Olympic Soccer

I don’t complain much about my job.  A lot of that has to do with the fact that I get paid to watch high school soccer during the fall.  And while sometimes you just have to accept the fact that there are players at that level who still don’t know the rules, one thing I have learned is that women’s soccer is nothing to scoff at.

I have to admit that the first international women’s tournament I really paid attention to was last year’s World Cup, but I was hooked.  Part of it has to do with the fact that the US women’s team is the only US team that will ever challenge in the World Cup, but the other part of it is that they are seriously good.  Maybe it’s because they can’t rely on pure athleticism to make up for any lack of skill they may have like so many men’s teams do, or maybe it’s just because that’s the way their leagues have developed.  Regardless, the passing amongst the US women’s team is outstanding.  I’m not talking tiki-taka passing where Xavi racks up 300 passes to his full backs every game,  I’m talking about fast, accurate, dynamic passing that will not only keep you awake, but will make you realize how lazy the men’s game can be.

In fact, the US women’s team make a lot of the world class men’s players look like a bunch of spoiled emo kids who complain because their ipad only has a nine inch screen.  Not just because the women’s game doesn’t have half of the gamesmanship or petulance that you find in the men’s version, but also because they simply try harder.  Watch an interview with Abby Wambach after 90 minutes on the field and she looks like she’s about to fall over dead, watch an interview with Cristiano Ronaldo after 90 minutes and he’ll be ready for another 90.  He may be one of the most fit human beings on the earth, but what does that say about how hard he tries?

The opening ceremonies are on Friday and the soccer has already begun.  Check out the schedules and grab a pint.

The US Women’s 2012 Olympic team (so you can understand it):

Starting 11 for game 1 vs. France:

G - Hope Solo – The Peter Schmeichel of the women’s game (except much better looking).
D - Rachel Buehler – The dirty CB.
D - Christie Rampone – The quick CB.
RB - Amy LePeilbet – Like any RB from the men’s game except she can cross, imagine that.
LB – Kelley O’Hara – If Ashley Cole was a white, female, not complete prick.
RM – Megan Rapinoe – She likes attention as much as David Beckham, but she’s better at goal celebrations.
CM – Shannon Boxx – Appropriately named box to box midfielder.
CM - Lauren Cheney – The playmaker.
LM - Tobin Heath – Right footed LM, as expected she likes to cut inside a lot.
F – Alex Morgan – Little forward.
F – Abby Wamback – Big forward.

All Star Break

It's the traditional midway point of the season.  Mathematically, we're a few games past that, but nobody really pays attention to that, just skews the "on pace" numbers for people that aren't paying attention.  But it's midseason and the wheat and chaff are separating.  Here are my all-star and Now Playing storylines.

- R.A. Dickey.  What he's doing right now is nothing short of phenomenal.  He's near the top of the NL in pretty much every box score stat, mostly because he has unprecedented power and control of a pitch that is notoriously hard to control.  Anyone that claims they saw this coming is absolutely lying to you, and that includes any scout.  Did he deserve to start the All-Star game?  Sure.  So did Cain.  I'd even say Strasburg deserved it too.  But they all were there, and they all pitched.  And their team won.  The other details are the sort of thing that nobody's gonna remember.

- The NL's All-Star pitching staff was the reason they won that game.  They were by far the superior corps in relation to their opposition.  Of course, the AL's case is hurt some by their frontman, Verlander, having what will probably be his worst first inning of the year, which on its own will go down similarly to Gagne's 2003 All-Star appearance.  But when the NL can run Cain, Strasburg, Dickey, Hamels, Gio, and Kershaw out there and not even touch the pen of Papelbon, Kimbrel, and company, it's a definite advantage.  Oh and I forgot to mention Aroldis "10-m'er effin'-5" Chapman.  Granted, the AL had a lot of solid pitchers, too, in Nathan and Sale and Price and such, but they just weren't as good.  This shutout really shouldn't have been as surprising as it was.  Even with interleague play and scouting the way they are now, it's pretty hard to prepare for a Kershaw curve or a Strasburg slider or a Dickey knuckler without seeing them firsthand.



- On the other hand, I would've taken the AL starter at pretty much every position over their NL counterpart.  Votto-Fielder is tough, Cano > Uggla, Beltre >>> Sandoval, Jeter and Furcal can both retire, Kemp-Hamilton is just as tough, Granderson > Beltran, and Melky really shouldn't be a starter.  Good pitching will beat good hitting, and elite pitching - which is what the NL brought to the table - will take down even elite hitting.  Put these guys against a league-average starter and those are records waiting to happen.

- Snubs: Pierzynski probably should've gone, and I would've even taken him over his teammate Dunn.  It's nice to see Dunn back in form, but he's like an older version of Trumbo and it wasn't necessary.  Granted, 4 catchers would've been overmuch, but Napoli and Mauer both play first and this would've freed up an extra DH at-bat as well.
: There's probably a half-dozen NL pitchers I would've taken over Lynn or maybe Miley, such as Cueto or Dempster or (seen here last entry) James McDonald or Greinke.  Lynn was a player choice and I think Miley was the token D-Back, so it's hard to kick either out, but they were the weakest pitcher selections, in my opinion.
: I could've seen Austin Jackson getting a bid this year.  It was a hard AL OF to crack, and I think it was worth having Trumbo there if only for the HR Derby show - and oh what a show it was - but he's been studly this year.
Here's a guy they took over him.

: If the fans don't vote Sandoval in, I think Chase Headley makes the team as the backup 3B.  Yeah, that's right, I said Chase Headley.  He's in the top 15 in OBP in the NL despite the offensive suppression that happens in Petco.  He and Maybin are the keystones of what the Padres hope will be their offensive future.

------------2012 Second half storylines----------
- Pittsburgh Pirates, .500 team, the Remix
They're back and better than ever*.
* this century plus a decade-ish
Last year they tried this and a tough call in a loooooong game sent them spiraling back to a well-known state of mediocrity and miss the playoffs, etc, etc.  Their pitching is better, there's a second wild card spot, and they at least have a good head-start on .500.  I hope they don't get ahead of themselves.  Cole, Taillon, Appel (if he signs), et al can lead a championship-caliber rotation if they keep them together.  They have Cutch locked in for a while yet, so they will need to sign a hitter or two in the next couple offseasons, particularly on the infield, but that's do-able.  They can be in great position to pounce once the Reds start to slip in a couple years if they are just patient.  .500 would be a great accomplishment this year and would get the excitement building for greater things to come.

- Sub-.500 team I think makes the playoffs:  Arizona.  Yeah, they're only a game below, but they're only 4 games out and neither of the teams ahead of them have an offense to speak of.  LA's smoke, mirrors, and Scully Power will not last.  San Fran wasn't good enough when they had a full-strength Lincecum, and now that he's not The Guy anymore, they'll be in for a struggle.  AZ's had injuries, an adjusting Bauer, and Upton not being Upton.  I think these three things remedy themselves and the Diamondbacks return to the postseason as NL West Champs.

- Team currently in playoff position that falls off:  Baltimore.  It's a nice story, but they will be devoured by the AL East again before the season is out.  Thome is a nice story to add, but DH is the one position the O's don't need with Betemit, Reynolds, Davis, & Co already with everyday jobs "fielding".  The pitching is hanging on by a thread.  They have a -36 run differential.  They are the 2012 version of the 2011 Indians.

- Prospect of the 2nd half (not already in the bigs): Wil Myers, OF KCR.  .395 OBP and 14 HR in AAA and a regressing Francoeur in KC really should mean he's starting in the bigs by the trading deadline.  I liked Keith Law's suggestion I'd heard - Myers was in KC for the futures game.  The Royals should've just kept him in town while he was there, maybe even make an on-field bit about it.  Much as I don't want to see him dominate the pitiful Twins staff, he's ready and he should be up helping foster Royals hope.

Living and Breathing

I'm not going to create a laundry list of excuses for being absent in recent months.  I haven't been playing my part.  I will be disciplined accordingly.

The Miami Heat needless to say, Got Hot, at the right time this post season.  After defeating the Celtics it was apparent they could not be stopped on the way to the title. The Heat earned it.

No more Lebron Jokes.

Let us catchup shall we?

Brief Draft Notes

• The Charlotte Hornets won the First Pick, surfacing the on-going question of; Is the NBA Fixed to David Sterns Liking?

1.  The Hornets selected Anthony Davis
1. Member of the National Champion Kentucky Wildcats
2. Dominant Defensive Center immediately
3. Tim Duncan comparisons
4. Very limited offensive game
5. Former Point Guard with a record growth spurt
6. Time will Tell
2. The Golden State Warriors blatantly tanked at the end of the season in hopes of landing the Number One Pick.  Failing, Harrison Barnes was their selection at 7th overall
1. University of North Carolina
2. Small Forward
3. Iowa Native (Minnesota Recruit FAIL)
4. Undersized
5. Needs to develop better ability to create his own shot 
3. Phoenix Suns Select Kendal Marshal, 13th overall
1. University of North Carolina
2. Point Guard
3. Is the broken hand took him out of Sweet 16 an issue?
4. Great Passer
5. Shooting must improve
4.  Houston Rockets select Minnesota Native Royce White 16th overall
1. Iowa State (Laptop Thief, kicked out of Minnesota)
2. Led Cyclones in Pts, Rebs, and Assists.  
3. Fear of Flying and Anxiety Disorders
4. Must prove he can move and score off the ball
5. Boston Celtics Select Jarrod Sullinger and Fab Melo consecutively at 21 and 22
1. Jarrod Sullinger - Ohio State 
2. Fab Melo - Syracuse
3. Jarrod reminds me of Derick Williams in his awkward size at their position
4. Fab has no offensive Go-To scoring move, very raw talent
5. Fab good shot blocker, aggressive rebounding skills
6. Sullinger stayed a year too long, causing stock to drop and injury potential to surface
7. Fab Melo, Brazilian, lacks "Basketball IQ" - Lack of a better term, there is no actual 'Basketball IQ' Test.  I hate the term
6.  Minnesota Timberwolves select Robbie Hummel with their first pick coming in the Second Round at 58th overall
1. Five year player at Purdue University
2. Associated Press All American Honorable Mention
3. Tore ACL prior to 2010 - 2011 Season
4. Stretch 3 Guard
5. Respectable shooter with range along with solid defensive fundamentals
6. Can he stay healthy?
7. Seemingly a nothing to lose pick with the Wolves being very active in off-season market

Overall an Lame Duct draft.  Free Agency will provide more excitement, on a much more entertaining level.

xZaCh 

Interactive Blog... I hope

So I was thinking.  I know, right?  Me, think?  I want to get readership up to about 20 views per blog.  I thought I would start by sort of changing my own format about how this thing works.  Instead of sharing my thoughts about a sport, I put out interactive ideas that will get readers to respond easily and voice their own opinions.  First off... the top 3 players in each of the four 'major' sports in the year 2015.  Each sport, I will add a little creative flourish to make it more entertaining.  So for the NFL, I will do quarterbacks.  For the NBA, I will do scorers.  For MLB, I will do hitters, and for European football, I will do goalscorers and playmakers.  Sounds fun, right?  Here we go...

2015 NFL Quarterbacks.

#3 - Matthew Stafford.  I was a little skeptical when I saw him come out of Georgia.  I thought he had the arm, and I certainly thought he had pocket presence, but I didn't think that he would thrive walking into the 0-16 environment.  I had predicted more David Carr and less Eli Manning.  That being said, he's on the right track, and there is no doubt in my mind that the NFC North will have the strongest quartet of quarterbacks in the NFL for the next couple of years.  He is one of the few quarterbacks in the league that makes his team instead of the misconstrued  ideals of being made by the team.  I.e. Tony Romo, Marc Bulger.

#2 - Matt Ryan.  I know that this will surprise a lot of people, because 3 seasons from now a lot of players could be in this position.  I just think that he isn't going to stop until the Atlanta Falcons get it right.  As long as he is in Atlanta, I feel that they will always be in position to make the playoffs, and I haven't been proven wrong thus far.  He is almost unstoppable at home, and now that he is loaded with weapons, his time may be coming.  Once he learns that he is better than the other guy on the sideline, he could challenge for a Super Bowl or two.  I think he's one of the NFL's best in 2015.

#1 - Aaron Rodgers.  Tinted glasses or not, I think he will be one of the greatest quarterbacks in history once his career is finished.  Every single knock that has been said against him, whether it be through scouting reports, former teammates or the media, has been made irrelevant.  He has one of the most precise arms in NFL history, and he is also in the class of a Steve Young and John Elway when it comes to getting sacked.  He's been the leader of his organization for a few seasons now, and has yet to hit 30.  He's just a few missed opportunities away from possibly having multiple championships, and there is no reason to think that it's going to end anytime soon.

2015 NBA Scorers

#3 - John Wall.  I know that he has had 2 relatively lukewarm seasons during his time with the Washington Wizards, but there are a few reasons for his struggles.  First, they don't know how to use him out there in Washington.  He should be the focal point of their offense a la Dwayne Wade in the pre LeBron James years.  Secondly, who else is on their team?  Without looking anyone up, name one.  I dare you.  Finally, and most importantly, he has no range.  He shot 7% from downtown this season.  7%! I think a few of my high school friends could do better.  But in his defense, he averaged 8 assists a game, when he should probably average around 5.  If he ever decides to play more like Russell Westbrook and Dwayne Wade than Jason Kidd or Chris Paul, look out.  He cannot be contained 1 v 1.

#2 - Russell Westbrook.  He can score.  He can score in any offense.  And he can score even though he's the second option on OKC.  I would say the only reason that he won't end up being one of the top scorers in the future is if he doesn't realize his own potential, and if the game doesn't slow down for him.  Otherwise, he can be the Clyde Drexler of this team for years to come.

#1 - Kevin Durant.  This will most likely be the team that has multiple championships.  Keep in mind that right now both Durant and Westbrook are only 23 years old.  I think that once the game slows down for them and they understand each situation, that they both will average around 27-30 points a game, and become one of the most potent offenses in NBA history.  His game is phenomenal.  He has range, can shoot with the right and the left, a little Tim Duncan bank shot in him, and he can fly as high as Mike.  How blessed the Thunder could be if they both reach their potential.  Obviously, I think they will.

2015 MLB Hitters

#3 - Matt Kemp.  If he can stay healthy, this might be one of the few players that can do beast mode for all 162 games.  The only players that I can remember achieve that type of level are Albert Pujols, Josh Hamilton, and Barry Bonds.  For the generation of post 1990 anyway.  Matt Kemp is like Ken Griffey Jr; we all see it, they know they have it, now can they be lucky enough to maintain it.  I sure hope he is.

#2 - Andrew McCutchen.  This is the type of player that makes you stand up and sign to the Good Lord.  His game is absolutely incredible.  He can run the base paths.  He can hit the ball into the gaps.  He can put the ball over the fence.  Hell, he could probably Ichiro* the ball if that's what he wanted to do.  Imagine how good he would be if Pittsburgh could protect him.  Who knows by 2015, they might be able to.

#1 - Mike Trout.  Granted, I'm not baseball obsessed like I used to be, and I don't quite have the baseball intellect that some people my age do.  Yet, in all my years, I have never seen someone play baseball quite like he does.  If we do have a mythical Babe Ruth type player from our era, and I don't think we will, he will most likely be the candidate.  Tiger Woods made golf look easy.  Roger Federer made tennis look easy.  Michael Jordan made basketball look easy.  Not sure we've had it in baseball since I've been alive, but between Trout and Harper, I think we will finally have one.  My money is on this guy.

* Ichiro - bunt single

2015 European Playmakers

Note:  This is probably the most difficult as in 2001, Djibril Cisse was going to be the greatest player in 5 years. (According to Don Balon, the Spanish magazine.  Darren Fletcher was 13th. Andres Iniesta was 21st)


#3 - Gareth Bale.  If he could play in the middle of the park, I would've considered him for the #2 position.  Still, for only basically playing on one side of the field, his skill set is extraordinary.  He's strong, quick as hell, and can get a great ball into the box.  I understand the Ryan Giggs comparisons; there are times when I think that Giggs should be pleased with the compliments thrown his way.  I love him to death, but never did I rate him 3rd best attacker in the world.  With Bale, it's easy.

#2 - Neymar.  I've only seen him a handful of times, but I would've only needed once.  He is majestic in the same way that Messi, Zidane and how I imagine that Pele and Maradona were.  Once in a generation type player, and he's barely into his twenties.  It'll be spectacular to see where he ends up, but unfortunate for the rest of the world.  He can beat you in every way, cross, pass, dribble and score.  How do you stop that?

#1 - Messi.  Really?  Is there anyone else?  In 3 seasons, he will be in his supposed prime, which has been preceded by becoming the Barcelona all-time leading scorer.  He's absolutely ridiculous with the ball or without.  I remember watching two games with Messi involved.  1. The game vs. Getafe.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vmm-xCq4To&feature=related. Simply astounding, and I think I scared half the restaurant as when I was watching it I yelped!  He was only 19!  2. The 4-1 game vs. Arsenal. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6F1_T29vzJ4 When you watch those highlights, watch Messi the entire time.  Don't watch the ball.  It's funny, because that was the game I chose to do so.  At the time, I was a huge advocate of Cristiano Ronaldo.  I didn't think Messi was quite on that top class. So I just watched him. I will never make any ludicrous statement like that again.  He is simply the best player of any sport in our generation.  I can confidently say there won't be another.  Ever again.


Bring it!

CFs flashing some power

Yeah, I know I promised an all-star selection recap/rehash.  It's coming.  But there were two blasts tonight that really deserve no comment, just to stand in awe.  This may be downright baseball porn, but keep the drool off the keyboard.



from Colby Rasmus


and



from Cameron Maybin

Euro 2012 Team of the Tournament

To finish off the 2012 European Championships I'm going to throw out a team of the tournament.  Most of these are pretty obvious if you've been paying attention, but some of my choices may surprise you.

Goalkeeper:
Gianluigi Buffon - I imagine Iker Casillas will take this in most opinions but to me Buffon played a masterclass throughout the tournament.  The one blight on his game, the final versus Spain, wasn't his fault.  All four goals came from through passes where his defenders weren't covering the runners, he is not to blame.  But besides that game he was stellar in every sense of the word and he had a lot more pressure to deal with than Casillas.

Defense:
Giorgio Chiellini - Strangely the heart of the Italian defense was forced to play on the left side when they had a flat four at the back.  There was never any turning back when he walked off injured during the final.
Sergio Ramos - Simply amazing wherever you put him.  He completely shut down Mario Balotelli which is not easy from a physical standpoint.  He even took some of their free kicks which you don't see a center back do too often.
Jordi Alba - He has now assured his new club (Barcelona) that they have made a good choice.
Fábio Coentrão - One of the highlights of the semi-final for Portugal, his attacking ability was the start of a lot of their attacks.

Midfield:
Andrea Pirlo - AC Milan must be kicking themselves for letting him go.  He's been an underrated player for years and showed what a play maker he is by taking a reformed Italy to the final.  If Vincent Del Bosque has Xavi Hernandez man marking you, you're doing something right.
Sami Khedira - It was sort of between him and Daniele De Rossi for this spot but Khedira edges it because of all the offensive opportunities he created as well as owning the middle of the park.
David Silva - Overall I think Silva was Spain's most potent attacking weapon.  They of course attack as a team but Silva always seemed to be in the mix.
Andrés Iniesta - Iniesta seemed to move a lot more off the ball than he has in previous tournaments (which is a lot).  He constantly looks dangerous, it's a shock that he didn't score more often.
Mesut Özil - When Germany were having trouble and even when they lost to Italy he was the one player that always looked like he could score or create something.  Khedira and him were the two players form Germany that looked like they were really up for this tournament.

Forward:
Christiano Ronaldo - Love him or hate him this man is dangerous.  He struggled because he didn't receive a lot of the linking play that he gets at Real Madrid and was too often waiting for the ball.  But when he got it he was effective at either moving the ball quickly or drawing two and sometimes three defenders to himself.

Manager:
Cesare Prandelli - Between injuries and the small matter of a match fixing scandal it's a surprise they were in the Championships at all.  He took them to the final which I don't think many people predicted, certainly not me.

Player of the Tournament:
Either Silva or Buffon, probably Silva as he, like all Spanish players, had a good final game.  But I'm always a stickler for giving keepers their due respect and Buffon carried Italy when the offense wasn't doing it.

I'll be signing off for a while but we're not too far away from the Olympics and I hear the British team has an old Welsh winger in their ranks this time...sounds interesting.