Tim Dierkes Interview

Tim Dierkes, of http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/, was kind enough to answer a few questions for myself for posting pleasure. So please do indulge and digest...

1. Interleague play is about to kick off, what are your overall thoughts of it? What is the best series this weekend?

I don't mind it. I think it's more for the kids though. At least, I was much more excited back in '97 when I was 15, seeing the Cubs play the White Sox in real games for the first time. I will vote for Mets/Yankees for this weekend, the whole Johan thing is intriguing.

2. About a quarter of the way through the season, Chipper Jones is hitting .418 so far, is it foolish to consider Jones a legitimate contender at .400 this season?

Kind of...the odds are terribly strong against him doing this. Although thinking about the odds takes the fun out of it. I would love to see it.

3. A recent trend in baseball has been to sign young players through their arbitration years, a la Ryan Braun, Scott Kazmir, Troy Tulowitzki, what are the benefits and drawbacks of this new trend?

The benefit is saving many millions of dollars and gaining cost certainty. The drawback is the fairly small risk of the player busting a la Eric Hinske or Angel Berroa.

4. President Bush said he would build his expansion team with Roy Halladay and Chase Utley, who would be your franchise pitcher and hitter?


My knee-jerk reaction was A-Rod or Pujols for the hitter. But considering Utley's age and position I will agree with Bush's pick. I would choose Brandon Webb as the franchise pitcher. He's young, durable, dominant.

5. What big names, in say 2 months from now, will be the hot names tossed around to be traded at the deadline?

A.J. Burnett, Kevin Millwood, Jon Rauch, Ken Griffey Jr., Adam Dunn, Jason Bay, Xavier Nady, Garrett Atkins, Matt Holliday.

Thanks to Tim for his time and do comment below with some of your answers on the opinions.

Spygate: Annoying or Appropriate?

At the instant of writing this, I am losing credibility in my own mind of myself, if that makes sense? The topic of "Spygate" is starting to rival steroids in baseball. Both stories have gone on way to long, both have questioned the integrity of the game, and both will most likely continue on for the foreseeable future.

My question: Is this much attention given to "Spygate" annoying or appropriate?

The initial reaction and answer is...Annoying, but upon further review it is appropriate. It is annoying in the fact that everyone thought it was resolved when "Tough Guy" Commish Goodell took $750,000 and a draft pick from the Pats (Yes, I do think that was a light penalty, considering a QB coach in Dallas was suspended 4 games for using HGH, A COACH!, this coach is caught cheating in a game situation and loses 1 of TWO draft picks, and a petty fine, which the team paid most of).

Yes, it is annoying that NFL Live is broadcasting and for a half hour straight talking about this subject, when NHL Playoffs, NBA Playoffs, and multiple other sports stories are taking place.

However, there are some issues that need to be tackled linked with this situation. When Matt Walsh comes out and says, " When I was doing it, I understood what we were doing to be wrong. We went to great lengths to keep from being caught. Just saying that the rules were misinterpreted isn't enough of a, an apology or a reasoning for what was done. I mean, we live, you know, in a very forgiving nation, you know. People, if you come out and you admit a mistake you made or something you did that you shouldn't have done, people are usually very forgiving of that, accepting. When people try to get around answering it, or giving an explanation, or you know, admitting culpability, that’s usually when people start to question your motives".

..People start to get a little ticked off. Now shame on some newspapers citing that the Pats taped a pre-Super Bowl practice of the Rams, with no real evidence. However, I do call into question that if these tapes were going to be used for future use then why are they taping the sign of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who theoretically the Pats play once every 3 years and surely will alter signs? There was some resolution in the admittance by Walsh saying that he talked to quarterbacks, naming Drew Bledsoe, after the game and asked if the tapes were useful, citing a game against Tampa Bay.

Do other teams practice this same "strategy"? I am sure they do, and I am sure they have stopped as a result of seeing the backlash. But I do think there is a sense of appropriateness to this situation in the fact that it is cheating and with Matt Walsh admitting some newsworthy items, namely Belichick telling him not to get caught while taping, it may be worth some further investigation.

The situation with Senator Spector, I understand that he wants some clarity on the situation and links it to the Mitchell Report in baseball, and I applaud him for trying to find some resolution in this situation, but cheating and video taping is not a federal crime, as opposed to using steroids. I just wish that Goodell would not put a half-hearted effort into the situation, and act like the commissioner he promised to be, a la incidents with Pacman Jones, Chris Henry, Tank Johnson, etc.

An interesting quote I found on ProFootballTalk.com (great site for up to date news) by Senator Ted Kennedy (D - MA) courtesy of the Boston Globe, "With the war in Iraq raging on, gasoline prices closing in on $4 a gallon, and Americans losing their homes at record rates to foreclosure, the United States Senate should be focusing on the real problems that Americans are struggling with. I’m looking forward to another great Patriots season where they can let their play on the field speak for itself."

-Take it for what it's worth.

I would like to hear comments about this phenomena known as "Spygate" ...Annoying or Appropriate?

Do Comment Below, no need for an account to do so.

NBA Coaches Getting fired to soon?

Are NBA coaches getting fired to soon? For that matter, are coaches in every sports getting fired to soon? It has become a recent growing trend for many teams. However let's take a look at some of the NBA coaches.

So far this offseason, the Bulls, Bobcats, Bucks, Knicks, and Mavericks have all officially been searching for new head coaches. With the Suns rumored to be looking into canning Mike D'antoni and the Pistons saving the fate of Flip Saunders by advancing to round 2.


The Bobcats filled their need with Larry Brown, the Bucks filled their vacancy with Scott Skiles and the Mavericks are rumored to sign ex-Pacers coach Rick Carlisle.

My question is, did Avery Johnson deserve to get fired? Keep in mind he had the best winning percentage in history of anyone who has coached at least 250 games. Sure, the Mavs should not have been eliminated in the first round 2 years in a row. Sure, they should not have made the deal for Jason Kidd either. However, I think you have to look at the team who underperformed in 2 postseasons in a row. Dirk did not show up in the playoffs and Josh Howard may have checked into his offseason activities a little early.

The other coach who i had a problem with for his firing, was Sam Vincent of he Bobcats. I know he did not have the best season, but the point is he only had ONE season to do anything with his team. I find it hard to believe that a coach can build a team and a community in the locker room after only one season of basically coaching players he did not sign or trade for. In the end, it was basically the 'Cats wanting to take advantage of the UNC connection and get Larry Brown in there. For the record, I give LB 2 years MAX.

A look into the NBA Playoffs

With the 1st round approaching it's conclusion and half of the series already in the books, I figured it was time to take a look at the NBA.

So far we have the Magic, Lakers, Spurs, and Hornets all moving to the 2nd round. The Cavs are up on the Wiz 3-1, Pistons up on Sixers 3-2, Jazz up 3-2 on the Rockets, and the Hawks and Celtics tied up at 2 games apiece.

I can't say that I predicted all 4 of the teams that have advanced to advance, but I will say that I am not completely shocked. The Magic and the Lakers were the obvious ones. But let's take a look at the Spurs-Suns series for a moment. Honestly, I think Game 1 WAS the series. When Phoenix could not seal the deal in San Antonio and set the tone(io) for the series, PHX was toast. There have been reports that Mike D'Antoni will not be back next season, but nothing official.

I have to say that I finally am a believer in the New Orleans Hornets. The series between the Hornets and Spurs should be very intriuging as these teams are vastly similiar. And for my money, Chris Paul should be the NBA MVP. I know the playoffs do not count towards voting, but Paul is the Hornets, flat out.

Observations on the teams and series still taking place...

-Wiz/Cavs - This seriously has been extremely entertaining with all the off the court jive and chatter. From Soulja Boy being at games to calling Lebron overrated, what more could you ask for? Perhaps a 2-2 series and a potential 7 game series. One thing I have learned from this is that you don't taunt Lebron, every time this year a fan or opposing player has taken a shot at the King, because he usually responds well. (On the side, if you haven't heard Haywood respond to Lebron and the hard fouls, I recommend going to http://comcastsportsnet.tv/pages/videoswizards and clicking on the video link titled: Wizards: Brendan Haywood responds to LeBron James--4/28)

-Celts/Hawks - The only thing I really want to touch on here is that I think it's ridiculous that Kevin Garnett was not suspened for the elbow he threw on ZAZA and his shoving of the referee in Game 4. If I were the 2007 Suns, I would be furious about this decision to not suspend anyone from that incident. Some people are suggesting conspiracy in hopes of a Boston-LA Finals...I may or may not be one of them...

-Sixers/Pistons - SUrprisingly this has been one of the more entertaining series and balanced. However, I think Mr. Momentum shifted in the second half of game 4 when the Pistons came out of the half and erased a 10 point 2nd half deficit to take Game 4 and eventually Game 5 at home. If Iguodala can come out hot in game 6, then we may be looking at a Game 7, if not...adios sixers.


In a post in the near future I am planning on touching on Coaches in the NBA. Are they getting shafted?

Comments are also available to anybody now for every post and you do not need to be a Google registered member.

...til next time

-E

The Great Debate: Replays in Baseball

After recently watching a Phillies-Cubs matchup this past weekend, where a foul ball was mistakenly called a home run, wouldn't instant replay be beneficial to the National Pastime?

The Topic: Instant Replay in Baseball

Point: It would help avoid controversy calls by umpires and let then review any game-changing calls and judgements.

Counterpoint: It would slow down the game, and baseball already takes long enough as if.

Point: Replay would not feel right in baseball because of it's storied history and represenative of the America's National Pastime

Counterpoint: If the technology is available...why not use it? It would be like solving a math problem without a calculator or writing a hand letter to someone, when an e-mail will do the trick.

Conclusion: I would be in favor of putting replay in baseball but with certain restrictions. I would not make it available to all situations and/or scenarios. Similar to the NBA, in that you can only review a basket at the end of quarters, I would only restrict replay to home run calls. Calls that can not be seperated from foul or fair territory. There may be need for this replay once or twice a series and would hardly slow down a game.

...til next time

-E

Podcast the Interviews

All of the interviews from my radio show The Steak, Crab, & Curry Show can be downloaded at

http://edelash.podbean.com

They can also be downloaded through iTunes by searching the iTunes store at Steak, Crab, Curry.

Interviews include:
-Stan Kasten -- Nationals Team President
-Marc Zumoff -- Sixers Announcer
-John Buccigross - Sportscenter Anchor
-Pat Forde - ESPN
-Gene Wojciechowski - ESPN

and more!

NFL Draft Schedule Released Today !!

Ok, so the NFL is releasing the schedule today for the 2008 season...big deal? In previous years, No. This year, yes...why? Good question. In the ever growing overexposure of the NFL, ESPN is hosting a TWO HOUR SPECIAL this afternoon to reveal the schedule for every team in the NFL...1 by 1.

Personally, I feel it is a bit over the top broadcasting 4 days straight of the combine, but then again it is on NFL Network so people have to go out of their way to order that to watch it. But the NFL Schedule, Really!? Considering the fact that...

* 6 games every year are pre-determined by division rivals

*another 4 games are determined by your opposite conference rotation (for example, NFC East plays AFC North this year, AFC East last year)

* 3 other games are determined by what place you finish in, in the division (1st place in the NFC East plays 1st place from North, South, and West)

*The Final 3 games are a similar rotation system through your same conference.

So in the end you already know all 16 opponents! Why is it such a big deal to know when you play each opponent?

This is not necessarily anti-schedule release day post, but rather an overkill of the NFL. Why is it that NFL Live is the only specialized program that runs every day of the year and not Baseball Tonight or NBA Fast Break?

The NFL season is now becoming a 12 month a year season. It was fine when after the Super Bowl, you had maybe one big week of free agency, then the Draft, and then Training Camp in August.

It is also not really like you can predict all of the games for your favorite team considering the fact the Draft still has to take place and there are several other "Cut Days" left before the season begins.

Eh, I guess they need something to air on tv during the day.

...til next time

-E

O.J. Simpson Interview

Cleaning up the Mess...

Let's break out the mop and broom and clean up some of these stories floating around in sports...

I'm just saying...

...Jose Canseco is a RAT...a pile of scum. The fact that he won't release who "Max" is, just means he is holding out for a third book to make more money. He has been right on some people in the Mithcell Report, but so far he has no evidence on A-Rod.

...A-Rod should just deny, deny, deny, and deny...unless of course Canseco is telling the truth.

...Chris Webber should not make the Hall of the Fame.

...The San Francisco Giants are doing the right thing by stripping their entire stadium of Barry Bonds-related items.

...Michael Beasely will be the number 1 pick in the 2008 NBA Draft.

...Chris Long will be the number 1 pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.

...Johan Santana will not win the NL Cy Young award.

...Brandon Webb will win the NL Cy Young award.

...Chris Paul should win the 2008 NBA MVP.

...Bobby Knight has been a likeable analyst on ESPN.

...MLB in Japan to open the season is an awful idea!

...Joba Chamberlain is overrated...already.

...The Rays will be a legitimate team this year, not a playoff team, but a 75 win team.

...Scott Kazmir/James Shields/Matt Garza will win more games combined than Josh Beckett/Dice-K/Clay Bucholz

...Miguel Cabrera will win the AL MVP

...The wild card will not come out of the AL East, it will come down to the Mariners and Indians.

...Patrick Roy...what!?

...the Mavericks will not make the playoffs.


...til next time
-E

SOO SWEET 16!

Due to a Spring Break hiatus and vacay to Acapulco Mexico. I missed out on the opportunity to blog about the 2008 NCAA Tourney! Selection Sunday and the first round of the tourney easily rivals Super Bowl Sunday for me. The reason being, basically because it is one thing that actually lives up to the hype, unlike most Super Bowls. Perhaps advertisers should pay to run their ads during the tournament instead? I digress...on to the predictions!

(7) West Virginia vs. (3) Xavier
WVU has already done some work by eliminating the Dukies, in which I congratulate the Mountaineers. HOWEVER, I am an A-10 Guy (aside from my obvious Maryland ACC Bias) and I don't see the X men losing this one. Where did WV come from this season? Joe Alexander is a good Big East player, but Xavier has a balanced attack and may be the quietest #3 seed in a while.
Advantage - Xavier


(4) Washington State vs. (1) North Carolina
I don't think much needs to be said about this contest. UNC will most likely win this game by about 12-14 points. To be honest, I don't know much about Washington State, another under the radar team, who comes from the Pac10. WSU has some nice players and will probably keep it close in the 1st half, but in the end Ellington, Lawson, and Hansborough carry the Heels to the next round.
Advantage - UNC

(3) Louisville vs. (2) Tennessee
This should be the game of the night. Louisville has really put together a run in the second half of the season and ever since Pitino rocked that white suit in a white out game, the Cards are looking legit. One of my other favorite college coaches, Bruce Pearl is on the other sideline with a run and gun style offense and the Volunteers. There is some injury concern with Tennessee guard Chris Lofton and will need some solid play from forwards Wayne Chism and Tyler Smith. The Cards will rely on center David Padgett, but in the end I'm gonna volunteer (HA HA HA)to go with Bruce Pearl.
Advantage - Tennessee

(12) Western Kentucky vs. (1) UCLA
UCLA. 'nuff Said. I do not see an upset brewing in this matchup. I will give the Hilltoppers credit, they do have one of the best mascots in all of sports with big red. Love, Collison and Westbrook will all be to much for the 'Toppers.
Advantage - UCLA


...til next time
-E