Sox, Tigers and 'Cats...O My!

Buzzer Beaters

Nick: In recent statement, Jonathan Papelbon of the Sox said he wouldn’t mind playing in the Bronx in 2011. What should the Nation think about that? That wouldn’t fly in Philly.
Mike: Papelbon has shown that he’s kind of got a big mouth over the past couple years. Last year he stated that he should close out the Mid-Summer Classic instead of Yankee legend Mariano Rivera, even though it was being played at Yankee stadium. Personally, the Nation should be upset and perturbed. Also, Papelbon should learn a lesson from a former teammate. Do you seen how the Nation treats Johnny Damon? I would not want that to be me.

Mike: Will Weir hold onto the lead at Bethpage, or is Tiger going to make another dramatic comeback for his 15th major?
Nick: We all know that Tiger is a weekend golfer and i think that he is going to storm back to take this thing. The thing is that Tiger has no choice. Right now he is battling with Roger Federer for the greatest of our generation. Woods looked like he was going to run away with more majors but recently Roger has stormed back winning the French Open. Today Rafael Nadal announced that he is missing Wimbledon due to injury so Roger is now in the driver's seat. Tiger needs to step it and fast at Bethpage.

Nick: As a coach who would you rather have: Plaxico Burress, Brandon Marshall or Michael Vick?
Mike: I’d quit my job.

Mike: The NBA Draft is next Thursday. Do you think our friend Dante Cunningham will hear his name called?
Nick: Sure Dante Cunningham is going pro. The improvements last year on his jump shot have made him a reliable player for any NBA team. I like to see him go in the second round to either the Pistons or the Bobcats, two teams that could use him as they look to retool.

Nick: Andy Talley and Nova football are ranked fourth in the preseason poll. How we going to do?
Mike: It’s going to be a tough season for the ‘Cats. The CAA is a rough conference and last year we got to play Richmond, JMU, and New Hampshire at home, which means we are on the road this year. However, I feel that Villanova can finish the year in the top 10 and qualify for the tournament for the second year in a row. It’s going to fall a lot on the play of Jake Whitney.

Mike: Manny Ramirez begins a minor league stint next Tuesday, playing for the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes. He then will play a series in Class A ball. What do you tell the Class-A pitcher that must face him?
Nick: If I was the pitching coach and had to give them a peptalk I would say, "well, he's been cooped up, so GOOD LUCK".

An American Nightmare

Many talk of the American dream. How one can come to the United States with very little, and work one’s way to so much. Well, few realize that for every rags-to-riches story, there are many failures. I’d like to talk about how some American’s, that showed so much promise, have fallen way short.

Yesterday, the U.S. National Team was embarrassed in a 3-0 defeat to the Brazilians. Granted Brazil produces some of the best players in the world, but the U.S. team has been dreadful lately. It was only 7 years ago that the red, white and blue gave hope in the soccer world when they made it to the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup in Asia. As of then, America was the team to watch for in the next couple years on the international scene. However, they have failed to live up to the hype.

The U.S. squad boasts 20 players. Of the 20, 12 of them play their club soccer in Europe and 8 play it here in the MLS. However, out of the 12 that play in European leagues, only one of them, DeMarcus Beasley, played for a team that placed in the top 5 of their league last year. What does this all mean? American players are not playing with the crème de la crème of the soccer world. Which means that the gap between the American squad and the England’s, Italy’s, and Brazil’s of the world is growing larger every year.

One hope we had of closing this gap was on the feet of teenager Freddy Adu, who was dubbed the American Pele just 6 years ago, when he turned pro for the D.C. United at age 14. No longer a teen, but rather a 20 year-old, Adu has done little to earn this comparison. In those six professional seasons, Adu has scored a mere 15 goals, and this season, he appeared in only 20 games for Beneficia in the Portuguese League. Also, he has not earned a starting role on the U.S. team, having been relegated to substitute duty. The young Adu has certainly not lived up to being America’s soccer savior. While I certainly do not want to pick on Adu, he simply is another example of American soccer not living up to its promise.

Many point to the health of the MLS as a sign of American soccer health. This is true; the MLS has done quite well, and is expanding, with the addition of three new teams in the next two years. However, last week, arguably the best player in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo, transferred from Manchester United to Real Madrid for a record fee of $131 million. The MLS is charging Portland $40 million for the rights to a team. So in essence, Real Madrid could have purchased Cristiano Ronaldo or three MLS teams? Ouch.

It is unfair to say that MLS should compete with European soccer leagues financially, but we must therefore understand that the MLS will not compete on the pitch either, as money is what attracts the world’s best. Hence, it is essential for American players to go abroad and get European experience. While the trend is starting, it is vital for the health of our soccer future for the Adu’s, Donovan’s, and Altidore’s of U.S. to play with the Kaka’s, Rooney’s, and Ronaldo’s of Europe. Otherwise, our youngsters will not develop the same talent as those abroad. And furthermore, we can expect this “American Dream” to become a full-on nightmare.

If you would like to talk some more about this topic or any topic, send me an email at michael.bobich@villanova.edu

A NOT-SO-BAD WORLD

Today’s column has not come easy to me. This is my third idea. First, I ranted about my decreasing level of respect that I have for Major League Baseball based off of the recent Sammy Sosa report. Then I questioned why America cared more about the Michael Vick killing dogs case than Donte Stallworth’s vehicular manslaughter charge. But then I realized that I was playing straight into the very cynicism that is started to erode my faith in the future. And then it hit me that this week is graduation week across the country.

Yes it is true that sports often teach us bad lessons. For example your teammate is only as useful as your next paycheck, and its not cheating unless you get caught. But sports also are able to teach great lessons that can help those who are making the jump from middle school, high school or college to a much bigger, tougher world.

In order to survive in the sports arena as well as life you need to first need to have courage. Nowadays the world’s fate is unsure and the economy is as depressing as Detroit Lion football so it is not a secret that courage is needed. This weekend we are going to be able to see Phil Mickelson play in the US Open while his wife is sick in the hospital with breast cancer. The media will be in his face and the pressure of facing Tiger Woods and his wife’s weakened state will keep anyone up at night. Yet he intends to forge on. Courage is the ability to stare failure in the face and smile.

Courage by itself however can make goons out of men. The strong are able to control their courage with mental toughness. Every shift, every inning, every shot has a purpose. Sports are not meaningless, and those who play sports without purpose will not last very long. You can always tell who is going to well based on their mental toughness not ability. One of my favorite sporting events of all time was last year’s Wimbledon Final with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. The match was so epic because both of the players understood the magnitude of the moment and had the mental toughness to carry on. For as sports need a purpose so does life. Life will get old pretty fast and dull if the direction you go is indeterminate. Life counts as a life if one has the mental toughness to make sure every day has a purpose.

Finally nothing can be accomplished if you don’t have heart. People in the drive in movie theatres didn’t honk their cars horns because Rocky was a pretty boy, and they certainly didn’t cheer because he was rich. They loved him because he had heart. It is not silly to dream and there is not such thing as a silly dream. Life can’t be fun without something to be enthusiastic about. It is true that not all of us our great but we can learn to be dependable, good teammates and hard workers.Whether you are making the jump to 1st grade, college or the classifieds look to sports and don’t be discouraged. Recognize that in a world in which their will be people taking “steroids” and trying to skip on by, and that there will be people who are better but as long as you have courage and mental toughness to go an extra round and the heart to win it you will do just fine. No matter how many #1 draft picks you seem to be selecting every in year in the draft.

Please leave comments, or if you want to talk more about this topic or any topic email me at nicholas.esposito@villanova.edu

Field of Dreams

College football has the BCS, college basketball has the Final Four, and college baseball has Omaha. These next two weeks, Rosenblatt Stadium, as it has for the past 50 years, plays hosts to one of the greatest yearly baseball spectacles: the College World Series.

There are so many factors that make the CWS such a baseball spectacle. First off, it brings the best collegiate teams in the nation to compete in one venue, Rosenblatt Stadium, the Mecca of college baseball. Eight teams arrive there trying to win it all, before suffering two defeats. Also, there are team rituals that are not seen at the Wrigleys and Fenways of the world. Whether it be the whole team wearing high socks (which FYI, is the correct way to wear baseball socks), getting something cooking by shaking their hats like a pan, or congratulating a teammate after a home run by meeting him at the plate, these young men know how to enjoy the nuances of the game. Finally, there are no signs saying “Justin, MARRY ME!”; just signs like “Go Justin, Your Mom Loves You”. Parents travel from far and wide to cheer on their sons in their final amateur sporting event of their career. Now that’s special.

This year’s double elimination tournament features collegiate power houses, such as LSU and Arizona State, as well as underdogs, such as Virginia and Arkansas. While a bunch of dogs, the Fresno Bulldogs to be specific, got to pile on the mound last season, it looks more likely that it will be a powerhouse this season. LSU, a big time favorite, rolled into Omaha with 5 consecutive playoff wins. They continued this domination by scoring 9 runs in both of their first two games at Rosenblatt, winning them both. Arizona State, a classic college baseball powerhouse, surprised North Carolina in their opening game in Omaha, by pulling out a close one against the favored Tar Heels. Finally, Texas, winner of a marathon game against Boston College earlier in the Regionals, pulled out a squeaker against Southern Mississippi in their first game at Rosenblatt. These three teams make up the field of the likely favorites.

No matter who walks away from Omaha victorious, one sweet thing about this baseball tournament is that there will be no mention of drugs. While I will always be a fan of major league baseball, the game at the college level is refreshingly not about contracts, or the long-ball for that matter. When it comes to college baseball, the game is about purity, hustle, eye black, bunting down the line, hitting the cutoff man, sunflower seeds, the hit and run, and so much more.

It is this kind of play that Little Leaguers should model. It is just so great to see America’s Pastime played like this. So enjoy it everyone, as it is baseball the way it was meant to be played…okay, aside from the metal bats.

If you would like to talk some more about this topic or any topic, send me an email at michael.bobich@villanova.edu

NOT QUITE DONE YET

Within three days both the NHL and NBA crowned their respective champions. It marked the true birth of a legend in Sidney Crosby as he led his team into a hostile Detroit, the hotbed of hockey and proved that Penguins can fly. Then two nights later, Kobe tried to write his own legacy by willing the Lakers onto their 15th championship. But now that arenas all across North America have gone quiet and the dust is just settling we turn our attention to the offseason of both leagues before we pack it in for summer. There may be trades, cuts and of course the drafts but everybody wants to know where the big names are heading through free agency. Every year there are huge signings that drastically change the landscape of the game.

NHL
The NHL should hit the ground running this season as everyone is anxiously waiting for Canadian Junior Jonathan Tavares to go to the Islanders. But until then, FREE AGENCY! The best goaltender on the market is Nikolai Khabibulin who could potentially land with a team that is in need of a quick fix during a rebuilding year. Players whose best years are behind them such as Mats Sundin and Alexander Tanguay may have to settle for pay cuts during these economic times but would provide a good deal of experience and skill to their teams.

There are some stars will be dedicated on working something out with their current team such as Martin Havlat in new look Chicago, the Sedin Twins in Vancouver and Marion Gaborik in Minnesota. Montreal defensemen Mike Komisarek could be headed for Philly in exchange for Danny Briere. Young stars such as Mike Cammalleri and mega-defensemen Jay Bouwmeester will be eyeing big dollars in big markets.

Finally the biggest free agent, Marian Hossa will be looking for the type of paycheck that the Penguins and Redwings will not be able to write. In an attempt to capture a Stanley Cup he found himself on the wrong side both years. His Cup hunting days may be over because he may be headed for Long Island or Northwestern Canada for a lot of money. No more pay-cuts for cups for Hossa because that didn’t seem to work.

NBA
Even the promise of a big contract this summer may not ease the sting of being selected by the Clippers for Blake Griffin. This June it will be a draft that is decked out with college stars. But across the hallway into the Lakers locker room resides the NBA Championship trophy. This year the Lakers will have to reevaluate the team and figure who is going to stay on board for the 2010 title defense. Kobe Bryant says he is staying put and we believe him. Permanent free agent Lamar Odom got his ring now looks to resign with the purple and gold. The Lakers’ Trevor Ariza saw his stock rise during the NBA playoffs this season and wouldn’t mind some more money in the bank.

Sixers guard Andre Miller and Jason Kidd will be a hot commodity to teams in need of an experienced point guard. The Bird-man Chris Anderson would be a fun guy to have in the arena and could provide some amusement to the fans of a lucky city. Ron Artest resurrected his career as he took the champion Lakers to the brink in the second round. Carlos Boozer seems to be the biggest name that will definitely be wearing a different uniform next season. Ben Gordon is available but will need to add more dimensions to his game to get more money in the long run.
Finally Hedo Turkoglu impressed many people this season as he helped lead the Magic down a murderer’s row this offseason flying past the Celtics, Cavs and Lakers. His clutch shooting would be clutch in any city. It would be in Orlando’s best interest to resign him.

And then they’re off it should be a fun offseason. And now we are done until the fall!

A Title For the Ages

The Lakers captured the NBA crown for their 15th time last night in Orlando. While one may ask if the team is going to go to Disneyland or Disney World, since they are already in Orlando, the more important question is how this championship will go into the history books.

Firstly, it is Kobe Bryant’s first title without the help of the Big Diesel. While not personally a fan of Kobe, he earns my respect for the way he plays on the court. He plays tough defense in a league not known for any, he can carry the Lakers on his back when he needs to, and never fails to find the open man. His leadership on the “Redeem Team” last summer exemplified all of this, and now he has earned an NBA Championship and a gold medal within a year. Not too shabby.

The title also is Coach Phil Jackson’s tenth title, which pushes him past Red Auerbach as the coach with the most NBA titles. Many say that he has won these titles because of the likes of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal. However, nobody ever discredits John Wooden’s title runs because he had Lou Alcindor and Bill Walton. Also, so many coaches enter the Association and fail miserably, but not Jackson. Aside from his titles, in 18 years of coaching at the NBA level, Jackson has never had a losing record and holds a .705 winning percentage. Now that’s impressive.

The win Sunday night also gives the Los Angeles Lakers their 15th NBA title, leaving them two behind the Celtics for most all-time. The win also makes the team that wears yellow and forum blue one of only 4 teams to have collected 15 titles (Canadians, Yankees, Celtics), making them one of the premier franchises of all-time. Also, the title makes them .500 in the Finals (15-15).

This NBA Championship is one that means a lot more than just a trophy and a parade. It is one that makes its mark on history, for a player, a coach, and a franchise.

If you would like to talk some more about this topic or any topic, send me an email at michael.bobich@villanova.edu