The B.S. Report Podcast
This podcast is hosted by ESPN's Bill Simmons, A.K.A. The Sports Guy. Its free on iTunes and downloads automatically with a subscription. The most recent podcast is about the Real World, you've got to check it out.
Also, check this out: http://theondeckcircle.net/2008/04/derek-jeters-other-game-a-photo-essay/
We wish we had come up with this article. We wish even more that we were Derek Jeter.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
USSSA World Series
Two weeks ago, we spent the entire week in Lenexa, KS watching the 12Under USSSA World Series. We spent the week over there not for recruiting purposes, but to watch our little brother play. The boys spent the week playing baseball, hanging out at the hotel and swimming in the pool with the team. Can you think of a better way for a 12 year old boy to spend a week of his summer? Joseph had the time of his life. His team, the Joplin Miners, enjoyed immense success throughout the week going 9-1 and winning the World Series title. Ya, you heard that right, they won the WORLD SERIES!!! Now, we understand that USSSA has a couple World Series events throughout the country, but it was still very cool. The event had over 50 teams that played a very high level of baseball. The defense was flawless, the pitching was well above average and home runs were rare and special, unlike the Little League World Series. The boys got to enjoy an entire night of official home run derby contests, fielding contests and fraternization with fellow competitors. It truly was a great event. Yet nothing could compare to getting the chance to enjoy the championship with the boys. They played for the love of the game. They played hard, they played extremely well and were lucky enough to get the title. After winning the final game on Sunday, the Miners dogpiled on the mound in absolute rapture after the victory. It was an unbelievable experience and we feel extremely lucky to have been a part of it. Also, we are proud to report that Steroid Era younger brother Joseph was name the tournament's Most Outstanding Offensive Player. It was a great week and tournament and we are very proud of the Miners and Joseph.
Monday, July 27, 2009
PERFECT GAME!!!!!!!!!!!
"Hawk" Harrelson, in all his terrifying White Sox glory, threw himself a little party the other day in the broadcast booth. He had good reason, Mark Buehrle threw a perfect game. It is really cool. Its only the 18th perfect game all time and the first since Randy Johnson's in 2005. Buehrle now has a world series ring, a no hitter and a perfect game. All by 30. President Obama even called Buehrle after the game proclaiming that all of America was a White Sox fan for the day. Mr. President, I beg to differ. Anyways, it doesn't take Einstein to see the magnitude of throwing a perfect game. What's more important to figure out, especially to Mark Buehrle, is how exactly he is going to repay DeWayne Wise. If you didn't catch the game, here's the scenario: manager Ozzie Guillen inserted Wise into centerfield in the ninth for defensive purposes. That's right, Wise came in off the bench cold after sitting for 8 innings to make this catch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5xmGvlnJhM
Wise obviously saved the perfect game, a no-no and even a shutout with that one play. Our question is what does he get in return? Pitchers are traditionally known to splurge for some sort of gift after this type of effort. After Buehrle's first no-no he bought the entire team watches. He even knows that won't cut it here:
"This one will probably be a lot more expensive."
So what can Mr. Wise expect from Mr. Buehrle?
The answer is nothing. Good ol' boy DeWayne doesn't expect a thing, unless you count the big bear hug he got after the game.
"All I wanted was a hug and a thank you, and that's what he did yesterday in the game."
We don't buy that. Wise makes $550,000 this year. Buehrle makes $14,000,000 big ones. DeWayne has to be salivating over the possibilities. Visions of PS3's and big screen tv's had to be dancing in his head.
Watches have to be a no go. Mark's already done it once, so no matter how expensive he goes a watch just won't cut it.
Golf clubs? Harley? A car? Vacation? Oh what to do, what to do?
Steroid Era Choice: the hog.
Nothin says "thank you" in a manlier fashion than a big, fat, American made bike. Does DeWayne Wise even golf? He's left handed so he would have to get the clubs fitted and that automatically takes the surprise element out of the equation. Its cooler than a watch and way cooler than the cameras Lebron got his teammates. I think a car may be a little over the top here. Not financially, just philosophically. Its excess, unless its a Kia. The Harley is perfect.
So there it is folks, the perfect "thank-you card" for Mark Buehrle. Longfellow Deeds couldn't write it any better. Its big, its manly, and its not overboard. There's no way Wise doesn't totally love the bike. It works, now Buehrle just needs to get it done.
Oh, and congratulations on the perfect game.
Wise obviously saved the perfect game, a no-no and even a shutout with that one play. Our question is what does he get in return? Pitchers are traditionally known to splurge for some sort of gift after this type of effort. After Buehrle's first no-no he bought the entire team watches. He even knows that won't cut it here:
"This one will probably be a lot more expensive."
So what can Mr. Wise expect from Mr. Buehrle?
The answer is nothing. Good ol' boy DeWayne doesn't expect a thing, unless you count the big bear hug he got after the game.
"All I wanted was a hug and a thank you, and that's what he did yesterday in the game."
We don't buy that. Wise makes $550,000 this year. Buehrle makes $14,000,000 big ones. DeWayne has to be salivating over the possibilities. Visions of PS3's and big screen tv's had to be dancing in his head.
Watches have to be a no go. Mark's already done it once, so no matter how expensive he goes a watch just won't cut it.
Golf clubs? Harley? A car? Vacation? Oh what to do, what to do?
Steroid Era Choice: the hog.
Nothin says "thank you" in a manlier fashion than a big, fat, American made bike. Does DeWayne Wise even golf? He's left handed so he would have to get the clubs fitted and that automatically takes the surprise element out of the equation. Its cooler than a watch and way cooler than the cameras Lebron got his teammates. I think a car may be a little over the top here. Not financially, just philosophically. Its excess, unless its a Kia. The Harley is perfect.
So there it is folks, the perfect "thank-you card" for Mark Buehrle. Longfellow Deeds couldn't write it any better. Its big, its manly, and its not overboard. There's no way Wise doesn't totally love the bike. It works, now Buehrle just needs to get it done.
Oh, and congratulations on the perfect game.
Friday, July 17, 2009
A New Day Rising
Another year, another missed playoff appearance. Well, not quite. Its just the All-Star Break, its just the middle of July and the Royals are not mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. Hell, the Royals are not even in last place. However, I think its safe to say that an 11.5 game deficit and the complete inability to score runs, among other things, that the Royals are safely out of contention. In fact, a mediocre .500 second half from the Tigers still leaves the Royals on the outside looking in, barring anything fantastic from Kansas City's anemic offense. That being said, the season is not lost. There are things for every fan out there to take solace in. Tonight's home game against the Rays represents the start of the second half. It represents a fresh start for these Royals. Can the Royals improve upon a very pedestrian 37-51 record? More importantly, can Alex Gordon and Yuni Betancourt contribute? Can Dayton Moore make some moves to shore up a weak minor league program? Will Zack Greinke reach 20 wins? Will the offense, with added help pick up at least a little bit? Can Trey Hillman get Mitch Maier off the field? We're still waiting to see, but we think this all looks plausible.
Former NCAA Golden Spkies Award winner Alex Gordon hasn't busted out of the gates like lots of fans. You can't really argue his .250 career average is impressive. What is impressive is that from year one to year two he improved noticeably in nearly every offensive category. Batting average, On-Base Percentage, Slugging Percentage, and OPS all improved greatly from Gordon's first year to the second. His home runs and RBI totals were about the same because he played 17 fewer games in 2008. Here inlies the big problem for Gordon. Will he be durable enough to have a long, productive major league career? The third year at the big league level seems to be pivotal for major league prospects so his return should have a big impact on the ball club. If this goes poorly, Dayton Moore begin to think of Gordon as tradeable in 2010.
The Royals debut of Yuni Betancourt could also turn out to be huge for the Royals in the 2nd half and in the coming years. After a breakout rookie season last year, after which he was named Royals player of the year, injured shortstop Mike Aviles was hitting a horrifying .183 before his season ending injury. Willie Bloomquist has been serviceable at shortstop at best but nothing to Betancourt's capabilities at the position. Just a few years ago Betancourt was regarded as one of the best young shortstops in the game. He had one of the slickest gloves in the game and could hit alright. One knock on Betancourt is his poor On-Base Percentage, career .302, but don't you think most Royals fans will take a great defensive shortstop that has a career batting average of .280? Word is Betancourt somehow has been at odds with Seattle management for a few years. As a result, his offense and defense have suffered immensely. Here's to hoping the fresh start will bring Yuni back to his position in the top ranks of AL shortstops.
Mitch Maier might possibly be one of the worst centerfielders in the game. He has half Coco Crisp's range in center. Even worse, he seemingly has Crisp's power: 0 HR, 18 RBI in 103 career games. The return of Alex Gordon is huge. Teahen can move back to a corner outfield spot, Guillen can stay in a corner and David Dejesus can move to center. Utility man extraordinaire Willy Bloomquist cann bounce around as needed. Also, Betancourt and Gordon bring some pop back to the lineup that the Royals have been missing. They should give Jose Guillen and Billy Butler more of the lineup protection that they enjoyed last year.
As far as Dayton Moore making moves, we as fans really have no idea. The Royals hold all the cards when it comes to trade talks surrounding Joakim Soria. Soria would bring big time prospects. Gil Meche would bring prospects and unload alot of cash off the Royal's payroll. Other trade options like Mark Teahan won't really bring a whole lot back to the Royals. Nobody wants Jose Guillen's poisonous demeanor and his $12 mil a year contract. We here at the Steroid Era expect Moore and the Royals to stay relatively quiet, although a decent left arm might be nice.
As far as Zack winning 20 games, he should. The offense should improve enough to up his run support considerably. A few of his first half losses will become wins in the second half. Also, look for Brian Bannister to improve even more in the second half. His 6-7 record is deceptive because he currently owns a team second best 3.66 ERA. Look for a bit more run support to help his record out some too.
I guess we may be looking at the glass as half full. Or even 3/4 full. But the point is that there are tools in place for the Royals to have a successful second half. They have the tools to start to build something special for 2010. Either way, we'll be listening/watching every game whether the Royals even win another game or not.
Former NCAA Golden Spkies Award winner Alex Gordon hasn't busted out of the gates like lots of fans. You can't really argue his .250 career average is impressive. What is impressive is that from year one to year two he improved noticeably in nearly every offensive category. Batting average, On-Base Percentage, Slugging Percentage, and OPS all improved greatly from Gordon's first year to the second. His home runs and RBI totals were about the same because he played 17 fewer games in 2008. Here inlies the big problem for Gordon. Will he be durable enough to have a long, productive major league career? The third year at the big league level seems to be pivotal for major league prospects so his return should have a big impact on the ball club. If this goes poorly, Dayton Moore begin to think of Gordon as tradeable in 2010.
The Royals debut of Yuni Betancourt could also turn out to be huge for the Royals in the 2nd half and in the coming years. After a breakout rookie season last year, after which he was named Royals player of the year, injured shortstop Mike Aviles was hitting a horrifying .183 before his season ending injury. Willie Bloomquist has been serviceable at shortstop at best but nothing to Betancourt's capabilities at the position. Just a few years ago Betancourt was regarded as one of the best young shortstops in the game. He had one of the slickest gloves in the game and could hit alright. One knock on Betancourt is his poor On-Base Percentage, career .302, but don't you think most Royals fans will take a great defensive shortstop that has a career batting average of .280? Word is Betancourt somehow has been at odds with Seattle management for a few years. As a result, his offense and defense have suffered immensely. Here's to hoping the fresh start will bring Yuni back to his position in the top ranks of AL shortstops.
Mitch Maier might possibly be one of the worst centerfielders in the game. He has half Coco Crisp's range in center. Even worse, he seemingly has Crisp's power: 0 HR, 18 RBI in 103 career games. The return of Alex Gordon is huge. Teahen can move back to a corner outfield spot, Guillen can stay in a corner and David Dejesus can move to center. Utility man extraordinaire Willy Bloomquist cann bounce around as needed. Also, Betancourt and Gordon bring some pop back to the lineup that the Royals have been missing. They should give Jose Guillen and Billy Butler more of the lineup protection that they enjoyed last year.
As far as Dayton Moore making moves, we as fans really have no idea. The Royals hold all the cards when it comes to trade talks surrounding Joakim Soria. Soria would bring big time prospects. Gil Meche would bring prospects and unload alot of cash off the Royal's payroll. Other trade options like Mark Teahan won't really bring a whole lot back to the Royals. Nobody wants Jose Guillen's poisonous demeanor and his $12 mil a year contract. We here at the Steroid Era expect Moore and the Royals to stay relatively quiet, although a decent left arm might be nice.
As far as Zack winning 20 games, he should. The offense should improve enough to up his run support considerably. A few of his first half losses will become wins in the second half. Also, look for Brian Bannister to improve even more in the second half. His 6-7 record is deceptive because he currently owns a team second best 3.66 ERA. Look for a bit more run support to help his record out some too.
I guess we may be looking at the glass as half full. Or even 3/4 full. But the point is that there are tools in place for the Royals to have a successful second half. They have the tools to start to build something special for 2010. Either way, we'll be listening/watching every game whether the Royals even win another game or not.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Kansas Recruiting 2010
The recruiting class for 2010 will be very key for the Jayhawks as they attempt to retool after losing two All-America candidates and 2 potential NBA lottery picks. Sherron Collins and Mario Little will graduate, Cole Aldrich and Xavier Henry should be lottery picks and several NBA draft sites have Tyshawn Taylor going in the first class. That is a lot to lose, so who exactly is Bill Self aiming for in 2010? Who will come to Kansas and step in to help fill the shoes of 3 or even 4 Jayhawks?
Harrison Barnes: 6'6 206; Ames, Iowa; Rivals 150 Ranking: 5 Star, #2
Long and lanky, Barnes is capable of playing both the 2 and 3 guard position at the high-major Division 1 level. Can shoot, slash to the basket, and even rebound well for his size. Also, Barnes is a winner helping Ames Senior High to an Iowa state title. Barnes played well in the 2009 Jayhawk Invitational and really enjoyed his summer visit to Lawrence. Played in the Invitational with 2010 Jayhawk commit Royce Woolridge. Barnes also seems to have a good head on his shoulders, which is very important to have as the Rivals #2 ranked player for his class. (see: Lance Stephenson) Getting a good education is also paramount for Barnes, who is also high on Duke. Coach Self really has his sights set on Barnes as he would be the quintessential replacement for Mario Little and Xavier Henry who, by all accounts, doesn't plan on staying in Lawrence for more than a year. This would be an incredibly important get for the Jayhawks: great player, great kid, fills a huge hole.
Ray McCallum: 6'1 175: Detroit; Rivals 150: 4 star, #36
The departure of Sherron Collins and possible departure of Tyshawn Taylor could leave a big hole at the point guard spot in 2010 for the Hawks. While Elijah Johnson and Royce Woolridge capable of playing the point very well, it sure would be nice to lock in an elite point guard to help fill the void. McCallum is probably Kansas's best bet for a Top 10 point guard in the class of 2010. A coach's son, dad Ray is head coach at Detroit University, Ray is a team first point guard that really knows how to distribute the basketball. He can finish above the rim in transition and finishes strong in traffic for his slight frame. Kansas sights seem to be set on McCallum as the next Kansas bound elite point guard.
Royce Woolridge: 6'3 175; Phoenix; Rivals 150: 4 star, #65
Woolridge comes from great bloodlines, dad Orlando played several years in the NBA. The younger Woolridge can absolutely fill it up. He really knows how to put the ball in the basket, even scoring 30+ in the Arizona state championship game. Royce has already committed to Kansas and has been committed for a while now. Royce stands 6'3 now but his father is 6'9 and both his parents expect Royce to end up around 6'5. His Rivals ranking may be a bit low for his skillset, even though he jumped up about 20 spots in the most recent Rivals rankings update. Woolridge lit up the '09 Jayhawk Invitational, scoring 30+ multiple times. Woolridge is an athletic scorer that is accurate from very deep range. Look for Royce to gain a couple inches and probably gain several spots on the Rivals ranking by the end of his senior season. Its great to already have him in the bag.
One of the glaring absences from this list would seem to be a big man or some sort of a post player. Well, the Jayhawks don't seem to be too heartset on adding a big man. The Morris twins should be around 3 more years, Thomas Robinson looks to be a solid 4 year player and Jeff Withey will be nice and bulked up by the 2010-2011 season so the Jayhawks should be set down low for the time being and a post player is not necessary for the 2010 class. These are just 3 guys we have highlighted here. They all seem to be very high on Kansas and vice versa. They all also fill different needs for the Jayhawks and have been highlighted for that reason. But, as always is the case with recruiting, things will change and new names will pop up. Doron Lamb, Roscoe Smith and a slew of other 4 and 5 star recruits have offers on the table from Kansas and have Kansas on their list. The 3 listed here though are the early favorites to commit to Kansas sometime this upcoming year. Either way, Kansas fans should not worry, Coach Self and staff are some of the best recruiters in the country and will undoubtedly lock up another elite class for 2010.
Harrison Barnes: 6'6 206; Ames, Iowa; Rivals 150 Ranking: 5 Star, #2
Long and lanky, Barnes is capable of playing both the 2 and 3 guard position at the high-major Division 1 level. Can shoot, slash to the basket, and even rebound well for his size. Also, Barnes is a winner helping Ames Senior High to an Iowa state title. Barnes played well in the 2009 Jayhawk Invitational and really enjoyed his summer visit to Lawrence. Played in the Invitational with 2010 Jayhawk commit Royce Woolridge. Barnes also seems to have a good head on his shoulders, which is very important to have as the Rivals #2 ranked player for his class. (see: Lance Stephenson) Getting a good education is also paramount for Barnes, who is also high on Duke. Coach Self really has his sights set on Barnes as he would be the quintessential replacement for Mario Little and Xavier Henry who, by all accounts, doesn't plan on staying in Lawrence for more than a year. This would be an incredibly important get for the Jayhawks: great player, great kid, fills a huge hole.
Ray McCallum: 6'1 175: Detroit; Rivals 150: 4 star, #36
The departure of Sherron Collins and possible departure of Tyshawn Taylor could leave a big hole at the point guard spot in 2010 for the Hawks. While Elijah Johnson and Royce Woolridge capable of playing the point very well, it sure would be nice to lock in an elite point guard to help fill the void. McCallum is probably Kansas's best bet for a Top 10 point guard in the class of 2010. A coach's son, dad Ray is head coach at Detroit University, Ray is a team first point guard that really knows how to distribute the basketball. He can finish above the rim in transition and finishes strong in traffic for his slight frame. Kansas sights seem to be set on McCallum as the next Kansas bound elite point guard.
Royce Woolridge: 6'3 175; Phoenix; Rivals 150: 4 star, #65
Woolridge comes from great bloodlines, dad Orlando played several years in the NBA. The younger Woolridge can absolutely fill it up. He really knows how to put the ball in the basket, even scoring 30+ in the Arizona state championship game. Royce has already committed to Kansas and has been committed for a while now. Royce stands 6'3 now but his father is 6'9 and both his parents expect Royce to end up around 6'5. His Rivals ranking may be a bit low for his skillset, even though he jumped up about 20 spots in the most recent Rivals rankings update. Woolridge lit up the '09 Jayhawk Invitational, scoring 30+ multiple times. Woolridge is an athletic scorer that is accurate from very deep range. Look for Royce to gain a couple inches and probably gain several spots on the Rivals ranking by the end of his senior season. Its great to already have him in the bag.
One of the glaring absences from this list would seem to be a big man or some sort of a post player. Well, the Jayhawks don't seem to be too heartset on adding a big man. The Morris twins should be around 3 more years, Thomas Robinson looks to be a solid 4 year player and Jeff Withey will be nice and bulked up by the 2010-2011 season so the Jayhawks should be set down low for the time being and a post player is not necessary for the 2010 class. These are just 3 guys we have highlighted here. They all seem to be very high on Kansas and vice versa. They all also fill different needs for the Jayhawks and have been highlighted for that reason. But, as always is the case with recruiting, things will change and new names will pop up. Doron Lamb, Roscoe Smith and a slew of other 4 and 5 star recruits have offers on the table from Kansas and have Kansas on their list. The 3 listed here though are the early favorites to commit to Kansas sometime this upcoming year. Either way, Kansas fans should not worry, Coach Self and staff are some of the best recruiters in the country and will undoubtedly lock up another elite class for 2010.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Henry Brothers Staying Put
For the time being the Henry brothers have decided to remain Kansas Jayhawks. The 6'6 Xavier sent a text message late last night to Jeff Goodman of FoxSports and to 610 AM radio in Kansas City, among others, informing them of his decision to stay with the University of Kansas. So, for now, the ordeal seems to be resolved. There will be more to come from The Steroid Era about the Henry brothers and the 2009-2010 Kansas team shortly.
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