western Conference Finals in 7 to LA in 2000. It's tough to tell a passionate fan base we're throwing in the towel and rebuilding, but is the goal to win an NBA title or not?
I'm hearing a ton of polls and analysis over the Chris Paul to the Clippers move and does it shift the power in the city of LA? It's possible the Clips could finish high
er in the standings, but you truly throwing down your cash on one of the most laughable franchises in the history of professional American sports? Blake Griffin looks terrific but has won nothing, and I realize his opportunity has been one year. I like Paul's game but after 6 full seasons in the league, he's advanced past the first round of the playoffs once. Great that the "other" LA team is generating excitement and tickets are getting sold by the bushel, but I'm taking a wait and see if that's okay?
I did not watch, but saw the preview of Barbara Walters interviews with the 10 most intriguing people of 2011. I love DJ, but how did Derek Jeter land on that list?? 1st Yankee to 3-thousand hits? Then of course "The Kardashians" to prove the nature of this farce and put the fast plummeting IQ and taste of America on display.

PICK A SQUARE by ST

2011-12-14T11:38:00.000-08:00

You hear owners, GM's and others in a position of authority use the phrase "back to square one". Believe me, it never follows a run to the finals or a championship. It's always on the heels of a major disaster related to taking a step back. If in fact the Trailblazers are trading Gerald Wallace they land at the proverbial square one. It's staggering to think a couple weeks back when the lockout was settled we talked Blazers on the show. The consensus was if a few pieces fell into place with no true power in the West, there existed many reasons for optimism. Then Brandon Roy retired, Greg Oden suffered his annual setback, LeMarcus Aldridge was diagnosed with a heart problem and now this. A three team deal that would force the departure of Wallace brings 2 first round draft picks and frees up much cap room for a pretty solid free agent crop following this season. The harsh reality is Portland is now locked in NBA hell. They have no chance of contending for a title and look too strong to be a lottery team. I really like GW but it's time to accept facts and try to build the ultimate winner.
Reports have surfaced that Arizona State has hired Todd Graham of Pitt to be their new football coach. Matt Hinton who blogs for Yahoo! says he informed the Panthers of his decision to leave via text message. Can't wait to share his history and credibility on the big programs later today. What a bozo!

YOU HAVE NO SAY by ST

2011-12-13T12:47:00.000-08:00

I love that that Steelers James Harrison has come out in support of...himself. Lays a monster cheap shot on Colt McCoy, gets a game suspension and cries about it. This would be like Billy the Kid arrested robbing a bank and not getting why law enforcement is throwing the book at him. Like with Ryan Braun and the guys who fail drug tests in baseball, the benefit of the doubt no longer exists. The punk patrol like Rasheed Wallace, Harrison and the others never see themselves in an honest light. It's always the refs, the media, some other element at work out to screw them. Here's an idea from the late King of Pop. Start with the man in the mirror!
I forgot to mention how pleased I was the Heisman voters gave the award to Robert Griffin III. 4-thousand yards, hit 72% of his throws, top rated QB in the land, 36 TD's versus just 6 picks and Baylor beat both Texas and Oklahoma. Oh by the way, he also ran for 8 touchdowns.
The MLB Players union is telling us not to rush to judgement on Ryan Braun. Too late! Speaking of a stunner, John Rocker, one of the great bigot scumbags of our time, says he did roids during his time with the Braves. Nah! Never would have guessed such an insightful, under control fellow would partake in such an activity. The hysterical catch? He's trying to sell a book. He did say one thing I agree with. He'd like to have the current Rocker(37 yrs old), go back and punch the 23 year old Rocker. Better idea. Let's hold a raffle and all the winners get to punch Rocker in the face! Sounds fun.

BEYOND THE HYPE by ST

2011-12-12T11:33:00.000-08:00

The focus of the nation has been another Tim Tebow comeback leading the Broncos to victory. If you did not watch most of that game, do me a personal favor and shut up. Tebow lands maybe 3rd on the list of important stories from Sunday's win. Bear defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli leads off as a gutless moron. They ate Tim Terrific up all day then decided to back off and let him throw to open receivers. Next we have a total yutz like Marion Barber. He takes a handoff, on the lead, versus a team with no timeouts left and after things bog down, runs out of bounds. No way to tell if a veteran will place head firmly up butt, but I'll also call out the combo of offensive coordinator Mike Martz & head coach Lovie Smith. Who ever is responsible for decided whether to take a knee or run basic plays. With 2 minutes left it's 2nd down. Taking that knee twice then punting when you incorporate the time it takes to set the ball and the play clock means this. Denver gets the ball at their own 20 at best with maybe 20 seconds left. Because Barber has a football IQ the equal of Ryan Leaf they get triple that amount of time. In a way, this game had nothing to do with the Broncos.
Save that, it was the best Sunday of the season by far. Tune in today and find out why I'm willing to make this statement.
Lot made of the end of the Xavier/Cincy game. What a disgrace. Blind haymakers. Punks. All the stuff that turns people off about college basketball. Tu Holloway, Muskateer senior, said it was because the Bearcats had 'disrespected' them mostly via twitter. WHAT? But causing a black eye for your sport, university and community, that's respectful? Cincinnati's Yancy Gates got a 6 game suspension for cold cocking Xavier's Kenny Frease. Way, way, way too lenient. He misses half the Big East season and the post season if I'm calling the shots. Gutless lowlife!
As far as Ryan Braun, the at least temporarily disgraced NL MVP who popped for performance enhancing drugs, I hope his adamant claim of innocence is accurrate. I don't believe him for one millisecond. The benefit of the doubt ship has long sailed for Major League Baseball players in this situation. Very disappointing.

Big Deals, by Casey Mitchell

2011-12-09T11:34:00.000-08:00

This is Casey Mitchell, guest blogging for Steve today. When I woke up Thursday morning and turned on the TV, I was shocked to see that Albert Pujols is an Angel, but when I saw the price they got him for, I was left speechless. 254 million over 10 years for someone who is 32 years old (as far as we know). The Cardinals offered him 220 million but once they heard about the Angels offer, they decided that he wasn't worth it. One thing I thought of was how the Giants did the same thing with Bonds a while back, and how they didn't have much money to spend on other guys. Then it comes out that they signed pitcher CJ Wilson from the Rangers, and now it looks like they will be the new favorites in the AL West... When I heard that Chris Paul was going to the Lakers with Gasol to Houston and Lamar Odem along with some other players to the Hornets, it seemed as if this was the biggest trade day in sports. David Stern stopped the deal right in its tracks and rejected the offer. I didn't really get it because it looks like the deal would benefit each team in the deal. The Lakers, Rockets, and Hornets are appealing the decision by Stern. My gut feeling is that the trade will go through and Chris Paul will be a Laker.

Tomorrow, the Heisman Trophy winner will be announced and there is no clear cut winner like there was last season with Cam Newton. Coming into the season, Andrew Luck was the golden boy for the Heisman, but people like Robert Griffen III and Monte Ball have made there case. I think Luck should still come away with it but RG3 and Trent Richardson has definitely made it tough on voters. Griffen won the Davey O' Brian Award for the best quarterback in college football and the Doak Walker went to Alabamas Trent Richardson... One thing is for sure, it will be a close race for college footballs most prestigious honor.

TIME FAILS TO HEAL by ST

2011-12-08T10:31:00.000-08:00

Was watching Monday Night Football exactly 31 years ago this evening at our family home in Wayne, New Jersey. Was sitting on my parents bed with my dad catching the action between the Dolphins and Patriots. As rivals of the Jets, this was a pretty big game in the AFC East race even though New York stunk. Remember, on the East Coast the game began at 9pm so this was now getting into the late night hours. My sister, 15 years old at the time, used to sleep with her clock/radio on and our favorite music station, WPLJ on low. She came into where we were kind of bleary eyed and said something that made no sense. John Lennon had been shot. What? Why? In 1980 we'd seen the assassination of Kennedy, one of Manson's crackpots, Squeaky Fromme had taken a shot at President Ford but those horrors seemed a part of the political scene. Lennon was the man who preached peace. Then coming out of a break, Howard Cosell informed America of the horror that took place outside Lennon's residence, The Dakota in Manhattan's Upper West Side. Some lowlife wanna be loser with the traditional 3 name moniker took his life. Gotta admit 31 years later, my anger remains. RIP John!

RIGHTING A WRONG AND IT'S OKAY by ST

2011-12-05T12:22:00.000-08:00

First let me say I have no issue with LSU & Bama vying for the natty. I don't want to hear from Oklahoma State or Stanford in particular. They had their chances, like the Ducks back in 2001 to remove doubt from the debate. Cowboys beat Iowa State or the Cardinal handle Oregon and they're in. Period. Boise State & Houston are the only other 1 loss teams. Under the assumption LSU is the best team in the land, then the Crimson Tide have the most forgivable loss. The system stinks, but it's all we have and under these rules, this is the no brainer battle for the BCS championship.
I'm pleased the Golden Era committee has elected the late Ron Santo to the Hall of Fame. It's a beautiful thing. It also doesn't undo the disgraceful performance of the Baseball Writers who snubbed the Cub 3B for more than 3 decades while inviting less deserving candidates like Jim Rice, Andre Dawson, Bill Mazeroski and a few others. Evaluating Santo takes time and brains which eliminates most self righteous writers. It's similar to evaluating the Oregon defense. When he was hitting 31 or 32 homers he was among the league leaders. The NL in those days had Hall of Fame arms on every staff like Koufax, Marichal, Gibson, Seaver, Steve Carlton or Warren Spahn and they pitched every 4th day. He made 9 all star games and was a 5 time gold glove winner. Led the league in walks 4 times, was 2nd in ribby's 3 times and even led the NL in triples in 1964. You want durable? From 1962 thru and including 1969 he played at least 160 games. Then you throw in his contribution to the game as a Cubbie broadcaster and it's a disgrace it took this long and he won't be around to revel in his deserved adoration!

Game Day, by Casey Mitchell

2011-12-02T10:30:00.000-08:00

Today is the day of the first Pac-12 Championship Game, and it will be played at none other than Autzen Stadium. It will most likely be a one sided affair, but there is a litlle sense of urgency playing for the Rose Bowl. As you all know, this will be Rick Nuheisel's final game as a Bruin. If I was a UCLA fan, I wouldn't think this was a good decision. I think that the players and team should be focusing on playing for the Rose Bowl, but now this is just a big distraction. Unless a huge upset happens, we will be going to Pasadena, and either playing Wisconsin or Michigan State. A big question coming into the game is how LaMichael James' elbow will be feeling after he hurt his other elbow against the Beavers last week. So far this season, James has 1427 yards on the ground, but keep in mind that he missed two games due to injury. Darron Thomas has been playing better as of late, and Kenjon Barner is really stepping it up. I think this game will be ours from the get go, and we will be playing on January 2nd in Pasadena. Prediction -- Ducks 59 Bruins 17.

WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL? by ST

2011-11-29T14:10:00.000-08:00

Not sure I get the local, regional and national horror over UCLA representing the South Division in the first Pac 12 title game. It's certainly not a feather in the cap of the league, but what would you have Commissioner Larry Scott do? We all knew the rules coming in, they've been followed and that's the deal. I'm not a Pac 12 fan. I'm about my team, and in the case of the NCAA hoop tournament, my bracket. I don't necessarily root for or against conference teams in bowl games or against other areas of the country. That said, if the Ducks dust the Bruins, it's forgotten and you have an elite team representing the Pac 12 in the Rose Bowl. Sometimes a basketball team wins their post season league tournament with a .500 record. Then they get buried in the 1st round by North Carolina and it's over. Last year in the NFL the stinking Seahawks went 7 & 9 and made the playoffs. It happens. In 2008 the 4 best teams in the ACC all lost 3 conference games. What the heck is that? Would you rather have top to bottom mediocrity or a trio of powerhouses that show off excellence. Last year UConn got the Big East BCS bowl birth with 4 losses! Granted, some of these cases are not as extreme as UCLA but it's the way things played out. On today's shows I'll throw out a scenario that hopefully will further this argument. Speak with you then!

Civil War, by Casey Mitchell

2011-11-25T10:48:00.000-08:00

The Ducks loss last Saturday is the kind of loss that makes it fun to be a college football fan. It's not like the NFL where you can lose the last 6 games of the season, and still have playoff aspirations. Matt Barkley was looking like Joe Montana, and there were some calls at the end of the game that I disagreed with, but hey, it's hard to question the coaching of Chip Kelly. However, Oregon's season is in no way a lost cause. We have a big Civil War game coming up tomorrow, and if we can get by that, we will be playing for roses in the first ever Pac-12 Championship Game. The Ducks should be able to handle the Beavs for the fourth straight time. This is also the fourth straight Civil War with BCS implications. Oregon State standing at 3-8 overall is considering this game, their bowl game. They haven't beat us since the 2007 season, and they would love to knock us out of the Rose Bowl the way we did to them in 2008. I think that they will hang with us for a quarter or so, but we will pull away with it. Prediction -- Ducks 52 Beavers 27.

I would just like to reiterate that I am a guest blogger, and my thoughts and opinions do not reflect Steve's thoughts or opinions. I think that Joe Paterno deserved the punishments, but it is a shame that this is what he will be remembered for.

On another note, the MLB has slated some new rules to the game. Starting next season, there will be one more Wild Cared team, and they will have a one game playoff to see who advances to the Division Series. Also in 2013, the Houston Astros will be added to the AL West, and interleague will be played everyday like the AFC and NFC do it in football. I like the new rules, I have been waiting for the Astros to move for a while, and I like the idea of another Wild Card team and the one game playoff.

FACTUALLY SPEAKING by ST

2011-11-22T11:06:00.001-08:00

Can't believe how many on a national level are expressing their doubt over the selection of the Tiger's Justin Verlander as AL M.V.P. Aside from bought and paid for politicians, the Baseball Writer's Association of America are the most arrogant, dismissive pickleheads I follow. There is no formula to gauge value. No slide rule or over the top Sabre-metrics. It's freaking baseball not splitting the atom. Without Verlander Detroit falls out of the race early and never gets a whiff of the post season. I love the decision!
Monday night football began with the Jets & Browns back in September of 1970. I can honestly say last night's game between the Patriots & Chiefs cost me the least amount of time ever. I maybe checked in three times. Giants & Saints this coming Monday will warrant my attention.
With the NBA bozos ripping the season away, I may refind my NHL roots. From the early 1970's through my relocating to Eugene in 1990, hockey was well up my list. My buds & I hit the Garden(Rangers), Nassau Colesium(Isles) or then Byrne Arena(Devils) at least 12-15 times a year. Here in the Valley I've switched up passions and those nights on frozen pond have been replaced by various forms of Pac 10/12 action. With no pro hoops, might be time to get on board with the NHL.
We will be taking your legendary Civil War moments the next 2 days on the big programs. Interesting that in the more modern era, Oregon State has not successfully played the role of spoiler. Their big win in 2000 was huge for them as it led to a BCS birth. In 1994, 2001, and last season the Ducks won. Only Oregon has entered the contest with no shot at a conference title or major bowl bid and cost their rival. That was 2008. Food for thought.

IMPERFECTION CONTINUES TO RULE by ST

2011-11-21T11:58:00.000-08:00

And then there was one, well 2. LSU and Houston remain the lone unbeatens at the FBS level. The Cougs are 8th in the BCS and need 6 teams to lose in order to qualify for the title game. But once again we learned to take nothing for granted. It's been questioned who suffered to worst loss this weekend, Oklahoma State, Oregon or Oklahoma. Really? It's not obvious that the Cowboys who held fate in their hands was most damaging. The Ducks and Sooners would have needed to play scoreboard or hack a few computers. OSU just had to beat Iowa State, who'd never beaten a team ranked in the top 5 then Oklahoma and pack for the natty.
Really impressed with the Oregon fans I've heard from since the post game and via text and email. With the heartbreaking defeat in the rear view mirror, lot of credit to USC, a solid understanding of all this team has accomplished and still can.
From the it's okay to disagree file, I'm not on board with the lack of timeouts on the fateful drive to end the USC call. Here's my angle. If the game is tied and you have the defense on their heels, maybe just roll. Trailing I take nothing for granted. Time is to be treasured. 2 plays. Both Rahsaan Vaughn and Kenyon Barner made 9 yards meaning the clock continued to run. Gotta call time outs in each of those situations. From my chair. Once again the Civil War has monster implications. Beavs get to play spoiler like the Ducks did in 2008.

Back In The Hunt, by Casey Mitchell

2011-11-18T13:38:00.000-08:00

Well, it's taken a little longer than I thought, but the Ducks have worked their way back into the National Title hunt after their big win over Sanford last week. If we want to stay in the Natty race, we have to take care of business this week vs. the Trojans at home. USC has a very explosive offense, averaging almost 400 total yards per game, but the Ducks defense has been playing lights out as of late. LaMichael James has diffidently worked himself back into the Heisman discussion. He has put up some very impressive numbers considering he missed two games due to his elbow injury. The only thing that worries me, is that it seems that Darron Thomas isn't playing to his full potential this year, but that's just my opinion. This year, Thomas has thrown for 1704 yards and 22 touchdowns, but he has thrown 5 picks. If the Ducks defense can continue to play the way they have been playing, we should be able to take care of business this week. Prediction -- Ducks 42 Trojans 28.

The Denver Broncos went from 1-4 and dead in the AFC West with Kyle Orton, but ever since they converted to Tim Tebow, they have gone 4-1 and right in the midst of the Playoff race. At the beginning, no one thought that he could make it as a pro, but with the option offense, Tebow had a statement game this Thursday vs. the Jets, who have a very good defense but if there's one thing Tim Tebow knows how to do... It's win.

MIDWEEK by ST

2011-11-16T11:03:00.000-08:00

I've seen a few polls about the Packers and their shot to repeat as Super Bowl champ. A reason I like their chance is simple. They're in. I've said for years that in MLB and the NFL, it's huge just to qualify. Then you get hot and win the whole thing. Green Bay's offense is frightening. They won and in essence add a horse like TE Jermichael Finley who was hurt during last winter's run. Jordy Nelson has joined Greg Jennings to form a killer 1-2 punch with James Jones a more than capable 3. James Starks & Ryan Grant are a very potent combo running it and Aaron Rodgers has now pulled alongside Brady as thee man at QB. On defense Desmond Bishop went from special teams demon and rotation guy at linebacker to a beast. Had more than 100 tackles last year and is on pace for about 135 or 140 in 2011. 2nd year man Morgan Burnett has emerged at safety and even though he just broke his hand, the kid from Georgia Tech is a stud. What I love about this team put together by Ted Thompson is no one else is loaded up with more of their "own" draft picks. These guys are Packers. They have an excellent shot of become the 1st Green Bay team to win back to back Super Bowls since the Lombardi group won the 1st two! Just wanted to focus on something positive. Enjoy your Wednesday.

CORRECTION by ST

2011-11-15T11:10:00.000-08:00

Got a comment from Friday's blog. For clarification that was our "guest" blog and not my opinion. I apologize for any confusion. I've been pretty clear I think Joe Paterno is completely culpable in any vile acts committed by Jerry Sandusky since finding out what a pig he is as early as 1998. I was also disgusted by NBC & Bob Costas for giving that pedophile air time last night. Are they that desperate for TV ratings? I had to turn it off. He really needed to think about his answer to "are you attracted to young boys"? This guy is a classic predator. Charming, dishonest, selfish and dangerous. I do not understand why he's not behind bars! That's all for today!

MONDAY THOUGHTS by ST

2011-11-14T12:34:00.000-08:00

Rather than continue to rail against all the Penn State slimebags, I'm just going to take solace knowing their level of humiliation will only grow and get further exposed as this whole nightmare warrants further investigation and reveals more shame!
I've heard from folks who were a tad surprised the Ducks are a 15 point favorite for this USC game. I figured it would be about 12. USC's 2 best games were forcing OT versus Stanford and this past Saturday when they punished the Dawgs. Both were in Troy. Now they come here. Monte Kiffin has been the Trojan defensive coordinator the past 2 years. He's an NFL guy and the Oregon offense has torn him apart. In 2009 it was 613 yards and 47 points in a route. Last season Southern Cal surrendered 599 yards and 53 points. What have you seen that makes you think 2011 will be much different? Me either.
The NBA players union has rejected the latest offer and it's likely the union will next disband. At times it seems I've favored the owners in this dispute but it's not like when I favor the Yankees over the Red Sox. I'm like 51% for the owners and 49% for the players. They both make me puke with their egos and selfish nature, but the owners are dug in. I think the game & league need a financial restructuring. I'll miss the NBA for sure, but with football into college hoops and hockey into baseball, I'll get over it.

Gameday, by Casey Mitchell

2011-11-10T22:03:00.000-08:00

If the Ducks want to have any shot of making the Natty again, we need to take care of business this weekend in Palo Alto. Even if another National Championship shot isn't in the card this year, this is still a huge game regarding the Pac-12 title and a Rose Bowl appearance. From what I saw last week, it looks like Darron Thomas is getting back into his regular self, but still needs to work out a few kinks. Last week at Washington LMJ had 25 carries for 156 yards, which already put him over the 1000 yard mark for this season. As you all know, Stanford has the best QB in the game in Andrew Luck, but that doesn't mean we can't contain him! So far this season Luck has thrown for 2424 yard with 26 touchdowns and only 5 picks. That's pretty darn good.... Heisman good. But when I was watching him against the Beavs last week, he started out a little shaky and was having a little trouble with his accuracy. I'm telling you, if the Beavers could have gotten some good calls and some breaks to go there way, that ballgame could have went either way. So I think if the Ducks can get it rolling at the beginning, we'll come out with a W. Prediction -- Ducks 34 Stanford 28.

When I turned on Sports Center on Wednesday evening, I was shocked to see that Joe Paterno had been fired. I mean, I knew that there was going to be consequences for what had happened, but I didn't think anything would happen to Jo-Pa. At first I didn't agree with the decision, but then I got to thinking that this incident is something way bigger than sports, and something had to be done. It's just a shame that Paterno's legacy will be tarnished by this horrible chain of events.

3 DAYS 3 IDIOTS by ST

2011-11-10T10:45:00.000-08:00

I'm really proud of the callers, texters, and emailers the past 3 days. We only averaged one complete and total moron per day. The 1st had the audacity to act as if the players getting prepped to play Nebraska should get priority. Really? Over innocent children raped? Then some yo yo said they're tired of Joe Paterno getting vilified. Dude, that's what happens to VILLIANS! Supposed men who sit idly by while kids are getting molested are evil. No excuses. Then the topper to close yesterday's(wed) show. Some rocket scientist felt it was time to grandstand about sexual predators getting young women pregnant while Planned Parenthood allows them to get secret abortions. Aside from the trio of dummies I think you all should take a bow for your heart, passion and intelligence. Thanks!
That's all I have today except to say "The pedophile protecting king is dead"!!

THE PASSING OF SMOKIN JOE by ST

2011-11-08T10:44:00.000-08:00

Beyond the disgust decent people should feel over the Penn State horror, I was able to muster up some sadness over the passing of Joe Frazier. I was an Ali guy, but loved Frazier. The brawler from Philly with the devastating left hook could end a fight in the blink of an eye. Ali had the bicycle. Frazier had the tank. Ali was all over the ring. Joe just moved forward and was willing to take, 2 or 3 or 4 to get his licks in. Though the 3 bouts with Ali were legendary, I'll never forget one of Joe's worst moments. January 22nd, 1973. It was a Friday night. Frazier had defended the title he'd taken in the first Ali fight twice. There was talk of a rematch. As an afterthought Joe was taking on a well known but lightly regarded fighter named George Foreman. Big George had won the gold medal for America in Mexico City in 1978. Famously he waved little American flags in his corner after the victory. Talk about another time. That fight with Foreman was on free TV on Metromedia Channel 5 in the New York City area. My parents were out for the night with friends. My little sister was at my aunt & uncles in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. I was home alone watching the fight. Three words from announcer Howard Cosell ring enternally. "Down Goes Frazier". The loss to Foreman set up the 2nd Ali fight for the right to face George for the title. Ali nearly kayoed Frazier in the 2nd round, but ended up taking a unanimous decision. Then we got the "Rumble in the Jungle" where Muhammad stunned Foreman via the "rope a dope". That brings us to "The Thrilla in Manilla". Frazier/Ali III. Those two guys nearly killed each other. Two incredible warriors whose lives were inseparable. Sadly Ali would be diagnosed with Parkinson's. Frazier died at 67 in hospice care of liver cancer. They ignited sports fans over that incredible period from the first fight on March 8th, 1971 until the finale on the 1st of October in 1975. RIP Smokin Joe.

MONDAY THOUGHTS by ST

2011-11-07T10:44:00.000-08:00

By now the horror at Penn State has made the rounds. The story. Long time Joe Paterno defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky arrested and charged with multiple counts of child-sex allegations. Already the athletic director Tim Curley and senior vice president Gary Schultz are out for lying to a grand jury and failing to notify authorities when they got wind of these disgusting misdeeds. It's also alleged Paterno was told about an incident involving a 10 year old boy and told Curley. That's it? He reported the incident and failed to follow up. I'm not saying JoPa should be arrested, but if he was made aware and didn't follow up, call the cops and grab Sandusky by his throat and demand an explanation, he should be fired today, NOW!
Not to be mean, but anyone who thinks Alabama deserves a rematch is a moron. They had their shot, at home, and blew it. Unless everyone else with zero or one losses gets defeated from this point forward, the Tide is out of the natty picture from my chair.
Now that I got all that off my chest, it was close to a perfect weekend for me! Ducks beat the Dawgs in the Land of Satan. Jets win. Giants win. Patriots lose because the Giants beat them! Wanted to end this blog on a happy note!

Quackin' Out Loud, by Casey Mitchell

2011-11-04T10:48:00.000-07:00

With Oregon's win over WSU last week, the Ducks face a true road test this weekend at Washington. It's going to be a night time game and that Stadium will be hopping with thousands of screaming Husky fans. A lot of people have been talking about the quarterback controversy with Darron Thomas and Bryan Bennet. Listen, my thoughts are that it's possible that Chip wasn't even planning on playing DT the whole game, but Thomas didn't have his best game so he decided to give Bennet some more snaps. Thomas led us to a National Title shot last year, and I think he's our guy. But so far with Bennet, I like what I see for the future. The Huskies have really improved over the last few years, they are 6-2 overall and 5-0 at home. This could really be tough game for the Ducks, but I think In the end, we will prevail. Prediction -- Ducks 48 Huskies 31.

This week in the NFL, Ndamukong Suh met with Roger Goodell to discuss penalties and fines going against him. When I saw this I was thinking that maybe this could be a new thing in the League that could help with the rules. I know that Suh kind of has a reputation as a dirty player, but instead of tweeting how much he hates the rules, he dealt with it like a real man and talked face to face, and I heard it was a successful meeting. I think that all of these rules in the NFL are getting out of hand. Like the whole continuation rule for catching a ball in the end zone. If you catch the ball and have two feet in with full possession, it should be a catch. It should be interesting to see if there are as many late hit calls on Suh in weeks to come

It Was In The Cards, by Casey Mitchell

2011-10-27T20:10:00.000-07:00

After one of the best Game 6's of all-time, Texas just couldn't hang with the Cardinals. When I was watching Game 6, I was already planning on writing about how the Rangers would be the new World Champions, but once Hamilton hit the 2 run bomb in the top of the 10th I was thinking there was no way that the Cards would be able be able to come back, and the series would be over. It's pretty cool that David Freese, a fan of St. Louis since he was a kid, was able to be the hero once again with his walk off homer. The former Eugene Emerald also set a record with 21 RBI in a single Postseason. I didn't get a chance to watch game 7, because me and my football team were to busy capturing a League Title for the first time since '03. But I saw the highlights, and it seemed that Texas was just demoralized from what happened in Game 6, and Carpenter was straight dealing... Deadly combo for the new World Champions

I guess some people just never learn.... First he gets caught speeding at 118 while smoking weed, then he gives the Ducks a 15 yard penalty before the game even starts, commits a stupid safety, and now he's back to his old speedy ways! Oh Cliff, what are we going to do with you and your antics? Don't get me wrong, I think he is one of our best defensive players, but at some point you just gotta say enough is enough. Chip Kelly tried to cut him some slack, but he could just never get out of Kelly's doghouse. It looks that the saga of Cliff Harris is going to continue all the way from "We goin' to the Natty" to "We smoked it all..."

THINKING OUT LOUD by ST

2011-10-26T12:26:00.000-07:00

So if Cliff Harris has a valid driver's license and updated proof of insurance, why didn't he have a valid driver's license and updated proof of insurance. For those who've contacted me with stories of how everyone does this, I ask...REALLY? Is there a more boring, idiotic defense than the cliche of "if little Johnny jumped off the bridge"? There is a reason we have character issues and cross examinations as part of the legal process. History. Harris has given us no reason to believe anything he says. If he provides the proper documentation, I'll admit my error, but I'm wagering he should not have been behind the wheel. The arrogance of not buckling up is beyond discussion.
Observing the limited information Duck players offer, I'm thinking Chip Kelly would be an equally successful CIA Spy trainer. His specialty would be "Dealing with Interrogation". If caught, his guys would give up nothing and frustrate their captors to the point where THEY surrender information.
So no one showed up at the individual workout Terrell Owens held in California yesterday. Stunning! Over the hill, pain in the neck and coming off major knee surgery and turns 38 on Pearl Harbor Day. If he gets a snap in the NFL ever again, beer & burgers on me!
Who decides the careers fit the bio in my junk mail. Am I really qualified to become an Ultrasound Technician or X-Ray tech? Is my credit so bad that only Premier Bank will consider me for plastic? Truth is my wife and I have a credit rating over 800. Maybe these people need another gig!

REALLY? 25 YEARS? Awesome! By ST

2011-10-25T12:31:00.000-07:00

So I'm at a place in Pompton Lakes, New Jersey called the "Wander on Inn". It's Game 6 of the 1986 World Series. Place is pretty packed as after all, a New York team is in the series. Boston has the 3 games to 2 edge. Roger Clemens on the hill for the Bosox opposed by the Mets tough lefty Bobby Ojeda. Lot's of people forget that the Rocket left as the pitcher of record on the plus side. Would have had the World Series clinching win. A sac fly by Gary Carter tied it in the home 8th. The 9th was scoreless, ironically Mookie Wilson was called on to bunt with Ray Knight aboard and reached via an error. In the 10th, Dave Henderson led off with a homer off Rick Aguilera and all hopes looked dashed when another run got pushed across on a Marty Barrett single. I think you know what happened in the bottom half. After Barrett's single I left. Cursed a blue streak and insisted I'd never watch those (be creative) celebrate a series win on NY turf. I decided to throw the radio on and after the 1st two Mets made out Gary Carter singled. So did Kevin Mitchell. I pulled over into some kind of warehouse lot to hear the Ray Knight at bat. His knock to center made it a 1 run game. Pitching change. I made it easily back to the bar for history. Confession. I had to check the baseball reference site to verify a fact or two, but yes 25 years later I can nearly recite the magic or tragic in the air, depending on your angle. Still keeps me warm and smiling after all these years!

NEW HEAD SHOP by ST

2011-10-24T10:36:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite stand up comedy routines is from around 1990, Dennis Leary "No Cure For Cancer". He jokes that the Jackson's are so out of whack as a family they give each other new heads for Christmas. I'll need to know where they do their shopping because mine exploded twice over the weekend. First was on our post game show after Oregon dropped the Buffs. A caller felt it was time for a change at quarterback. Thomas out. Bryan Bennett in. Baboom! Then yesterday the bloggers and comment section supporting Tim Tebow as a top notch NFL quarterback. FYI....each guy, Bennett and Tebow guided their teams to wins over arguably a team who is the worst at that particular level. No question, Colorado is in there with Indiana, Kansas and Boston College as the doormats of those leagues who have a conference title game with the winner gaining a BCS bowl birth. Tebow and the Broncos needed a late TD, onsides kick and 52 yard field goal to keep the crappy Dolphins winless. Bottom line? People are nuts!
This week, don't let anyone tell you Washington State is good. They're improved from a point that they're not an embarassment to division one football. Their lone Pac 12 win is Colorado. The other two victories are against 1 & 5 UNLV and Big Sky doormat Idaho State. The Cougs still stink!
How about Albert Pujols hitting 3 jacks in a Series game the other day? Joins a very petite list with Ruth and Reggie to do that in the Fall Classic. Texas/St. Louis has been great baseball, too bad no one cares. Chris Carpenter throws against CJ Wilson in Game 5 tonight. Wilson was all over the place in the opener with 6 walks in the 3-2 loss. 2 runners who reached via the free pass played a role in the limited scoring. The winner in that game was Carpenter who pretty much made one bad pitch that catcher Mike Napoli cracked for a 2 run homer.

Various Thoughts, by Casey Mitchell

2011-10-20T22:12:00.000-07:00

I always love this time of the year when we got NFL, College Football, and the MLB Playoffs really heating up. To be honest, I could really care less about this whole NBA lockout dilemma considering no one plays defense until April. Earlier tonight, Texas tied up the series at 1-1 in a comeback win in the ninth inning. Coming into the series, most people thought this would be a series full of offense and excitement, but so far it's been a good ol' fashion National League contest. I think St. Louis is still riding on there adrenaline from coming back from 10.5 back in August. Texas is still looking for their first Championship in history, but I don't think they will be getting it this year. Who would have thought that the premiere match up in week 6 of the NFL would have been the Lions and the 49ers? Well, I have been waiting for a long time to see my Niners not only be competitive, but in my opinion, one of the best teams in the league. Even though it was over shadowed by the controversial handshake between Schwartz and Harbaugh, it was actually a really good, hard fought game. Quarterback issues also shared the headlines this week in the NFL. Christian Ponder replaced Donovan McNabb, the Raiders traded some killer draft picks for Carson Palmer, and John Beck is now the Redskins starting QB. The one quarterback story I am the most excited to see is the Tebow in Denver saga. I am one of the people who thinks Tebow is a great player, and this week he will be playing in Miami where he won both a State title and a National Championship in his career. Say what you want about the guy, but one thing you can't argue is that he know how to win.

FADING, FADING, FADING by ST

2011-10-20T12:19:00.001-07:00

Last night the Cardinals edged the Rangers to take the opener of the Fall Classic. Game was televised on Fox. Smallest audience to view game 1 of the World Series since 1987. The average age of the viewer tuning in was 54. As a 51 year old I know my kids and their friends could not care less unless their team is in it. Many years ago the decision was made to put all World Series games into prime time on the East Coast and have it end in prime time on the West Coast. That meant a couple of generations of kids could not stay up to watch. Did the powers that be really think time would stop and they wouldn't have to pay the piper for this short sighted decision? When my generation was younger we would storm off the school bus to watch the playoffs and world series when games were played in the afternoon. It was part of our sporting DNA. Unless something dramatic happens calling baseball our national past time will be about nostalgia rather than facts. The unfortunate part is the actual games have been terrific all playoffs long. The bullpens and timely or clutch hitting has been the story. Cardinal starter Chris Carpenter went 6 strong and once again Tony LaRussa's bullpen shut the door in a 1 run game with Jason Motte chucking a 1-2-3 ninth. The St. Louis closer coming out of spring was Ryan Franklin, a reason I picked Milwaukee to win the Central. After 21 appearances and an era over 8 he was released. Fernando Salas was next. He did pretty well but in late August LaRussa and Dave Duncan decided Mott was their guy. Converted his 1st save on August 28th against the Pirates. And despite a couple of blowup games in September, they stuck with him as their playoff guy. He's been perfect. 8 games, 9 innings, 1 hit, no runs, 5 of 5 in save situations. Brilliant. Too bad millions of sports fans are missing it!

STILL GOING THERE? by ST

2011-10-19T11:37:00.000-07:00

From goofballs like Hank Williams Jr playing the Hitler card to the recent rant by Bryant Gumble on HBO, I'm consistently amazed at folks who go to those extremes for attention. So disagreeing with a politician makes him the equal of a psycho mass murderer who was so sure of his virtue he took his own life before facing the music. Gumble pretty much said NBA commissioner David Stern acted like a plantation owner. Obviously that makes the players slaves. I see the similarities. After all, slaves had about the same lifestyle. The NBA MINIMUM salary is 473 thousand dollars a year. If a slave looked at a white woman in an improper manner they'd likely be killed. In 1831 Nat Turner led a slave rebellion. Prior to being hanged, he was skinned alive. I'm curious as to the feelings of people of color on issues like this. Descendants of slaves who had no say in their lives should be up in arms, protesting HBO. I get using vicious or even offending terms, but when called for. Comparisions to the vile and dispicable do not apply here. Very disappointed in Gumble. Of course the biggest laugh is his characterization of Stern as arrogant. Something about a kettle and a tea pot!

FAR TOO MINIMAL OUTCRY by ST

2011-10-18T11:06:00.000-07:00

Things happen in sports that just aggravate me. I'm sure you feel the same. Rarely does something just tear your heart out. Tough losses don't count. 2 teams play a million times a day, it's gonna happen. I can't get past this completely unecessary death of Indy Car racer Dan Weldon. Monday morning quarterbacks who have things figured out 24 after the final gun are as annoying and pathetic as it gets. In this case they all deserve a big smack in the head with a tire iron. Officials from the circuit and Las Vegas Motor Speedway should be subject to an all out inquiry. I get the danger these guys face every time they rev it up. I also get they trust various manufacturers and those who run their sport to look out for their safety. I heard NASCAR dominator Jimmie Johnson talk about these open wheel cars hitting 225 mph on that style of oval lending itself to send cars airborne, thus eliminating any semblance of control. Unfortunately we're hearing most of this in the aftermath as a wife with her baby boys aged 2 and 6 months lost the most important person in their lives! I don't know much about racing, but I do know this sucks. I also know if in any way not holding this event at that venue needed more serious consideration then someone needs to be crucified to prevent further horror!

At What Cost, by Casey Mitchell

2011-10-08T14:01:00.000-07:00

Oregon picked up their 15th straight conference victory as the Ducks took care of the visiting Bears on Thursday night in their retro-inspired unis. At the end of the night it wasn't about the big win, but all eyes were on LaMichael and what everyone thought was a broken arm. When ESPN showed the replay, I had to look away because it was just so grusome and I didn't think he would be back anytime soon. But after the game James said that he doesn't work well with medicine and he will do his best to come back ASAP! Come to find out that he experienced the same injury in high school and came back to lead his team to a state title. However, we are blessed with our running backs with Kenjon Barner and the Black Mamba. I've always thought that if LMJ had never been around, Barner would be one of the elite running backs in the country. I think even if James is out next week, we can still manage with Barner and Thomas.

As far as high school football goes, I really needed this bye week to realize what our team, the McKenzie Eagles, did last week. I am a starting Right Guard and D-End on the Eagles, and was part of our biggest win this season. We beat the Lowell Red Devils, for the first time since 2005, by a score of 88-80 last Friday night. Our quarterback, Will Totten, broke an Oregon record for most TD's thrown in a single game with 10 touchdowns and over 500 yards passing along with 117 yards on the ground. the 168 point affair broke the record for most combined points in a game, and Lowell's 80 points broke the Oregon record by most points by a losing team. We are now 4-1 and 2-0 in league looking ahead to Mapleton next week.

PATHETIC by ST

2011-10-05T10:36:00.001-07:00

Brett Farve appeared on an Atlanta station and said Packer QB Aaron Rodgers should have won a Super Bowl sooner. Aside from scum like Vick and other felons and lowlifes, I'd have to say Farve has dropped on my scale to as low as it gets. He's nothing more than a sad little boy who craves attention and can barely survive without it. He's obviously jealous and bitter that within a few months of his retirement, he's become completely irrelevant. Rodgers took over after Farve blew the season with a stupid pick versus the Giants in the 2007 playoffs. In 2008, Aaron's 1st season running the show, the Pack had one of the worst defenses in the NFC, giving up more points than anyone in the division. The next season Rodgers took Green Bay to the playoffs rolling up 45 points and throwing for more than 400 yards but the defense got torched at Arizona for 51 points. They won it all the next year. How much of a complete and total moron is Farve? I should also point out that he was on 790 The Zone in Atlanta where you can find a couple of the biggest Vick apologists in the idiots who host that 2 Live Stews show so I shouldn't be totally surprised.
Can you imagine the fine line in sports? AJ Burnett walks the bases loaded in the 1st inning. Gives up a missile into the left centerfield gap that should have scored 3 runs. Curtis Granderson makes an incredible play to keep Detroit off the board. Burnett somehow gets thru nearly 6 innings allowing just a run while the Yanks batter the Tiger staff and win the game. So suddenly AJ is gutty, a gamer? Please. They should cut him today and feel lucky.
I'm going to cause quite a scene in the Autzen press box tomorrow night. I'm hoping the Ducks blow Cal out so I can focus on game 5 from the South Bronx. I assume they get TBS on their cable system?

HOW ARE AMERICANS NOT INSULTED? by ST

2011-10-04T11:50:00.000-07:00

I'm confused about this whole Hank Williams Jr controversy. ESPN pulled his long time Monday Night Football Theme last night because earlier on Fox News Hank compared President Obama to Hitler. Unfortunately in our nation, left versus right trumps right versus wrong. Regardless of your disgust for the current administration(I voted for the prez but am pissed), that connection is disgusting. Regardless of your feelings towards Jewish people, gays, the handicapped or non-Aryans, as Americans how can you justify this? Research reveals about 184-thousand U.S soldiers died in the European theater and Atlantic during World War II. I'm thinking Hitler had a role there. Many of us have relatives(my uncle served in Patton's 3rd Army) who sacrificed. Obviously this doesn't account for those wounded or scarred for life. For the record, those who called Bush/Cheyney similar, hateful, ignorant names were equally pathetic. We are not a nation on the right path and no one side is clean in this mess.
I know it's not exactly lighting up our area, but from that final day of the regular season to what we've witnessed in the 1st round of the playoffs, the baseball has been terrific. Just enough runs and clutch pitching to make most of the games go down to the wire. Pennant Fever, Catch It!
The NBA negotiations have deteriorated to the point where Commissioner David Stern isn't ruling out starting the season late, like 1999. The sad part is no one is even approaching the idea of the season beginning on time. As someone who likes to talk odds, I'm thinking 80-20% against any NBA hoops at all until next Autumn.

JUST ADMIT IT by ST

2011-10-03T11:32:00.000-07:00

Remember the end court scene in "My Cousin Vinny"? Joe Pesci's lawyer character is cross examining the so-called auto expert after his girlfriend(Marisa Tomei) explained how his client's car could not possibly have been the one at the scene of the crime. The expert is reluctant to admit the truth. People just hate copping to being wrong. This, despite it being a sign of strength, not weakness. That Cowerd fella on this station has that problem, especially with Cowboy QB Tony Romo. Keeps defending him despite the fact the guy is 31 and has ONE playoff win. Keeps throwing around excuses like Peyton Manning and Brett Farve have each one just one Super Bowl. Forgets to mention they've both been to another and played in multpile conference title games. It's a completely stupid comparison. Again, Romo is 31! The success comes when?? Romo has pretty much blown 2 game of the 4 he's played this year.
Listening to Dan Patrick this morning. Apparently at Game Day the ESPN goons would not allow a picture of him to be shown on camera at Madison this past Saturday. ESPN has kind of become the snotty high school girls. They act all arrogant and superior, but deep inside those insecurities fester because they know they're not! They'd prefer not to invite the smart, decent looking girls to the party because they know their limited appeal will be exposed. ESPN used to set the standard, but they've lost it! I find their actions borderline embarassing and unprofessional. Plus they shove a cheating sleaze bag like Lou Holtz down our throats!

Bye Week, by Casey Mitchell

2011-10-01T14:39:00.000-07:00

After the convincing win over the Wildcats in the Ducks first ever Pac-12 game, Oregon fans can just sit back and enjoy the bye week. I thought last week was a great conference opener from LMJ breaking the Duck single game rushing record to our defense stepping up in the clutch. There isn't many things that make me happier than seeing Mike Stoops on the hot seat this early in the season. It made me realize how lucky we are to have a coach like Chip when I see Stoops on the sideline constantly crying and yelling on every play. If he doesn't get a win today against USC, he may need to get his resume' ready.... Sitting at #9 in the AP Top 25, the Ducks have a good chance of leaping two spots to #7 without even playing. The games that could decide where we will end up is the match up between the 7th ranked Wisconsin Badgers and the 8th ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers. I take the Huskers in that game by at least 10 points. Another big game to watch is the Florida / Alabama game. The two teams have combined for 3 National Titles in the past 5 years. I think the Crimson Tide will trip up this year, but it won't be this week. I'm taking Bama by 17.

Now that the playoffs have started, I'm sure that everyone has forgotten about Boston's historic collapse... NOT! Even if the Sox would have survived and made the playoffs, I'm not so sure they would have gotten past the first round. There pitching in September was just plain horrendous. I mean, they had two quality starts in the whole month! Now that it's over, Terry Francona has officially been fired as the Bosox Manager. Even if he didn't deserve to be fired, somebody had to pay for this one.

IDIOTS AND OTHER ASSORTED LOVE SONGS by ST

2011-09-29T13:18:00.000-07:00

In a poll on today's Dan Patrick show they asked which team you'd have preferred to root for this season the Red Sox or the Orioles. I almost fell over when 60% voted for Baltimore. Are you kidding me?? On Memorial Day the Birds were playing around .500 ball and just 4 1/2 behind in the East. By July 4th, 13 1/2 behind, pretty much dead in the water, but just 2 weeks later they're toast, 19 1/2 back. Season over! So 60% of people who are supposed to be sports fans actually like no shot? I don't buy it! Same poll, after letting a few days pass, it's gotta be 95% Bosox.
By the way, does anyone have the art of losing mastered quite like the Red Sox from an historical point of view? We've seen collapses and horrifying losses from half court heaves to hail mary's, but no one does it quite like them Bosox!
Interesting question to ponder for Duck football fans. What are your thoughts on the wide receivers? We knew coming in there were big shoes to fill with the departures of Jeff Maehl and D.J Davis. Most felt the burden would start with Lavasier Tuinei and Josh Huff then a bunch of unprovens had to capitalize on opportunity. Have they? Will they? Or, with the innovative offensive minds running the show, will they simply distribute the ball to pass catchers who don't necessarily carry the title "wide out"? Look forward to your thoughts.

MAKE NOTE DUCK FANS by ST

2011-09-27T11:34:00.000-07:00

Sometimes folks can be dismissive. Because of where my passions and loyalities lie when the subject of the Red Sox or perhaps Huskies surfaces, some who listen think I'm just rattling the cage. It's been the case as I love rivalries and good old theraputic sports hate. It doesn't mean that when I offer up an honest opinion you shouldn't listen. I've been harping for years that an element of those who are 'suddenly' huge Bosox supporters have set the bar at it's lowest point for fanaticism that I can recall. There are people who couldn't tell you the difference between a splitter and a curve that act like they were there when Yaz won the Triple Crown in 67 or still feel the pain of the 1978 collapse. It's the single biggest bandwagon in my 40+ years following sports and it's not even close. These clown have become arrogant, entitled and just because they've experienced a championship or two now consider it a birthright. You hear them burning up the Beantown airwaves with a flood of negativity, completely missing the point that they can still make the playoffs. Sound familiar? I'm calling out Oregon fans because you are following the same path. For years Red Sox fans detested the Yankees and their supporters who in their opinion had no appreciation for the consistent success that was enjoyed. 20 years ago Duck fans singled out Washington fans for many of the same traits they now put on display on a national level. Nothing worse than becoming what you despise. Be careful Oregon fans!
Lot of talk about Michael Vick and his treatment by defenders and officials. Gotta put aside your personal feelings and I'm nauseated by his mere existence much less knowing he still plays in the NFL. That said, he got hurt on a play that should have drawn a flag on tackle Chris Canty. His complaint he isn't protected like other quarterbacks is pure sour grapes. He doesn't act like other QB's. When he leaves the pocket, it's not in a protective mode. He's like a back carring the rock or a receiver on an end around. He's looking to make yards and not slide like just about every other quarterback we've seen since Steve Young retired. Defenders can not take a chance he's gonna pull it down and keep running. The guy is unique and must be defended differently.

MONDAY THOUGHTS by ST

2011-09-26T11:35:00.000-07:00

I'd love to see Denard Robinson transfer from Michigan to Notre Dame. Then we'd have the most overhyped, overrated player on the most overhyped, overrated team. Heck of a talent and a terrific runner, but he's an awful passer. They will never win big with this guy.
Does Arizona football ever come up big? Still the only team never to win the conference and play in the Rose Bowl. Any supporter of that program is crazy if they think Mike Stoops will put an end to that. He's a freaking clown act at this time and a mega-buffoon! His antics are downright disturbing. Seriously, would you send your child to play and learn from him at such a critical point in their life? That Cat defense is not good, particularly up front where they lost 3 via the NFL draft.
What a night for LeMichael James. Not only set some individual program records but has begun the climb up the historic conference charts. Charles White of USC is the leader well up ahead. With his 288 yard show in Tucson, LMJ now stands at 3890 with 8 games remaining this season, plus perhaps a Pac 12 title game and obviously a bowl game. I don't anticipate James being a Duck next year but a Sunday player. LeMike is now 6th on the all time league rushing list. Next in the cross hairs is Washington's Nap Kaufman at just over 41-hundred yards.
Hard to believe we have just tonight, tomorrow and Wednesday left in the MLB regular season. Right now I'm leaning towards Justin Verlander and Jacoby Ellsbury for AL MVP. I think Ryan Braun has it locked in the NL. The Cy Young awards should also be no brainers with Verlander and Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers.
Michael Vick was whining after yesterday's loss to the Giants. Says the refs don't afford him the same protection as other QB's. He doesn't run like anyone else at the postion. He never slides and has to be treated as a running back or other out of pocket ball carrier. Plus he lacks the size of Ben Roethlisberger or Jay Cutler who take some serious hits but are built to handle the pounding. Plus...well, you know!

BROKEN DEAL by ST

2011-09-20T11:17:00.000-07:00

Did my memory fail? Don't you recall after the 9-1-1 attacks there was a kind of unwritten deal in the sports media that we'd stop referring to ballplayers as brave or courageous for what they do on the field? Emergency responders were properly lauded. Then we went to war and it became more emphatic that soldiers showed real courage, not a QB standing in the pocket. Single moms and dads who bust their tails on a daily basis to raise children can be considered courageous. If I hear another knucklehead use that term in reference to Cowboy QB Tony Romo, I'm gonna lose it! The guy is tough, I'll give him that, but he's paid handsomely to be a football player. It's fun. It's entertaining. It's not life and death.
You guys hear the injury faking has now graduated to the next level? Now an uproar exists in the NFL for defensive player going down to hault an up tempo offense. Where have I heard this before? I'll be interested to see if the leauge issues some kind of mandate. Already today on national radio there are calls for keeping an "injured" guy out for at least that series.
Lot of talk about possible concerns regarding the Duck defense. I wouldn't use the term "concern" because I never felt the 2011 edition would measure up to last year's group this early in the season. I think the talent is there, but like the offensive line, it's gonna take time for guys to grow into and succeed in new roles with so much talent gone, in particular up front and at the linebacker position. We will learn much this week against the top passing attack Oregon will have faced to date by far in Tucson.

A DIFFERENT SWEET 16 by ST

2011-09-19T11:35:00.000-07:00

With football and baseball's pennant chase, my desire to watch golf these days is barely existent. I did throw an eye at what Lexi Thompson accomplished in Alabama on Sunday. She became the youngest ever to win an LPGA event taking the Navistar Classic. This was a pretty good field with elite players like Paula Creamer, Angela Stanford, Stacey Lewis and other's among the tour's Top 10 money winners. She's 16 years old. I loved her quote saying she'd dreamed of this her entire life. That's like an hour and a half. Brilliant!
As for the Duck romp, this was a lock. No one got hurt. I'm constantly amazed by fans who boo a program like Missouri State as they come out of the runway. Really? Treating the Bears as if they're a century long rival? The offense appears to be coming along with the line starting to gel which is nice. Defensively some have expressed concerns over yards, but as discussed last season and in recent years, it's difficult to gauge teams like Oregon. Texas Tech and others who push the pace so hard on offense leaving the "D" out there an inordinate amount of plays and time. I'll stick with wins and losses.
This time of year I gauge the weekend using certain variables, some constant while others just present themselves. Ducks and Jets win. Check! Yankees extended their lead in the AL East on the reeling Red Sox. Check. Huskies lose? Check. Darn, Notre Dame won. Still I'll grade out my happiness rating with an "A". Lot of NFL and the college picture to hit you up with when we roll with Crunchtime & SportsTalk this afternoon. Have a good one.

THANKS WARREN by ST

2011-09-15T11:36:00.000-07:00

Just heard Warren Sapp on the Dan Patrick show. They were discussing the issues surrounding his beloved UUUUU, those Miami Hurricaines who are playing the Violations Bowl this weekend against Ohio State. Sapp made a great point. ESPN forces a dunderhead like Lou Holtz on us. As a coach had sanctions levied against him at Minnesota, Arkansas and South Carolina but somehow sidestepped punishment despite a book written about his cheating at Notre Dame. Then they take the moral highground. What a freaking joke! Count me a member of the Warren Sapp fan club from this point forward.
Missoui State is taking a $440,000.00 haul for making the trip to Eugene. Back in 1979 my buddy's mom paid me $20 bucks and filled my tank with gas to pick up her son from Scranton University before Thanksgiving weekend. It was about a 5 1/2 hour round trip. I think the Bears are getting a much better deal.
Word from the coach is Josh Huff and Kenyon Barner took part in practice. Great news. Still doesn't mean they'll play. With some serious new talent, let's not forget how important having those 2 at full strength will be once conference play begins. Both guys bring an awful lot to the table and were important pieces to reaching the Natty last year. Sometimes fans get a bit enamored with the new toy and take some of the others they've enjoyed for granted.

WISH HE WAS SOMEONE ELSE by ST

2011-09-13T11:46:00.000-07:00

For many years we laughed at his antics. Viewed as perhaps the greatest right handed hitter in the American League since Joe Dimaggio, when he stepped outside logic say taking a quick whiz during a pitching change behind the Green Monster it was only Manny being Manny. Then the Mitchell Report came around, baseball started testing for performance enhancing drugs and suddenly he wasn't cute or quirky. Manny Ramirez was nothing short of a liar and a cheat. Multiple times. More than anyone. To a point where rather than accept a substantial suspension, he quit. Now word comes down he was arrested for domestic violence. Allegedly slapped his wife so hard she hit her head hard on their bed's headboard. She called 9-1-1 fearing the situation would get more dangerous. He was released from the clink this afternoon and ordered by the judge in the case not to contact his wife. Another dirt bag who will join Bonds, Rodriguez, Sosa, Clemens and McGwire with legendary statistics, but who will never, ever get a whiff of the Hall of Fame.
I've been hearing some commentators downplay the 517 yard, 4 touchdown performance of Tom Brady last night. The logic appears to be it was against the Dolphins so is it really a big deal. ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? It's an NFL defense. The guy was magnificent.
During the lockout, I don't recall one so called expert saying the league will become even more pass happy. We heard about the offense perhaps having an edge over the defense, but not this. Yes, it's week one, but I see a touch of college with teams just spreading the field and slinging it all over the yard to the open man. It's why New England is such a threat to post an elite record. They have a QB who can shoot it out with anyone.
Enjoy your Tuesday.

A BETTER WORLD by ST

2011-09-12T11:50:00.000-07:00

The heck with national security, the economy or healthcare. Oregon won big and that's all that matters right? No more imbeciles throwing up "Fire Chip Kelly" websites. We no longer have to hear about SEC superiority or how easy it is to figure the Duck offense with lot's of prep time. It's all kisses, autographs and sunglasses. They're in the top 15 with another bunny on the schedule. The joke is, the U of O can possibly sneak back into the top 10 for the start of conference play.
As a player, getting a real kick out of how that USC/Utah game ended and what it meant to the betting line. Trojans were anywhere between a 7 1/2 and 9 1/2 point favorite. It's 17-14 Southern Cal with the Utes lining up for the tying field goal on the final play. SC blocks it and returns it for a TD but get flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct when the sideline empties onto the field to celebrate. The game temporarily goes in the books as a 3 point Trojan win. Utah backers cash their tickets, game over! Or is it? About 2 hours later the Pac 12 announces that with the game over, the penalty should not have been allowed, the points are good, 23-14 final. Nevada and the illegal books around the country are thrown into turmoil. What if you ripped up that winning ticket? Those who already got their dough certainly are not giving it back. Officials estimate about half a mil was wagered legally but probably 10 times that with bookies around the country. Hysterical!
I guess you have to go back to 1996 to find Oregon State football in such a hopeless state. They'd gone 2 & 9 under Jerry Pettibone and handed the reigns to Mike Riley who brought some hope into 1997. This could get ugly because they don't have the patsy to guarantee a win as their other out of conference game is against a pretty solid BYU team. They have the bye before revving it up against UCLA. This is easily Coach Riley's most difficult situation since he returned from the NFL in 2003. Gonna be rough.

Back in the Saddle, by Casey Mitchell

2011-09-09T20:27:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you guys, but it's been pretty tough for me for the last week watching Sports Center and hearing about how Oregon could have just been overrated or how we just can't win a big game. We now have Kiko Alonso back at linebacker this week after he was suspended for an alcohol-related offense in late May. Oregon is also welcoming back cornerback and kick-returner, Cliff Harris. The way this season is shaping out is reminding me alot of 2009, with a big loss on a national stage, and tomorrows trap game against Nevada like Purdue in 2009. I think that James will break out tomorrow for a big game and DT will only throw half the attempts he threw last week. Oregon doesn't have to have a great game to win, we just need to be able to manage the game and not waste any opportunities. But when you turn the ball over 4 times in your own territory, it's gonna be tough to win a ball game any day of the week. Prediction -- Ducks 42 Wolfpack 24.

Terrelle Pryor, who is supposed to be suspended the first five games of the year, is appealing the ban. His former coach, Jim Tressel, is suspended for 7 games as the Colts gameday advisor. Only one thing is different.... Tressel can still secretly give Indianapolis advice, but it would be pretty darn tough for Pryor to sneak into the game without anyone realizing. If Pryor gets his appeal passed, wouldn't you think that Tressel could get back into the league. Regardless of what people are saying, getting back Tressel wouldn't be even in the same realm of importance to a football team as getting back Terrelle.

THE TRUE DEFINITION OF THAT "P" WORD by ST

2011-09-07T11:53:00.000-07:00

Sometimes a talented young player is tagged with POTENTIAL and it follows them for their entire career. The news of that horrifying plane crash which took the lives of just about the entire Russian hockey team reminded me of another frequently used "p" word, perspective. Folks up in arms because the Ducks lost to LSU, ripping on the coaches, the scheme and all things whiny, spoiled fans dwell on now seem even more petty in the wake of this tragedy. I really hate to fly and when news like this hits, I see the logic of John Madden even more. It's nitpicky for sure, but I was listening to that Cowerd fella working out this morning when the news hit and some names came to light of those who perished. One was Pavol Demitra who played for about a decade and a half in the NHL, scored 300 goals and was a 3 time all star. Cowerd claimed he'd never heard of him though P.D's career ended the season before last. Look, if you spent your entire career in Seattle, Eugene or another non-NHL town, fine. But this goofball has been national for many years now. Just proves he might be the least knowledgeable host of that kind of a show, maybe ever. If it's not the major story, program or franchise, he's got nothing. Makes me even more pleased to know the Cowboys will fall on their face because C.C picked them to have a great season. It was just over 10 years ago 10 people involved with the Oklahoma City basketball team perished in a crash. Makes you feel like you have no problems.

BECOMING WHAT YOU HATE by ST

2011-09-06T11:25:00.001-07:00

When I arrived in Eugene during the spring of 1990, I got to speaking with lot's of Oregon football fans. The program was on the rise after that 1st bowl appearance in the 89 Independence Bowl and excitement surrounded that year as Bill Musgrave was a senior. We know how things have progressed since. One common belief among fans was a contempt for those who supported Washington and Notre Dame. Arrogant. Entitled. A sense that having a successful, high level football program was a birthright rather than something earned or enjoyed. Well congratulations as a chunk of Duck fans have become just that. Pick a percentage. If this became a program that won their 8 or 9 games a season how many of those 59-thousand that pack Autzen would disappear and get back to spending Saturday's like they did prior to Oregon joining the nation's elite? I'd say 20% is not an unreasonable call. History shows that following strikes, dips in success and status altering conditions, about 1 in 5 jump off the bandwagon.
Way too much over analysis from the LSU loss. Tigers scored 5 touchdowns. One drive began on their side of the field. Any defense will wear down under those circumstance. Darron Thomas was not sharp and his receivers did not make one above average catch to bail him out. I don't care what the coaches or certain players said, not having Cliff Harris was a factor, especially in the punt return game. I thought Grassu, the new center, held up well but an experienced guy like Darrion Weems was off. In essence, Oregon simply did not put their best foot forward, yet had a shot with 7 1/2 minutes left and the ball. This team remains the favorite to win the Pac 12 and they should be. Don't get nuts over the Stanford route as that San Jose State team might be one of the 2-3 worst at the D1 level. Nevada did not play last week and will be a sacrificial lamb, then Missouri State follows. Those will be back to back romps heading into a bye. Everyone relax!

The Quack is Back, by Casey Mitchell

2011-09-01T21:19:00.000-07:00

Well it's official, we're only one day away from one of the biggest college football openers in years. All of the hype surrounding the off the field issues by both teams have really overshadowed the actual game on Saturday. It's now clear that Jordan Jefferson is not going to play in the game, but it's been said that his backup, Jarrett Lee, is just as good as Jefferson. They say that the only reason he wasn't already starting is because of his accuracy. In his 3 year career with the Tigers, he has thrown 17 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. Makes you think that if we had Cliff Harris for this game, we could really make him pay for a poor mistake. I think that one of the keys to the game is whether or not Darron Thomas can make good decisions when push comes to shove. The Ducks offense saw a tough SEC rush defense last year in the Natty when Auburn held them to only 75 yard on the ground. However, I think that we can manage LSU's defense a little better then we did Auburn's. On the other hand, Oregon's defense will really be tested, only returning 2 of their starting front seven from last year against a very physical Tigers rushing attack. Any way you slice it, it's going to be a great season opener that sets the tone for the rest of the year. Prediction-- Ducks 38 Tigers 34.

Panthers Rookie, Cam Newton, was named the starter after Carolina's loss to the Steelers. Newton was in on one drive and threw his first NFL touchdown pass and also had a 19 yard run. The Panthers ended this preseason at 1-3 and it seems to me that this will probably be another rebuilding year for Carolina. In baseball news, Justin Verlander is really making a case for an MVP run. He is now 20-5 with an ERA at 2.30, and also leads the league in strikeouts. Even when the Detroit Tigers have been struggling this year, Verlander has gone out and gave them a great performance every fifth day. He hasn't lost a game since mid July and went 5-0 in the Dog Days of August. If he continues to pitch this way, it will be hard for the voters to overlook him and all of is success.

EXCUSE ME?? by ST

2011-08-29T12:31:00.000-07:00

Do people actually pay attention? Does the word oblivious register? Did all those lemmings really follow their idiot leaders off a cliff? I'm saying no, no and yes. Have been listening to lot's of NFL talk and it's amazing how many people are talking about the Detroit Lions and the playoffs. Yes, for certain, cue up Jim Mora! It's the Freaking Lions. The Lions! Name another franchise who incites laughter aside from maybe the LA Clippers of the NBA like these clowns. Whoops, they did have a winning record as recently as 2000. Their last playoff victory was 20 years ago. The first Bush was still in the White House. I get that the NFL is the turnaround league and with the salary cap, the lockout and other factors, the odd can become routine. But Detroit? Matt Stafford missed 13 games last year. The year before as a rookie a mere 6. Guy is made of balsa wood until proven otherwise. Lot of assuming going on for those supporting the Motowners. Whoops, I did forget they're 3 & 0 in the exhibition season because that has true meaning. Stafford was even talking crap after beating the Patriots over the weekend. He says they're not making mistakes. Dude! Your franchise is a mistake. I'm thinking they're 1 & 3 before they host the Bears on October 10th. Now I'm actually rooting against them.
Tiger Woods used to dictate policy. When's he teeing off? Whose he playing with? Is he even playing in this tournament? Now in the wake of his personal plummet he'll play the Frys.com Open a bit south of his old stomping grounds at Stanford in early October. He's gotta get out there for sure and I'd be the first to applaud this decision, but it just goes to show where he is as we speak.
It's game week. It's a beautiful thing. Love this time of year!

Football News, by Casey Mitchell

2011-08-25T08:31:00.000-07:00

With the NFL regular season approaching, all eyes are on Peyton Manning and his neck injury. As most of you know, this off season, Peyton had his second neck surgery in two years. This year it isn't recovering as well as 2010. He is yet to play in a preseason game so far while last year he played in 3 of the 4 games. Having uncertainty about who will be the Colts starter in Week 1, with the youngster Curtis Painter not being able to produce, Indianapolis picked up veteran quarterback Kerry Collins. Collins retired during the off season but came out of retirement to be a potential backup to one of the best QBs in the league. Other veteran quarterbacks who were being considered by the Colts were Jake Delhomme and Marc Bulger Manning's streak of 227 consecutive starts, which is the 2nd longest streak in history, is in serious jeopardy. In his 12 year career he has never missed a start. The two time Pro-Bowler, Collins, isn't expected to carry the team to the playoffs. He just needs to manage a couple of games and keep the Colts focused until Manning comes back who I personally think is going to be the starter in Week 1 against the Texans in Houston. As all football fans know, Peyton Manning is a great quarterback whether you like him or not, and it would be a big loss to the Colts if he has to sit out for a couple of weeks.

LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson is under serious investigation involving a bar fight that injured for people. The reason this is becoming such a big deal in Oregon is because the Ducks play the Tigers in just a little over a week for the season opener. I know Duck fans have mixed emotions about who they want to play against, whether it's their best team (with Jordan Jefferson at QB) so we can prove to the nation that we're back or if we want a weaker LSU offense for an easier win. All I know is that if they are missing their star offensive player or not, we are still missing Cliff Harris, and that is still a big deal any way you slice it. One of the biggest College Football games this season could be tainted by bad choices of student athletes making stupid decisions.

SO IT'S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE MONEY? by ST

2011-08-24T11:59:00.000-07:00

Just finished a piece online about Angel's ace Jered Weaver signing a 5 year, 85 million dollar contract extension. He'd be a free agent after next season(2012). He's one of the games elite starters. Lead the AL in strikeouts last year and has the top ERA in the league thus far in 2011. He earned a total of about 1.2 mil his first 3 seasons in the majors after the Angels made him the 12th overall selection of the 2004 draft. In 2010 he pulled in about 4.3 million which got bumped to 7.4 million. He went against the advice of his agent Scott Boras who felt in the open market he might command somewhere in the neighborhood of 100 million bucks. Gotta love Weaver's reply. "If 85 million is not enough to take care of my family and other generations of families, then I'm pretty stupid, but how much money to you really need in life?". Reminds me of what Charlie Sheen's character asked Gordon Gecco in "Wall Street". Along the lines of how many yachts can you waterski behind?? Good stuff.
Are we really still talking about Tim Tebow and his spot in the Denver quarterback rotation? Since when do we give this much coverage to a 3rd stringer? We are aware that "other" quarterbacks have had to sit or not get a chance to play because their coaches felt another player was more capable and gave his club a better chance to win? What a crock!
You don't have to be Knute Rockne to get that if Peyton Manning is out for any period of time the Colts are dead, the NFL's version of a lottery team. Though I stand corrected because they did sign Kerry Collins as a back-up. Question? What the heck has Indy been doing the past decade? You really go into a season with so little faith in your QB depth chart you have to go for a retired player the minute the status of your starter is in doubt? Gotta fill Curtis Painter of Purdue, Dan Orlovsky(UConn) and Mike Hartline(undrafted fr Kentucky) with loads of confidence. Very odd situation for a very successful franchise.

A Week in Sports, by Casey Mitchell

2011-08-23T08:05:00.000-07:00

Preseason Rankings

In the latest college football rankings Oregon is ranked 3rd, only behind the Oklahoma Sooners and Alabama. We are in good position for a shot at the Natty but a few things will have to go our way. Oklahoma faces two top 25 teams in weeks 2 and 3 against #6 Florida State and #21 Missouri and Alabama is in the best conference in college football so I'm sure they'll slip up. Everybody is looking forward to the opening game against LSU on September 3rd. However, that won't be our only big test this season. We face Stanford in Palo Alto on November 7th and it will most likely have Division Championship implications, and you can't forget about USC and the always dangerous Civil War Game on November 26th. With the college football season inching closer, it's time for Duck fans to start getting excited.

Dominance

Detroit pitcher Justin Verlander picked up his MLB best 19th win lat night over Tampa Bay. Verlander gave up 1 run in 7 innings of work while striking out 8 batters. The Cy Young front runner has been lights out this season at 19-5 with a 2.28 ERA, and has won 8 of his last 10 decisions. Verlander has led his team to a commanding 5.5 game lead in the Central over Chicago and Cleveland. He also leads the League in strikeouts and is second in ERA behind Jared Weaver. If he can keep this up for the Tigers, watch out for them in the postseason

MORON AWARD CANDIDATES by ST

2011-08-22T10:17:00.000-07:00

The baseball season began with a near fatal beating of a fan at a Dodgers/Giants game in LA. This past weekend it was a shooting at a Niners/Raiders game in San Fran. In that game, another victim surfaced after getting beaten in the bathroom. Some feel alcohol is a factor and perhaps it's time to limit or "dry" out stadiums during sporting events. I'm a pretty big party guy and love to have a frosty, cocktail or glass of vino but don't tailgate and really never have. Obviously the past 3 years doing the pre & post game for the Ducks it wasn't possible but I was always confused about getting so lit you could barely remember the actual game. It happened to me once, the Stanford home game back in 95. I woke Sunday morning in a bit of a fog, remembered Oregon had lost, but was fuzzy on the details. I decided I was a total idiot to spend all that cash on tickets then forget about the main reason I was there. I can't imagine it will ever happend but I'd love to see a total ban on booze at all sporting events, or a very, very high tech minimum. Maybe a ticket could be broken into 3 segments. One gets you in and the other two mean 2 drinks. Easy question. The dumb ass drunk screaming obscenities, slurring their words and driving home after enhances the game how?? That clown is in a contest with the moron yelling "get in the hole" on every golf shot and a few other as the most worthless losers who attend ballgames. We will conduct a survey on Crunchtime & Sportstalk this afternoon.
Might be some serious problems for LSU as a quartet of players involved in that bar room brawl have hired a lawyer before they tell their side of the story to the cops. The focal point is starting quarterback Jordan Jefferson. Two of the other 3 have never seen the field. Back up offensive lineman Chris Davenport saw minimal action as a redshirt last season on the defensive side of the ball. FYI. By the way, if reports are true and these rocket scientists got into a fight because they were blocking a parking lot exit and someone beeped their horn, then they're in the mix for biggest moron of the week.

Off the Field Issues, by Casey Mitchell

2011-08-18T10:52:00.000-07:00

The U

I'm sure by now all of you have heard about the recent allegations surrounding the Miami Hurricane football program. Former Miami booster, Nevin Shapiro, who is now serving 20 years in prison claims he treated over 72 players to prostitutes, cars, money and other gifts from 2002 to 2010. Worst case scenario would be the death penalty. The only occasion the NCAA has given out a death penalty was to the SMU program. I don't think the punishment will be that harsh because the NCAA told SMU to stop giving players money, and what do ya know? They kept paying the players. Another big reason why this is such an issue is because they went through 5 coaches in the span of the reported improper benefits. The NCAA has said that all of the punishments have been laid out on the table, and Miami could receive any punishment possible. I don't think this problem will be going away any time soon.

Eligible

We could see Terrelle Pryor playing for another team in a matter of days. The NFL declared Pryor eligible for the Supplemental Draft, but he must sit the first five regular season games. The Draft was originally scheduled for the 17th but it will now take place on August 22nd. Pryor can play in the Preseason as soon as he is drafted and signs with his new team. One thing I'm sure that has Terrelle Pryor thinking of is that a QB hasn't been taken in a Supplemental Draft since 1992. But with all of the hype surrounding this decision by the NFL, I think he will be drafted. Pryor was suspended by the NCAA for accepting improper benefits, but compared to this Hurricane scandal, what Pryor did was just a dot on the radar screen

MIAMI MIGHT BE "NEXT ONE" by ST

2011-08-17T10:52:00.001-07:00

Let's take a trip back in time. Elementary school. It's getting close to Christmas or summer break, the class is getting restless and the teacher's patience is severely tested. Finally, Ms. Maschio loses it. The next one who steps out of line is going to be sorry. Ladies and gentlemen I give you Miami. The UUUUUUUU! Big time football programs have been running amok, breaking rules, thumbing their noses at the powers that be. USC got popped. Ohio State. North Carolina as well. You sense Mark Emmert and the big wigs sitting in their mahogany offices saying, "who's next"? Now they get a scandal that appears to be gift wrapped. No he said she said but documented violations that likely can't be denied. This is their chance to change the game. If the Caines don't get the death penalty, it should be close. Most of the horses have been out for a while, but that doesn't mean you don't shut the barn door to keep those left behind and send the proverbial message.
Eli Manning says he's in Tom Brady's class as far as elite quarterback. Some would spend time and effort rolling through numbers, won/loss records or various ratings. Not me. Dear Eli, NO YOUR NOT!
9 days ago I wrote there were 13 teams in the respective pennant races. It's now 12. The Cardinals have dropped out. They've allowed the Pirates to wreck their shot. The Brewers are gonna win that division. They have a 7 game lead. Their pitching will not let them collapse especially against a St. Looey team who lacks in many areas. RedBird fans can now start growing those worry lines about the fate of Albert Pujols who is a free agent when the regular season ends.

The World of Sports, by Casey Mitchell

2011-08-16T09:41:00.000-07:00

600 Club

Last years player who was chasing 600 was Alex Rodriguez, and it was all eyes on him for a couple of weeks, but Jim Thome had very little hype surrounding his pursuit. Coming into the game on Monday Thome had 598 homers on his record but in back-to-back at bats in the 6th and 7th innings, Thome became the 8th player to reach 600 home runs, and he reminded everybody why he is still a huge threat in baseball. He propelled his team to a 9-6 victory over the division leading Tigers. This season, Thome is batting .256 with 13 home runs and 43 RBI. The Twinkies however, are 10.5 games back sitting at 14 games under .500 with only about 40 games left in the year. For fans who watched Thome get #600, it was a great night for Minnesota baseball. You have to figure that this is going to be his last season in the majors, but you never know.

QB Competition

This Preseason in already to heat up in the battle for a starting job. A lot of teams are still uncertain who their number one guy will be this September. Carolina is still evaluating Jimmy Clausen and Cam Newton. I watched the Panther game last weekend and they both had their bright spots, but Cam Newton seemed a little uneasy in the pocket and Clausen was having trouble making the right decisions. Another team that is in a tight race is the San Francisco 49ers. Head Coach Jim Harbaugh said Alex Smith is the front runner but Colin Kapernick is right on his tail. Daunte Culpepper has been working out with the team for a about a week. Since being drafted 1st overall in 2005, Alex Smith has been a disappointment but he has gone through 3 different offensive coordinators. It will be interesting to see who will be starting for who on opening week.

MID AUGUST IS A BEAUTIFUL THING by ST

2011-08-15T11:43:00.000-07:00

Just about 40 games left in baseball's regular season, Ducks/LSU is 3 weeks from Saturday, great PGA Championship this weekend and the NFL is kicking into high gear. It's the time of the year where you feel the sports gods really love us.
I know the needle moves more with Tiger in there, but I didn't give him a 2nd thought on Saturday or Sunday as I focused on the guys who actually made it to the weekend. What more can you saw about the pressure of trying to finish a slam event late Sunday. Jason Dufner had played 15 thru 18 on Thursday thru Saturday in 3 under par with no bogeys. On Sunday he bogeyed 15, 16 and 17 before managing a par on 18 to force the playoff he'd lose to Keegan Bradley. Bradley, by the by, is the nephew of LPGA Hall of Famer Pat Bradley who won the career Grand Slam as a player. This was the kid's 1st major and now of course the knuckleheads will try to figure out when he's going to catch Jack as the greatest player ever like they did with Rory.
Usually when a story is scrolling and making the rounds, I'm all over it as I think it could surface as a topic for either Crunch Time or SportsTalk but if you heard me late Friday, I wasn't buying on the Texas A & M to the SEC. We might not be aware, but A & M/Texas is one of the great rivalries in all of sports. It's Lone Star State big. Was kind of surprised this had the legs it did. Much ado about nothing. ZZZZZZ! Enjoy your Monday.

GAMES ON by ST

2011-08-12T11:29:00.000-07:00

I'm sure giving my web surfing talents and connectivity a workout. Right now I have the PGA on the TV, Dan Patrick on the studio monitor and 3 different internet windows open. I've actually been reviewing night one of the NFL exhibition season. I look forward to sharing what I've learned about the Arizona receiving corps, Raven's Oline, and what to make of Denver.
I heard Stephen A Smith sitting in for Colin Cowherd this morning. Could the guy have any less knowledge and still thrive in this business. Was making a point about Ryan Mallet, the back up QB to Tom Brady in New England. Said don't get too excited about his performance because once upon a time Matt Cassel stepped in for an injured Brady, played well and we haven't heard from him in years. WHAT!!! The guy was the starter for the Chiefs last season and took them to the playoffs. Smith should stick to screaming his uninformed opinion about hoops. What a joke.
As New York closer Mariano Rivera has struggled this week with 3 consecutive awful performances I've been asked what this means. Easiest question ever. He's suddenly mortal or slipping and they're dead in the water for 2011. Yanks win 2 ways. Bash you into submission with their lumber or get to Mo to shut the door in the 9th. There is no plan B. They have just 5 complete games because the starting is shaky.
It's been just 3 holes but Tiger looks like his troubles are not going away but he will for the weekend. Bunker off the tee on #1 but he makes a save. Then on #3 he's sitting mid-fairway with an 8 iron and has to make a testy 4 footer for par. He's even, but has to go low, like 66 to make the cut. It's 11:38 am right now, let's see how the prediction turns out.

Back From The City, by Casey Mitchell

2011-08-11T10:50:00.000-07:00

Arrived back from San Francisco last night and I am proud to say the Giants have never lost on my birthday while I'm in the park. Madison Bumgarner threw 7 spectacular shutout innings and the Giant offense erupted for nine hits and six runs. The only thing that could have made it better would have been a Brian Wilson save opportunity, but hey, I'll take a 6-0 win any day of the week. While watching the game, fans also kept an eye on the out of town scoreboard. When we saw the Astros leading the D-Backs 7-1 we were pretty excited, but Arizona clawed there way back into the game and ended up winning 11-8. I guess you can never rely on Houston for helping you out. The Pirates ended up taking the series, and due to San Francisco's latest struggles they are now half a game back in the West. If the Giants want to get take a hold of this race, they need to heat up on this road trip against the Marlins, Braves and Astros. With the Middle of August here, and Preseason closer than ever, next week will be covering the upcoming NFL season and of course Duck Football right around the bend.

BELIEVE ME ON THIS ONE by ST

2011-08-10T11:33:00.000-07:00

Just read the ESPN experts poll on the early favorites for this season's Heisman Trophy. Stanford's Andrew Luck is out front with Oklahoma QB Landry Jones a sort of close 2nd. Oregon's LeMichael James is 3rd. I'm not dismissing that trio but I didn't see Darron Thomas on the list which went 11 deep. Here this now for the 1st time. DT is going to New York as a finalist. LMJ is a magnificent college back but I don't see him duplicating last season. Kenyon Barner will have a more substantial role and with the line needing to gel, Thomas will be throwing more. If you've read in between the lines, I think Chip Kelly has said as much. DT was off the charts as a rookie and his demeanor since Auburn shows me a guy who has merely scratched the surface. When the dust settles and he is walking off the field after Oregon's Bowl game for the 2012 season, we will have to re-work the all time QB list and work from D.T. down. MARK MY WORDS!
Please read the story about the employees from Earnhardt Racing who got busted for trafficking weed. One of the guys was described as a front tire changer. Wow! That's specific and obviously he can't handle the rear. Just struck me as funny.
Great night in the big league's last night despite some misery for fellow Yankees fans. As the old catch phrase sung, "pennant fever, catch it"!

Live from the Bay, by Casey Mitchell

2011-08-09T09:14:00.000-07:00

I'm in San Francisco for a few days celebrating my birthday, and watching a couple of Giants games. Last year when I was here, the Giants swept the hated Dodgers and that was when they were still in 3rd place and 7 games back. After a rough skid San Francisco is still leading the D-Backs by half a game in the West. Arizona has really missed their chance losing 7 of their last 12 at the same time the Giants have lost 9 of 11! I know that San Francisco's offense looks bad on paper, but trust me it's even more miserable in person. Like the program salesman at AT&T Park said, "We just need to relax and have fun..." While we're in the City, I'm going to enjoy the great weather and outstanding garlic fries, but it would be even more enjoyable if the Giants were to win today. The Pirates ended their 10 game skid last night on a beautiful day at the Park. Vogelsong gave up 5 runs in 5 innings of work and as usual, you can't win ballgames when you're putting up a goose egg on the scoreboard day in and day out. We now rely on the youngster Madison Bumgarner, and hopefully a revived Giants offense to put an end to this madness once and for all!

MLB News, by Casey Mitchell

2011-08-04T10:35:00.000-07:00

Wild West

The two team race between the Giants and D-Backs in the NL West is really heating up. Coming into yesterday they were tied for first place, but behind Ryan Vogelsong and an awakened San Francisco offense, the Gigantes managed to salvage a game in the series, and are now alone in first place. Before yesterday. San Fran was on a 5 game skid while Arizona was 8-2 in their last 10 games. Prior to the trade deadline, the Giants made a couple of big moves to get Carlos Beltran and Orlando Cabrera. Since coming to the bay, Beltran has gone 8 for 30 with 2 RBIs in 7 games. It's a deadly back to back punch with Pablo Sandoval in the 3 hole and Beltran batting cleanup. As for Arizona, they are in for a pretty easy home stand vs. the Dodgers, Astros and Mets. This close race is sure to heat up in the dog days of August.

Fading

With everyone thinking that the Pirates had a chance to pull it off and win their division, they just can't seem to rise to the occasion. Pittsburgh has lost 6 straight and 11 of their last 13 games. They are now 7 games out after being tied for the division lead. I just don't see them catching up to a red hot Brewers club who has won 8 of their last 10 games. Unless they can go on a mad rally, this season is out of reach for the Buccos. I'm sure they enjoyed the ride while it lasted.

A Comeback?

Last years phenom, Stephen Strasburg. was expected to miss the entire 2011 season due to Tommy John surgery, but he has been working hard and is set to pitch in a Minor League outing on Sunday. This is just the first step in his Minor League assignment, but we could see Strasburg pitching in DC by late August. If he can make a comeback it would be good for the fans, the Nats, and good for baseball.

A MAGIC ANWER? by ST

2011-08-03T11:46:00.001-07:00

When the Willie Lyles story broke, then took root and the University responded by saying they can't comment I said the most hopeful Oregon fans were leaning on the answer that would make the situation disappear without harm. Recent information courtesy of a blogger named Scott Reed of Duck Sports Authority shows Lyles may have over valued his role in the decision by Lache Seastrunk to pick the Ducks. Looks like the woman who pretty much helped raise Lache says he was not a mentor and many in the family actually thought Lyles preferred Seastrunk go to LSU or USC. This would go a long way to alleviate the worst fears around the program. The 2nd major issue is why did they pay 25-thou for info that appears to be no where in that neighborhood value wise. On today's show we will hear a nice chunk of an interview Reed did on Portland radio.
Got my Phil Steele preview magazine. This is the 10th year I've considered it's arrival the official beginning to college football season. Information is power. He loves the Ducks. Rates both of their lines higher than I did and truth be told, above what I've heard from most Oregon fans. Thinks they'll win the division and the 1st ever Pac 12 title game. Cracks me up because now Duck fans love him as opposed to some years when he perhaps didn't have the U of O footballers where some would have preferred. Fans are criminally insane! It's a beautiful thing.

Heating Up, by Casey Mitchell

2011-08-02T00:52:00.000-07:00

Calling it Quits

After 13 seasons and 7 Pro Bowl selections, Randy Moss decided to retire on Monday morning. During his career Moss played for four different teams (Vikings, Raiders, Patriots and the Titans). His 153 touchdowns is tied with Terelle Owens for the second most all-time, behind only the great Jerry Rice. He also holds the second most 100-yard games with 64. Moss, in his prime, could arguably be the best deep threat to ever play the game. His career consisted of many ups and downs, like his two down years in '05 and '06, but won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year in '07 with New England. Randy Moss tried very hard this offseason as a free-agent to prove all of his "doubters" wrong, but apparently the physical toll was just to much to handle. He was a human highlight-reel, but I hope we're not in for another Brett Favre story.

Out for the Year

Red Sox pitcher Clay Bucholz could be out for the season with a fracture in his lower back, the team reported to ESPN on Monday night. He was moved from the 15-day DL to the 60-day DL. Bucholz has done good for the Sox this year, posting a 6-3 record with a 3.48 ERA. So far this season, the Red Sox are lighting it up with an AL leading 66-41 record, and a team batting average of .281 which leads the majors. Let's see if they can continue their hot streak into this August.

Dream Team?

The Philadelphia Eagles have been very busy during this free-agent signing period, and have recently been called "This decades Dream Team." They've picked up Nnamdi Asomugha, Vince Young, Cullen Jenkins and more. To get into their full force, they are going to have to get their star receiver, DeSean Jackson, to end his holdout for a more pricey contract. It is expected to end soon because the Eagles are set to fine him $30,000 for every day he does not participate in. They will need every weapon they can get if they are going to start the dynasty everyone is expecting them to have.

Around the Horn, by Casey Mitchell

2011-07-28T10:22:00.000-07:00

No-Hitter

Ervin Santana was lights out for all nine innings on Wednesday, with allowing no hits and one run via wild pitch. Santana's no-no was the first solo no-hitter by an Angels pitcher since 1984. He allowed only two people to reach base from a walk and an error. Santana became the third player this year to toss a no hitter. Los Angeles won the game 3-1, and they now hold the record for the most no-hitters in American League history with nine. The Angels have improved to 57-48 this season, and is now only 2 games back of the Rangers for the division lead. The AL West is now an exciting two team race that I am excited to follow.

Streak Snapped

Before Seattle's 17 game losing streak, they were 43-43 and only 2.5 back of the division lead. On Wednesday, the Mariners won their first game since July 5th over the Yankees by a 9-2 margin. Seattle is now sitting at 14.5 games back with a 44-60 record. I know that Mariner fans thought this might be the year, but it just wasn't meant to be. Hopefully they can make some off season moves and compete for a shot in 2012.

Beltran to the Bay

After a victory over the Cincinnati Reds, Carlos Beltran told his teamates in the locker room that he was heading to San Francisco. Beltran has expressed his happiness that he is going to play for a contender this year. this year Beltran is hitting .289 with 15 homers and 66 RBIs. The Giants need a big bat in the lineup along with Pablo Sandoval to compliment their great pitching staff. I'm sure Giants fans are ready to see a little more runs being scored this August.

OWNERS STINK AS GM'S & REPLAY PLEASE by ST

2011-07-27T10:16:00.000-07:00

With the lockout settled, the Cowboys cut receiver Roy Williams. Been in the league 7 yrs, had one high caliber season. Dallas owner Jerry Jones who convinced himself he's a quality general manager, pulled the trigger on the deal getting Williams from Detroit in the middle of the 2008 season. They gave up 3 draft picks. I'm constantly amazed by people who have success in one field and think it carries over to another. Jones had success when a brilliant football mind, Jimmy Johnson, was running his franchise. It's been limited since. In case you wondered, they've won a single playoff game since the horses like Aikman and Emmit Smith retired. That's on Jones. As a lifelong New York fan and Dallas hater, ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Lot of talk about last night's unsettling ending to Pirates/Braves. 19th inning. Play at the plate. The runner, Julio Lugo was out by a mile but umpire Jerry Meals called him safe. How a pro official could miss this call is obscene. It's why baseball needs replay. Save the purist crap. American society is, in essence based on replay. It's why we don't make an arrest and hang the alleged culprit on the spot. We REVIEW the facts and render a decision. At this point, I find anyone on the other side of this debate a fossil stuck in the moron's paradise! Just as key, Atlanta's stud catcher, Brian McCann went on the DL after a throw to 2nd caused a strained back.
FYI....check out the front page of this website to hear parts one and two of Chip Kelly's segment during yesterday's Pac 12 media day in LA. Enjoy!

Football News, by Casey Mitchell

2011-07-26T09:47:00.000-07:00

NFL Lockout

After many days of ups and downs in the NFL Lockout, the owners and the Player Association finally agreed on a 10 year deal. The 4.5 month work stoppage was the longest in the leagues history. Now we can focus on the upcoming football season and free-agency. The Hall of Fame Game between the Bears and the Rams on August 7th was officially canceled, but the pre-season and the regular season schedule has not been altered due to the lockout. Beginning today starting at 10 a.m., teams can start making trades and talking with free agents, but no player can officially sign with a team until Friday at 6 p.m. So until 2021, the National Football League will be full of, well, FOOTBALL! Now that it is all worked out, fans can look forward to some games in about a month.

The Saga Continues?

With Kevin Colb no longer an Eagle, they are in search of a backup QB to Michael Vick. A few names have been tossed around including BRETT FAVRE? That's right, Philidelphia has stated that they would love to get Favre as a backup for one more year. Michael Vick tweeted, "I would be honored to have Favre as my backup." Brett Favre's agent says all this talk is just speculation, but he didn't say Favre has dismissed the possibility of coming back for his 21st season. If he were to come back to the game, a backup to Vick would be the perfect gig. Unless an injury takes place, Favre would probably only come in late game blowouts. I'm sure we haven't heard the last of this story.

SO FAR SO GOOD by

2011-07-26T09:20:00.000-07:00

So the Pac 12 Media picks Oregon to win the new conference in football. Pretty substantial too. 29 first place votes to 13 for Stanford for the division followed by Washington, Oregon State, Cal & Wazzou. In the South they like USC easily over Arizona State. Utah, Arizona, UCLA and Colorado come next in that order. The Ducks got the edge, 28 to 11 over the Cardinal to win the inagural Pac 12 title game. Now all we have to do is play those pesky games and get this done.
On SportsTalk today, lots of sound from media day.

Ticking Clocks, by Casey Mitchell

2011-07-21T10:11:00.000-07:00

Trade Deadline

Trade DeadlineWith the MLB trade deadline approaching, I think it's time to talk about who's going to go where, and if that will be enough. Big names like Jose Reyes have been thrown out there, but the Mets have already stated that they are not going to deal Reyes anytime soon. Colorado's Ubaldo Jimenez has already been offered to the Yankees, but New York didn't like the deal the Rockies were offering. I think the AL East would be a good fit for Jimenez because he is 2-0 with a 3.39 ERA in three career starts against the East. One rumour that has been buzzing around the Bay Area is the possibility of Carlos Beltran joining the Giants. San Francisco is still waiting for last years breakout player, Andres Torres, to get right back into the swing of things. So far Torres is hitting .235 with only 3 big flies. However, Torres in hitting .306 in the month of July and .346 in the last seven days. Among other teams, the Boston Red Sox have also showed interest in Beltran, but the asking price is way to rich for their blood.

In Other News

With the NFL lockout getting closer and closer to being resolved, the Hall of Fame game is right around the corner being only 17 days away. On Wednesday Roger Goodell said "We'll see. It's getting tight." Its going to be a challenge. Both the owners and the Player Association have agreed that they both want to workout at least a 10 year deal.... After 13 majors in 12 years Tiger Woods dismissed his caddie, Steve Williams. Woods hasn't won a major since 2009. He hasn't said who will be his next caddie, or when he will get back to playing golf. Hopefully Woods can go back to his winning ways.

Sporting News, by Casey Mitchell

2011-07-19T10:31:00.000-07:00

Duck Preview

With August right around the corner, it's time to get into some Ducks Football. With all of the turmoil surrounding Oregon's recruiting issues, hopefully the upcoming Pac-12 season will over shadow the allegations in Eugene. As most of you know the Ducks open against LSU at Cowboy Stadium on September 3rd. The big question is if the absence of Cliff Harris in the secondary will have the Tigers capitalize on our weak spot. Last season LSU scored only 29.3 points per game but in return gave up only 18.2. If Oregon can get by the Tigers they open up conference play in Tuscon vs. the Arizona Wildcats. The Ducks' goals somewhat change to just win the North division and play for a spot in the Rose Bowl.... That is if they can't get themselves back in the Natty.

14th Inning Stretch

On Sunday I watched the Red Sox and the Rays compete in a 16 inning affair in an AL East showdown. The game was scoreless through 15 innings which was the third longest scoreless game in history. The game was so long that they even had a 14th inning stretch. No joke.It was surprising to me that Tampa Bay was even in the game after they walked 11 people in 15 innings. Dustin Pedroia gave the Sox the go-ahead run in the 16th, and that was all they needed after a 3 up 3 down home half the mighty Rays offense produced.

Ireland Dominance

After Darren Clarke won the British Open, Rory McIlroy tweeted " Northern Ireland... Golf Capital of the World!! " The last three major event have all been won by Northern Ireland natives, Graeme McDowell, Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke. Clarke won the Open by 3 strokes over Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson at 5 under. Rory ended the tournament at +7. Once again, it shows that without Tiger in the sport there is no dominating player in golf... Only a dominating country. I guess McIlroy's dad will have to wait another year to cash in on his bet.

ACTUAL SPORTS by ST

2011-07-18T10:03:00.000-07:00

It was one of the most confusing weekends I can recall. The focus from the world of sports was SPORTS! What was happening on the pitch, the diamond or the course ruled. No rants against the NFL commissioner, no worrying about who isn't playing in the All Star game or off field nonsense. I know issues outside the scoreboard surfaced(Cedric Benson), but it was about some terrific action and entertainment. I also loved the fact that the relatively secondary sports captured us. Let's face it, prior to 2 weeks ago, how many members of the US Women's soccer team could you have named? Golf fans know Darren Clarke, but the casual fan in this country probably weren't familiar with our new British Open champ. Throw in some outstanding performances in MLB by guys named Daniel Hudson and Josh Reddick and the 'newness' feeling was dynamite!
Just read that Nolan Ryan, current president of the Texas Rangers was rushed to the hospital with heart issues. Gotta send out our best wishes to Mr. Express. Terrific baseball man who is sick and tired of how organizations baby young pitchers. He, along with ESPN's outstanding analyst Orel Hersheiser are pushing to alter this approach from high school on up. Nollie underwent a major bypass procedure about 11 years ago and apparently has a family history of troubled tickers. Enjoy your Monday.

HERE'S TO KEVIN BACON by ST

2011-07-15T12:28:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love playing that game about 6 degrees of seperation which for some reason involved actor Kevin Bacon? You mention a guy and try to make a connection within 6 steps. I was thinking of this after the news of the Clemens mistrial and the recent suspension of outstanding ESPN writer Bruce Feldman. Stick with me.
The Clemens proceedings ended because the judge would not allow certain testimony which could lead jurors to find Roger guilty via association with other juicers. In the Feldman case, he was suspended by ESPN for his role in the intriguing book by Mike Leach who was dismissed as Texas Tech football coach. He allegedly mistreated Adam James, the son of ESPN analyst Craig James. Turns out Adam is a typical rich kid, entitlement plan punk. Craig comes off as a helicopter dad, always hovering, trying to get in the coaches ear to get his mediocre(at best) son some playing time. I'm sure coaches at all levels are just dying to get mom & dad's input on how to do their jobs. I'm calling out James using my guilt by association theory. He was one of the top guns at SMU when the Mustang players were getting wads of cash & perks which eventually led to the NCAA doling out the death penalty. Turns out Feldman has been reinstated by ESPN, but shame on them regardless. This was a complete and total disgrace!

The Sizzling Central, by Casey Mitchell

2011-07-13T22:51:00.000-07:00

What is shaping up to be the best divisional race in baseball is the race in the NL Central with St. Louis, Milwaukee, Cincinatti, and even the Pirates are in it! All four teams are separated by only four games. With a share of the division lead, the Brewers made a big move on Tuesday to get Francisco Rodriguez from the Mets. This season K-Rod, who is only 29, has 23 saves with a 3.16 ERA. Rodriguez will probably be used as a setup man for the Brew Crew because they already have a very good closer in John Axford. As for the Cardinals, Albert Pujols is batting .300 since coming off the DL and is now hitting .280 with 18 homers and 50 RBIs. They will be tested the next couple of weeks with 5 of their next 6 series' are against division opponents. If you would have told me five months ago that the Pirates would be one game back at the All-Star break, I would have told you that you were going loco! I mean, come on, the Bucs. Really? Their schedule gets pretty tough soon so we'll see if they fade or not. However, they do have the 5th best team ERA in the National League at 3.44. When it's all said and done, i do think that the Red Birds will win the division thanks to the power of Pujols, and the resurgent Lance Berkman. I'm looking forward to following another great second half of baseball.

After Seth Meyers was done cracking jokes about Brian Wilson's beard and how the Heat didn't show up, I found the ESPYS to be a very enjoyable award show. I think Dallas was obviously the best team this year. One result I didn't agree with was Jimmer Fredette winning the Male College Athlete when it was hands down Cam Newton who should have won the award. Other than that I think the voters got it all right.

TEAM USA AND A NUTTY STEELER by ST

2011-07-13T11:05:00.000-07:00

Just watched the American women finish off France 3-1. The game saver from Saturday, Abby Wambach knocked in a header to make it 2-1 late, then the youngest player on the squad, Alex Morgan made a sweet run & goal to ice it. Team USA is vying to become the 1st team ever to lose a match and win the Women's World Cup. I'm guessing ESPN is having a new poll and this will replace Christian Laetner's catch and shoot to beat Kentucky as the 10th most dramatic moment in sports history.
I read the piece about the Steelers James Harrison rant in the magazine "Men's Journal". Tore into the commissioner, ripped his quarterback, top running back then of course, backed off and said the reporter twisted his words. Right! I could care less what this clown thinks but I love when these guys put their ignorance on display. Harrison called Roger Goodell a puppet and a dictator. Yo! Dude! Pick one. Can't have both. Guess he failed both sociology and history at Kent State. And of course to cement the fact he's a witless child, had to throw in the gay slur.
Back in the day(when exactly is that?), Joe Namath wrote a book titled "I Can't Wait Till Tomorrow Cause I Get Better Looking Every Day". Well, I'm looking forward to Thursday so we can get a full slate of major league baseball and the start of the British Open. Yay!

A Giant Story, by Casey Mitchell

2011-07-12T09:58:00.000-07:00

At the end of last year a lot of people thought that the Giants pitching staff couldn't be any better and their hitting couldn't be any worse.... Well, those people are wrong. At the All-Star break last year San Francisco had a team batting average of .254 and a team ERA of 3.59, this year their batting average is .243 and their ERA is 3.19. In 2011 the Giants are sending Brain Wilson, Matt Cain, Pablo Sandoval, Tim Lincecum, and Ryan Vogelsong to Arizona for the All-Star Game. That's five people compared to sending only two people last year ( Tim Lincecum and Brian Wilson). After being drafted in 1998 and spending three years in Japan, an injury to Barry Zito landed Vogelsong a spot on the Giants starting rotation. In 2010 Vogelsong admitted he was ready to call it quits, and he thought he would be nothing more than just a Minor League pitcher. After sticking with it and not giving up, he is 6-1 with a 2.17 ERA in 91.1 innings of work. If Vogelsong had pitched 92 innings he would qualify for the 2nd best ERA in the Majors. In an interview on Wednesday about being an All-Star he said, " I feel like I belong here.... My teammates have always picked me up when I was down, and that's the reason I'm here." Hopefully Vogey can get a World Series Title to go along with his All-Star appearance!

With Deron Williams heading to Europe if the NBA lockout doesn't get settled, I feel like this could be a sign of what is to come for the NBA. Kobe Bryant has still not commented on whether or not he would be willing to travel overseas this fall to play basketball somewhere else, but Dwayne Wade has stated that he is open to playing in another country for this upcoming basketball season. Makes me wonder if the other 2 will join Wade and could win 4, 5 or maybe even 6 Championships in Turkey? It's possible. Players like Amare Stoudemire have already said, the only place they will be playing basketball this year is in America. So how about they just settle the lockout and none of this will matter come this November.

A MILESTONE, MORALS AND OVER THE TOP by ST

2011-07-11T11:10:00.000-07:00

Lot of talk about what any of us would have done if Derek Jeter's 3000th hit via homer landed in your lap. It's easy to sit here as a lifelong Yankees fan and huge DJ fan and say I would have given it back. Hmmm. So you're telling me it's value would pay off my mortgage? From a small amount of equity to outright ownership pushing the net worth of my wife and I about 2 1/2 times what it is now? Hypothetically we all do the right thing, would the reality be different?
Regardless, how about Jeets going yard as part of a 5 hit day that not only included #3k but the game winning knock in the 8th. Sweet. I'll make a case that he's on the all time, all time list, all sports.
If I hear another broadcaster or media type lump the US Women's thrilling victory in the World Cup on Sunday in with things like The Miracle on Ice or even the Women's 99 World Cup championship, I'm going to lose it. People! It was a quarterfinal game. Terrific, entertaining, clutch, but it gets them to the semi's. Jeez!
So Pac Man Jones got arrested again. Claims he was innocent. Is he the all time "boy that cried wolf" athlete? It's never his fault. This chucklhead is one of those people who never gets that THEY are the common denominator in all the troublesome situations that consistently happen in their lives. My favorite story was when he was about to meet with the commissioner after being involved in a strip club melee that led to a shooting and a man getting paralyzed, he was told to stay out of those places. So he's in New York the night before the meeting and went to a strip club. Told reporters he wanted to get something to eat. Right. In Manhattan you usually head for the sleazy bars for a great meal. What a loser!

THE PROPER PATH? by ST

2011-07-08T11:22:00.000-07:00

Word has hit that Ohio State is now vacating all it's wins from last year for using ineligible players. They've also offered up a 2 year probation period which means harsher penalties should any additional wrongdoing occur. This is their final way of offering up a sacrificial lamb into the volcano to appease the Gods or throwing themselves on the mercy of the NCAA court. Let's review the checklist. Fire the coach. Suspend the players. Erase the wins. Impose probation. Now we see if the powers that be buy it or hit them with the infamous "lack of institutional control".
In a stunning development, Will Lyles showed up again. Today it was an article by Joseph Duarte of the Houston Chronicle. Says his recruiting business is toast and he's been turned down for jobs outside of football for being unethical. Regardless of the Oregon role in all this, if HE broke the rules, cry me a river.
Derek Jeter is now just 2 hits shy of the magical 3000 hit mark. I was kicking around the most appropriate manner it should happen. The classic inside out swing for a knock to right field. A rope in the gap for a stand up double. Legging out an infield hit deep in the hole at short. Or will he go against the grain and take the pitcher yard in a big situation keeping alive his tradition of doing whatever is necessary to help the Yanks win??
Been a year since the idiotic made for TV Lebron James decision. I saw a poll ask if he made the right choice leaving Cleveland. Really? Got within 2 wins of a title and that's even a question. Please! Enjoy the weekend.

All Star Break,by Casey Mitchell

2011-07-07T10:48:00.000-07:00

Heading into the All Star break, there have been many surprising teams, breakout players, and dissapointments. One of the surprising teams this year has been the Milwuakee Brewers. The Brewers have three All Stars in firstbaseman Prince Fielder, outfielder Ryan Braun and second baseman Rickie Weeks that are all heading to Arizona for the All Star Game. Their pitching staff is led by Sean Marcum, who is 7-3 with a 3.29 ERA and a WHIP of 1.11.
One of the breakout players this year is Cleveland's Asdrubal Cabrera. Cabrera is batting .292 with 14 homers, and is playing very well in the field with only 5 errors commited in 348 total chances giving him a .968 FPCT. Cabrera has at times put the Indian Offense on his back and carried them when nobody else was getting the big hits. He has led his team into first place in the AL Central.
A dissapointing team this year has been the Minnesota Twins. Even though Joe Maur was hurt for quite sometime, one person shouldn't be able to decide whether a team is in first place or in last place. Minnesota has a team batting average of .243 and their team ERA of 4.32 is the third worse in the American League. It's been a great first half of the baseball season and there is still more exciting baseball to come!

With College Football right around the corner, there are a lot of questions in the minds of Pac-12 fans out there. With Harbaugh out at Stanford, can Andrew Luck lead the team back to another BCS Bowl Game? If Luck is the most valuable player in the nation like everyone is saying, this should be a good year for the Cardinal. I know that I would like to know if Cliff Harris can come back right after the LSU game, or if there is going to be any sanctions on the Oregon Football Program. I guess only time can tell....

Local Stories,by Casey Mitchell

2011-07-05T10:44:00.000-07:00

Now I know not too many people here are huge Minor League Baseball fans, but I spent the evening at PK Park last night and got a chance to check out the Eugene Ems play. To my surprise, the place was packed for both the game and the fireworks show afterwards. At 16-2 the Emeralds have the best short-season record in the nation. When I was checking out the batting averages for all of the players I realized that they only had a couple of guys who could really hit, and the rest were hitting around .220, but they get hits when they need them and they have good pitching. Riding a 13 game winning-streak, if the Ems win tonight they will have the longest winning-streak in Northwest League history. I know it must feel great to the players to see the park packed with people, and actually hear the place get loud once they record the final out. So if you can, get out to the ballpark and catch a couple of games. It's a blast!

Chip Kelly and the Ducks are going through a lot of controversy these days. With all of the allegations surrounding LaMichael James, Lache Seastrunk and Willie Lyles, some people believe that come September Chip Kelly will not be the head coach for the Oregon Ducks. I am not one of those people, however I do think that some sort of trouble is coming our way because this is a much worst violation than a petty tattoo scandal. At the end of the day, our focus should be on football, and winning the first Pac-12 title.

INCORRECT RANKINGS? by ST

2011-07-01T09:43:00.000-07:00

With his semi-final victory at Wimbledon, Novak Djokovic has climbed to the top of the world tennis rankings. This just in. The best player on earth, bar none is Raffy Nadal. The world golf and tennis rankings have now pulled alongside quarterback rating as the most annoying, meaningless numbers in sports. Money on the table, all things equal, who you betting on?
Here in the Big Apple obviously the huge story is Mets/Yanks for the weekend, another subway series if you will. They're treating Jose Reyes like he's the 2nd coming. Guy has put together a sweet season, but it's a contract year and if we've learned anything in this era of free agency, do NOT evaluate a player based on his top statistical performance. Reyes is really good, end of conversation. They throw big dollars at him and the franchise gets set back another few years. The New York Mets do not succeed when they play Yankee or Red Sox ball and try to improve the club via that method. From Shea Stadium to their current home at Citi Field, the Mets win when they come at you with home grown pitching, defense and a team designed around a spacious, hitter hating ball yard. They can supplement with the occasional trade or mid level free agent, but when they throw money to fill holes, it fails. From Bobby Bonilla to Johan Santana, it just doesn't work out.
Read that the newcomer to the temporary upper crust of the PGA, Robert Garrigus, copped to smoking weed during his early days as a pro on the Nationwide Tour. Naturally in this day of bus tossing, he added that lot's of guys sparked up. This was before drug testing. So we're supposed to be surprised that young guys getting their first taste of big dollars, on the road, playing a game partied a bit. Stunning!
It's my last posting until we return to the Pacific Northwest for Tuesday's show. Have a terrific Independence Day, my favorite holiday of the year. Be well.

Brother-Lee Love, by Casey Mitchell

2011-06-30T09:53:00.000-07:00

As much as I hate to acknowledge Cliff Lee or his success, I have to give him props on his third straight shutout he recorded on Tuesday. Lee improved to 8-5 with a 2.87 ERA on the season. Lee has been dealing in his last three starts, combining for 27 IP, 12 K and 0 ER over that span. Philadelphia was the first team this year to reach 50 wins, at 51-30. The Phillies team ERA of 3.02 is the best in baseball. You would think being 21 games over .500 this time of year would give you a commanding lead in your division, but the Atlanta Braves are staying close only 4.5 games out. Doc Halladay is continuing his old ways with a 10-3 record and a 2.40 ERA. Halladay also is leading the leauge with 5 complete games, a statistic he has led the majors in 6 of the last 8 seasons. I say let Philidelphia continue their hot streak, but by the time October comes around, San Francisco will be waiting to knock them off for a second straight season!

Wednesday's top story at Wimbledon was Roger Federer getting eliminated after a two-set lead over Jo-Wilfred Tsonga, in the quarterfinals. If Federer would have won, it would have been the first time since 1995 that the semifinals at Wimledon consisted of the top for seeds.
Other news at Wimbledon was Rafael Nadal playing through a foot injury to beat Mardy Fish on Wednesday. Nadal later stated, "My foot is not fine, but I'm in the semifinals and that's all that maters." Wimbledons semifinals now consist of Rafael Nadal, Novac Djokavic, Andy Murray, and Jo-Wilfred Tsonga.

A TRUE STUNNER by ST

2011-06-30T09:02:00.000-07:00

I read the story where Charlie Sheen admitted to taking steroids when he filmed "Major League" back in 1989. That ought to set a record for stunned readers. First it's Charlie Sheen. Second it was the 1980's. I'd be more interested in what substances he "didn't" ingest. By the way, if the one interesting part of the story is true, pumping it up there at 85 mph, even on the juice, not bad for an actor.
Did you guys see that the LSU/Oregon game is a sellout and only Standing Room Only tickets are available? Incredible when you consider we've yet to hit July. I guess they're not counting on a big walk up purchasing run?
In less than 3 years Greg Oden has experienced the following. Microfracture surgery on his right knee, a bone chip in his left knee, a fractured left patella, surgery on his left knee, microfracture surgery on his left knee. And now the Blazers have made him the 8.8 million dollar qualifying offer. In essence he's an unrestricted free agent and they can match any offer he receives. He's been on the roster for 4 seasons. Completely missed 2. Got in 61 during one. Missed 3/4ths of the other. Take a hint. Is this as ridiculous to you as it is to me? Perhaps we can rationalize no other bigs out there worth taking a shot at? Odd. But considering it's Paul Allen and this franchise, perhaps not so much.
Be curious as to everyone's take on this.

A SMALL SLICE OF HUMBLE PIE?? by ST

2011-06-29T08:36:00.000-07:00

Was reading a story in today's NY Paper about Tiger Woods and how it's more likely Jack Nicklaus tees it up at the fast approaching British Open. Woods just ain't healthy. I can't imagine he has even a remote shot at contending for the season's final major, the PGA. Thus we will enter into 2012 with Tiger at age 36, still 4 shy of the Golden Bear's record of 14 slam titles. Jack won 4 more after that age. Hopefully, for the sake of the sport and entertainment for fans, he heals and joins Rory McIlroy and the other fine Euro's atop the sport. I thought we got a tad of insight when Woods said Rory's swing at the same age was superior to his. Remember, after winning the Masters in 1997 at nearly the same age, Tiger changed his. He praised the performance of McIlroy and said it was not motivating as right now he's simply focused on getting healthy to a point where he's capable of teeing it up.
I was walking through midtown Manhattan earlier this week and happened across the NHL Store. In the window display was a huge mural of the Boston Bruins celebrating their recent Stanley Cup victory. WHAT? We have to see this crap in New York City?? I actually walked in, asked for the manager and pretty much bitched him out. He said it wasn't his call. I called Bull Crap and said they'd never put up with something like this if the Devils, Islanders or Rangers had won the Cup in Boston. The fans would have put multiple bricks through the window before torching it. He wasn't happy. I was.
Hope all is well in the Great Northwest. Catch ya on the morrow!

Adventures in Omaha, by Casey MItchell

2011-06-28T10:12:00.000-07:00

Game one of the College World Series was a wild game that came down to great pitching and costly errors. It was a pitchers duel throughout with Florida's ace Hudson Randall going against South Carolina freshman Forrest Koumas. The Gators missed an opportunity in the ninth inning with the bases loaded and no outs, but came up empty after an inning ending 4-2-3 double play. I was on the edge of my seat the whole game, especially when SC leftfielder Jake Williams threw Florida's Cody Dent out at the plate in the bottom of the 10th.
I'm not a huge college baseball guy (mostly because they're never on tv) but that was one of the most entertaining baseball games I have ever wittnessed live.
After 2 overthrows on a South Carolina stolen base attempt commited by Florida catcher Mike Zuzino and centerfielder Brian Smith, Christian Walker scored the go-ahead run for the Gamecocks in the 11th inning. Once South Carolina brought in their closer, Matt Price, that was all she wrote for game one in Omaha. The Gamecocks have won 15 straight NCAA Tournament games, that's tied with Texas for the most all-time. Game 2 of this 3 game series will be tonight at 5 pm on ESPN. The Gators will try to force a game 3 as South Carolina tries to take the CWS trophy back home with them. Hopefully we're in for another barn burner.

After all of the pay-to-play allegations surrounding college football and Oregon, Darron Thomas talked about the issues on ESPN. Thomas explained that college athletes should be given a little extra money here and there for food and other necessities, as well as car insurance and things of that nature.
Thomas also talked about how last years loss in the Natty affected him as a player. Thomas said that whenever he looks back on last season, the only game he looks at is the Auburn game. He said, "To me losses are more important than wins when you're trying to become better as player, and a better team." After all, the only loss Darron Thomas has ever had as a starter was the Natty.... Let's keep it that way!

Sports Talk With Steve Tannen

IN WHAT WORLD? by ST

Rematch, by Casey Mitchell

MORE SLEEP IS THE ANSWER by ST

Championship Weekend, by Casey Mitchell

LACK? HOW ABOUT NONE! by ST

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHAMP by ST

NO SALE by ST

PLAYOFFS?, by Casey Mitchell

STOP BRAGGING ABOUT WHO YOU ARE by ST

TIMMY T AS EASY AS 1-2-3 by ST

ASKED AND ANSWERED by ST

PLEASE CHECK THE BOX SCORE by ST

Pasadena Sunshine, by Casey Mitchell

BLAZER M.O WORKING by ST

Beginning To Smell Roses, by Casey Mitchell

Various Thoughts, by Casey Mitchell

2 WRONGS AND NO RIGHT? by ST

Tebow Time, by Casey Mitchell

THIS MOVE MEANS??? by ST

PICK A SQUARE by ST

YOU HAVE NO SAY by ST

BEYOND THE HYPE by ST

Big Deals, by Casey Mitchell

TIME FAILS TO HEAL by ST

RIGHTING A WRONG AND IT'S OKAY by ST

Game Day, by Casey Mitchell

WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL? by ST

Civil War, by Casey Mitchell

FACTUALLY SPEAKING by ST

IMPERFECTION CONTINUES TO RULE by ST

Back In The Hunt, by Casey Mitchell

MIDWEEK by ST

CORRECTION by ST

MONDAY THOUGHTS by ST

Gameday, by Casey Mitchell

3 DAYS 3 IDIOTS by ST

THE PASSING OF SMOKIN JOE by ST

MONDAY THOUGHTS by ST

Quackin' Out Loud, by Casey Mitchell

It Was In The Cards, by Casey Mitchell

THINKING OUT LOUD by ST

REALLY? 25 YEARS? Awesome! By ST

NEW HEAD SHOP by ST

Various Thoughts, by Casey Mitchell

FADING, FADING, FADING by ST

STILL GOING THERE? by ST

FAR TOO MINIMAL OUTCRY by ST

At What Cost, by Casey Mitchell

PATHETIC by ST

HOW ARE AMERICANS NOT INSULTED? by ST

JUST ADMIT IT by ST

Bye Week, by Casey Mitchell

IDIOTS AND OTHER ASSORTED LOVE SONGS by ST

MAKE NOTE DUCK FANS by ST

MONDAY THOUGHTS by ST

BROKEN DEAL by ST

A DIFFERENT SWEET 16 by ST

THANKS WARREN by ST

WISH HE WAS SOMEONE ELSE by ST

A BETTER WORLD by ST

Back in the Saddle, by Casey Mitchell

THE TRUE DEFINITION OF THAT "P" WORD by ST

BECOMING WHAT YOU HATE by ST

The Quack is Back, by Casey Mitchell

EXCUSE ME?? by ST

Football News, by Casey Mitchell

SO IT'S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE MONEY? by ST

A Week in Sports, by Casey Mitchell

MORON AWARD CANDIDATES by ST

Off the Field Issues, by Casey Mitchell

MIAMI MIGHT BE "NEXT ONE" by ST

The World of Sports, by Casey Mitchell

MID AUGUST IS A BEAUTIFUL THING by ST

GAMES ON by ST

Back From The City, by Casey Mitchell

BELIEVE ME ON THIS ONE by ST

Live from the Bay, by Casey Mitchell

MLB News, by Casey Mitchell

A MAGIC ANWER? by ST