HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Continue following this blog in 2013 and see a different side and perspective on sports. Who would have thought we would be heading into 2013 with some interesting teams playing in the NFL playoffs.

The Vikings in a 6 day rematch with the Packers this time on the frozen tundra of Lambeau.
The Redskins led by two rookies and Seahawks led by Wilson and Lynch should be quite a match-up

The amazing Colts versus the sliding Texans. Will the rookie continue to shine in the playoffs?
Can the Bengals beat the Ravens? Can Flacco be trusted or will Dalton be the QB to shine.

This years NFL season was a spectacular ride with AP coming 9 yards short of mortality. Still his feat is more remarkable considering he was coming off of knee surgery. Never underestimate the power of hard work and dedication in a sport.

Payton Manning showed he still has what it takes and there was a rise in young guns in the league with Wilson, Luck and RGIII leading the way.

The playoffs will prove to be just as exciting. Buckle up for a football ride to the Superbowl.

What Is Wrong?

What is wrong with the Minnesota Vikings? I contend it is not Percy Harvin being out for a couple weeks. It is not Christian Ponders difficult times although that doesn't help. It isn't their defense or special teams. It definitely isn't Adrian Peterson. It is my contention that it is the coaches and especially the play calling.

A prime example came in the game yesterday against the Bears. The Vikings had a 3rd and two from the 6 and instead of running AP for a mere 2 yards they call ponder to throw into the end zone. Of course it didn't work so now they have 4th and 2 and they do the exact play instead of call AP's number. Wouldn't it have been easier to call AP's number on that 3rd and 2 and if he doesn't make it then throw.

The Vikings have the best running back in the game and they don't use him on third down and rarely in the red zone. What kind of play calling is that. If something isn't done soon AP will not want to play here anymore he will want to play where he is used and where he will win.

I know, teams put 8 in the box to stop AP. If that is the case obviously he still beats the odds because he leads the league in rushing. Why not keep giving him the ball and make the other team actually try to stop the runaway train.

This week they play the Packers, one of the worst run defenses in the league. I bet the Vikings try to air it out and not even use AP. But if they make the right calls and play good defense they can beat the Packers. We'll just have to see what happens.

Bronx Cheer

How about dem Yankees!  The best hitting team money can buy and they fall flat on their face against the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers sweep the Yankees in 4 straight after an exciting game one in which the Yankees had an Ibanez comeback only to fall in Extras.

The biggest blow for the Yankees came in game one when Derek Jeter broke his ankle. Huge disappointment because he is the inspiration and the straw that stirs the Yankee drink. It might actually had been a different series with Jeter at full strength.

I am not a Yankee fan at all so I am glad they lost but I like to watch good baseball and the Tigers totally dominated the Yankees after that game one. I hope the World Series will be more exciting and if it is the Cardinals I'll have to root for the Tigers. The Cardinals won last year so it is up to the Tigers to win.

Maybe just maybe the Giants can come back from a 3 to 1 deficit in games.

The Lockout

Hockey preseason should have started by now. Minnesotans like myself would have anxiously been watching the play of the newest Wild players, Zach Parise and Ryan Suter. It was going to be an exciting season. That is right I said WAS. September 15th came and their was no Collective Bargaining agreement between the players and the owners so the owners locked the players out. No practice and so far no preseason.

It is very disappointing to hear two groups of people making millions of dollars complain that they don't have enough. If they can't figure it out maybe than can give me some of the money. Maybe they can get President Obama involved since President Obama wants to tax the rich maybe he can just tell both sides to share their wealth with the less fortunate. Oh wait! President Obama won't do that because he doesn't even share his wealth. He is too busy taxing every one to coffer his own agenda to really care about any one else.

The way I see the lockout is that the owners have every right to make as much money as they can. It is America and Canada where capitalism is king (or should be). Plus it isn't like the players are hurting for money. In fact here is a quote from Minnesota's recent millionaire Zach Parise.

"They are boasting how well the league is doing and how they've grown millions of dollars," says Wild Forward Zach Parise. "Then last time they come and say we need 24 percent off your salary and now they are going to do it again. After a while how much do you want us to cover for their mistakes?"

He just signed a 98 million dollar contract. That doesn't sound like a pay cut to me. I love sports and enjoy watching them but I am tired of the cry baby players whining that they don't have enough money and even the minimum amount in most sports are well over the amount I make, and I have my MBA. Most of the players can barely give a competent interview.

Then there are the owners making millions of dollars in other ventures and then whine and complain to the state or community that they need a new facility built or they may have to leave.

Why don't the player and the owners just SHUT UP play the game and let the fans enjoy watching without all of this politics.

Pennant Races

September is a time for crisp cool air, back to school, football and of course baseball pennant races. With the introduction of one more wildcard team it has opened the door for more and more races. The usual suspects are still in the races but we have some newcomers this year.

If you live in Baltimore baseball is relevant in September again. If you live in the DC area (I know, Baltimore and DC are only a tobacco spit away from each other) you probably weren't alive the last time Washington was in a pennant race. Then there are the no name kids from Oakland playing moneyball again knocking on the door of a wildcard birth.

What are some intriguing World Series match-ups?

Baltimore vs Washington - Wouldn't that be interesting in a year when Obama and Romney are battling for the nations capital.

How about another bay battle San Francisco vs Oakland, minus the earthquake this time.

Could Texas do it for the third straight year. Are the Reds ready to create a new "Big Red Machine" and are the Chicago southsiders ready to unleash more homeruns in the post season. Never forget the Bronx Bombers. Of course I can't forget the defending champs St Louis and there is always Atlanta and the pitching of Tampa.

Who is your favorite? What match-up would you like to see?

Opening Weekend

Apart from Wednesday's kickoff game between the Giants and the Cowboys, Sunday marks the opening games to the NFL season. I am going to complete my predictions for each division. I have already looked at the NFC East, North and West. Today I will finish off the rest of them.

NFC South                                   AFC South
Atlanta                                           Houston
New Orleans                                  Tennessee
Carolina                                          Indianapolis
Tampa Bay                                     Jacksonville

AFC East                                       AFC North                                   AFC West
New England                                 Pittsburgh                                     Denver
Buffalo                                           Baltimore                                     Oakland
New York                                       Cleveland                                     San Diego
Miami                                             Cincinnati                                     Kansas City

I would love to see your predictions. As the season progresses I will tell you who I think will be in the playoffs and the Superbowl.

Three Overtimes

Really Gophers? You can't make life eay on yourselves. Instead you have to take the Runnin' Rebels of UNLV into three overtimes before dipensing of them. What does this mean in the grand scheme of your game. Are you going to be good this year or mediocre and best? Is there a bowl bid in your near future or the toilet bowl?

Let's hope you make a better showing against New Hampshire on Saturday September 8th. I suppose it didn't help that you played the game at 10 PM Central and out in the Vegas desert. Who really was able to stay up late on a work night and watch that three overtime game.

On to more important things. I really like the College Football overtime format better than the pro football format. It gives both teams a chance to have the ball in overtime and control their own destiny. In the pros if the first team scores too bad for the loser they should have done better on the coin flip. Put the fate and the game on line in the hands of a coin, just doesn't really make sense to me. I would love to see the pros change their overtime format. I believe they have slightly for playoff games but not the regular season. Go all the way and change that format. I am not sure if the college format is suitable for the pros but something different would be nice.

Congrats Gophers on a win. I hope to see many more of those this year from you.

Dopey

Today's blog is not about one of the most beloved Seven Dwarfs. It's about a problem in sports that is in the news again. This time instead of baseball it is cycling. Lance Armstrong has been stripped of his 7 Tour de France victories because of suspicions that he was doping.

He never failed a drug test but all of the evidence is based on hearsay by others. He took tests during the Tour de France and during many of his competitions and never once failed a test. So why if someone says something it is the truth but the true tests are false.

Regardless of whether Armstrong took PEDs or not. Whether Bonds, and any other ball player did as well. It shouldn't matter too much. According to what I have heard 80% of cyclists use PEDs because of the stamina issue with a race like the Tour de France. Doesn't that put 80% of the racers on level ground. Maybe they test everyone in that race everyday and make the results known to the public so when issues like this come up every one knows the truth.

Dropping his side of the issue is a class act and I think it probably shows more his innocence because he just decided it isn't worth fighting when he knows he is right and they won't be convinced. Besides Lance Armstrong will probably be known more in the future for his work for cancer research and the philanthropy side of sports.

Lance, for me you will always be the seven time Tour de France winner.

The NFC East and West

Last week I gave my prediction for the standings in the NFC North this year. This week I am going to give you my prediction for the NFC East and the West. I am no expert but it is fun to see how correct I am.

As I said last week I would love for my readers to share their predictions as well.

Without further delay:

NFC East - This is always a tough division

New York Giants (Defending Superbowl champs win the division)
Washington Redskins (Behind RG3)
Philadelphia Eagles
Dallas Cowboys

NFC West - Besides the 9ers who else is there

San Francisco 49ers
St Louis Rams
Arizona Cardinals
Seattle Seahawks

What are your thoughts?

Preseason Football

Preseason football has started. The Vikings had their opening game tonight at San Francisco and it is currently sitting at 17 - 6 with 2:19 left in the game. I didn't get a chance to watch much of the first half of the game. My expectations however are very low. I hope they do well and I hope Adrian Peterson can bounce back from his injury and play the whole season.

The Vikings are still in rebuilding and learning mode. The NFC North is going to be a tough division with the Packers, Bears and Lions all very tough teams to beat and the Vikings have to play each of them twice.

My hope is that Christian Ponder has improved as a Quarterback and we will see some great plays and some exciting games. If they can go 8 - 8 that would definitely be major improvement.

Here is my order for the NFC Central finish no records.

1.   Packers
2.   Lions
3.   Bears
4.   Vikings

Sorry Vikings. I just don't think you have it in you to overtake any of those three. I hope you do but I just don't see it happening.

Look for my predictions on other divisions as we lead up to the opening kickoff. Share yours with me as well by leaving a comment.

The Olympics, Week 1

The first week of the Olympics are officially in the books and there was a lot of excitement in the pool and at the gym. I really enjoy the swimming events and now that my daughter is in swimming it makes it even more exciting to watch. Someday I hope to watch her at the Olympics. The most exciting swimming event for me was seeing Rebecca Soni break the world record in the breast stoke and the 15 year old swim the 800 to gold. Missy Franklin is a great newcomer to the swimming and it is always great to see Phelps and Lochte do well.

One event that I was excited to see and haven't seen any is the Equestrian. My other daughter has been taking riding lessons and learning equestrian. I wanted to be able to watch some of that event but we don't get the one NBC channel that has had Equestrian on it.

Track has started and it is always fun to see the fastest woman and the fastest man. Just saw Bolt bolt in front of everyone and be only the second man to repeat as 100 meter winner. Congratulations Usain Bolt!

It has been a great Olympics. My favorite part of the Olympics is watching the underdogs and the athletes work hard to reach their greatest potential. They enjoy the competition and the fun regardless of who wins. It is after all about competing and doing the best you can to say I competed and made the most of it.

That is what we all need to do with the gifts God has given us. Do the best we can to please Him.

Frankie Goes to the Southside

As a Twins fan it is time to say goodbye to Francisco Liriano. You gave us some ups, a no-hitter against the White Sox last year and 15 strikeouts against the A's earlier this month. You also gave us some downs, your injuries and your inconsistency.

I still think you could have been the ace the Twins needed they just needed you to go out and pitch. Pitch like you did over the last month on a consistent basis and you could be a premier pitcher in this league.

I wish you all the best with the White Sox except when you pitch against the Twins then be the old Frankie and give up hits and bombs. Hopefully the White Sox will use you like they are supposed to and you will find success.

I don't know much about the two players the Twins received for Liriano but they better be worth it and help the team in the future.

The Open

Another golf major is in the books. It was another good one. Too bad for Adam Scott who blew a four shot lead with four straight bogeys to finish his round.


It was nice to see Els earn another major. He was the only one who played some consistent golf throughout the tournament. Scott struggled, Woods struggled, Snedeker struggled and McDowell struggled but Els had a 67, 70, 68 and 68, par or under for all three rounds

On hole 6 Tiger Woods landed in the bunker. Instead of playing safe he tried to get it out and ended up staying in the bunker with an even more difficult shot. He got out of the bunker from his knees and ended up three putting for a triple bogey. On the same hole one group later Graeme McDowell landed in the same bunker but he played it safe by hitting a shot in the same bunker for a better lie. He ended up getting a 5 on the hole. Of course neither of them won the tournament but who would you rather root for the one who plays it safe or the one who risks it all?

That ultimately is what golf is all about risk and reward or playing it safe. Els was consistent and pared hole number 6. But he wasn't in the bunker. The turning point for Woods was hole number six had he played it safe he may have had a chance to win, but that isn't the Tiger way.

Congratulations Ernie! On to the PGA and the last major of this year.

Wild 4th

Today July 4th, fireworks struck the State of Hockey. The top two premier free agents in hockey decided to join the Wild. They decided not to join for just one or two years but for 13, you heard me right 13 years 98 million dollars.

Zach Parise and Ryan Suter have agreed to come and play in the state of hockey. They will lace their skates in the Excel Energy Center for the next 13 years. Their hope with the strong young nucleus that is already in Minnesota that they can be a contender and even win the Stanley Cup a few times.

I couldn't be more excited now to get the hockey season started. Let's get the excitement going and start to think of hockey in the middle of the summer. All signs point to a great season and possibly many more for the Wild.

Enjoy the fireworks in the State of Hockey!

It Is Over

The Miami Heat are NBA champions. I am not too happy. I would have liked to have seen the Thunder win. When the Heat went up 3-1 they went into tonight's game with the attitude to finish it, and they did.

Lebron got his championship. Now where will he go to win another one?

Time to look toward next season. Football is just around the corner and of course we have baseball.

Over Par

Three inches to the left or two inches too far could make the difference between winning and losing in golf. Another US open has come and gone and despite Webb Simpson posting a +1 and shooting a great final round score the true winner of this year's tournament was the Olympic Club. It gobbled up professional golfers and spit them out. Not a single tournament score under par. I would hate to see what would happen if mere mortals played that course.

Even Tiger Woods who usually has his mojo on for that final round found himself quickly consumed by the difficulty of the course. In a matter of the first six holes (coined the toughest opening six holes in golf) he found himself with three bogeys and a double, ouch!!

For us peasants who love the game, playing and watching it helps to see those professionals struggle. Jim Furyk who was tied or in the lead since some time on Friday found himself on the tee at 16 having three holes left to secure a win hooked his tee shot far left into the rough and dash any hopes he had to win. It is US Open moments like that that bring hope to the rest of us. You can look at the television and say "yep, I've done that".

Another example of mortality is Lee Westwood hitting one into the trees and the ball never coming down. I didn't think professionals ever lost a golf ball except for an occasional water shot.

Then there are always the great moments, John Peterson's hole in one, Webb Simpson's comeback and the cool play of a 17 year old amateur.

PGA, thanks for another great US open!

Thunder and Heat

During these summer months when the weather gets really hot and it collides with a cold front it produces Thunder.

The NBA finals are set with the Oklahoma City Thunder playing the Miami Heat. Kevin Durant and Michael Westbrook against the big three from the Heat, James, Wade and Bosh. Who will it be?

I am hoping that a cold front comes to the Heat and produces a Thunder win. We saw the Thunder down two games to none and looking almost left for dead by the Spurs come back and win the next four games. We saw the Heat go up two zero on the Celtics only to almost lose it when the Celtics won three straight.

Will we see the Heat of games 6 and 7 and the Thunder of games 3-6? If so we will see quite the series. I am not a big Heat fan and I will be pulling for the Thunder. I do want to see some good games and some games that come down to the wire. I would like to hear who everyone is pulling for. Please leave me a comment on who you like in this series.

We saw when the Celtics played good defense and made their shots they prevailed. It was when they let LeBron have his way that they found the Heat taking control. The Thunder will have to play good defense and be able to make their shots to win this series. It won't be easy for either team but lets hope it is entertaining.

Twins No Nos

You might think I am going to do a retrospective on Minnesota Twins pitchers who have hurled a no hitter. Like last year's Liriano no hitter, or Eric Milton's 1999 version or how about the 1994 no hitter thrown by Scott Erickson. That would be fun but instead I am going to talk about the Twins connection to all three no-hitters thrown in baseball this year.

The first one.

• On April 21st the Chicago White Sox beat the Seattle Mariners 4-0 and the Chicago pitcher was Philip Humber who threw the ultimate no hitter, a perfect game.
• Twins connection: He was part of a trade between the Mets and the Twins. He didn't pitch much for the Twins and was released and pitched for the Royals and eventually came to the White Sox. The Twins could use him this year.

The second one:

• On May 2nd Jared Weaver pitcher for the Anaheim Angels facing the Minnesota Twins proceeded to throw a no hitter. Winning by the score of 9-0.
• Twins connection: The Twins were the victims.

The third one:

• On Friday June 1st the New York Mets shutout the St. Louis Cardinals 8-0 with Johan Santana throwing his first no hitter and the Mets first in franchise history.
• Twins connection: Johan used to be the ace of the Minnesota Twins pitching staff until they traded him to the Mets for a handful of players including Philip Humber.

Three interesting Twins connections to the 2012 no hitters. Congratulations to Humber, Weaver and Santana.

Who Will It Be?

In a lock out shortened season the NBA is continuing their long tradition of lengthy playoffs. By the time the Western and Eastern conference champions will be crowned stores will be advertising their back to school supplies.

Both the NBA and the NHL have postseasons that last too long. Baseball is trying to extend theirs next year with a one game wildcard playoff.

Once the weather turns nice my sights are set on baseball and I lose focus on the NBA and the NHL. I think the NBA has a couple of good conference finals match-ups. Oklahoma City Thunder versus the San Antonio Spurs in the West and in the East Miami Heat versus the Boston Celtics.

Can the crusty old Celtics overcome their age and outduel the Miami franchise that is wrought with enormous expectations and so far disappointment? Can the Thunder utilize the tandem of Durant and Westbrook to put to rest a aging Spurs team that is playing great basketball?

It should be an exciting time in the NBA over the next two weeks. I am pulling for an NBA finals match up of  Boston verses Oklahoma City. If it is Miami versus the Spurs I doubt I'll even watch.

Who are you pulling for? Please share.

99 Again

Could it be true? Could the Twins be on the road to another 99 loss season? Recent games would indicate that they are well on their way to another dismal season. I really hope not or it is going to be a long baseball season. Here are my reasons why the Twins aren't winning.

1.   Starting pitching is horrible. The starters can throw strikes but that is the problem they throw strikes right over the plate. Opposing batters can hit those out of the park.
2.   No superstar- Joe Mauer hits over 300 but most of his hits are singles and when the big hit is needed he can't deliver. They need a player who will step up and get hits when needed. How do think they won two World Series.
3.   Coaching - Gardenhire and staff are good coaches but I think it is time for a change. Sometimes a new face and a different outlook might help energize some of the players. Lariano needs someone who can figure him out and straighten him out.

Make these changes and they will avert another 99 loss season. If they stick to the status-quo then get ready for a lot of losses. They will then wonder why no one goes to Target Field.

Not In Tournament

The Golden Gophers of Minnesota did not make the big dance this year. However, they are making the most of the 32 team party they were invited to, the NIT. They are one win away from bringing home some hardware from the NIT. It was a thrilling overtime battle with Washington but in the end the Gophers prevailed by 1 point. They now face the team from Stanford on the hardcourt of Madison Square Garden.

Let's hope this is a prelude to next year. Let's hope they keep playing hard and if Mbakwe will return (Please return) they could be a force to reckon with. They also might graduate to the big dance in 2013.

Go Gophers beat Stanford!!!

A Night at the Barn

I had a great Valentines gift on Tuesday. My wife won tickets to see the Golden Gophers play the Buckeyes. It was an absolutely wonderful evening. The only thing that would have made it better would have been a Gopher win. Alas the Sullinger led Buckeyes were too much for the Gophers.

Williams Arena is a magical place to watch basketball. The atmosphere, the fans the history of the building. Despite losing the game it was a true pleasure to enjoy a game in one of the greatest college sports venues in the world.

If you have never been to a basketball game in Williams Arena (The Barn) you are missing a great experience. It takes you back to a bygone era when college basketball was king of the court. A time when life and college was simpler. Hanging from the rafters are banners listing Big Ten Championships from previous years. Also hanging from the rafters are names of some of the college greats who graced the hardwood with their sneakers.

At The Barn it is Basketball, not played for money but for pride of the school and bragging rites of the conference. It is Basketball played with passion for the game and a love for competition. Whether the Gophers win or lose being able to enjoy the venue allows an alumni like me to bleed maroon and gold.

GO GOPHERS!!

It Is Over

The NFL season has come to a dramatic end with the New York Giants defeating the New England Patriots 21 - 17 in Super Bowl XLVI. It was a very good game but in unusual fashion the Patriots receivers dropped a few easy passes late in the game that could have easily changed the outcome.

Tom Brady could not lead the Patriots on a final winning drive as he had done many times before. Instead it was Eli Manning and the Giants who scored with 1 minute left to take the lead.

Most of the recent Super Bowls have been exciting and close games. Let's hope this trend continues. Congratulations to the Giants. Good luck next year to the Patriots.

Maybe one day those Vikings can actually get back to and win the big game.

The Big Game

It is Super Bowl time again. For leaders all over the world it is an opportunity to relax and enjoy the biggest game of the season for the NFL. But it isn't just about the game it is also about the experience.

In Indianapolis they have what is called the NFL experience for the fans to enjoy some activities. You don't have to be in Indianapolis to enjoy the NFL experience. Create the atmosphere wherever you enjoy the game.

Today take some time out of your busy leadership week to enjoy the Patriots and Giants in Super Bowl XLVI. If you can't go to the big game then create the atmosphere at your home. Here are some suggestions to give yourself the the ultimate at home Super Bowl experience.

• Big screen high definition television - You have to make sure it looks like you are there.
• Decorations - Decorate your house in the colors of your favorite team.
• Food and Beverages - Make sure you have ample supply of your favorite snacks and beverages. If you are making a meal make something like sloppy joes or chili.
• Apparel - Make sure you dress in your teams colors and wear a jersey of your favorite player.
• Interruptions - Make sure once the game starts you avoid all interruptions. Don't answer the phone unless it is your friend trash talking.

Enjoy the game!

Twolves

They did it again!!

The Timberwolves have turned a corner and lets hope they never look back. Adelman, Rubio, Love and Beasely four names that will soon be synonymous with winning. A great display of power tonight beating the McHale lead Rockets 120-108.

Keep it up Twolves and hopefully you can bring basketball pride back to Minnesota.

It Is All Set

After two close and excited conference championship games the Superbowl is set. The participants will be the New England Patriots and the New York Giants. A classic Boston vs. New York matchup. Let the blood bath begin.

My question for all of you in the rest of the country. How many of you really care about this Superbowl? Please let me know whether you care and who will win.

My wife is a huge Patriots fan so I know who she will be rooting for.

Timberwolves are for real!

The Timberwolves showed last night that they are a different team from last year. They came back from a large deficit to win with a last second three pointer by Kevin Love. What an awesome game that was.

With the addition of Ricky Rubio to complement Love they will be a force to be reckoned with in future years. This year they are maturing and showing that they are for real!

Wolves 101 - Clippers 98