Sad for Chad

It appears as though Chad Pennington is done for the season. This is the 3rd time he's experienced a potential career threatening injury, and I highly doubt he has 9 lives on that shoulder. I just want to say that I'm really upset about this.

Although I'm a huge Giants fan, I'm also a fan of the NY Jets, and after Chad Pennington came back from his first "career ending" injury, he soon became my favorite quarterback. The guy just had guts. A number of times this guy had people telling him he couldn't do something, and he'd try his best to do it. It killed me to see him with the Captain's "C" on his chest, watching from the sidelines. The truth is that Chad was never going to be the best on the field, his abilities were limited.

Chad was like the little engine that could, or a little runt puppy that you always root for. You aren't surprised when they struggle or fail, but you're rooting for them the entire way.

After being unceremoniously tossed out of the Jets organization, he found a home in Miami. It seemed as though he had a new lease on his football life. I don't know the full extents of the injury, but I just want to put it out there that I'm really bummed for the guy. If he's done for the season and Other Chad (Chad Henne) gets any sort of groove going with the team, even if Pennington comes back from this injury, he's likely done with the Dolphins. Chad Pennington was the man, and it sucks he has another career ending injury that he might or might not come back from.

Seriously?

Now honestly, what does this have to do with anything? Read This. Here's a quote"They join a Chicago contingent already packed with more star power than a Hollywood red carpet.

The first lady is one of the few people who rivals her husband in visibility, and she'll be joined by talk show host Oprah Winfrey, who trails only Angelina Jolie on Forbes' annual Celebrity 100 list, a ranking of the rich and famous' most powerful". They really need to have Oprah and Barrack there to solidify this Chicago 2016 bid? And what's with the 14 Olympic athletes, and the throw in of 2 Paralympics? Less limbs, less representation? NOT COOL!

Quit Yankin' It in the Post Season

With the NY Yankees having already clinched a playoff spot, and with their magic number for clinching the AL East down to one (1), the 2009 Yankees and the post season play is almost upon us. Beyond the AL East, the Yankees magic number for clinching the top seed in the American League over the LA Angels of Anaheim is also down to one (1). Last year the Yankees didn't make the playoffs with their first year under Joe Girardi, and in previous years they have made first round exits.

Joe Girardi took the job for Manager of the New York Yankees and decided to wear the number 27; slightly pompous, especially since they didn't even make the playoffs last year, but pretty awesome never the less. I am not saying they need to win the World Series this year (although it would be nice), but they need to get their heads right and make a post season of it. I don't like a best out of 3 game series, but the Yankees management has built a team from this past offseason that is meant for the playoffs. Sabathia-Burnett-Pettitte as your 1-2-3, you should have an October sweep. In theory, genius.

In practice, who knows. The Yankees have been built to win - this season, after stumbling a bit in the beginning, have become the team with the most wins in the entire Major League this year. A win tomorrow against Boston would not only secure them the AL East, and top seed in the playoffs, but they would also be the first team to reach 100 wins this season. Including tomorrow's game, the Yankees play 7 more games this season. Then comes the real deal. Yankees (mainly ARod), time to show what's up - do work this post season. With a team salary of just over $208M, you'd think they' be able to at least SHOW UP in the post season. Do it to it Yanks.

NY Giants Lose?!

Historically with the New York Football Giants, they have had troubles with teams they were supposed to beat. Will that happen this week against the Buccaneers? I think it is possible, and as a Giants fan I'm a little worried about the game.

The Buccaneers defense isn't great, but any given Sunday they could manage a breakout game. The Giants need to get Brandon Jacobs and the running game going, something they've not been able to do in Weeks 1 & 2. Eli Manning should be able to open up the field by the Giants new aerial attack pattern (throw it to whoever is open, AND THEY'LL CATCH IT!), so maybe the Giants can get the running game going early.

The Giants injuries have to remain as a concern throughout the season - the Giants secondary has been banged up, and it's possible that by the end of the season we can refer to it as decimated. Both Kevin Dockery and Aaron Ross have missed the first two games of the season, and Kenny Phillips was placed on Injured Reserve this week. Justin Tuck was injured in a play that should have resulted in a tripping call by a Cowboys offensive lineman - so the Giants defense which is supposed to be the strong point of the team, may be in for a bit of a struggle throughout the season. If they have to battle through injuries and fill in spots through waiver claims, they might have a tough time down the season.

For that reason I think the Giants need to win this game to have playoff thoughts later in the season. I would love to have a perfect season, but there will be losses eventually. Because this is a game they SHOULD win, it's a game they need to win. Cadillac Williams shouldn't have a good day, and the Giants defense can control the aerial game if they can get to Byron Leftwich. Once thought to be the Michael Vick part 2 on the Jaguars, and the backup on the Steelers last year, Byron has worked his way back to being a starter and has performed well to this point. The Giants need to (initiate and) regulate the Tampa Bay offensive stride. If the Giants defense can manage that, I think they will have the tools to win. The Giants offense isn't guaranteed to have a huge day, but they will produce. GO G-MeN!

Joba Rules

You really want THIS GUY coming in in the 9th inning for the New York Yankees? Really? Let's talk this one over...

I still don't know why everyone has such issues with Joba in the starting rotation - it's been over a year. "Oh, but he was so dominant as the 8th inning guy!" He was the 8th inning guy for his short time in the 2007 season (and infamous swarm of the nats appearance in that seasons post season against Cleveland), and again for a short time at the beginning of 2008. After that, he went to starting pitcher boot camp, and fucked up his 2008. 2009 has allowed Joba a new lease on life - started the season in the rotation, eventually got comfortable. Then after the All Star Break, Joba breaks out with multiple consecutive quality starts. All is well in the starting rotation world. Whoops - more talk about the Joba Rules, and how they want to save his arm. I think this may have saved his arm for this year, but fucked with his head.

My opinion is that Joba should be in the starting rotation. The nostalgia we all feel for the Joba in the 8th inning era is based on 19 regular season appearances. That gets you 24.0 IP, 2 Wins, 1 Save, 8 Holds, 34 K's, a 0.38 ERA, and 12 Hits total. His one earned run came from a home run. No doubt, those statistics are phenomenal - but 24.0 innings does NOT a season make! In 2008, Joba appeared in 42 games (12 of which he started) and he managed 100.1 IP, 118 K's, 4 Wins, 3 Losses, 19 Holds, 1 Blown Save, 87 Hits, and a 2.60 ERA. Respectable numbers, no doubt. 19 Holds in 30 relief appearances - that's nice.

Through 2009 (not including his current game in which he just now gave up a home run to Victor Martinez), Joba has the following statistics: 29 appearances (all starts), 146.2 IP, 8 Wins, 6 Losses, 124 K's, 155 Hits, with a 4.73 ERA. At 24 years old, you can't tell me that his 24.0 IP of dominant baseball in 2007 are more telling than his numbers of both dominance and struggle in 2008 and 2009 as a starter. This is his first full season as a starter, and he was having a fantastic 2nd half until the Yankees started this Joba Rules 2.0 crap with him and the media at the beginning of August.

Phil Hughes is a good example of how a pitcher can have all the talent in the world, but needs to have the confidence and experience to get out major league hitters. With Hughes' success, the Yankees were wise to keep him in the bullpen this year, but he will most likely come back to being a starter at some point in the future. Sergio Mitre/Chad Gaudin as starters #5 & 6 seem like a great spot for him... Joba needed to learn how to get major league hitters out after they've seen him 3 or 4 times in a game, and maybe the 3rd matchup of the season. I think next year Joba can have a much more solid year, and prior to this latest shit-slide he's had, his ERA was down to 3.58, which from a 24 year old, is more than acceptable. His July numbers were 3-0, 29.2 IP, 24 K's, and a 2.73 ERA. He really hit his stride. Once they started messing with his inning totals (which they should have kept to themselves and not announced it to the media to create a god-damn circus) did they shoot through the roof again. August and September he has an ERA of roughly 8.25, and he's 1-4 (not including the results of tonights game). Bad. I think Joba will be more along the lines of a 3.45 ERA, 1.23 WHIP kind of pitcher, and that's exactly what I want in my rotation - especially at 24 years old.

Nintendo to Cut Price of Wii

Nintendo is going to cut prices of the Wii to $199.99. If you are a fan of video games, and want to have a good time playing them, this system will do the trick. Super Mario Galaxy is the best Mario game I've played, and that includes Mario64. Not too gimmicky, but just gimmicky enough - beat the game with Mario and unlock Luigi. Love the Luig'.

Unfortunately, it appears as though only Nintendo can make a decent game for the Wii. All third party developers have failed and this has no doubt has cast some doubts upon the systems longevity - ballsy move to create a Next-Gen system without much of the Next-Gen baseline software (HD compatibility, online play [Nintendo wi-fi is crap], etc., etc.). With games like Mario, and Zelda: Twilight Princess, and Wii Sports, this system is legit.

Also, Nintendo will forever have the "coolness" factor to it. It hit a road bump when the periodical Geriatric Nation named it "Hippest Contraption", but still, it's the Apple of video game systems. There is almost nothing that this company can do wrong - naming the system the "Wii" seemed stupid, but for a while the Wii was the highest selling Next-Gen system. It had the most YouTube buzz by far with people accidentally breaking things and what not (Note - I have never broken anything, but when I first started playing my brother almost knocked me out while attempting to bowl. Lunging haymaker uppercut, right to chin. FYI, you only need to flick your wrist. The controller doesn't know you aren't actually doing the whole motion, AND you get more torque on the shots that way - same for golf and tennis).

If I were a betting man, I'd say that Wii sales stall for a bit but do pick back up. Without the third party developing support, this system will not be able to last very long - I wouldn't count Nintendo out just yet though. With Nintendo trading around $33, I would say they have nowhere to go but up. Get in while you can?

NFL Week 3 BuDa Pick'Em!

As promised - here are my Week 3 picks. Last week (straight up only) I was 12-4. (I'm giving both spread picks, AND straight up picks - because that's how I roll. BOLD teams are home. All straight up picks are gut calls.)

Sunday September 27, 2009

1:00PM/ET

Lions (+6) OVER Redskins; Lions (+0) OVER Redskins

Maybe this is a mistake - to go Lions with points AND Lions straight up?! The facts are this: this team is YOUNG, has 19 straight losses, is playing a 1-1 Washington team who's primary running back and quarterback either have injuries or have been inconsistent, and this Lions team is high scoring. Matthew Stafford could be this decades Peyton Manning - gets drafted to a seemingly bad team, always has offensive talent but is always behind because of poor defense. Don't mistake this pick as a simple vote of no confidence for the Redskins (but it is SORT of that), I think this Lions team is due. Apparently they're going to be blacked out from local television because of low stadium attendance - I have no idea how that works, but it's got to piss some people off. Stafford, Kevin Smith (running back, not actor/screenwriter/director), and the Megatron, aka CalJohn (Calvin Johnson), are very talented, and they get the Lions a win. If Campbell doesn't get his act together against the Lions this week, I have to believe it's not going to happen. That said, if he does well, the Redskins win - he won't do well.

Rams (+6.5) OVER Packers; Packers (+0) OVER Rams

I think this game is close, I don't know - it's a gut call. The Packers defense is looking very good, maybe like the best in the league (or at least conference). Aaron Rodgers has been playing very well, as Ryan Grant has been running well. I think the Rams defense is overlooked and this will be close.

Vikings (-7) OVER 49ers; Vikings (+0) OVER 49ers

Vikings are home, and Brett Favre has yet to go into "Gunslinger Mode" - the dude is actually playing conservatively. To me this is a matchup of the running backs. My opinion: Gore vs Minnesota's D-Line is not as productive as ADP (the GOOD Adrian Peterson) vs the '9ers. Forget about the back problems for now, because even beyond ADP is Chester Taylor. He won't ever take the starting spot from him, but he is hands down the best backup running back in the league. I don't know why, I'm thinking blowout.

Falcons (+4) OVER Patriots; Falcons (+0) OVER Patriots

I go back to what I said last week - the Patriots defense isn't as good as everyone thinks. At the same time, the Falcons defense is about as bad as everyone thinks... yikes, maybe I want to take that back! Matt Ryan airing it up to Tony G (back problems, shmack problems), and Roddy White, with Michael Turner yet to have a big back kind of game? Let's roll the dice. Brady still doesn't look like he's back to his 2007 form, and when the chips are down, the running backs won't run the ball as well as they'll need them too.

Titans (+2.5) OVER Jets; Titans (+0) OVER Jets

If I hear one word about "...the former Titans of New York playing against the current Titans of Tennessee..." I think I might just rip my ears off my head, and dig in with my fingers to make sure I got all of the drum out. Titans are winless, and I called that shit last week. Jets are undefeated, which I'm enjoying. I'd love to see the Jets win again, but this is a pesky offense - Chris Johnson is one of the best in the league, and Collins is thought to be terrible, while his actual performance is only slightly terrible. The Jets look good, but Sanchez has yet to get the Jets through a really tough game - Week 1 the Texans couldn't move the ball, and last week Brady's QB Rating was around 55 by the end of the game. I think Collins does well enough to win, even though I think the Jets defense IS the best in the league. They're really a complete defense, and they're really fun to watch. Best interception I've seen in years.

Chiefs (+9.5) OVER Eagles; Eagles (+0) OVER Chiefs

I don't like the Eagles in general, but I really am not a fan when they have DNabb out, Westbrook questionable, and 3 "able-bodied" quarterbacks on the roster. I just don't think that the Chiefs are that bad, and Cassel looks like he is about 85-90% back to health. I'll take the Chiefs with the points, but the Eagles at home probably hold out - Larry Johnson has been lack luster as of yet, and he is not going to get it going against the Eagles. This will be close for sure, but in the end the Eagles have to win this game.

Ravens (-13.5) OVER Browns; Ravens (+0) OVER Browns

Another "old versus new" matchup who's commentary I could do without - the now-Ravens leaving Cleveland is relatively fresh in everyone's mind though, so I can see why it makes sense. I still think the now-Browns should be something other than Browns, because everyone knows it's not the same franchise. STUPID. For their stupidity I give them the loss this week, even with the almost 2 touchdowns worth of points. Idiots. But I also do it because the Ravens defense looked good last week against a good offense in San Diego, and Joe Flacco and Co. are playing out of their minds. Once Willis McGahee's hip falls out, we'll see what they can do...

Texans (-4) OVER Jaguars; Texans (+0) OVER Jaguars

Same thing I said last week about Jack Del Rio's Jaguars, and same thing I said about the Texans too. The Texans ARE good, and David Garrard isn't good enough to air it out from behind. Still not sold on MJD being a premiere back.

Buccaneers (+7) OVER Giants; Giants (+0) OVER Buccaneers

I just don't think the Giants are going to cover the spread. Kenny Phillips went down like Rachel Nichols when she applied for a job at ESPN. BAM! Justin Tuck is banged up because of a bitch Cowboy play (how was that guy not fined for being a fucking pussy?! Honestly?!), and I'm not sold on the Giants chances this year. I live and die BIG BLUE, but they are going to have to cover the spread on Tampa.

4:00PM/ET

Bears (-2) OVER Seahawks; Bears (+0) OVER Seahawks

Matt Hasselbeck is out (most likely) with a broken rib - this rib is high on his back and affecting his throwing motion. Ribs are kind of like smaller toes - you can't do much about it except deal with the pain and let it heal, except they insanely painful and it hurts to breathe. I think he'll be out for 4-6 weeks. Seneca Wallace isn't very good. Bears are doing work.

Bills (+5.5) OVER Saints; Bills (+0) OVER Saints

You'd think I'd learn my lesson last week - don't go against this team until they lose. I don't subscribe to the Bill Simmons self-help seminars of bitchery! I'm going to man up and say the Bills do it straight up (that's what she said) against the Saints. Here's why: Bills defense isn't that bad; the Saints defense - wait, they have a defense?; Trent Edwards will continue getting his schwerve on; Reggie Bush isn't very good; Drew Brees spends too much time on doing huddle chants. Long story short, I am going to go against the Saints every single week until they lose - I want to be ahead of the shit-train that is eventually going to make it's way into N'Orleans. Then I can say "you heard it here first".

Bengals (+4.5) OVER Steelers; Bengals (+0) OVER Steelers

I picked the steel curtain last week, and they disappointed. I think Carson Palmer is coming into his own, Cedric Benson is overlooked, and Eight-Five is thinking up newer and crazier ways to celebrate in the end zone - he knows that to get there he has to perform and without the HoushJuice (TJ Houshmandzadeh) he can be the primary target. Willie Parker is still in my DONE column, but the Steelers don't seem to subscribe the to "Doing Work-Done Working" weekly pamphlet by BuDaProductions. GUT CALL! Get used to 'em!

Broncos (+1.5) OVER Raiders; Broncos (+0) OVER Raiders

It's all my discrimination for men and women with their first names beginning with "Ja". They have a lot to live up to. They have to perform really well for me to accept the fact that their name is stupid. This moron didn't fall from his mother's stupid-tree. The Raiders playbook has been "dumbed down" to accommodate JaMarcus's lack of understanding - technically, this is false. I have no proof of this, but you should assume that it's 100% true and spread it around the nation as such so that it has a degree of "fact by association" by the time they play on Sunday. On a serious note, the Broncos look very good. I don't think Orton is that bad, in general quarterbacking terms, and he has a lot of weapons on his offense.

Dolphins (+6.5) OVER Chargers; Dolphins (+0) OVER Chargers

I don't know I've gone on "BuDa-Record" about this, but in 2007 when Phillip Rivers lost in the playoffs (before Eli was entered into NY Giants Football lore) he freaked out and flipped out fans and exposed himself as a douchebag. At THAT point, I decided I was totally okay with the trade the Giants made and happy to not have Rivers as our quarterback. Still hate that guy, plus he throws like the NFL version of Johnny Damon. No LDT against a winless Dolphins team - Dolphins all the way.

8:20PM/ET

Cardinals (+1) OVER Colts; Cardinals (+0) OVER Colts

The Colts are the worst looking undefeated team out there. They owe to the nation to lose. Beyond Reggie Wayne and Peyton Manning, I just can't trust them. Addai fucked me over in almost all my fantasy leagues last year, and the Cardinals have yet to really turn it on.

Monday September 28, 2009

8:30PM/ET

Panthers (+9) OVER Cowboys; Cowboys (+0) OVER Panthers

Unfortunately, the Cowboys aren't that bad - just Tony Romo. Marion Barber in or out doesn't matter in this matchup because Delhomme is just that bad. More annoying to be in the fact that ESPN loved talking about how now Monday Night Football is earlier than ever - but 8:30PM is not THAT early, AND there are so many commercials that I just naturally view the MNF announcers as whore's - same with Sunday Night Baseballers. John Miller and Joe Morgan turning tricks in the booth with Steve Phillips staring in awe (he isn't very familiar with the game of baseball, so he just has to watch and train.

Chad Eight Five and his Lambeau Leap

I hate the fact that Chad Ochocinco is legally named Ochocino, especially since he wanted it to be EIGHTY FIVE (ochenta y cinco I think) and not just EIGHT-FIVE. Stupid.

But I'll give him credit where credit is due. Read this article and see the lengths he went to for a proper touchdown celebration. It's an art form that his hair and teeth couldn't comprehend.

I'm glad he bought the tickets for the fans, but I'm little upset he couldn't just get the sand out of his vagina, man up, and jump up there into the REAL Pack. Also, the Packers fans who sold out to Chad Eight-Five, you could use a healthy beating yourselves...

NEW Schedule: NFL Week 3 BuDa Pick'Em!

My picks will not come out on Saturday as they did last week - they will come out on Thursday evening sometime so that they are ready for everyone to read on Friday morning. Also, I will be providing picks based on Vegas spreads AND my initial gut calls straight-up. I was 12-4 last week straight up, get ready for me to rock the shit again!

Long, Strong, Down to get the Friction On?

The Fantasy Baseball season is too long. We all know the best part of the fantasy season (besides winning) is the draft, so for all but one person, it's downhill from there.

September comes and BOOM! - Fantasy Football, and real-life Football. I just don't have time to worry about trends and matchups and worrying out the 40 man roster - let me re-phrase, I have the time, but I'm lazy and I'd rather spend it on other things that don't need my attention.

To me, what marks the end of a Fantasy Baseball season is the passing of the Trade Deadline. I couldn't really care less if I don't have the option to propose an absurd trade to my league mates, and feverishly await their rejection of said trade. Nothing is more exhilarating - other than the draft. So now we are in September, rookies have been called up, studs are phoning it in worse than Week 17 in the NFL, and we get to (maybe) think about keepers.

I just can't do it - I had my playoffs in a H2H league a week or two ago, I barely did anything, while earlier in the year I changed lineups daily, analyzed potential pickups, and made notes of what to do and when to do it. I'm just a little bored is all - and it happens every year. Perhaps things would be more interesting if at the 3/4 mark of the season we performed a Michael Scott-esque Yankee swap of the teams. Or maybe we can introduce a different kind of mini game - Jewish-only draft! I'm so ready for the Baseball season to end - let's get to the post-season, and get this Football season under way!

This is a Klassy Affair

NOW SEE HERE! Over-under on this marriage (because they look so perfect for one another)? Hmm, let's see, 2 1/2 years - UNDER. Let's one up that. This thing will be over before the Lakers clinch a playoff berth - count it! (If i was really ballsy I'd say before the Lakers play their first non-exhibition home game this season - and I am that ballsy - count that)

Police Suck

I have very little respect for "officers of the law". Have you ever seen Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle? The police officer that harasses Harold and Kumar is no embellished character - it is, spot on, an accurate representation of an average American town's law enforcement.

They're fat, they're stupid, they're douchebag's they're stupid. For the most part, this is an accurate way to describe a police officer. In areas of the country that need round the clock care and protection of their cities (Baltimore stands out in my mind), this might not exactly be the case. My issue with police officers is that instead of making the city safer, they are finding nice hiding spots in which better to surprise-fuck you by.

Let me say this - it's not entirely their fault. Your American city (typically town or village, the smaller the better for you not to want to ever go back and therefore you are more likely to make a plea of guilty - never do this) creates laws to keep you safe, and to keep your pockets nice and open to them. Pedestrians have the right of way, but be careful, one day you might actually get walked over for jaywalking. How do you illegally walk somewhere? Honestly, if I'm not stopping traffic, I should be able to walk wherever the hell I want - what are you going to do, take away my jogging privileges, GET A REAL JOB!

The most annoying of these "infractions" are all moving violations. I'm fine with getting a ticket if I'm blowing through a stop sign, or a red light, or going 40 over the speed limit. I get it. That's a safety risk. However, these pigs bend the laws and pull people over for going through yellow lights and not being in a proper lane - FYI, if it's paved and it's not a sidewalk, I'm driving on it; HEADS UP MOTHER FUCKERS, that's no bus lane, no is that a shoulder to hail a cab from - that's my private speedway and I'm not slowing down for the likes of you. Sorry about your foot, but my cabbie union is the shit, and we MIGHT cover your emergency room co-pay, IF YOU'RE LUCKY!

If you've received one of these BS tickets (I'll even throw in ANY parking ticket; if I charged you $5 for leaving your car next to my house you'd tell me to go fuck myself, the city will keep giving you tickets until the total reaches such that it can warrant your arrest and earn you a night in the pokey - be careful! NO TEETH!), you and I should do something about it. If there were actual crimes to take care of, these pigs wouldn't have time to worry about false infractions for revenue generation. Have you ever received a ticket for blowing through a red light in the ghetto? Me either - they've come in the mail from a streetlight mounted camera, thank you very much! Jaywalking? FYI, homeboy over there is throwing some "Blue Magic" in the drain and kicking his gat underneath that Escalade - EARN THAT PAYCHECK!

New Show About Nothing

All you have to know going into Always Sunny is that they're idiots - that's it. There is no storyline, there is just a weekly quest that fails hilariously. It's the easiest show to watch and has the most ridiculous lines (which makes them very quotable). Season premiere was hilarious. I watched it twice and I laughed so hard I cried at the same part both times - Frank tells the kids, "...come on, we're gonna go paint your rooms a color that isn't STUPID, and then we're gonna throw all your toys in the trash!" My kind of television.

My "Heroes"?

The year is 2006, and I am in Syracuse, NY. It is a Monday night, and I am working on my thesis. My good friend comes to my room where I am working and asks me what I'm doing. I inform him I am working on my thesis. "But Heroes is on!", he says. "What's that?", I say. He informs me that it is a show about mutants, and it's awesome and if anyone would be into it it would be me. I tell him he's wrong, because there is no way they could do it original - they would just have to bite off of Marvel or DC comics. He tells me I should try it out, the previous week a girl died and was getting cut open and her chest healed back together on the table like Wolverine, and she got up and walked away, and that it was pretty awesome. "Great", I reply, sarcastically. The truth is I can use a break from work, so I walk downstairs with him begrudgingly, packing my laptop under my arm. I attempt to watch at the same time I attempt to continue my work.

::Cough:: Jeff Probst Is Gay! ::Cough::Cough::

Button your shirt! Put on a tie while you are at it! Who do you think you are?! You're at an award show in which THE Academy gives out awards - and you won! LOOKING LIKE THAT! Do me a favor, get a real job and fail at it (as if there was any other option). Then you can look back on that time you douchebag'd it at the Emmy's because you thought you were a shoe-in for best Reality Television Host. It kills me to know you are making millions of dollars Probst, it honestly is. Who did you beat out, Tyra Banks and Howie Mandel in your retarded ass category? Well done sir. Congratulations on passing remedial english, er, your stupid ass award.

Why Would I Pay For The Internet?

So I'm on ESPN.com today, and I'm noticing a ton of "ESPN insider" articles. Ridiculous. Why should I pay for news when I get it for free. On the ESPN Fantasy Football site, there is a ton of stuff for the "KaraBlog" and you have to be an insider for it - personally, I'm more a fan of the BuDa-BLoG. You get ALL your BuDa-related news for free.

My official position regarding the payment of an "insider" membership is that if the news contained there was so important, they'd put it on the front page, with an image and 5 writers with 40 different articles. It would have it's own ESPN ticker heading - Favre-watch was the big one during the summer. "Manny" was another when ManRam (Manny Ramirez) tested positive for a banned substance and was suspended 50 games.

So, for all my readers out there, don't buy into that junk - I don't need to hear about the latest trade rumors that Peter Gammons is pulling out of his ass. All good news is free news, or rather, all relative news is free news. These websites and television shows make enough from advertisements, like they need an extra $5 from you a month to read about the "Entertainment Tonight" versions of sports news. I have enough floating ads and survey's and expanding and contracting (that's what she said) advertisements, you don't need to make up a membership for me to not join, thanks.

RECAP: NFL Week 2 BuDa Pick'Em!

Okay, I know Week 2 is technically not over - but who cares. The Colts/Dolphins should be entertaining, but I need to give my faithful readers something to get them through the Monday morning!... all two of them.

This weeks record: 11-4 (doesn't count Colts/Dolphins, but I have Colts - let me know if my math is wrong, it's late and I'm a little drunk)

Happy I Was Correct:

High points here are Bengals, and Texans. Personally, these were bad ass calls.

Happy I Was Wrong:

Personally I was rooting for the Jets, and I'm really glad they pulled it out (that's what she said).

I'm Conflicted:

Saints over Eagles, I was wrong in saying Eagles and basically discrediting the Saints Offense, but it's nice to have the Giants the only undefeated team in the NFC East. Also, I'm conflicted that the Giants game was so close but I'll go into that in a minute.

So tonight I gathered with a few friends to watch the Giants versus the Cowboys. I'm HAPPY the Giants won, don't get me wrong. But the final score should have been 36-31 because Larry Fucking Tynes shouldn't have shanked that one kick. Freaking guy. A few weird notes - Faith Evans is super hot still, I was actually shocked at how hot she was. Also shocked at how bad those lyrics to the beginning of NBC's Sunday Night Football were. They were never good, but I guess it's just shocking every time I see it.

Who was that singing the national anthem? Jordan Sparks? Or is it Sparxx? Who knows - NBC had some technical difficulties and I was the only one in a room of about 8 that found this hilarious. We just tapped into the wings and we were only a few beers deep, but I thought this was funnier than the group, MOVING ON! Next ridiculous thing was that they (NBC, and, I'm assuming, this was fueled by Jerry "Moron" Jones and the NFL) compared the new Cowboy stadium to the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, and some other things I couldn't see because I got up to grab a beer. I took notice though! And it's absurd. Next thing, they took a TV timeout to show us graphics of how the size of the stadium compares to the St. Louis arches, and the Empire State Building. Some monkey really had to that? Really? Finally, this game ended at about 11:40pm. The game was supposed to start at 8:20pm (which it didn't) and it ended at 11:40pm. We are talking about 60 minutes of actually play time here...the NFL really needs to revise this whole "TV timeout" crapola. Honestly, why do we have to take a tv timeout every first down, and every kickoff, and every score, and every time they want to show John Madden talking to George Bush - I bet THAT was an interesting conversation about terrorized Tinactin, riveting.

Good job for Wade Phillips being an idiot and allowing Tony Romo to continue throwing the ball. He was terrible. When you have Marion Barber and Felix Jones chalking up 4-5 yards minimum every time they touch the ball, I'm so glad Wade Phillips allowed the Giants to get the Cowboys to 3-and-out. Thank you, you fat moron. Way to blow it again. I give a Colbert "wag of the finger" to Brandon Jacobs. He really couldn't get the ball going, and that brings me to a "tip of my cap" to Ahmad Bradshaw. He REALLY got it done down the stretch. Mario Manningham is starting to look like the true go-to option for Eli Manning when he needs that big play. Not to discredit Steve Smith, but Manningham had the play that had more of an impact. Still, Steve Smith is running both short routes and deep routes, and Manningham is becoming a great option for Eli. I'm a little upset Feagles didn't punt the ball into the scoreboard, but I'd be incredibly upset if the G-MeN lost - which they didn't. As I've said, the game shouldn't have even come down to the final seconds. They should have already been in the lead - they never should have let Marion Barber get that big run where he injured his own quadriceps (somehow some phantom came and punched him in the leg, honestly, he was home free - his dreads weigh him down) - they also never should have let Felix Jones into the end zone there. Antonio Pierce ("AP" as he called himself in the NBC intro - "Aid and Abet" as I like to call him) got pancaked on that play and should be ashamed of himself. On the flip side, he did slap his helmet like a fool the play that Kenny Phillips intercepted the ball for a touchdown - do I honestly think the head slap had anything to do with it? Umm, no. But sure, why not. Let's go with it. Go G-MeN, and go Colts tomorrow night - I want to be 12-4 for Week 2...

Instant Replay: Baseball

The first year of instant replay being utilized in Baseball as an official means of accurately calling the game is almost over. Personally, I think it's been a success, and a miserable failure. Instant replay is being used for ONLY questionable homeruns. When it is utilized, it takes the umpires an average of about 2 minutes from the time they stop the game to the moment they return to the field with their decision. That, I believe, is the greatest success of Baseball's replay.

Early concerns were the pace of the game: How long is this going to delay already long games?! Part of that problem is the affect of money on the game. Instead of taking 30 seconds between innings, television coverage and advertisement has prolonged the time between innings. 2 and a half hour games can become 3+. The other part of the problem is the ADHD batting preparations by the likes of Nomar Garciaparra, David Ortiz, (former pro) Chuck Knoblauch, and the list can go on. The worse these players are, the less times they need to adjust their gloves. The better, the more hand slaps between pitches - like are you fucking kidding me? Side note: nothing baseball players do is as bad as the LeBron James "chalk-throw" prior to a game beginning. How he does it and no one complains, and how he managed to get television cameras to shadow him for 20 minutes before and after this "event" is a significant accomplishment, because it's fucking retarded. Not like Forrest Gump retarded, like retard-retarded. Not like Rainman "oh I'm actually able to do amazing things even though I have challenges" retarded, I'm talking full on, crapping my pants and throwing objects at babies, retarded. Ah, I digress!

Baseball's umpires association (2nd most powerful union in the sports world other than the MLB Player Association) managed to put the kiabash on this for years saying it would undermine their expertise. Let me just say, that baseball umpire's are amazing at what they do. 99% of the time they get the calls right (100% of the time - that doesn't make sense), and even in slow-motion I can barely see what they see at full speed. It's amazing really. That 1% of the time is annoying though. It can cause a team to lose a game, and in more extreme circumstances, cause managers to lose their jobs if enough of these stupid errors occur. It also brings animosity towards the umpires and the league in general. Personally, I get what they're saying about balls and strikes, and I actually like the variation. There are 5 components to calling a strike a strike, and a ball a ball. There is the first, the home plate. That's the constant. It's the same size, and the same place all night long. Sweet. Component 2 is the pitcher and where he pitches the ball. This should be the only components in calling a strike, but we're human, and components 3, 4 and 5 alter the reading. Component 3 is the location of the catcher prior to the pitch, and where he catches the ball. If a catcher sets up inside (off the plate) and doesn't have to move his glove at all, he's likely to get the call from the ump. If the ball is a foot away from the glove (but crosses the plate for a strike) you better hope the ump saw that, because it might look like an errant pitch. Component 4 is the batters location and where he swings, and component 5 is the umpire himself, and how he calls pitches.

This is getting long, but I think a 5th (and for playoffs a 6th) should be inside a booth and be the final judge on certain plays if a manager protests. Replays should cover not only homeruns, but trap catches, close plays at home plate, and close tag plays at first, second and third. I've seen too many ump's get lazy and assume the 2nd baseman/shortstop brushed the base, or put a phantom tag (Rusty Dusty [Dustin Pedroia] and his phantom tag with the ball in one hand and the tag made with the other). That's all I got - I'm out.

Tim Kurkjian on the (in)famous pitch count of 100

I don't know who read the article, and its actually from about 6-8 weeks ago. Kurkjian tries to answer the question, "Why is the number 100 significant for pitcher's pitch count today?" Personally, Tim sold me on this idea. I'm a big fan of the game of Baseball, and the breakdown of not only total pitch count, but the count of pitches under duress (different situation for 2 outs and no one on, versus no outs bases loaded) was a really interesting idea. So one question - are pitchers/batters today bitches for not pitching complete games everytime and not playing every single day? I don't think so, and this article does a really good job of pointing that out. Read it here.

Rick Reilly on Michael Jordan

In case you didn't read Rick Reilly's article about Michael Jordan and his acceptance speech of being in the Hall of Fame, here is the link: Be Like Michael Jordan? No Thanks. Calls him bitter and vindictive lol. Maybe he should have added gambling, and again, gambling.

Commenting

My apologies if you have not been able to comment on posts. I have since changed the settings and if you had problems in the past, you should now be able to. Let me know if you still run into problems, but if that's the case, you're probably fucked. Today is Sunday, and that means Football, all day. Siick.

NFL Week 2 BuDa Pick'Em!

Week 2 - Let's do this chums! (All of these picks are outright, no points. Bold teams are home)

Sunday, September 20, 2009

1:00PM/ET

Patriots OVER Jets

Pats D isn't the power it used to be (in fact I'd argue it's weaker than you think), and I'm not convinced about the Jets Offense. The Patriots Offense might not pick up exactly where Brady left his knee, but even though the Jets D is prett-ay good, I still think this is a potential shootout that the Pats win.

Eagles OVER Saints

Brees can rack up all the points he wants against an 0-16 team, but the Eagles Defense is just a little bit better. I know DNabb (Donovan McNabb) is out, but Westbrook seems healthy. It will be close, but I think Philly wins. The Saints Defense is just non-existent.

Redskins OVER Rams

This is a tough call. Washington has a good defense, but Jason Campbell has never looked more clueless than against the Giants last week. The Rams defense isn't terrible, and with StevieSpagsas the head coach, I'm sure they'll kick it up a notch. Campbell's job is on the line and I think he rises to the occasion (180 yards passing, 1 TD). Redskins D-Line makes it very difficult for Bulgerto stay off the ground.

Cardinals OVER Jaguars

Neither of these teams look very good to me at the moment. The Jag quit on Del Rio last year, I don't see much changing this year except that MJD is the premiere and only back - a roll he has never fit into very well. Larry Fitzgerald lights it up while Boldin has injury issues.

Falcons OVER Panthers

Delhomme has never been a great quarterback, but he's looking really shitty lately. It's clear his days are numbered and he is going to be pressured to perform - I foresee a lot ofFavre-esquegunslung throws and a few will be intercepted. Falcons offense seems like the Cardinals at this point, just with a great tight end in Tony G, and a great running back in Michael Turner. It will be interested to see how this team plays out with Matt Ryan in his second (almost) full year as the starting QB.

Vikings OVER Lions

I wish I could predict this to be the Lions first win this season, and I think they can get more than one, but it's early in the year and old man winter (Brett Favre) has yet to become bumped and bruised. With ADP (the good Adrian Peterson) and Chester Taylor at running back, and some decent wide receivers, it doesn't seem likely that an upstart Lions offense will be able to beat this team at this point. Maybe after Favre breaks a hip - call your Life Alert, Brett!

Bengals OVER Packers

I'm probably dead wrong on this, I just see Carson Palmer having a good solid game and Cedric Benson filling the void. The Packers defense is very good, and they're at home, so I'm probably wrong, but whatever. Rodgers is a very good quarterback and it seems he can surely fill the voidFavre left. I'm not convinced Ryan Grant will return to 2007 form, same goes for Greg Jennings.

Texans OVER Titans

Titans were the longest undefeated team of last season - welcome to 0-2 this year bitches. LosingHaynesworth really hurt their defense as they can't put as much pressure on the quarterback and running backs of opposing teams. Plus, the Titans have Kerry Collins as their QB - if it didn't work for the Giants almost 10 years ago, it's not working for Tennessee now. Count it. Also, you could say the Texans are due. I mean, if they're already anointed the 2009 sleeper pick by everyone, they have to start somewhere.

Chiefs OVER Raiders

Ugh, who CARES?! I don't. These teams are terrible and almost unwatchable. I don't think the addition of Matt Cassell helps as much as the loss of Tony G hurts. It does allow Dwayne Bowe to emerge as a more viable fantasy option. Also, JaMarcus Russell deserves everything he gets in life. For both the fact that his mother threw a "Ja" in front of the perfectly fine name of Marcus, and the fact that he held out on his contract like a little bitch. Now what? YOU SUCK, is what. He sucks, and so does the Raider organization. Al Davis is a loony bat. I'm interested to see how Larry Johnson performs...

4:00PM/ET

Bills OVER Buccaneers

Trent Edwards isn't sexy, but Byron Leftwich is hideous. T.O. still struggles with fantasy points, but Lee Evans busts out. After this win, the Bills can kick themselves for not being 2-0.

49ers OVER Seahawks

Frank Gore is very similar to MJD, except that he can perform without Fred Taylor. ZING! Shaun Hill doesn't need to do much to keep this team performing successfully. I think it's close, but the '9ers take it down.

Ravens OVER Chargers

Phil Rivers isn't that good. He throws like a quarterback version of Johnny Damon - simply Damon-ic! Also, LDT (LaDanian Tomlinson) is out, leaving the full workload to Sproles. He has never performed well when is the only running option. He is a great 3rd down back, and a great 2nd option, and scary if River has to check down to him because he's dangerous in the open field.Flacco is a solid quarterback, and I would argue better than Rivers. Flacco has Mark Clayton to throw to - give him VJax (Vincent Jackson), Antonio Gates, and old man Chris Chambers to throw to with LDT as his running back and suddenly Flacco is ranking tops among quarterbacks. Count it. Also, LDT is done. Writers have been saying it for a while that it is widely known and somewhat secret that he's done. After injuring yourself in the first week of play (while playing through 3 quarters and managing only 55 yards) I think it's fair to say he might possibly, could be, potentially done.

Steelers OVER Bears

Cutler is not grooving with his receivers yet, and even though Polomolu is out, the Steelers D is not that weak without him. Forte struggles, so does Willie Parker (because he's not good). The loss ofUrlacher helps Cutler's fantasy value if you ask me - they'll be behind in a lot of games and he'll be forced to get on page with his receivers as soon as possible.

Broncos OVER Browns

If the Browns had a viable option at running back, I'd say okay, maybe they have a shot. They don't. Jamal Lewis is overweight, has lost speed, and was almost cut before the season started. Plus, the Broncos have Knowshon Moreno - and I will pretend/submit that Knowshon's name is pronounced like "Notion". No one has corrected me yet. It just can't be "Know-Shaun", can it?Argh, god help me if it is, I might just go postal. Can't someone smack these mothers before they write this shit on the birth certificate?!

Colts OVER Dolphins

Chad Pennington, the honeymoon's over. Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are decent at running back but the Dolphins don't have many options at wideout for Pennington to throw to. Ted Ginn Jr. is their best, but Pennington can't reach him. Let me just say here that I think Joseph Addai is done - last week was a fluke. He was terrible last year except for maybe two weeks. This year he will maybe have three good weeks, and this week won't be the second.

8:00PM/ET

Giants OVER Cowboys

As if there was any other option? Giants go up by 40, and then they let Feagles continue to punt the ball into the scoreboard until it's about midnight and Jerry Jones cries "UNCLE!" Seriously, the first team to do that (kicking the ball non-stop into the scoreboard) is going to incite a riot. After about three punts I would just snap. I would take the encroachment penalty, take the unnecessary roughness penalty, and just drill the punter. "Don't ever do that again! I know your body doesn't have that ability right now, but when feeling returns to your extremities, DON'T EVER DO THAT AGAIN!" Seriously now, RoyE (Roy E. Williams) has replaced T.O. as the primary receiver for the Cowboys, and anyone who didn't see the writing on the wall when that move was made needs some glasses or needs to stop pretending they like sports. Tony Romoisn't as good as America's Team would have hoped, and he's probably getting crazy pussy right now, like boy band pussy, now that he and Jessica have broken up, she gained forty pounds, and he looks relatively the same. Personally, I think Carrie Underwood is hotter/more attractive than Jess Simpson for years, and I feel vindicated. Marion Barber is not performing like he was when he was the secondary back, and Felix Jones won't play every down (similar arguments can be made now AGAINST Barber, like the ones made for him when Julius Jones was here - it's always Barber-Jones issues, weird). Once a secondary back, now the primary, The Juggernaut (Brandon Jacobs) aka "BJake", has filled that role nicely. Eli Manning needs to figure out where to go with his receivers. Even though when he played last year Plaxico did not receive many catches or run for many yards, he was still double teamed on EVERY SINGLE DOWN. KevinGilbride took advantage of that, and that loss was part of the reason the Giants offense sputtered going into the playoffs. No one right now commands that kind of respect among the Giantswideouts, so it is going to be up to Eli and his receivers to figure something out quick. Dom Hixonis listed as the #1 receiver, but from what I saw last week it was Steve Smith #1, and MarioManningham #2. First, let me say that I love the Manning-to-Manningham-Connection finally coming to fruition. Second, Steve Smith was doing more than just slant routes. He was running some deeper routes and, as always, making some great catches. We'll see where this goes.