Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Onions, Onions, Onions





The Celtics need this kind of play badly without KG on the court. I can't believe Allen continues to hit 3's like he's standing two feet from the bucket.

Ouch




I kind of feel sorry for the dude. He saw him coming but still got drilled.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Fuel the Addiction

Finding a way to improve something may be as easy as putting two great things together. Adding the Jordan brand with the AF1 was something I didn't think was going to be a good idea but after seeing this, I'm not totally against it. I would have preferred Nike to keep the two brands in their own worlds but it isn't the worst thing to hit the market.

Looking forward to adding this to my list of shoes.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Singles Man


Ichiro Suzuki is known for being a Gold Glove fielder and a hits machine. There is no denying he is a great baseball player but is he worth $100million over 5 years? Most will jump out and say that he deserves every penny because of what he does on the field. But wait, let's take a look at his stats and see what he actually produces on the field.

Since debuting in 2001 Ichiro has collected, as of today, 1809 hits while producing a .331AVG over that span. He's done the trot around the bases 74 times and driven in 474. He is also a thief with 316 stolen bases. Now, impressed? I am.

Lets jump a little further into the numbers.

The 1809 hits are a little deceiving. What is he producing under the 1809. Of the 1809 hits he has produced at the major league level 1474 are singles, that's 81.48% of his hits only have him running to first base. Let me remind you again about his salary, $100million over 5 years. Hmmm, can you see where I am going with this?

Yes, Ichiro has the great numbers with his AVG and stolen bases but he is a pure singles hitter. Are you going to tell me that the Mariners are paying around $20 mllion every year for a singles hitter? If Mariner's fans and general baseball fans looked deeper into the stats would they be a little skeptical on why the M's handed him this contract. It seems a little extreme to pay someone that much money just to hit singles. Hitting homeruns like Pujols and pitching like Johan deserve hefty salaries but does Ichiro really deserve his salary.

There are plenty of reason outside the baseball world where my argument about his salary is bounced to the curb. First, marketing. Every team in the league needs someone that they can market to their fans because we all know the merchandise, official merchandise, is not on the cheap end of the spectrum. Who better to market then Ichiro. A guy who is always contending for a batting title and who is from a country of almost 120 million who live and breathe anything foreign, especially baseball. The money the M's receive in merchandise easily offsets Ichiro's salary. Secondly, a team needs to give their fans some hope. Ichiro stands for hope. A man who will produce every night with a smile.

I guess from a baseball perspective he doesn't deserve his pay but on a marketing and business level he does. Thing is, the M's could easily have offered $20million a year to someone with special talent that you is found in premium players like Pujols, Johan, and Hanley. With those kind of players you have the best of both worlds.

AAA Player

Lincecum, if Zito is giving you advice on pitching...do the opposite.

Who is the highest paid AAA player in baseball right now? If you jump to Google and try to find him you'll be way off. Why do you ask? Well, the highest paid AAA player is in fact currently sitting on a Major League Baseball roster. His name, Barry Zito. Yes, the question may have been a little deceiving but I guess everything about this post and Zito have to be deceiving.

Just look at his stats since he signed a 7 year $126 million contract. Seriously, go and check it out...I'll even put a link here for you so you don't have to Google it. Is this what you get for $126million because if it is Billy Beane is laughing his ass off at how the Giants threw away money. It was a contract year and the A's, notorious cheap skates or as equity guys call it value investors, decided to step aside and let someone else over pay and suffer the consequences of a Zito that would throw nothing but batting practice during Major League games.

Every time I watch this guy and every time I see his name in the stats, all I do is laugh because of how stupid the Giants were to sign this guy to a organizational death trap of 7 years!!! Man, how stupid can can an organization be.

I know the Giants are paying this guy around $18million a year and that is kind of pricy to send his ass down to AAA but they should do it. The Giants need to embarass this so called major league pitcher because it doesn't seem like he cares about anything except knowing his salary is deposited on payday. Guy is 0-2 with a lovely 10.0ERA so far this season. What do you honestly have to lose except win some dam games. If you don't want to send him down to AAA send him to the bullpen and make him a lefty specialist but come on, leaving him in the starting rotation is just stupid. How the hell can you sell your team to Giants' fans as a competitive ballclub in search of a World Series when you have Barry Zito as a starter in your rotation. Don't look for him to turn it around because if you continue to do so, you'll continue to be the laughing stock of the major leagues.

Seriously, 7 year $126million, tell me the truth, what were you smoking when the contract negotiations went down.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Nike Free

If you've never tried a pair of Nike Frees, you are missing out.
Great shoe for daily stuff and for working out.






Thanks goes out to Branded.

NBA PLAYOFFS!!!





Oh Man!!! I'm getting pumped!!!

Live TV





Cursing on air is great and should be done more often

What's Wrong With Baseball

Do we really need rack of lamb while watching a ball game?

The house that Ruth built is officially in the past as the Yankees had their 2009 home opener in their new $1.5billion stadium that sits directly across the street. As I took a virtual tour, watched videos, and photos I have to say, this is what is wrong with baseball.

One of the rules of business is serve the customer and keep them happy at all costs. Well the Yankees have touched on the cost issue. The price of anything and everything in the new stadium is over the top. Ranging from $12 popcorn to a $125 hoodie. Honestly, do we really need to drop $125 on a hoodie while we attend a baseball game. What about paying 12 freakin dollars on some dam popcorn. It amazes me how some people spend their money. I understand the guys who pull millions and $12 is nothing to them but for the average baseball fan, $12 for popcorn is pretty steep esepcailly since ticket prices aren't on the low end of the spectrum. Most people who make a trip to the ballpark usually do it once or twice a year and their spare no expense and it is obvious that the Yanks are going to take that to their advantage.

The type of food being sold at stadiums is reaching a point where there is nothing for me to do but roll my eyes. Again, going back on serving customers, if there is a demand from the customer someone will supply it. Why are you going to a baseball game and wanting to eat a gourmet meal? Just look at the picture above. Looks like a famous butcher you would see why walking through town but in fact, it's the "wonderful" new Yankee Stadium. The premium cuts of meat are great but should only be found on a table.

What happened to the old days of hot dogs, hamburgers, fries, chicken fingers, and beer. The old fashioned foods are items that go with baseball and what make baseball the game it is. Just think of a movie and what do you think of? We all know that movie theatres are slowly adding KFC, Pizza Hut, and other food items to make it a better experience. But still, popcorn is where it's at!

Call me an old-fashioned guy but I think that stadiums should just keep it simple. But that goes against everything that the bigs stands for, make money and make more money. I have nothing against change but there are some things that just don't seem right. I bet this was the argument when something new came into the ballparks decades ago but come on, really, do we need rack of lamb at a ballpark?

Lame





Can anyone honestly say this was a good commercial. Clicked on a link which I thought was going to lead me to a funny commercial starring Woods, Jeter, and Federer but instead it gave me this piece of crap. More like an intro to an 80's porn.

Another AF1 Post


Ever heard of KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid)?

The classic AF1 has always been a staple in my closet and for some reason whenever I see a new colour scheme, for the AF1, I am usually impressed by how simple the shoe is. The designers seem to keep it simple and that is rarely seen in this day and age where going over the top is what most people have on their minds. It is funny how much time I devote towards the culture that surrounds sports because with all that time I devote I could be doing something "productive" with my time. Ah well, this habit won't be slowing down anytime soon.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Getting Giddy





Something amazing is going to happen and but you'll have to wait a few days.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Yawn


Where do the days go. The Stanley Cup playoffs are about to begin but how did this happen? It seems like yesterday when I was itching for the season to start and now it's playoff time.

This year seems a little different though. I was attached to the season when it began but as the year unfolded my attention drifted and planted itself onto the NBA. The year, the NHL didn't do it for me. There isn't one reason for my eyes to focus entirely on the NBA but it just happened. The NHL this year, in my eyes, seemed like a chore. I knew it was there and the only way it I was going to get to the NHL was if I forced myself to sit and watch.

There were plenty of games I watched but none where I was actually into. It was more background noise than anything else. It usually happens, the 82 game season is kind of long and there are other things in my life other than sports, it is hard to believe but it is true.

As I continue to write this post I realize how parallel it is to how I feel about the NHL season. At the beginning I had things to say and was into writing the post. As the post goes on, I drifted and was only typing because I knew there was a post to be finished. Now that the end is near, I'm tired and ready for something new.

I hope the NHL playoffs draw my attention back to the great game of hockey. The playoffs usually do drag be back but I'm not sure if this year is going to be the same. Never felt this way about the NHL season before.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Handful





If this is truly from the Masters...Priceless.

Monday, April 13, 2009

The Chosen One



Watch CBS Videos Online


The part about him hiring his friends and surrounding himself with his old buddies reminds me of the show Entourage. This guy really does have it all and it fascinates me. His ability on the court and his endeavours off the court are ones that are simply out of reach to 99.9% of the people on this earth. Watching the highlights night after night, I wonder if I'm living and watching the greatest basketball player to ever play the game. Will he bring Jordan down, it is inevitable that Jordan's crown is taken away.

One thing I love about sports is there will always be someone out there, might take 3-5 decades, that will come and shatter every record and every imaginable thought about what the greatest player is made of. LeBron is frickin 24 years old and look at where he is right now. Pro athletes seem to peak at around 27 and maintain their greatness for 3-4 years after. It makes me sick to think about where LeBron is headed in the near future. Is he going to be walking around his hometown with championship throphy after championship trophy.

As I was a little too young to truly appreciate the Jordan days when he was playing for the Bulls. I still remember Jordan "pushing" off on Bryan Russell and leaving his arm in the air after the ball went through the mesh but it isn't the same as what I am experiencing now with LeBron. For all who love the game of basketball or sports in general, make sure to soak as much LeBron as possible. You really never know if someone like this will reach the NBA in your life time.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

LBJ AF1

A pair of LeBron inspired AF1's.

Very nice combination of the red with the gum sole. I am always a fan of the gum colour sole. I'm starting to the think that the iconic brand that Jordan created might be in for some competition with LeBron. Okay, before all you Jordan faithful out there torch this blog up and rip it up, hear me out. The Jordan brand is one of my favourite, even though it costs an arm and a leg for the right to own it, and it will continue to be a brand name that will survive for decades to come. There is always a reason for my madness.

LeBron is starting to really make a name for himself on the court, especially if he can lead the Cavs to a Larry O'Brien trophy in the near future. Maybe even grab 2-5 of them in the next 7-10 years. James has this special drive to him, on and off the court, that will never stop even when it seems he has everything in the world. He wants to be the first $1,000,000,000 athlete, yup One Billion Dollars!!! With the power he posesses he has the ability to really challenge Jordan for brand superiority.

There are plenty of things that might stand in his way though. Remember when Vince Carter was playing for the Raptors when his high flying ways was making highlight reels and everyone was branding him as the next IT athlete. Well, as time progressed and reveiled, the Carter brand wasn't a classic that would last through time. The Carter shoes were nice but the VC brand just didn't live up to the hype, not due to the brand, but more due to his role on the court. If LeBron wants to make his brand iconic and be the first billion dollar athlete, he needs to be healthy just like Jordan and make sure to follow his PR representative.

I do see LeBron maintaining his King Kong size brand and growing to iconic and classic status but only time will tell if it actually happens. The battle will rage on between the current heavyweight champion, Jordan, and the up and coming LBJ.

Wonder how many Jordans or LBJ shoes I'll have in the future. Hopefully my salary can support my love of shoes.

Friday, April 10, 2009

2 to Go


The 2009 Masters is half way to the Green Jacket and I wish I had time this weekend to watch some of the action. Every year I try and sit back and enjoy the warming weather while enjoying a cigar with the Masters as my background noise but I guess this year will be the exception.

During the first two days I have read about some fairly notable names being at the top of the leaderboard and some who are lurking and may draw some attention come Sunday. Just looking at the results from Day 2, no one but Anthony Kim should be in the spotlight. After carding 11 birdies in a single round, this American is only 5 stokes off the lead. Wow, 11 freakin birdies in a single round and it was done at Augusta National too! Too bad he shot a 75 on Day 1. Come on man, if I card 1 or 2 birdies in a round I'm jumping for joy but 11, mother dam crap and all the other foul things that exist in the English language.

Canadian and former Masters champion is sitting a little further back than after Day 1. After scoring a 68 he followed it up with a 75 and seems to have fallen out of contention. I hope he contends on the final two days and doesn't fade into the category of players who win big and fall just as fast as their ascent. Ever hear about a guy named David Duval?

Lastly, how can I have a post about the Masters and not mention Woods and man-breasts Phil. Woods is sitting 7 stokes back but for some reason I don't see him making a huge charge and taking the coveted Green Jacket this year. With all the hype behind Woods and his return to the golfing world I just don't see him taking this years Masters. In my eyes, he doesn't seem like the guy who scares other golfers when he walks through the course. Just my two cents and I guarentee there are millions of people who will quickly discard my comments. Phil on the otherhand is only 6 back and I too don't see him putting on the Green Jacket come Sunday either. The more and more I watch Phil the more I see a man who needs to prove something and for Phil, I see this as a negative thing. Guy just needs to play his game and stop worrying about all the other distractions out there about him being 2nd to Woods. Just step up and hit that dam ball.

Hope everyone enjoys the Masters. It is always a special time of the year.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Classic


Everyone should have a pair of Pumps in their shoe closet.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Hall


Was this even needed. These guys already have a place in the hall of fame (minus the girl on the left). Kind of weird seeing Stockton without Malone and Jordan without Pippen.

Snider/Lind


The Jays started the season in a big way and guess who led the charge, the rookies! Okay, Wells and Rios pitched in with some hits and runs but in my eyes the big story here are the two youngins, Travis Snider and Adam Lind. Both chipped in with a bomb a piece. Just look at the numbers that they posted in their first game.

Adam Lind - 4/5, 2Rs, 1HR, and 6RBIs.
Travis Snider - 2/4, 1R, 1HR, and 1 RBI.

I will and have always rooted for the Jays but I still don't see them making the playoffs this year. This was great opening the season with a victory but the boys have the keep this going for another 161 games, the baseball season is nothing but a marathon especially through the hot/humid/hazy days of summer coming up.

They have plenty of places they need fixing, cough cough, pitching.

Looking on the positive side, the Jays do have a bright future with Rios, Wells, Snider, and Lind in the mix.

Reminder

Spring is truly here.

The Masters.

April 9th to 12th.

Wasn't a Game


If any of you watched the final game of March Madness you witnessed a victory that was more on the side of a serious ass whoopin. The boys from UNC took it to the men in green, MSU, from the get go.

There is something so special about March Madness but it is so hard to describe. Every year I turn into a college basketball fanatic that is stuck to the TV and now my computer with the inclusion of CBS Sports streaming every dam game. Holy crap, I love that feature!!!

Back to my post.

Throughout the college season I care less who wins or who seems to dominate the field or which player is going to be the supposedly next Air Jordan. But when March rolls around my attention is completely attached to the Madness that brings 64 teams into a single tournament and leaves only one standing.

The boys play this game like it is their last game they will ever play in their lives. Which for some is true. The heart, love of the game, and drive for victory seems so palpable I feel as if I belong to the school who is being represented on the court.

The game is filled with errors that young inexperienced players make in the game of basketball. I love this part of the game. The quality of play is absolutely amazing but at times little mental mistakes always come to the forefront and show how young these kids truly are. It makes me feel closer to the game because I do some of those things when I play ball. It makes me feel more in touch with the game. The dudes in the NBA do things that only a true all-star player can do and there is no way I can do some of those things.

A TEAM always wins the March Madness final, no individuals. Have you ever seen an NBA game where one player just dominates another team all by himself. It happens all the time. But when it comes to the NCAA one player just isn't good enough to dominate the way an NBA player does. The team aspect of basketball is always in the spotlight during a March Madness final. It is great to see Jordan, Kobe, LeBron, or Wilt dominate a game but it does get old. Watching 5 guys come together on the court and dominate as a group through screens, executing plays, and rotating on defence is what makes basketball the great game it is.

Those are just a few things why I can't get myself away from the Madness and I still can't find the words to describe that feeling I have towards why I love this tournament.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Shootout





That is creativity!

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Okay and Not Okay

Jennifer Aniston kissing herself in the mirror.

This is perfectly okay.



Alex Rodriguez kissing himself in the mirror.

This is NOT okay.

Where the hell does this crap come from. Who comes up with the idea of A-Rod kissing himself when his "juiced" body is nothing but artificial. Why are you condoning this narcissistic crap from a guy who deserves nothing better than a spot in jail. Details Magazine should be ashamed of themselves for this ugly self-centred crap that shows the world you should be in love with yourself even though you lied and juiced yourself just because everyone else in the world was doing it. Come on buddy, you have your own balls and you should be able to stand on your own two legs while using your brain to decide between right and wrong.

At this time, I would like to send out an apology to Jennifer Aniston for dragging her into a post with Alex Rodriguez. You deserve so much better.

PS. Jennifer Aniston, you are so hot!

Friday, April 3, 2009

Brady Passes to Owens


The dude in the picture is the one and only Terrell Owens of the Buffalo Bills. This post is coming a little late since he signed with the Bills a few weeks back or was it a week ago, it doesn't matter. Anyways, I am still a little shocked and bewildered with the decision on both sides of the ball, Bills offering him a contract and Owens actually signing it.

First off from the Bills perspective. It is a smart move because they need another WR that can take the pressure off their star WR Lee Evans. They also need someone who can take them to a place where only Thomas and Kelly were able to do, the wonderful Super Bowl. Owens is the type of player that can put up numbers on the board quickly and at the same time pick the team up when needed. Of course all this comes with what I call the Mr. Owens package. With all the shenanigans, egocentric tendencies, and negative attention he brings to his organization...was the deal something the Bills really needed to make? Honestly, I don't think it's going to be a relationship that blossoms in the upcoming NFL season. I see a terrible breakup that will yet again keep the Bills out of the playoffs.

From Owens view. This move makes no sense at all. Where are the lights? Where is the nightlife? Buffalo isn't what you call a place where high maintenance guys like Owens flock to for a place to play. The place is cold and just off the map when it comes to a social life. To me, I don't see why he would want to go to the Bills organization when there are tons of other teams out there that can give him a legitimate shot at the Super Bowl. Yes, I don't think the Bills are going to the Super Bowl next year.

This leads me to where my thoughts and blog post meet, the New England Patriots. The second I found out Owens was going to be a free agent I immediately thought the Patriots would scoop him up and make him into the next Randy Moss project, turn a highly talented guy with excess baggage and make him into a deadly weapon. It seems the Pats and their head coach, Bill Belichick, seem to have a strong father like presence in the locker room and bring out the best of each individual and put a winning and competitive team on the field. I would think that this organization would fit Owens like a glove.

I understand there are contract issues, salary cap space, and of course the guys in the organization might just hate Owens but no one can doubt his football talent is off the charts. Throw him into an offence and you can easily build around him and win football games. With the likes of Randy Moss and Tom Brady, the Patriots could easily contend for the Super Bowl in the upcoming season. Adding Owens and that might put them over the top.

New England isn't the warmest of places and of course, one would assume, it doesn't hold the night life Owens feeds off of but a chance for a Super Bowl Ring can easily change the mindset of any football player, Owens included.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Arenas is Back


When Gilbert Arenas finds his spot on the court after suffering injury after injury, all I have to say is I am indifferent to the whole situation. People make it seem Agent Zero is going to come back and save the Wizards but having a record below the Raptors is not something that can be saved at this point in the season. There seems to be a huge deal over his return but I just don't understand why. He has the skill and talent but there is something about him that turns me off. Is it his blogging, narcissism, or his ability to say the stupidest thing at the wrong time I just don't know. It might be all of those things.

To finish this post, I am indifferent.
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