TGIF Daily "Linkin' Logs" (10/3/08)

*Bill Simmons Alert*

Actually, this isn't a Simmons bashing session. Quite the opposite. While I still believe Simmons is stuffing his cantankerous Red Sox-ism down our throats, the fact of the matter is, this article (an OTL article, mind you) is magnificent. He eloquently explains the causes of the Manny chasm and the manipulation by not just Scott Boras but also the Boston Red Sox and their media machine. Let's just call them the New England Spin Network (NESN for short...).

My favorite part isn't exactly Manny-related, but Simmons provides an excellent gem in regards to "respecting the game:"

"If you want to win the old-school media guys, really, you only have to do six things: run out every ground ball, end up with a dirty uniform every once in a while, show up on time, give reporters whatever time they need, light up like a little kid if Willie Mays or Hank Aaron ever walks into the dugout, and smile broadly during games (so the announcers can talk about how you'd play this game for free, even though you just opted out of your contract and held your team hostage for a $100 million raise)."

Quite frankly, he's right. I still think Simmons is an overrated fanboy. He even admits it: "See, I think like a fan, write like a fan and try like hell to keep it that way." So even when he produces a gem like this, its hard to believe he's thinking rationally. Maybe he works for NESN?

On to more important things. As I mentioned in my previous post, the Philadelphia Phillies have staked a 2-0 NLDS lead on the back of Rule V Draftee Shane Victorino. This is the most successful the Phillies have been since...well, since I was 8.

And yet, here you can witness the paradigm that is a Philadelphia fan. In its essence there are three types of Philly fans existing right now (excluding the Eagles' season, which may still get more viewers than an NLDS clincher...sorry, that's how it works):

1. The team-bashing, always-pessimistic, Hating Phanatic. Now, its important to note that this person is indeed a Philly fan. He generally wants the team to win. But its his way or the highway. This person thinks Andy Reid totally sucks even though he's helmed the Eagles to their most successful period ever. He think's Charlie Manuel is an idiot, even though the old ball player has led the Phillies to offensive heights not seen since the early 80s, coached two MVPs and effectively managed a team the front office didn't initially want to support. He thinks the Elton Brand signing was terrible because he's overrated and couldn't led the Clippers to much success (and had a knee surgery once! what an asshole). This guy always bashed the team, thinks management and coaching is dumb, player X should be traded and this team could be so much better if they listened to him. He's always negative and always expects the worst. Why? Because if you expect the worst and something better than worst happens, you're happy (though we've yet to experiment with this poor guy if the best case scenario happens).
2. The always optimistic Philly "diehard." First things first; he may or may not be a diehard, but it's pretty damn impressive this poor fella hasn't been jaded by all the disappointment. This guy, has always thinks that the team is on the brink. Eagles 3-5? No problem, remember the 6-0 run Jeff Garcia made in 2006 with three straight NFC East Road Wins? The Phillies trail the Mets by 3.5 games in mid-September. No problem, remember last year? Eric Lindros is concussed again. No Problem...ah shit. The problem is, this fan is always disappointed at the end. Joe Carter, Scott Stevens, Rodney Harrison, Ronde Barber, Matt Holliday, Tayshaun Prince, Shaquille O'Neal, etc etc. Why? Because we all need to hope that this is finally it.
3. The Churchmouse Philly Phan. Its not because this poor guy is a frontrunner or fairweather, but because of all the losing, all the disappointment, all the titles in the last quarter-century (read: none), this guy has learned to shut his fucking mouth. Get to excited (like #2) and you're gonna get crushed. Too jaded? You're #1 then. Why? This guy knows that odds are, things won't work out, but quietly he has hope. He doesn't want to jinx it, he deep down knows it probably want happen, but right next to that spot, he wants it to happen...so bad...so so bad.
   

The progession is pretty clear. the young bucks are #2, they'll move to #3 as time passes and finally they arrive at #1; knowing disappointment is on the horizon and learning never to set themselves up for such a fall again. It might take a few William Penn Jerseys to move them along (and the awkward removal of said jerseys a few days later)

I'm probably #3. Watching my words (ok, not that much, I'm excited, what do you want), but at the same time, Uncle Cholly still can annoy the living piss outta me. I want to be excited, but even if the Phillies advance to the NLCS (if not when, I ain't stupid), its still a whole new battle. But the category forgotten in all of this is a non-existent #4: The guy who's just ridin' the wave.

• From PFT, apparently there's a storm-a-brewin between ESPN's Ed Werder and Nick Eatman of Dallascowboys.com. The battle ensues when Ed Werder questioned Eatman's credibility given that he writes for a teamowned website (of which Eatman probably has none) and Eatman responded by noting that Werder and ESPN simply try to stir things up. Hey if ESPN is all about Gonzo Journalism now, I'm all for it. See Playmakers is real.
  
• From AwfulAnnouncing: More Sheshawn
• Back to PFT, Warren Sapp continues to fuel the fire in Oakland. Blame it on Kiffin or Davis, but the bottom line is, that front office is ridiculous.
  
• MLBTraderumors.com comes up with some interesting Robby Cano tidbits and some hotstove Yankee Rumors
• Sergei Federov...on Defense?
• From Epic Carnival, High School Cubs fan asked to remove her Fukudome jersey. (We've always preferred the Fuck-you-dome pronounciation anyways)
• With Peyton Manning not so hot, Jim Sorgi is done with putting up with his shit.
• And Finally, via theFightins, Brett Myers's Greatest. At Bat. Ever.
  

Phase Two Complete. Quasi Daily "Linkin' Logs" (10/2/08)

And there ya have it, the Phillies hang on to a 5-2, mostly thanks to Shane Victorino, but also an unflappable (for now) Brett Myers.

The Phillies keyed in on a C.C. Sabathia 2nd, which produced 5 runs and neither team could put much else on the board and the Phils sent Brad Lidge (who tossed a tough 9th yesterday evening) to close it out.

This time Lidge didn't make it a Rollaids relief appearance.

The Phillies now take a commanding 2-0 lead in the best of 5 series. They'll play in Milwaukee on Saturday, where Dave Bush will try to save the Brewers season as he faces Jamie Moyer, who's been on the bump for the Phillies last 2 NL East clinching starts.

Thoughts from behind the TV:

• Anyone else find a degree of hilarity in the Traveler's Life Insurance commercials where the old man has a giant umbrella...its not like the sky is falling. Oh wait, it is.
• Given the situation (and Sabathia's record versus lefties), it all adds up, but doesn't it just feel weird to intentionally walk Shane Victorino to get to Chase Utley?
• Its kind of ridiculous that Mitch Williams is involved in a commercial talking about memorable home runs. The best part is, he's asked which home run is most memorable...and its not the one you think he'd say.
• Sure, there's too many Frank Caliendo Commercials, but atleast there's no Dane Cook.
• But you get to see this over and over and over...There is only one October...this year

C.C. Tee Hee Hee

Excuse the lack of "Linkin' Logs" today. I became very occupied and was unable to do them per usual. Plus with the excitement of the Phillies game, I was simply trying to contain my excitement while working.

And I guess it worked out.

Its the middle of the 5th and the Phillies have already chased Sabathia from the game and are ahead 5-1. The key was a Brett Myers walk in the 2nd which opened the doors for Jimmy Rollins and then Shane Victorino to hit a Grand Salami.

Sabathia, though not allowing a run, could not get back on track. The Phillies have managed to mount some offense, but could not score again.

The Phillies are hoping to get at least 7 strong out of Myers and score enough to keep Lidge fromt he game. After his 30+ pitch showing yesterday, Lidge is looking for all the rest he can get, though he claims he pitches best on the 2nd day of back to backs.

Keep an eye on the score to see if the Phillies can keep it going. Game 3 will be in Milwaukee on Saturday.

Vote Cole in '08

Enrico at The700level.com brings us "Who's house? Cole's House," in which he notes the asskickery Cole Hamels brought in the Phillies 3-1 win over the Brewers.

Hamels was downright fiery, pitching 8, allowing just 2 hits (none until the 5th) and no runs. Brad Lidge provided the shaky save to close it out (a double, walk and past ball resulting in the tying run sitting at second).

But there you have it, the Phillies first post season win since the 9/11 (or even the OKC Bombing), the OJ Simpson Trial, Monica Lewinski, the Home Run Chase of '98, my 2nd year of grammar school, since October 21, 1993, a game 5 World Series win over the Toronto Blue Jays...since before Joe Carter, Scott Stevens, Kobe Bryant, and Rodney Harrison.

For now, we celebrate that his the great King Cole. Just luck us, Cole knows its just one game...but there's only 10 more to go.

Besides, Cole Hamels will win 1 Cy Young...and 11 Cole Hamels

Daily "Linkin' Logs" MLB Playoffs?! Edition (10/1/08)

And the White Sox do it...needing two wins in two days, they pulled it off (probably as the better team) and became the AL Central Champions. They play the Rays tomorrow.

Today features a fun slate of games starting with the Phillies and Brewers at 3pm. We'll let thefightins' "How do you spell retard" break it down. Thefightins also let us know that ESPN thinks the Phillies will win. Seriously, the who's who of ESPN is picking the Phillies...poor Brewers fans. We'll let Coreyisarealboy of AGM give us his Brewers take.

More MLB info in the links.

In oddly more entertaining news, Al Davis finally fired Lane Kiffin...and it made for one of the best press conferences ever (both of them). Davis being his own senile douchey self and Kiffin responded just like any wronged (and unjaded) young up-and-comer would. You can watch Davis spew his hate here. And Monte's son respond here (probably stupidly) right here.

But seriously? Fedexing letters? "I know you didn't want JaMarcus Russel? Deal with it?" Bitching about the press getting news right away? What the hell is wrong with Davis? Seriously? At least Jerruh Jones is hands off enough to keep some things in house. Who would even want this job? Do you think Davis asked Rob Ryan and Gregg Knapp and they both passed (planning on taking new jobs next spring) and finally made it to Tom Cable (an OL Coach!) and he said yes.

I'm fairly confident a Raiders coaching job is the real world equivilent to working at Bear Sterns or Lehman Bros. Yes, its financial services, yes its a historic company with great history and a great number of people involved. But honestly, its all in the shitter now and that shiny job you had on your resume now looks like a huge albatross. I'm surprised Ryan and Knapp are getting out of Dodge already. Besides, if GaryKubiak keeps his job and with Shanahan in Denver, I can already guarantee Gregg Knapp a job...Ryan's still got his brother and dad kicking around the NFL. They'll be fine. Kiffin? I'm not so sure.

This franchise is a joke...

PFT does a good job of giving us the run down on Davis's hilarity and his numerous bombshells

• The Mets are still upset.
• Tim Kurkjian's 5 Qs for the Dodgers and Cubs
• Sox and Dawgs does: A look back the Sox and Angels season series, News and Notes for the start of the series, and the proprietors give their predictions for the first round.
• AnotherCubsblog gives us their preview for the other NLDS series and gives us some interesting thoughts on the important and role Giovanni Soto.
  
• Desipio provides more insight on Dodgers-Cubs
  
• Our Manny Stiles (at AGM) talks about the tournement of losers
• Its still early on this, but a nice little Rays-White Sox Preview as well
  
• Ladies and Gentleman, Sheshawn Johnson. I mean, I hate Terrell Owens and I think "Sheshawn" is an idiot for defending him (just like Michael Irvin is/was), but this is what happens when major egos collide. At least they have a lot in common...mostly by the rings on their fingers (0)
• When did Kenny Mayne jump the shark? (We at BNB believe it was 1998, during the Home Run chase and the death of "Yahtzee!")
• AA also brings us the salacious idiocy of Joe "Heisman" Theismann (Plus AA has a Photo of Sly Stallone...so we had to link)
  
• And finally, per usual at BNB, anytime we mention the phrase "Playoffs?!" we have to link to this. Truth of the matter is, the offense did do "Diddely Poo" and I'm curious as to whether he still gets residuals for this.
  

Steelers Take Control of AFC North With Win over Baltimore

Yes, yes, the Pittsburgh Steelers improved to 3-1 to take the AFC North lead. But, not all was good in Pittsburgh last night. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger looked pretty good on his first drive of the game, right after his defense forced Joe Flacco and the Baltimore Ravens to a three and out. Big Ben led the Steelers 45 yards down the field on 11 plays, and Jeff Reed split the uprights from 49 yards out. But, the rest of the first half looked pretty ugly for the offense. Their second drive ended in an interception caught by defensive lineman Haloti Ngata. In the final 15:29 seconds of the first half the Steeler offense went -3 yards, and all three of their drives ended with Mitch Berger punts.

I guess it's a good thing Joe Flacco, and the Baltimore offense had trouble getting anything started on offense, too.

The Raven offense started off ugly as Flacco fumbled the ball on the first snap of the game. He did manage to recover the ball, but went -6 yards on their first two drives of the game. A Matt Stover field goal with just over 5 minutes to play in the opening quarter tied the game at 3 a piece. It looked like the game may be 3-3 at the end of regulation. But, Flacco and FB Le'Ron McClain, who had to step it up after RB Willis McGahee left the game with an injury, led the Ravens down the field early in the second quarter for a Stover 20-yard field goal. Then, late in the same quarter Baltimore scored again. This time, Flacco threw his only TD pass of the evening with a 4-yard lob to TE Daniel Wilcox, and the Stover extra point put the Ravens ahead 13-3.

Roethlisberger failed to score with seconds left in the half, and went into the locker room down ten points to the then 2-0, Division rivals.

With star RB, Willie Parker inactive for the game, rookie RB Rashard Mendenhall stepped in to make his first career start. Mendenhall ran for 30 yards on 9 carries, and just one catch for six yards before leaving the game with a fractured shoulder. Both Mendenhall, and starting right guard for Pittsburgh, Kendall Simmons, will be placed on the injured reserve, ending their season. Simmons suffered a torn achilles, which may take some time to heal. Former Minnesota Vikings RB Mewelde Moore, who has been doing some kick returning for the Steelers this season, may have to make his first start at RB with Pittsburgh next week if Parker still can't go.

This, of course, is very bad news. Another blow to the already poor offensive line, which gave up three sacks in the OT win. I have yet to mention the injury to the third-string RB Carey Davis. Davis suffered an ankle injury shortly after replacing the rookie Mendenhall, and even if he is able to play next week, he obviously won't be 100 percent.

The good news?? Well, even after running for just 2.5 yards a carry (28 attempts for 69 yards throughout the entire game), and picking up just three first-half first downs (11 total), the Steelers came out winners.

Yes, that's right. Roethlisberger started half number two a little shaky, just like the entire first half. But on their third drive of the half, managed to finally get into the end zone on a connection between Roethlisberger and play-maker Santonio Holmes. The play was fueled by an earlier mistake committed by Jarret Johnson who was flagged 15 yards for yet another unsportsmanlike conduct. The mistake kept the Steelers alive, and Big Ben stayed calm as he threw the 38-yard bomb. Flacco made his first critical mistake two plays later on a fumble deep inside their own territory. Second-year LB Lamarr Woodley scooped the ball up and walked 7 yards for a second touchdown. Reed's extra point gave Pittsburgh the 17-13 lead, and the momentum had suddenly shifted.

Pittsburgh's tight defense shut the Ravens out in the third quarter. But even after another Reed field goal (19-yarder) put the Steelers ahead 7, they weren't able to put the game away just yet. "Joe Cool" ran back onto the field looking to plead his case as the Ravens' franchise QB, and I'm pretty sure coach John Harbaugh heard him loud and clear. The University of Delaware alumnist conducted a five minute, 76-yard scoring drive in just 9 plays. His wonderful performance was capped by a two-yard run for McClain. 20-20.

Neither teams were able to score in the last four minutes of regulation, and the game headed to overtime, where Baltimore won the toss and, of course, elected to receive the kick first. Pittsburgh's D came up big again, and quickly forced a Baltimore punt, and Roethlisberger led the Steelers down the field to set up a potential game-winning field goal attempt by the seven-year veteran. Reed, of course, kicked it through the uprights, just barely though. Steelers win 23-20 in a hard fought, smashmouth football game. Just like I suspected.

Top performers:

BAL Derrick Mason- 8 rec, 137 yards, 0 TD

PIT Santonio Holmes- 3 rec, 60 yards, 1 TD

BAL Ray Lewis- 13 tackles (7 solo)

PIT James Harrison- 11 tackles (6 solo), 2.5 sacks

Let's all just hope Andre Frazier can walk again, and soon. Frazier suffered a spine injury on the opening kickoff. Hopefully he and "Fast Willie" will be back on that field soon.

Daily "Linkin' Logs" One Game Playoff Edition (9/30/08)

I was rooting for the White Sox yesterday (well, last night). Not because I hate Chicago (I hate them a little bit more today, heh), but because I'm a baseball fan and I love one game playoffs. Nothing says "Shit, this is do or die" more than one game playoffs to decide the fate of 2 teams. Last night the White Sox legged one out against a determined Tigers team who wanted to end Chicago's season. Dueling Phillies castoffs (Gavin Floyd and Freddy Garcia, who were once traded for eachother) battled, but Garcia relented due to injury, opening the door for Alexei Ramirez to lead the Sox onward.

It sets up tonight's Minnesota at Chicago Matchup, featuring Nick Blackburn and John Danks. 7:30 PM EST

The Steelers survived the Ravens last night, mostly thanks to a defense that bailed out an absolutely disheartened offensive line that might end up killing Big Ben if they don't step it up. The injuries keep piling up, as already injuried Willie Parker sat, and now Rashard Mendenhall, the vaunted rookie, will miss the rest of the season with a fractured shoulder.

Perhaps the more interesting news from the day was the Raiders coaching search. This tidbit from AGM writer SJ Hypocycloid provides a pretty valid point. Lane Kiffin hasn't been fired yet, but the Raiders are replacing him as we speak. Good work Raiders PR Department.

• Kyle Lohse finally got the deal he (and Scott Boras) wanted...and the Cards paid the price
• Sam I Am Staying in Boston
• Nikolai Khabibulin...oh how the mighty have fallen.
• Do you think he puts it between his teeth?
• David Blaine is now in good company with Criss Angel...
• Via PFT, Chris Henry (9 time arrest superstar) can get a roster exemption, but Matt Bryant (father of child he just buried) can't? I thought the NFL was trying to improve their image?
• Lee-toe...still unhappy
• And finally, via MLBTraderumors.com, How to Fix the Mets (a lot)
  

Movie Monday Daily "Linkin' Logs" (9/29/08)

Very interesting weekend in sports, perhaps one of the best we've had in a while (typical NFL fun and some serious baseball action).

The biggest news already on a Monday (Via TSN) is that Scott Linehan was finally fired. Hard to make a good team when you have an offensive lineman named Incognito.

Football was full of upsets: The Bucs stopped the Packers, in one of those games that will make fans question Aaron Rodgers and the decision to trade Brett Favre. The Bears beat the Eagles mostly thanks to a gift by the Eagles (Playcalling and an inability to punch it in)...Philadelphia will still be upset today, more later...The Chefs (not a typo!) beat the Broncos in a game, everyone should have seen coming (I did...A division game, in KC; personally, I just expected KC to cover) and in what many consider the surprised of the week (and it really isn't if you understand divisional football), the Redskins stunned the Cowboys 26-24. Washington, the apparently underrated NFC East team, is now in quasi-first place (the Giants, who had a bye are 3-0) and move on the Philadelphia next week in the type of game that could totally mix up the division (Eagles-Redskins games typically result in close scores).

In baseball, things got real interesting. With the Angels, Rays and Red Sox already positions, the White Sox and Twins were set to duke it out for the final spot (and AL Central title). After a Minnesota sweep mid-week, last week, both the White Sox and Twins lost (to Kansas City and Cleveland respectively) on Friday and Saturday, before both finally winning Sunday, leaving Chicago .5 games back and forced to play a makeup game today (2:05PM EST) against Detroit for the chance to play a one game playoff tomorrow with said winner moving on to Tampa on Wednesday. Me's thinks Tampa is rooting for Chicago today.

In the NL, the Dodgers and Cubs had already clinched last week, while the Phillies, Mets and Brewers were left duking it out for 2 spots. The Phillies took command, sweeping the Nationals and managed to capture the NL East title by Saturday, in part due to a Mets loss Friday. By Sunday, with the Mets and Brewers tied for the final spot, the Brewers, led by C.C. Sabathia, took control, while the Mets collapse like their old stadium will, leaving the Brewers free to go without the hopes of at least game 163.

You have to think the Brewers front office could care less about C.C. Sabathia. They're riding him hard (much like they did Sheets on Saturday), fully knowing neither will be a Brewer next April. I can't say I disagree too much, but you have to wonder if C.C. will pitch twice (if needed) in their series with Philly (Sabathia has already stated he'll "pitch every day" if he has to), who thanks to their early lock-up, may be able to use Ace Cole Hamels twice. I can foresee Sabathia pitching twice, given that he would start on Thursday at the earliest (3 days rest) and likely again the following Tuesday, if needed (normal 4 days rest).

• Even though the Mets collapsed on the final day (again), Jerry Manuel appears poised to return. While the AL Manager of the Year award clearly belongs to Joe Maddon, you have to wonder who gets it in the NL. With Ned Yost (formerly of the Brewers) fired, Joe Torre bumbling into the playoffs by virtue of a major trade and lack of competition and Charlie Manuel basically doing what's expected, I don't see why mid-season replacement Jerry Manuel doesn't deserve it. If Willie Randolph stayed, the Mets win 80 or so and Manuel at least gave them a chance. Why not?
• Apparently the Mariners have expressed interest in a new GM. She's pretty good from what I hear
• Even Emmitt knows Terrell Owens is a huge douche. What's funny about the whole thing is, how upset the fanhouse blogger is in regards to Emmitt mocking T.O. Regardless of my hatred for the Cowboys (thought Smith and Aikman are generally pretty good dudes), Emmitt considers himself one of the faces of the franchise and I'm sure it hurts him (even if he can't vocalization it) to see T.O. act like such a baby.
  
• I rarely update college football. One of my buddy's a Penn State alum is fairly pumped at their new #6 ranking (to which I pointed out their Temple and Sycracuse wins followed by the probably thumping they'll get against Wisconsin...and probably Michigan). Anyways EC gives us a simple College Football update.
• Do the Nets really think Brook Lopez is going to be as good as Tim Duncan? Seriously? His name is Brook
• And finally, thefightins.com have a slew of fun in Philly, with Shea-ja-vu, Prince Fielder, And of course a Brett Myers Playoff Guarantee.