TGIF Daily "Linkin' Logs" (9/19/08)

Yesterday was a special day for BadNewsBloggers. First of all the Phillies won, so I get to gloat for another day (not that I am gloating, its just that I could if I wanted to).

More importantly, we've witness the illustrious entry of a new BNBer, that of Romi Ezzo. Amongst the things the "Linkin' Logs" writer believes Romi brings to the table is our ability to keep up on news throughout the day (he's in college, so as long as its after 12, he'll have time) and to keep BNB from going totally insane. Besides, he's generally non-confrontational, unless you piss him off. So join us in welcoming him to Bad News Bloggers.

The DJIA and S&P are off equalizing the week's losses (the S&P closed last Friday at 1251.7 and is currently at 1249.88) and I believe those investors that pulled out (generally in Mutual Funds) are getting absolutely porked right now. Long term investment folks...so relax.

• ArmchairGM writer "Cityhockeyfever" ponders what effect the financial "crisis" will have on Arena Naming rights
• 8 Deadspin writers, 8 hilarious thoughts on Erin Andrews
• Epic Carnival gives us 10 dumb sports arguments
  
• Jerry Jones just won't let this Ed Hochuli thing go
• Serious note from AA, ESPN and Politics...resulting in John McCain on Mike & Mike
• Its pretty awesome when the way to get news is through an athletes blog...particuarly via Gilbert Arenas
• Bill Simmons thinks the NFL is all about Fantasy...I think Bill Simmons is all about himself
  
• And Finally, Via Deadspin: Jose Jose Jose Jose...Jo-se, Jo-Se

Question and Answer Session: Romi Ezzo

Name: Romi

Nickname(s): "The dude from Kuwait" (I don't think I need to explain why), "Ezzo!" (well, it's not a nickname, but everyone pronounces my first name wrong; it's pronouced RAW-mee. So I figure that they could at least get my last name right), and Crackajg's latest addition: "Romz".

Favorite Sports Team: The Boston Red Sox... by FAH! (favorite sport + my home team). I'm a home rooter. However, I appreciate the sport more than the team. (Ex. I appreciate the sport of baseball more than the Red Sox, I support basketball more than the Celtics, etc.)

Favorite Player of all time: I haven't been around that long to pick my favorite player of all-time. There are a lot of people I admire. I hate to say it (no wait... I don't hate to say it: I just hate the people's looks on their faces once I say it), but my favorite player is Derek Jeter. (Don't hate me, Stiles.) Whether you think he sucks or not, he just has great passion for the game. If there was one person I'd say I wanted to copy at one point in time, it was Jeter. He's a good leader and a good role model (well, with the exception that he's dated 437460346 women). And yes, I'm aware that he is "defensively challenged" at times, but from what I've seen, he gives 100% every time...

Favorite food: I don't have a favorite food. It just has to be good (really good) to be considered on my list of "favorite" food.

Favorite drink: Alcoholically? Nothing (I don't drink... and apparantly, I suck). Non-alcoholically? I tell everyone that it's a tie between Dr. Pepper, Cream Soda, and Glacier Freeze Gatorade. However, I probably love water more than any drink. You can never get sick of it.

If you could take three things with you on a deserted island, what would they be?: A laptop, the internet, and a baseball...

Favorite word: BADOU! (Don't ask... it's a long story)

If you could be an animal, what animal would you be and why: I think I'd be a horse. I don't really know why, besides the fact that they're strong, majestic beasts. Plus, I like to work.

Favorite sporting moment of all time: The 2004 Red Sox winning the World Series. Sorry for being so unoriginal. I try not to be.

What do you bring to the table?: Me, I guess.

What do you take off the table?: My feet (if I forget my manners).

If you could have lunch/a beer/insert preferred social occasion here with any three people in the world, who would it be and why: It wouldn't be with anyone really famous. I think I'd faint or kick his ass if I did. 

The first two guys would be my two best friends: Salman and Amir. The funniest guys I've ever met in my life, and two great friends who will be in my heart for all eternity. If I didn't meet them, my life would be pretty boring.

And the third person... hmm... okay: it would be one of two people:

Manny Stiles (Erik... Stiles?). I know I said I wouldn't want to meet anyone famous, but I'll make one exception). Do I really have to explain why? It's MANNY!

Either Stiles, or Andrew Neely. Many of you know him as Falcon02520. Great guy who I could talk endless conversations with about baseball. In our interviews, I usually do most of the talking, but I'm sure he doesn't just ask questions.

Describe yourself in one word: Ezzo (I'd describe myself as Romi Ezzo if I had an unlimited amount of words).

Favorite sport and why: Baseball... by far; sorry basketball, football, and soccer. Baseball isn't just a sport... it's my life. I'm more passionate about it than anything else (besides family). There is so much that I love about it, and so many memories I've had with it. When I was two years old, I used to go out in the backyard with my mom in Ohio and she used to toss me that ball that you used to get when you ordered a pizza from Pizza Hut. My mom said that when I hit the ball my very first time, my face lit like never before. It's funny because when I moved to Kuwait, I just loved baseball even more.  I begged my mom to leave the house and go to the only baseball field there was in the country in 125 degree weather and just throw the ball back and forth. My two best friends were people I met during my early childhood in the Kuwait Little League. Baseball was the only thing I talked about with my grandfather until this year (we threw in a little bit of college here and there); he loves it just as much as I do. Anyone who knows me well would know that my sleeping hours were really weird during my last two years of high school. I used to sleep at about 7:00 PM and wake up at 2:00 AM just to watch a reular season game on ESPN (don't razz me; it's the only sports channel I had access to at the time); then ArmchairGM came along. Lastly, the biggest dream I've ever had in my life is to become a baseball player; I'm not thinking Big Leagues... just professionally. Baseball is my life. Without it, I wouldn't be me.

Thirsty Thursday Daily "Linkin' Logs" (09/18/08)

The turbulent baseball season, appears to be coming to a fantastic close. In the AL, the Indians defeated the Twins and the Yankees beat the White Sox, so Chicago maintains a 2.5 game lead with 10 or 11 to play. The Rays stomped the Red Sox en route to a 2 game lead in the AL East, though Boston still leads Minnesota by 7 games and the Yankees by 8. Any number of Minnesota (3)/New York (4) losses or Sox wins adding up to their magic number eliminates them and it looks like the winner of the AL East will have the road run through their home place and the pleasure of playing the White Sox (or potentially the Twins, but it doubtful). The Angels have already clinched and appear to be on their way to Home Field throughout (given the AL's victory in the All-Star Game)

In the NL, all the contenders for still feasibly open spots won last night except the Astros. The Phillies stopped the Bravos, The Mets held off the Nationals, keeping them .5 games behind the Phillies (short one in the win column with the game coming next Thursday), Pittsburgh beat L.A., while the D-Bags won, but with a 3.5 game lead and 10 to play, its hard to foresee L.A. missing out. Milwaukee defeated Chicago, but with an 8 game lead and 10 to play, a collapse of Metsian proportions would be required (and then some), thus leaving Milwaukee to contend in the clusterfuck of a wild card, where Philly leads the Mets by a half game in the East and the Mets lead the Brewers in the WC by half a game and the Astros sit 4 back.

• Via Deadspin, another lame fad
• SSReporters gives us the run down on the battle in Miami
• The DNC was in Denver...and now this, told ya they were socialist douches...
• Maybe he lost confidence because you keep calling him Chad Fucking Johnson
• Prepare for the Running Back Merry-go-round
• And Finally via MLBTradeRumors, Schilling says Manny's a dick and you don't know the half...wait...the 80% of it!
  

Evening Daily "Linkin' Logs" (9/17/08)

With the DJIA losing well over 8% of its value this week and the (infinitely more useful) S&P losing more than 9%, some of us at BNB have been very busy (especially for those involved with the markets...and everyone's 401k!)

Anyways, its limited my posting ability...but "chit happens."

Obviously the Philadelphia Eagles (of this BNBer's favorite team status) played in one hell of a game Sunday and is the highest rated MNF of all time. More to the point, both teams displayed series moxie and proved that they are both serious contenders and even Dr. Z ranks them 1st and 3rd respectively

To baseball, the National League just got a heck of a lot more interesting. With the Phillies win, coupled by the Mets, Brewers and Astros losses, the Phils have now taken soul control of 1st in the NL East (and are on the verge of winning today), while the Mets now lead the Wild Card, with the Brewers 1 game back and the 'Stros fading.

Baseball went from "oh crap" to "fuuuun" in one weekend (for me at least...sorry Mets fans)

• From SI, Dwight Howard is a Jackass
• Brian Dawkins makes no excuses
• Desperation in Seattle...like need a drink desperation (pun intended)
• AA's nice presentation of the NFL Announcing schedule and map
• I don't care about the Chiefs' stating QB...just the picture
• Yep, the Touchdown Monkey exists...now Peyton Manning is cursed
• Goodbye Tavaris
• And finally, Metslifers lets us know they're desperate.
  

Football Crack & B.N.B. Powerless Rankings: September 16th, 2008

Ah, two weeks down – two to go. There’s been some underachieving, some overachieving, and some conference altering injuries. Never mind that the 2008 NFL Draft could shake out to be one of the best we’ve seen in a while, at least from an offensive skill position perspective. I know I said I was going to try and do a bottom five, top five type deal with this – but instead I’m just going to focus on the bottom ten teams. Think of it as a black abyss in regards to a team’s playoff hopes. The good news? It’s only Week 2. So there’s no reason to get all hysterical and panic – although the time to do that is drawing near.

Cue the weaklings!


Dishonorable mentions: Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers


23. Minnesota Vikings

It’s funny how a popular sleeper pick ALWAYS manages to underperform, year after year. The Cardinals in 2006, the 49ers in 2007, and now it’s shaping up to be the Vikings in 2008. What do all of these teams have in common? Ding-ding-ding! They all have/had questionable QBs under center!


24. Seattle Seahawks

One could say the Seahawks defied the odds the past few years in their quest for multiple back-to-back NFC West crowns. On the other hand, you could say that they were able to do this in large part to there being absolutely zero competition for them to topple en route to the top. Either way, despite the NFC West looking as weak as it ever has, the Seahawks appear to have finally succumbed to reality. Pretty much their entire WR corps has been injured in some way or another. Although they could still pull it off if they get some of them back soon, it’s not looking very good. So much for a Mike Holmgren feel good last hurrah story..

25. Houston Texans

Granted, the Texans only loss this far was to the powerhouse Steelers, but they still were a disappointment considering the hopes attached to them in the pre-season. With a bottom ten, especially one this early in the season, there’s always going to be some question marks in the rankings – and the Texans are perhaps the biggest one this time around. All they need to get out of the basement is to defeat the resurgent Titans this Sunday. Yeah, exactly.

26. Atlanta Falcons

Ah, how much difference a week makes. Despite looking mighty impressive in a Week One romping of the Lions, the Falcons appeared to fall back to earth in a Week Two loss to the Buccaneers. This wasn’t too surprising. They have a rookie QB and were playing the Lions, after all. More on that team with an epically horrible GM in a bit.


27. Oakland Raiders

The Raiders won this past week, however it was against the Chiefs who are arguably the worst team in the league. Any team with as many questions at head coach as the Raiders have will have a difficult time winning consistently. The defense looked loads better, but again, it was against the Chiefs. Only time will tell if their rushing attack can prove to keep them in some ball games. It can only do so much.


28. Cincinnati Bengals

Just when you think they have it all together, are healthy, and are primed for a potentially upbeat season, the Bengals offense (the very thing that kept them legit, by the way) shits the bed and plays like one of the worst units for the first two weeks. Are they trying to get Marvin Lewis fired or something? Or is it a coup d’état against fantasy football owners? I’m stumped.


29. Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs were one of the teams none were too high on heading into the season, and one of their best players is now at odds with the coaching staff. Larry Johnson is right though, they need to give him at least 30 carries a game. What have they got to lose? (Hint: Absolutely nothing)


30. Detroit Lions

After an impressive first half in 2007, many thought the Lions had solved their losing woes and would actually finish with a winning record. The team has talent, there’s no doubt about that, but Matt Millen needs to go. Until he does, the shadow of all his poor decisions is going to loom over this team. What’s it going to take before he resigns? A riot?


31. Miami Dolphins

Many were optimistic about the Dolphins this year, with myself included. However, with the team’s refusal to pound the rock and no real option at QB with Chad Pennington’s inability to play competently, they’re just as bad as last year. Except this time around the defense doesn’t have Jason Taylor. Either Ronnie Brown bounces back and returns to pre-2007-injury form, or this team may end up struggling to win much more than their sole win total in 2007.


And the “winner” is…


32. St. Louis Rams

I don’t have anything nice to say about the Rams, so I’m not going to say anything at all. Except that I feel awfully bad for Marc Bulger. I don’t care what QB you put behind the Rams offensive line, they wouldn’t be effective wondering whether or not they had to go to the emergency room that night. End of story. The Rams need to get working on that sorry excuse for an O-line, because as of right now, it truly is offensive.

Very Quick Daily "Linkin' Logs" (9/16/08)

If possible, I'd love to give you my thoughts on the Cowboys-Eagles barn-burner yesterday. Unfortunately, with my computer issues yesterday (hence the no "linkin' logs" for Monday) and the general market turbulence, I'm just a bit busy. Perhaps one of my fellow BNBers can fill in the gap. A few links:

• Just before the game, A.J. Daulerio of Deadspin gave us the last gasp on his Eagledom...Deliver us five...Deliver us
• Yep, DeSean Jackson is dumb
• Philly.com points out, you can pin this loss on a lot of folks, just not Five (Honestly, the McNabb to Westbrook fumble was the dealbreaker, but an honest fan knows it shouldn't have come to that)
• First place Red Sox...Yankees fans everywhere are donning blue
• The Muscled One gets his chops busted
• A new rundown from one of my favorite bloggers from AoEH, Matt.
• And finally, via Deadspin, Blacksportsonline.com gives us the 50 Greatest Sir Charles Quotes
  

NFC West Week 2 Preview

Week 1: 3-0

Season: 3-0


San Francisco 49ers @ Seattle Seahawks

Seattle swept the season series from the Niners last year by a combined score of 47-3, but that was last year. Despite losing quarterback Alex Smith for the season with a torn rotator cuff, the news is even worse for the Seahawks. Down to one healthy, experienced wide receiver heading into week one, the Hawks lost Nate Burleson on the opening drive against Buffalo with a torn ACL in his left knee. The receiving situation is so desperate, the Hawks are considering starting backup quarterback Seneca Wallace at split end. With two second year WR in line to start, and a rookie tight end as well, QB Matt Hasselbeck will need to be on his game for the Hawks to prevail.

On the other side of the ball, Niners RB Frank Gore averages more than six yards per carry during his career against Seattle, with QB J.T. O'Sullivan again being asked to manage the clock and to avoid turnovers if at all possible.
Prediction: The Hawks injuries on offense are just too much to overcome, and Hasselbeck can't do it all himself, especially considering he isn't at 100% himself. If O'Sullivan can manage to avoid multiple turnovers, and if Gore can match his career averages against Seattle, I can't see them winning.

Prediction: 49ers, 17-13.

New York Giants @ St. Louis Rams

The Rams suffered a big loss on offense last week, WR Drew Bennett will miss at least a month with a broken foot. RB Steven Jackson should be in better shape than last week, although he is still not 100% after missing training camp and the pre-season following a hold-out. The Rams offensive line is its weakest link, the Giants should have little trouble pressuring QB Marc Bulger, putting even more pressure on Jackson.

The Giants offensive line, on the other hand, is a strength, they should have no trouble driving the Rams DLine off the ball, opening large holes for the Giants backs. QB Eli Manning should be aware of a potential mismatch between 6'6" Plaxico Burress and 5'9" Rams cornerback Tye Hill.

Prediction: Giants big, 38-13.

Miami @ Arizona

Here's a stat for you, in the third quarter of last week's opener at San Francisco, the Cardinals time of possession in the third quarter was 13:17. After a shaky first half which ended in a 10 all tie, QB Kurt Warner settled in and executed Coach Ken Whisenhunt 's short pass offense to perfection. In the first half, Anquan Boldin had zero catches, Larry Fitzgerald had seven. In the second half, after a 49ers adjustment, Boldin caught eight balls, with Fitzgerald grabbing three. Expect more of the same against Miami, as their secondary lacks a dominant, shutdown cover guy, which should result in Boldin and Fitzgerald once again approaching double digit catches apiece.

Falling behind early is what the Dolphins would like to avoid, as they are a run dominant team, led by Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown. Last week against the Jets, they combined for 23 carries, the Dolphs would like to see them approach forty combined carries.

Prediction: The Cardinals, behind the ever-confident Kurt Warner and the unstoppable duo of Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald win comfortably, 27-10.

Al Groh Gets What He Deserves