I may be somewhat bias as I write this sense I'm watching hockey on TV. But everyone who knows me and talks to me or asks me assumes that my favorite sport is either baseball or football. I see where that could be confusing. I've played baseball my entire life and the last few years I've spent coaching. And football? Well anyone who knows anything about me knows that if you get me started on the Green Bay Packers I can go all night. The surprise comes when I tell people that my favorite sport is hockey. If you don't like hockey I have one question for you...Have you watched the game?! By far the best sport in the universe. I love baseball and football. But even I'll admit the thing that gets to me is the downtime. That can be said for either baseball or football. I like a game with some flow to it. Much like basketball. Whats the difference between basketball and hockey? Game stoppages. When the ball goes out of bounds in basketball the clock stops. When there is a time out the game stops. Which completely disrupts any flow or rhythm that the game has gotten into. Hockey on the other hand never stops. No timeouts(until later in games) Even after a goal they are right back to it only seconds later. It really never stops.
Now take a look at the action on the ice. First of all, the things the guys (or girls) can do on skates is amazing. Soccer players normally get a lot of credit for the things they are able to do with their feet. (Soccer I may point out also has the flow of hockey without stopping-which I like) Hockey isn't really into the whole 'what happens with the feet' but its still amazing what they are able to do on top of frozen water. Whats best about hockey is that is has the flow of basketball or soccer but also the contact of a football game. If you are not used to watching hockey action put it on and you will be amazed at what is 'legal' in a game. Guys getting blown up...No big deal. Its the norm. ESPN always shows big hits during the NFL season...Well you could make an entire highlight film of big hits from one single hockey game.
Oh...Did I mention that dropping the gloves and fighting is one of the great traditions of the game? I think I've said enough.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Brewers fall to Cubs second night in a row
Two nights in a row Milwaukee Brewers starting pitching goes deep into games pitching for what should have been a well deserved win. Two nights in a row the team surrounding those starting pitchers failed them. First it was Randy Wolf in game 1 VS the Cubs. Wolf went 7 scoreless innings only to turn things over to Kameron Loe and the Brewer bullpen. Loe gave up one run in the 8th inning. Not to pin everything on Loe, who has taken his fair share of criticism so far, but its good to keep in mind the offense was an even bigger disappointment than the help that Wolf didn't receive from his bullpen....
We move on. Last night Yovanni Gallardo gets the start-pitches great- 7 Innings 1 ER and 10 strike outs...In the eighth RR decides to go with Marco Estrada with a three run lead. Estrada lasted a third of an inning before giving up the lead and just like that off of a home run from Aramis Ramirez.
Two games in a row where Brewer starting pitchers pitch well. And two games in a row where their bullpen blows it. So what is the solution? Trade? Bring someone up from the minors?
I think I will hold off on the whole trade idea until closer to the deadline. I would like to see exactly what the Brewers bullpen will look like when guys come back from injury. Lets remember Manny Parra(probably doesn't matter), Takashi Saito, Brandon Kintzler, and Mitch Stetter. The Brewers even when these relievers do come off of the injury list may still have to make a trade or two for someone. I'm just saying don't jump the gun and do it out of reaction.
As far as who should be in that eighth inning role..I can eliminate Marco Estrada right off the bat. I have said it before and I'll say it again...How about LaTroy Hawkins? He has been almost unhittable so far. As far as Loe is concerned...I am not as down as him as many people are. His record is not good (2-6). ERA is high as well at 5.23. To me its more of a hit or miss with Loe. He has made 36 appearances. Many of those 36 have been scoreless innings. The problem is that for the most part when it rains for Loe it pours.
NOW on to just as big of issues..The Brewers last night were 2 for 16 with runners in scoring position. I don't think I need to say anything more about that.
And what did we just see? Really? RR decided to pitch to Castro last night with a runner on third and 1 out and Bring the infield in with Ryan Braun as the 5th infielder. Ramirez would have been next and he loves grounding into double plays. There are a million and one ways to score from third with 1 out if your the Cubs. And Castro(who was the hottest player in the line up) found just one of those ways. Shoot it over the outfielders head. Even if Corey Hart catches that ball last night the runner is going to score from third. If you walk Castro you set up the potential double play which gets you out of the game.
Today is a new day...Lay of RR a little bit. I know I just criticized him. But I believe he is a good manager and will continue to learn and become a better manager. We cant hate every manager we have Brewer fans...Although I understand your frustrations. And I am not overlooking them at all. He has made his mistakes..just don't forget some of the good moves he has made as well. One more note..If your going to get on RR get on the team as a whole for being...oh say....2-16 with runners in scoring position.
We move on. Last night Yovanni Gallardo gets the start-pitches great- 7 Innings 1 ER and 10 strike outs...In the eighth RR decides to go with Marco Estrada with a three run lead. Estrada lasted a third of an inning before giving up the lead and just like that off of a home run from Aramis Ramirez.
Two games in a row where Brewer starting pitchers pitch well. And two games in a row where their bullpen blows it. So what is the solution? Trade? Bring someone up from the minors?
I think I will hold off on the whole trade idea until closer to the deadline. I would like to see exactly what the Brewers bullpen will look like when guys come back from injury. Lets remember Manny Parra(probably doesn't matter), Takashi Saito, Brandon Kintzler, and Mitch Stetter. The Brewers even when these relievers do come off of the injury list may still have to make a trade or two for someone. I'm just saying don't jump the gun and do it out of reaction.
As far as who should be in that eighth inning role..I can eliminate Marco Estrada right off the bat. I have said it before and I'll say it again...How about LaTroy Hawkins? He has been almost unhittable so far. As far as Loe is concerned...I am not as down as him as many people are. His record is not good (2-6). ERA is high as well at 5.23. To me its more of a hit or miss with Loe. He has made 36 appearances. Many of those 36 have been scoreless innings. The problem is that for the most part when it rains for Loe it pours.
NOW on to just as big of issues..The Brewers last night were 2 for 16 with runners in scoring position. I don't think I need to say anything more about that.
And what did we just see? Really? RR decided to pitch to Castro last night with a runner on third and 1 out and Bring the infield in with Ryan Braun as the 5th infielder. Ramirez would have been next and he loves grounding into double plays. There are a million and one ways to score from third with 1 out if your the Cubs. And Castro(who was the hottest player in the line up) found just one of those ways. Shoot it over the outfielders head. Even if Corey Hart catches that ball last night the runner is going to score from third. If you walk Castro you set up the potential double play which gets you out of the game.
Today is a new day...Lay of RR a little bit. I know I just criticized him. But I believe he is a good manager and will continue to learn and become a better manager. We cant hate every manager we have Brewer fans...Although I understand your frustrations. And I am not overlooking them at all. He has made his mistakes..just don't forget some of the good moves he has made as well. One more note..If your going to get on RR get on the team as a whole for being...oh say....2-16 with runners in scoring position.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
When in a slump
While the Milwaukee Brewers as a team are playing well as of late, Casey McGehee has had his struggles. As of today he is batting .239 with four home runs to go along with 24 RBI...Not exactly the numbers a manager looks for out of a number five hitter. Its starting to catch on that McGehee is having his troubles. So as a manager what are your options? Many people think the "quick fix" option is just give him a day or two off. The second, let him try to hit out of it. In my opinion both of these put the Brewers in a bad position. Again this is just my view...If he is taken out for a game that acknowledges that there is a problem. So much of baseball is mental(especially when it comes to batting). I think it is better to just let him continue on, trust he is good enough to work his own way out of the slump and not make a stink about it in any way, shape or form. That takes care of option number one. The second option..Letting him hit out of it is the way to go in my mind. But again a problem arises for Ron Roenicke. That five spot in the lineup is a place where a manager needs production. And that is not happening at the moment. That needs to be an RBI position and 24 RBI at this point of the season is not cutting it. Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder are going to get on base..That is a given. They NEED to be driven in..Keeping McGehee in that five hole and being a dead spot is not an option at this point. So what would I do? Something pretty simple...Change up the line up. Here it is:
1. Weeks
2. Morgan
3. Braun
4. Fielder
5. Hart
6. Lucroy
7. McGehee
8. YB
9. (pitcher)
Give it a try...and see what happens...
1. Weeks
2. Morgan
3. Braun
4. Fielder
5. Hart
6. Lucroy
7. McGehee
8. YB
9. (pitcher)
Give it a try...and see what happens...
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Packers VS Falcons Preview
Saturday's game in Atlanta will be nothing new for the Green Bay Packers. Win, they move on...Lose its all over. That's how its been for the Green & Gold ever sense the Giants came to town 3 weeks ago. So they should be used to it, right? Ok lets move on.
Biggest key last week, stop Mike Vick. Check. This week..The most obvious key to the Packers victory may be the Falcon run game vs. the Packers run defense which has struggled at times. Its true, that is a match up that bares watching. I got an even more important number for you.
17- 17 turnovers on the season for the Falcons. That's good for third best in the NFL. Best in the NFC. Its hard to beat a team if you can't generate turnovers. The first time around when Green Bay traveled to play the Falcons the Packer defense was not able to come away with anything.
If you want to talk about talent in this game, I will take the Packer roster over the Falcon roster. But the thing that makes the Falcons so good, is their consistent near perfect play. One turnover can make a huge difference and go a long way in this one. So instead of worrying about James Starks...Or Stopping Turner, or Roddy White. Lets look for one pick by an outstanding Packer secondary.
Defense will keep the Packers in it I suspect if the Packer offense puts up 21+ points, they also get a win.
Biggest key last week, stop Mike Vick. Check. This week..The most obvious key to the Packers victory may be the Falcon run game vs. the Packers run defense which has struggled at times. Its true, that is a match up that bares watching. I got an even more important number for you.
17- 17 turnovers on the season for the Falcons. That's good for third best in the NFL. Best in the NFC. Its hard to beat a team if you can't generate turnovers. The first time around when Green Bay traveled to play the Falcons the Packer defense was not able to come away with anything.
If you want to talk about talent in this game, I will take the Packer roster over the Falcon roster. But the thing that makes the Falcons so good, is their consistent near perfect play. One turnover can make a huge difference and go a long way in this one. So instead of worrying about James Starks...Or Stopping Turner, or Roddy White. Lets look for one pick by an outstanding Packer secondary.
Defense will keep the Packers in it I suspect if the Packer offense puts up 21+ points, they also get a win.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
After further review...Packers Defense
After watching the tape on the Packers win over the Eagles again...Here are some things that stood out on the defensive side of the ball. (yesterdays offensive review can be found here: http://aaronsupdates.blogspot.com/ )
-Packers defense is so good at closing in on the ball carrier. So many of the Eagles passing yards came wide open over the middle. But there was always a defender soon in the area to make a stop after the catch.
- Sam Shields was very good again. Great coverage on Jeremy Maclin on the long first quarter pass down the right sidelines.
- The defense overall is playing so sound fundamentally. The tackling especially.
- Dom Capers did a nice job changing up who was covering DeSean Jackson. Sometimes it was Sam Shields, sometimes Tramon Williams. (Shows the depth of Green Bays CB's with the ability to cover an illusive receiver with multiple defenders)
- The Eagles first touchdown. Vick to Avant for 6 points..Avant was in a wide open hole in the Packers defense. 4 players were around but none of them close enough to disrupt the play. It looked like Jarrett Bush was the main culprit.
- Packers got another solid game from Eric Walden. 5 tackles to lead the team along with Charles Woodson (5 tackles 1 assist) Walden also had a forced fumble.
- Bishop, Matthews, and Wynn all got a Sack.
-Packers defense was solid on third down, Eagles offense was only 5/13 on third down conversions.
- Tramon Williams pick at the end of the game to ice it...A thing of beauty. His great season continues.
Please comment- Either on my facebook/twitter link. Or send your comments here. Let me know what you think. Listen to AM-PM Sports tonight at 10:15 CT http://bit.ly/anO8pU
-Packers defense is so good at closing in on the ball carrier. So many of the Eagles passing yards came wide open over the middle. But there was always a defender soon in the area to make a stop after the catch.
- Sam Shields was very good again. Great coverage on Jeremy Maclin on the long first quarter pass down the right sidelines.
- The defense overall is playing so sound fundamentally. The tackling especially.
- Dom Capers did a nice job changing up who was covering DeSean Jackson. Sometimes it was Sam Shields, sometimes Tramon Williams. (Shows the depth of Green Bays CB's with the ability to cover an illusive receiver with multiple defenders)
- The Eagles first touchdown. Vick to Avant for 6 points..Avant was in a wide open hole in the Packers defense. 4 players were around but none of them close enough to disrupt the play. It looked like Jarrett Bush was the main culprit.
- Packers got another solid game from Eric Walden. 5 tackles to lead the team along with Charles Woodson (5 tackles 1 assist) Walden also had a forced fumble.
- Bishop, Matthews, and Wynn all got a Sack.
-Packers defense was solid on third down, Eagles offense was only 5/13 on third down conversions.
- Tramon Williams pick at the end of the game to ice it...A thing of beauty. His great season continues.
Please comment- Either on my facebook/twitter link. Or send your comments here. Let me know what you think. Listen to AM-PM Sports tonight at 10:15 CT http://bit.ly/anO8pU
Monday, January 10, 2011
After further review...Packers VS Eagles
After watching the game for a second time here are some things that stood out:
First on offense...
- James Starks had 28 yards on his first run. Probably went a long way in MM sticking with him. Considering he wasn't planning on using him as much as he did coming into the game.
- Seems like Starks always gets something...He ALWAYS falls forward for a few extra yards. (In a way like Ahman Green)
- Starks showed the ability again to make catches out of the backfield. More than a one dimensional player.
- Packers were able to put together some really long/clock eating drives.Mostly because of the simple fact of having a run game.
- The first TD pass of the game, 7 yards from Rodgers to Crabtree. On first and goal, loved the call. Out of the I formation and a play-action. Made it 7-0 packers. Crabtree did an excellent job pretending to block in pass protection. and then slipping out with no one really noticing.
- Rodgers is playing at such a high level right now. He is so good at making plays in and out of the pocket.
- When the Eagles would blitz...Rodgers would burn them.
- Rodgers second TD to James Jones. Rodgers did a great job getting out of the pocket and throwing on the run. Made it 14-0 Packers.
- DID NOT like clock management at the end of the first half. Here is the sequence:
1. Just over a minute to go, its a hand off on first down to Brandon Jackson. Gains a few.
2. Packers then go with a no huddle and a pass. It is a first down to Andrew Quarless.
3. Time out is called with 37 seconds left before the half, still one time out in MM's pocket.
4. Next play is the flat out drop by James Jones. Right in his hands. Rodgers threw it perfect. Into the wind non the less.
5. Trying to get off the next play, there was a delay of game on Rodgers. 31 seconds left before the half. Still 1 time out.
6. Next play a little dump off to Brandon Jackson to almost midfield with 24 seconds left and still 1 time out.
7. At that point MM just let the clock run out, could of tried to get into FG range then call your final time out and kick a field goal.
- The Eagles made a huge attempt at Stopping Greg Jennings. And they succeeded. He had 1 catch for 8 yards.
- Packers were very good on third downs. 8/13 on 3rd down. That's good for 61%. So much of that was having a run game. They had outstanding down and distance on 3rd down.
- The final TD throw by Aaron Rodgers to Brandon Jackson was an outstanding screen. Jackson took his time, waited for the blocks to set up in front of him. Held onto his offensive linemans back and was guided in for six.
Defense will be coming later...
Listen to AM-PM Sports at 10:15 CT tonight.
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/am-pm2
First on offense...
- James Starks had 28 yards on his first run. Probably went a long way in MM sticking with him. Considering he wasn't planning on using him as much as he did coming into the game.
- Seems like Starks always gets something...He ALWAYS falls forward for a few extra yards. (In a way like Ahman Green)
- Starks showed the ability again to make catches out of the backfield. More than a one dimensional player.
- Packers were able to put together some really long/clock eating drives.Mostly because of the simple fact of having a run game.
- The first TD pass of the game, 7 yards from Rodgers to Crabtree. On first and goal, loved the call. Out of the I formation and a play-action. Made it 7-0 packers. Crabtree did an excellent job pretending to block in pass protection. and then slipping out with no one really noticing.
- Rodgers is playing at such a high level right now. He is so good at making plays in and out of the pocket.
- When the Eagles would blitz...Rodgers would burn them.
- Rodgers second TD to James Jones. Rodgers did a great job getting out of the pocket and throwing on the run. Made it 14-0 Packers.
- DID NOT like clock management at the end of the first half. Here is the sequence:
1. Just over a minute to go, its a hand off on first down to Brandon Jackson. Gains a few.
2. Packers then go with a no huddle and a pass. It is a first down to Andrew Quarless.
3. Time out is called with 37 seconds left before the half, still one time out in MM's pocket.
4. Next play is the flat out drop by James Jones. Right in his hands. Rodgers threw it perfect. Into the wind non the less.
5. Trying to get off the next play, there was a delay of game on Rodgers. 31 seconds left before the half. Still 1 time out.
6. Next play a little dump off to Brandon Jackson to almost midfield with 24 seconds left and still 1 time out.
7. At that point MM just let the clock run out, could of tried to get into FG range then call your final time out and kick a field goal.
- The Eagles made a huge attempt at Stopping Greg Jennings. And they succeeded. He had 1 catch for 8 yards.
- Packers were very good on third downs. 8/13 on 3rd down. That's good for 61%. So much of that was having a run game. They had outstanding down and distance on 3rd down.
- The final TD throw by Aaron Rodgers to Brandon Jackson was an outstanding screen. Jackson took his time, waited for the blocks to set up in front of him. Held onto his offensive linemans back and was guided in for six.
Defense will be coming later...
Listen to AM-PM Sports at 10:15 CT tonight.
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/am-pm2
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Packer/Bear Preview
Everything is on the line for the Packers in this weekends match up against the Chicago Bears. I hesitate to say that this weeks game is as big as the win last week over the Giants, only because the Packers NEEDED to win the game last week to stay alive in the playoff chase. If the green and gold lose this week they still have a way to back into the playoffs. Not the position a team wants to be in.
The Packers are fortunate at this point, they have what other teams wish they could have. No, not a playoff spot...yet. The Packers control their own destiny which is about as much as you can ask with a 9-6 record.
The Bears come in at 11-4, winners of the NFC North. People have been waiting all season to try and point to something to say that the Bears are not real, that their record is somehow "unfair". When your 11-4 nothing is slanted about it. They may have had the ball bounce their way a few times, but in the end they will finish with at least 11 wins and a division crown.
Now back to the game at hand...A must win for the Packers. Do I have faith that the Packers can have a really solid game plan two weeks in a row? No, not really. It wouldn't surprise me if the Packers offense came out looking bad for 2 quarters or more. (how about the normal, bad first quarter, good second and third, and bad fourth). The word for the Packers this year is inconsistent. The Bears will sit back in the Tampa 2 defense just playing a little lose, letting the Packers take short gains(if they want them) and wait for the offense to mess up.
Its going to be a chilly one in Green Bay. 16 degrees, a temperature that favors the Bears and not the Packers. Its going to be tough for Aaron Rodgers to throw 35 plus times and with no run game that could spell a long day for the Packer offense. The Bears on the other hand will run the football. How successful will they be? That remains to be seen. Again like last week when the Packers faced Eli Manning, Jay Cutler has a tendency to turn the ball over. Dom Capers is going to have to put pressure on Cutler and force him to react very quickly. Its the best way for turnovers.
If the Bears have nothing to play for, and they plan on putting reserve players in, I would suspect that will change their mentality. I think that will be the biggest factor in this one. The Packers have everything to play for and the Bears not so much. All in all I think the Packers will be able to hold on for a victory and clinch the 6 seed in the NFC and qualify for the playoffs.
INJURY REPORT:
Packers- OUT: S Atari Bigby (groin), RB Korey Hall (knee), DE Cullen Jenkins (calf), LB Frank Zombo (knee).
PROBABLE: LB Diyral Briggs (ankle), T Chad Clifton (knees), S Nick Collins (ribs), LB Clay Matthews (shin), DE Ryan Pickett (ankle), CB Sam Shields (knees), LB Erik Walden (quadriceps), C Scott Wells (back), CB Charles Woodson (toe).
Bears- QUESTIONABLE: WR Earl Bennett (ankle)
Listen to AM-PM Sports Monday-Thursday this week, 10:15 PM Central time: http://bit.ly/anO8pU
The Packers are fortunate at this point, they have what other teams wish they could have. No, not a playoff spot...yet. The Packers control their own destiny which is about as much as you can ask with a 9-6 record.
The Bears come in at 11-4, winners of the NFC North. People have been waiting all season to try and point to something to say that the Bears are not real, that their record is somehow "unfair". When your 11-4 nothing is slanted about it. They may have had the ball bounce their way a few times, but in the end they will finish with at least 11 wins and a division crown.
Now back to the game at hand...A must win for the Packers. Do I have faith that the Packers can have a really solid game plan two weeks in a row? No, not really. It wouldn't surprise me if the Packers offense came out looking bad for 2 quarters or more. (how about the normal, bad first quarter, good second and third, and bad fourth). The word for the Packers this year is inconsistent. The Bears will sit back in the Tampa 2 defense just playing a little lose, letting the Packers take short gains(if they want them) and wait for the offense to mess up.
Its going to be a chilly one in Green Bay. 16 degrees, a temperature that favors the Bears and not the Packers. Its going to be tough for Aaron Rodgers to throw 35 plus times and with no run game that could spell a long day for the Packer offense. The Bears on the other hand will run the football. How successful will they be? That remains to be seen. Again like last week when the Packers faced Eli Manning, Jay Cutler has a tendency to turn the ball over. Dom Capers is going to have to put pressure on Cutler and force him to react very quickly. Its the best way for turnovers.
If the Bears have nothing to play for, and they plan on putting reserve players in, I would suspect that will change their mentality. I think that will be the biggest factor in this one. The Packers have everything to play for and the Bears not so much. All in all I think the Packers will be able to hold on for a victory and clinch the 6 seed in the NFC and qualify for the playoffs.
INJURY REPORT:
Packers- OUT: S Atari Bigby (groin), RB Korey Hall (knee), DE Cullen Jenkins (calf), LB Frank Zombo (knee).
PROBABLE: LB Diyral Briggs (ankle), T Chad Clifton (knees), S Nick Collins (ribs), LB Clay Matthews (shin), DE Ryan Pickett (ankle), CB Sam Shields (knees), LB Erik Walden (quadriceps), C Scott Wells (back), CB Charles Woodson (toe).
Bears- QUESTIONABLE: WR Earl Bennett (ankle)
Listen to AM-PM Sports Monday-Thursday this week, 10:15 PM Central time: http://bit.ly/anO8pU
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