Bleacher Report - Articles by Gabriel Taylor

Despite Miscues, Colt McCoy and the Texas Longhorns Deserve Title Shot

Gabriel Taylor — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 05:02:41 -0500

A last-second, one-point win in a low-scoring game might not have been the best sales pitch for the Texas Longhorns, but any good salesman knows that the outcome is more important than the presentation.

The 13-0 Longhorns were fortunate to escape with 13-12 victory over the fearless No. 21-ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers in the Big 12 Championship game, but their body of work in 2009 should be enough to help No. 3 Texas avoid the heartbreak of last season and earn a spot in the Bowl Championship Series national title game.

The Longhorns’ Heisman hopeful Colt McCoy, a four-year starter, had one of the toughest games of his college career, finishing with three interceptions and no passing touchdowns against an inspired Cornhuskers defense. Yet, McCoy manage to drive his team down the field—with the assistance of two costly Nebraska penalties—for Hunter Lawrence’s game-clinching, 46-yard field goal as time expired.

Texas held steady all year and in the end triumphed in their most challenging encounter of the season. Viewers discovered that the Big 12 can actually play defense and Texas’ schedule may have been validated against Nebraska’s defense which featured star defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, who finished with four sacks.

Texas scratched and clawed its way to a win against Nebraska it has scratched and clawed its way to the national championship game. They defeated most of their top rivals away from home and avenged last season’s only loss with a 34-24 win at home against Texas Tech.

Texas doesn’t have an overwhelming amount of statistical evidence to counter Boise State, Cincinnati and TCU. The Longhorns didn’t blow teams away or put up the same stats as last year. They made some mistakes but kept plugging away, winning every game and ultimately they earned the right to play for the national title.

Alabama (13-0, Southeastern Conference champion), Boise State (13-0, Western Athletic) Cincinnati (12-0 Big East), Texas Christian (12-0, Mountain West), and Texas are all undefeated and most college football pundits would agree that the undefeated Southeastern Conference champion, No. 2 Alabama, sealed its spot in the national title game with a 32-13 win over No. 1 Florida in the SEC Championship game.

There are other factors—like preseason rankings, television ratings, reputation, strength of schedule, computer rankings, pollsters—that will play a big part in choosing the competitors for the BCS title game, but conference membership in the SEC, Big 12, or Big Ten plus an undefeated record is most likely the winning combination that leads to a championship game appearance and Texas meets the criteria this season.

The cries for a playoff will be at an all-time high with three undefeated teams from outside the Big Six conferences (ACC, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-10, and SEC), but until there’s another system the BCS will continue to favor the traditional football powerhouses. Schools currently in the Big Six conferences have captured the last twenty national championships and there’s no reason to think that will change this year.

These conferences recruit top players, play in humongous stadiums, and spend tons of money on college football every year. That shouldn’t guarantee their teams anything, but undoubtedly it’s of more importance than sentimental value and the key to earning a shot at the national title.

Maybe Texas should be sympathetic to the plight of Boise State, Cincinnati, and TCU, after all, Texas has been on the wrong side of a tiebreaker before. But don’t expect any apologies from the Longhorns now that they have overcome the sorrows of last year’s snub, emerging unbeaten and hungry for another championship.

TCU was ranked fourth in the BCS standings, AP poll, and Coaches' poll before Championship Weekend and theoretically has the best chance to overtake Texas in the polls, but despite victories against top Mountain West foes Utah and BYU, the Horned Frogs would be hard-pressed to prove to state residents that they have a better team than their peers in Austin.

The Big East was as good or better than the ACC, Pac-10, and Big Ten this season and Cincinnati presents the best argument for title game inclusion for the conference since the days Hokies (Virginia Tech) and Hurricanes (Miami). The Bearcats beat several ranked opponents and beat No. 13 Oregon State on the road. No. 5 Cincy finished with a nail-biting, 45-44 win on the road against No. 14 Pittsburgh.

Sixth-ranked Boise State continued its dominance of the WAC and a season-opening win against Pac-10 champion Oregon should at least guarantee the Broncos a berth in a BCS bowl game. Still, Boise State didn’t face tougher opposition away from its field of blue.

Schools and teams cannot control polls or computers. They can control their schedules, conferences, and won-loss records.

Alabama and Texas did their part and deserve a chance to bring their faithful another national title.

How the New York Yankees Finally Reclaimed Championship Glory

Gabriel Taylor — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:17:29 -0500

The pain of giving up two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning in Game Seven of a gut-wrenching 2001 World Series defeat to the Arizona Diamondbacks has finally been alleviated.

The shame of falling to an overmatched Florida Marlins team in six games in the 2003 World Series is now an afterthought.

The sheer humiliation and infamy of allowing the Boston Red Sox to erase a 0-3 deficit and win the ALCS in 2004 has been replaced with the euphoria of a king reclaiming his throne.

Money isn’t the only reason the New York Yankees defeated the Philadelphia Phillies and captured their first title since 2000—but it’s definitely one of the reasons.

The sensible logic that the team that plays in the biggest market, has the highest payroll, and owns the most World Series championships in Major League Baseball history should win the Fall Classic once in nine years has turned into a fast-moving generalization, tossing aside the championship-worthy performances of a squad destined to win it all.

Indeed, the Yankees paid a steep price for their good fortune, but that shouldn’t belittle the efforts of a team burdened with enormous win-or-else expectations.

After years of learning that money couldn't buy a title, the Yankees used the justifying production of its free agents, the determined performance of its veterans, and the beneficial design of the New Yankee Stadium to win their MLB-leading 27th World Series championship.

High-Priced Free Agents Finally Pay Dividends

Offseason free agent signees CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Mark Teixeira may have accounted for more than $52 million in salary this season—more than the entire payroll of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Florida Marlins, and San Diego Padres—but each performed well and helped the team fulfill its championship dreams in 2009.

Sabathia, a left-handed workhorse, signed a seven-year, $161 million deal and didn’t disappoint management or fans, even after a 1-3 start. He led the majors in wins with a 19-8 mark, finished 3-1 with a 1.98 ERA in the postseason, and pitched on three days’ rest in the American League Championship Series and the World Series.

After Burnett’s career-best season for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2008, in which he won 18 games and led the AL in strikeouts, the Yankees plucked the righthander away from their divisional rival, signing him to a five-year, $82.5 million contract. Burnett had a more typical season in 2009, finishing 13-9 with a 4.04 ERA in the regular season and he also had some rough outings in the postseason, producing a 5.27 ERA in his first postseason opportunity.

Yet, after Sabathia, the Yankees best pitcher, lost the his first 2009 postseason matchup in Game One of the World Series and Philadelphia’s powerful lineup seemed to be on its way to back-to-back titles, Burnett turned in a gem in a crucial Game Two, allowing one run in seven innings and winning the Yanks’ biggest game of the year.

Teixeira, a switch-hitting, slick-fielding first baseman, was signed an eight-year, $180 million deal and quickly became New York’s most potent weapon in the regular season, batting .292 and leading the AL with 122 RBI and 39 home runs. Teixeira wasn’t a postseason monster and hit a disappointing .180 with two home runs, eight RBI, and 17 strikeouts compared with six walks in the playoffs. Still, his defense was steady and his Game Two home run was critical in the only low-scoring game of the Series.

After spending plenty of money and failing to win a championship with players like Gary Sheffield, Jason Giambi, Randy Johnson, Carl Pavano, and Kevin Brown, the Yankees made the right choices in acquiring players in the prime of their careers instead of signing proven, but aging and declining stars.

Rodriguez and Pettitte Take Road to Redemption

At the beginning of the 2009 season, third baseman Alex Rodriguez was under intense fire. An unauthorized biography from Selena Roberts detailed several scathing allegations. He was recently divorced and his love life was fodder for all to witness. His Yankees had failed to reach the playoffs in 2008 and after admitting that he used performance-enhancing drugs, A-Rod missed several games as he nursed an injured hip.

Longtime Yankee Andy Pettitte had also admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs. After his December 2007 admission, Pettitte had his first non-winning season in his 14-year major league career in 2008, finishing 14-14 with a 4.54 ERA.

Rodriguez and Pettitte both seemed to benefit from the presence of the new, expensive free agents. Rodriguez enjoyed the luxury of batting behind Teixeira, a powerful switch hitter, and saw more favorable pitches. Pettitte had plenty of help in the rotation with the addition of Sabathia and Burnett, and the lefthander went 14-8 in 2009 for a .636 winning percentage, his highest since 2003 with the Houston Astros.

A much-maligned playoff underachiever who earned $33 million this season, Rodriguez battered pitchers throughout the postseason, finishing with staggering statistics including a .365 average, a .500 on-base percentage, and a .808 slugging percentage. He logged six home runs, 18 RBI and 15 walks (three intentional) while earning his first championship ring in 16 MLB seasons.

Pettitte, a 37-year-old attempting to shut down the Phillies’ dangerous, lefty-laden lineup, was no less extraordinary. He shut down Philadelphia’s Chase Utley after the Phillies second baseman threatened to set a World Series home run record after launching multiple home runs in games started by Sabathia and Burnett. He also contained Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard, who had been dominating National League pitchers earlier in the playoffs.

Pettitte was 4-0 in the postseason and although most eyes were glued to the new signees, he closed out all three postseason series for the Yankees.

New Dimensions and Manifest Destiny

This championship was like a train arriving in a small town of yesteryear: One could hear the loud, piercing whistle, smell the fuel burning, and see its carts headed to its ultimate destination from miles and miles away. This title seemed meant to be for the pinstriped crew from the Bronx.

After watching the Boston Red Sox become a top contender and take home World Series titles in 2004 and 2007 playing in hitter-friendly Fenway Park, the Yankees opened the New Yankee Stadium this season and its lower outfield walls and short porch in right field gave the Yankees sluggers a home-field, home run advantage in 2009.

Accordingly, the Yankees led the majors in home runs, RBI, walks, and finished second in batting average. The Yankees regular lineups featured seven left-handed or switch hitters to exploit the field’s dimensions.

The other two hitters in the lineup? Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez.

New York sent three players, Rivera, Jeter, and Teixeira, to the 2009 MLB All-Star Game and Jeter scored two of the AL’s four runs while Mariano Rivera earned the save in the 4-3 AL victory. The win gave the Yankees—who finished with a major-league best 103 wins—home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

With a big division lead in September, Yankees manager Joe Girardi was able to sit some of his starters. The move paid off in the postseason as Girardi used a three-man rotation and pitched Sabathia, Burnett, and Pettitte on three days’ rest in the final three games of the World Series.

Other pricey Yankees came through in the postseason: shortstop Jeter (.344 average, six RBI, and 14 runs) continued to add to his playoff achievements, closer Mariano Rivera (five saves, 0.56 ERA) closed out each series, and designated hitter Hideki Matsui batted .349 in the playoffs with six RBI in the series clincher to garner World Series MVP honors.

George Steinbrenner, his sons, and Brian Cashman made the risky decision to spend a lot of money in a recession—in addition to opening a new, $1.5 billion stadium—and it paid off substantially.

New York Yankees payroll, $208 million.

World Series championship, priceless.

Angels' John Lackey Thwarted in Game Five...Will He Stay in Los Angeles?

Gabriel Taylor — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:00:03 -0400

Los Angeles Angels pitcher John Lackey could be the most sought free agent in MLB’s upcoming offseason and up 4-0 with two outs in the top of the seventh inning in Game Five of the American League Championship Series, Lackey was fired up about being taken out of the game.

Although the Yankees staged a furious rally after Lackey’s exit, the Angels used a determined seventh-inning comeback to slip away with a 7-6 win, sending the series back to New York where rain may be on tap for Saturday’s Game Six.

Still, after being removed from the biggest game of the year, with two outs in seventh inning and in the midst of a shutout, will Lackey return to Los Angeles for another championship run in 2010?

Lackey’s Game Five counterpart, Yankees starter A.J. Burnett, inked a five-year, $82.5 million deal last offseason. The Yankees also signed CC Sabathia, the best pitcher thus far in the 2009 postseason, to a seven-year $161 million contract. First baseman Mark Teixeira, Lackey’s teammate last season, joined the Yanks with an eight-year, $180 million deal.

Lackey is the Angels’ highest-paid pitcher, earning $10 million this season—tied with injured starter Kelvim Escobar—and has a 2.29 ERA in three starts this postseason. He led the AL in ERA in 2007, was a rookie on the Angels’ 2002 World Series championship team, and though he’s spent his entire eight-year major league career with the Angels, the 31-year-old All-Star pitcher should have plenty of options in the offseason.

Like Josh Beckett, Andy Pettitte, and Roger Clemens, Lackey is another tall, hard-throwing pitcher from Texas and the cream of this year’s MLB free agent crop could re-sign with the Angels, return to his home state, or consider some of the many other offers he's likely to receive from teams looking to improve their starting rotations.

The Boston Red Sox, like the Angels and Yankees, are big spenders and struggled to fill out their starting rotation in 2009. Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein could be enticed by a Lackey, a pitcher who has plenty of postseason experience.

Game Five began as a showcase of Lackey’s immense talent and his startling ability to shut down the superstar-laden New York Yankees.

The Angels righthander had silenced Yankee bats until the seventh inning when Lackey gave up a one-out double to Yankees center fielder Melky Cabrera and became frustrated with umpire Field Culbreth after he walked catcher Jorge Posada on a full count.

His adrenaline pumping in an elimination contest that he had dominated to that point, Lackey gestured that he didn’t like the call at all and during a conference with teammates, Culbreth responded that he didn’t like the display of disappointment.

Culbreth was pitcher-friendly for much of the game, giving Lackey and Burnett beneficial calls on pitches that were low and away.

Lackey was the recipient of several of these calls and with a bevy of called strikes he was able to register seven strikeouts in the game—including four batters who struck out looking.

After walking Posada, Lackey was clearly out of sync, missing badly while throwing four consecutive balls outside the strike zone and issuing first base pass to shortstop Derek Jeter.

The bases were loaded, but Lackey composed himself and was able to induce a fly out from left fielder Johnny Damon.

Angels manager Mike Scioscia, a former major league catcher, may have sensed that Lackey was fading and was still upset after failing to retire Posada earlier in the inning. He made the tough decision to bring in left-handed reliever Darren Oliver to face New York’s switch-hitting Teixeira, who was 1-for-3 with a single and a strikeout against Lackey.

Lackey was visibly upset and Fox television cameras appeared to capture him telling Scioscia that “This is mine,” indicating that he wasn’t ready to leave and risk losing his shutout while he was in the dugout.

The Yankees exploded against Oliver, scoring six runs in the seventh to take a 6-4 lead.

Lackey’s worst fears were realized and after leaving the game with a 4-0 lead, his team was down 6-4 and suddenly a shutout was the least of the Angels’ worries. Though the Angels were able to regain the lead and cut New York’s series lead to 3-2, after the game Lackey was still frustrated with the call and expressed that he had indeed struck out Posada in the seventh.

The starters in the Angels rotation have been with the team their entire careers and Los Angeles is probably Lackey’s most likely destination. However, last season Los Angeles let record-setting closer Francisco Rodriguez depart in free agency and Rodriguez’s replacement, Brian Fuentes, led the majors in saves in 2009.

The offseason hasn’t arrived just yet and the Angels still have a chance to go to the World Series, thanks in no small part to Lackey’s gritty Game Five performance.

Los Angeles Angels-New York Yankees: Game Four Managerial Matchup Mania

Gabriel Taylor — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:53:08 -0400

Leave it to Los Angeles manager Mike Scioscia and the Angels to usher in the return of enthusiasm and drama after their remarkable 5-4, 11-inning comeback victory over the Yankees in Game Three of the American League Championship Series.

Four runs wasn’t enough to beat the Los Angeles Angels this time. Following the sting of losing two games in New York, the Angels are receiving plenty of positive buzz for their determination and savvy decisions used to seize momentum in the series.

The Yankees still have a 2-1 advantage in the series and Scioscia and Joe Girardi bring interesting managerial storylines into a crucial Game Four matchup.

Pressure on Girardi Not Scioscia

While Angels manager Mike Scioscia and Yankees manager Joe Girardi both won their divisions, they are fighting different battles on the road to the World Series.

Scioscia, recognized for his managerial acumen, has plenty of playoff experience and has brought the Angels franchise unprecedented success including the team’s only World Series championship in 2002. Girardi is managing his first postseason squad, replacing a manager who won four World Series championships and made 12 consecutive playoff appearances in New York.

With every postseason triumph, Scioscia writes another page in franchise history. Girardi has to maintain a balanced approach, knowing that there won’t be much adulation in winning and there will be much criticism in defeat. The Yankees already have 26 titles and there is an expectation—not a hope—for a 27th championship.

Of the four managers remaining in the 2009 postseason, Scioscia, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Joe Torre, and the Philadelphia Phillies’ Charlie Manuel have all won the World Series. All have multiple playoff appearances and it’s clear that Girardi has the most to prove in October.

The Yankees arguably have the best team money can buy and Girardi is under immense pressure to win the World Series. The Angels spend a lot of money on their players, too, but the scrutiny is more positive for an Angels franchise that appreciates Scioscia’s eight winning seasons and six playoff trips in his 10-year run in Los Angeles.

Scioscia at His Finest in Game Three

The Angels’ star players have struggled to produce offensively in the ALCS so far, but clutch pitching and shrewd decision-making from Scioscia helped the team win Game Three and reinvigorate a team that had dropped two games in New York.

Brian Fuentes, the Angels’ All-Star closer who led the majors in saves, could have been down and out after giving up a game-tying, 11th inning home run to Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez in Game Two. Fuentes was ahead in the count 0-2 and the bases were empty when Rodriguez went yard.

Scioscia could have blamed Fuentes for the loss after the Angels had claimed a 3-2 lead in the top of the inning.

Starting pitcher Ervin Santana, an All-Star in 2008, had problems adjusting to his relief role in the playoffs, giving up two hits and loading the bases in the 12th inning of Game Two before surrendering another hit and an intentional walk in the 13th inning. This all prior to Angels second baseman Maicer Izturis’ game-clinching error that gave the Yankees a 4-3 win.

Scioscia could have lost faith in Santana after his shaky outing.

But Scioscia, a manager respected and admired for his steadiness under pressure, didn’t lose confidence in Fuentes or Santana and his devotion paid off in the Angels’ Game Three win.

In Game Three, at the top of the ninth inning, with the score tied 4-4 and the powerful Rodriguez at the plate, Scioscia had Fuentes use a different strategy. The bases were empty again, but this time, with two out and the game knotted, Fuentes intentionally walked A-Rod before striking out the next hitter, Game Two hero, Jerry Hairston Jr.

Later, in the top of the 11th, Scioscia went back to Santana. He didn’t disappoint, posting a three-up, three-down inning.

The Angels’ batters finally came through in the bottom of the inning and the Angels avenged their 4-3, 13-inning loss in Game Two.

The Angels defense had an error-free game after committing five errors in losing the first two games of the series. Los Angeles' designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero had left 13 men on base in the series, but went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI in Game Three.

Still, many of Scioscia's batters are still struggling and the Angels' skipper will need some of them to step up for the rest of the series.

Scioscia proved why he's one of the best managers in the game, but the Angels and Yankees haven't decided anything just yet.

After Loss, All Attention on Girardi

Girardi is coming off an excellent regular season in which the Yankees won 103 games. Though he hasn't received a lot of credit for his team's success, he has endured much of the blame for the team's setbacks.

He won his first five postseason games and his only postseason loss was a one-run, extra-innings defeat on the road to the playoff-tested Angels.

For many, that was one loss too much, and now he’ll have to endure the other, tougher side of October.

No one said being the manager of the storied New York Yankees would be easy. After suffering his first postseason loss, Girardi is facing the wrath that helped drive Torre out of town.

With two outs in the bottom of the 11th inning of Game Three, Girardi played the numbers game in inserting righthander Alfredo Aceves against Angels second baseman Howie Kendrick after Yankee righthander David Robertson had retired Angels left fielder Juan Rivera and first baseman Kendry Morales in order.

Girardi didn’t have a plethora of options at the late juncture in the game, but going to Aceves with two outs in the inning was highly questionable and led to the team’s loss.

In addition to Robertson pitching well to open the inning, Aceves had allowed the potential game-winning run in the 11th inning of Game Two, yielding an earned run on a base hit, and two walks (one intentional).

Kendrick singled, catcher Jeff Mathis doubled home the game-winning run, and Girardi lost his perfect record in October in excruciating fashion.

Girardi has already decided to start CC Sabathia on three days’ rest in Game Four, a choice that could be feast or famine.

If Sabathia pitches well and the team wins, the Yankees will have a commanding 3-1 lead and the looming option to choose their best rotation for a potential trip to the World Series. Sabathia has been highly dependable after signing a seven-year, $161 million contract with the Yankees in the offseason, winning a major league-leading 19 games in the regular season and winning both of his postseason starts.

But there’s always another side to the story, the risk of overusing the team’s best pitcher.

If Sabathia and/or the Yankees don’t lose Game Four, the series will be tied 2-2, and the left-handed workhorse would be more likely to pitch in a potential Game Seven. Sabathia pitched on three days’ rest several times, leading the Milwaukee Brewers to the playoffs in 2008, but he struggled on three days’ rest in the 2008 postseason, surrendering five runs before exiting in the fourth inning.

Girardi has his chance to show his mettle, and though a World Series championship won’t quell all of his detractors, he has to make the right choices with his expensive roster.

Phillies' Cliff Lee, Jayson Werth, Ryan Howard Have a Blast in NLCS Game Three

Gabriel Taylor — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:44:43 -0400

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cliff Lee continued to enjoy his maiden voyage in the National League and the Phillies' bats provided him ample run support in leading the defending World Series champions to an 11-0 Game Three victory and a 2-1 edge over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS.

Lee pitched eight scoreless innings and was aided by Jayson Werth’s two-run homer and a three-run blast from Shane Victorino. Six Phillies had extra-base hits including Ryan Howard’s two-RBI triple in the first inning and Jimmy Rollins’ first RBI of the postseason on an RBI-double in the second inning.

Lee’s first foray in playoff baseball has been a huge success as the Phillies have won all three of Lee’s postseason starts. He has a 0.74 postseason ERA and has pitched into the eighth inning of each of his starts.

The 2008 American League Cy Young Award winner is also having fun batting in the National League. He even joined the offensive party, scoring on Victorino’s home run after reaching first base with a single in the eighth inning.

The lefthander’s breathtaking performances have taken center stage but no one should cast aside the Phillies’ offensive tour de force.

Center fielder Shane Victorino, second baseman Chase Utley, first baseman Ryan Howard, and right fielder Jayson Werth, Nos. 2-5 in the Phillies lineup, launched another assault on the Dodgers after scoring eight runs in the series opener before relenting in 2-1 Game Two loss.

Howard, the NL’s RBI leader, leads all postseason batters with 12 RBI and has an RBI in every postseason game. After striking out 186 times in 160 regular season games, Howard only has five strikeouts in the postseason, none in the last two games.

Werth, who hit a career-high 36 home runs and was selected to his first All-Star team this season, has three home runs in the playoffs, tied with the New York Yankees Alex Rodriguez for the postseason lead.

Victorino has also hit two postseason home runs and along with Utley has reached base in every game, providing Howard with plenty of opportunities to drive in runs.

Their postseason batting averages are astounding: Victorino, .345; Utley, .346; and Howard, .386.

But Philadelphia’s starters have been just as effective as its hitters. Cole Hamels won Game One and Pedro Martinez pitched seven shutout innings before being lifted in Game Two. Los Angeles has only scored one run in the last two games and has only scored in four of the 27 innings played thus far.

The Dodgers pack a similarly heavy punch, but the team’s bullpen, considered one of the team’s many strengths, will be stretched after starter Hiroki Kuroda gave up six runs was lifted in the second inning. Los Angeles has to find a way to neutralize the aggressive hitting of Philadelphia’s sluggers.

The Phillies are on fire and the Dodgers need strong pitching outings and more run support from its hitters to tie the series and send it back to Los Angeles for a Game Six.

No Offense, but Texas, Florida, and Alabama Remain Unbeaten with Defense

Gabriel Taylor — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 13:40:41 -0400

The top three teams in the country were very defensive last weekend, zealously protecting their undefeated records and staying alive in the hunt for the BCS national championship.

The Alabama Crimson Tide, Texas Longhorns, and Florida Gators, all received a scare but each made came through with another a win in matchups that came down to the wire. Half of the 2009 season is complete and the national championship contenders are still hanging on, overcoming adversity, and rising to the challenge of being crowned champions.

Every game in college football’s playoff-free system is a must-win and the trio made it through another dangerous weekend.

Alabama (7-0, 4-0 SEC)

Although Alabama isn’t ranked No. 1 in the first BCS standings of the year, it has looked more impressive than any other team this year. The Tide has played an extremely difficult schedule including a neutral site 34-24 victory over No. 7 Virginia Tech, a road win over No. 20 Mississippi, and this week’s 20-6 home victory over No. 22 South Carolina.

The Tide is known for its muzzling defense, but running back Mark Ingram has emerged as the team’s star player this season. Ingram only needed 24 carries to rush for a career-high 246 yards and one touchdown. Last season’s breakout star for the Tide, wide receiver Julio Jones has battled double-coverage all year, and Ingram has more than taken up the slack against SEC opponents.

Heisman whispers should grow louder in Tuscaloosa if Ingram continues to run through talented SEC defenses. Ingram is averaging 129 yards per game, 6.7 yards per carry, and he’s scored a rushing touchdown in every game. He has eight rushing touchdowns and three receiving scores on the year.

The 5’10”, 215-pound bruiser has been increasingly productive in his last three games rushing for 140 yards vs. Kentucky, 172 vs. Mississippi, and 246 yards against South Carolina. Ingram’s performance against tough competition, including 150 rushing yards, a rushing touchdown, and a receiving touchdown against Virginia Tech in the season opener, makes his accomplishments more noteworthy.

Alabama didn’t lose a game until the SEC Championship game in 2008, and this year’s version has a chance to repeat the feat with an advantageous remaining schedule including LSU, Tennessee, and Chattanooga at home and Mississippi State and Auburn on the road.

If Alabama can continue its defensive domination and Ingram keeps plowing through SEC defenses, the Tide will enjoy a return trip to the SEC title game with the chance at a national title on the line.

Texas (6-0, 3-0 Big 12)

The Longhorns’ 16-13 victory over the Sooners settled the score in 2009 after a 45-35 win against Oklahoma in 2008 wasn’t enough to propel Texas to the national championship game. This year’s win probably impressed few voters as Texas only scored one touchdown versus a depleted Oklahoma Sooners team that was playing without its Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, its All-American tight end, and its All-Big 12 offensive lineman.

While the Sooners did a great job of controlling the Longhorns’ offense, quarterback Colt McCoy, a Heisman Trophy candidate, didn’t try to the win the award in one game and kept his team in title contention in the face of a fervent effort from Texas’ biggest rival.

McCoy hasn’t been as productive as he was last year and he was only 21-for-39 for 127 yards and an interception against the Sooners. He has 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions on the season, and though he isn’t the Heisman front-runner, he has his team on the right track to the national title.

The Longhorns’ defense was amazing and cornerback Aaron Williams led the way with a big sack and an even bigger interception. Defensive end Eddie Jones also had a sack while safety Earl Thomas ended the Sooners scoring chances with a fourth quarter interception.

Texas is not out of the woods yet, and in 2006 and 2008 the Longhorns beat the Sooners only to watch Oklahoma go on to win the Big 12 championship. Texas hasn’t played as tough a schedule as Alabama, but like Florida, if the Longhorns can end the season undefeated and Big 12 champs, they should claim a spot in the BCS title game.

Florida (6-0, 4-0 SEC)

The defending champions’ 23-20 triumph over the Arkansas Razorbacks was a test of wills. Arkansas had a chance to win the game but Arkansas kicker Alex Tejada missed a 38-yard field goal with less than four minutes left in the game.

Florida kicker Caleb Sturgis converted a 27-yard, game-winning field goal with 13 seconds to go and the Gators found yet another way to win a game.

Although the Gators lack the offensive firepower of their previous championship teams, this squad is led by its defense and Florida is still on track for its first undefeated season.

The defensive unit lost All-American linebacker Brandon Spikes to a groin injury early in the game, but the team didn’t lose its focus. With their defensive leader absent, the Gators yielded their most points of the season, failing to come up with a turnover, and allowing its longest play of the season on Greg Childs’ 75-yard touchdown reception.

Still, the Gators’ relatively impenetrable defense is only allowing 8.7 points per game and its the reason why they’re ranked No. 1.

Arkansas’ defense was the surprise of the day and the Razorbacks forced the Gators to throw the ball, knowing that running was the team’s strength. The Gators responded well as Tebow had his biggest passing game of the year, completing 17-of-26 passes for 255 yards and a touchdown. Florida has done just enough to beat LSU, Tennessee, and Arkansas and the Gators should be favored in their remaining games.

Florida has lost to an SEC West foe every year this decade, and former Florida offensive coordinator and current Mississippi State head coach Dan Mullen brings the 3-4 Bulldogs to Gainesville on Saturday, before a likely matchup against undefeated Alabama in a rematch of last year’s SEC title game.

Florida also has an interesting history against Georgia. The Gators have lost to the Bulldogs the season after winning each of its national championships. The Gators already dispatched LSU, which held the same distinction against Florida.

Florida head coach Urban Meyer promised that he wouldn’t forget Georgia’s team celebration in the Gators’ 42-30 loss to the Bulldogs in 2007, and the Gators will try to be the team that provides a humbling experience this year.

Classic Jeter, Atypical Rodriguez Give New York Yankees Two-Game Lead

Gabriel Taylor — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 10:43:41 -0400

New York Yankees superstars have come out to play in baseball’s postseason led by predictable, indomitable shortstop Derek Jeter and redeeming performances from third baseman Alex Rodriguez.

Despite cold, rainy conditions, these superstars are shining and the Yankees are up 2-0 in the American League Championship Series after New York’s highly-paid duo paved the way to a 4-3, 13-inning win over the Los Angeles Angels in Game Two.

Jeter’s third inning home run gave the Yankees a 2-0 lead and Rodriguez’s all-important 11th-inning blast evened the score at three, before Angels second baseman Maicer Izturis’ error on a Melky Cabrera grounder in the 13th led to the game-winning run.

While Jeter has famously baffled pitchers in the postseason since 1996, Rodriguez’s perplexing output has flabbergasted opponents and proven that he’s not the same A-Rod this October.

After notoriously failing to live up to postseason expectations, the three-time AL MVP is batting .368 with three HR, eight RBI, and plenty of heartbreak for hurlers who continue to challenge him in late-inning situations. Jeter is up to his usual postseason heroics and after hitting .334 in the regular season, he’s batting .350 with two homers and four RBI in the playoffs.

Rodriguez’s $33 million 2009 salary plus Jeter’s $21.6 million salary means that the left side of New York’s infield must cash in on every opportunity to bring World Series glory back to New York. So far, so good as the duo has lived up to expectations and the Yankees are 5-0 in the postseason.

Jeter is simply doing the same things he has done since he made his debut in the big league’s biggest show, displaying an uncanny ability to score in key situations and drive in runs in the clutch. He has a hit in every playoff game and has scored six times in five games. The living legend has only enhanced his story this postseason, but the welcome aid of Rodriguez might be the difference-maker for the Yankees in 2009.

Oddly, even though Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira’s is struggling—add another $20,625,000 to New York’s pricey infield—opposing pitchers continue to challenge Rodriguez and A-Rod is making them pay. A-Rod is batting over .350 and has an RBI in every postseason game, including three home runs—all in the bottom of the seventh inning or later. Teixeira, batting third before A-Rod’s cleanup spot, is hitting .136.

With an 0-2 count, no outs, and the bases empty in the bottom of the 11th inning of Game Two, Brian Fuentes, the major league saves leader, served a pitch that Rodriguez barely got over the wall in right.

The Yankees other expensive superstars are also bringing postseason dividends. CC Sabathia ($15, 285,714) has two wins in two starts and A.J. Burnett ($16.5 million) has been solid, only allowing three earned runs in his two starts.

Mariano Rivera ($15 million) has been an ageless wonder and the 39-year-old has yielded incredible stats. Rivera hasn’t allowed an earned run while appearing in all five Yankee postseason games. His ERA is 0.00, he has 10 strikeouts in seven innings, and of course, New York won all five games.

Rivera is enjoying the good fortune of MLB’s 2009 postseason schedule which has been very favorable to the Yankees and their pitching staff. With plenty off days, the Yankees have been able to use the Rivera every game and have alluded to using Sabathia in Games Four and Seven.

Now the Angels are reeling and will have to hone in offensively and defensively if they want to battle their way back into the series. Their five errors in the first two games of the ALCS have hampered their championship efforts and while the Yankees have mustered eight runs in the games, the Angels have only scored four runs in 22 innings.

Los Angeles’ pitching staff has only allowed five earned runs in two games against the terrifying Yankee lineup. Nonetheless, after three errors in the series-opener, the Yankees won a nail-biter in Game Two which featured two Angels errors, including one that led to the game-winning run.

If the Angels have had plenty of baserunners, but have been unable to push them across home plate in key situations. In Game Two Vladimir Guerrero left eight men on base and Bobby Abreu added another five.

The Angels' cast of stars should be anxious to head home and make this a series. After the Yankees held serve at home, the series heads to California for the next three games.

Cardinals-Dodgers: Don't Blame Closer Ryan Franklin for Game Two Loss

Gabriel Taylor — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:02:55 -0400

Congratulate Los Angeles pinch hitter Mark Loretta for his game-winning hit with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning that propelled the Dodgers to a 3-2 win in Game Two of the NLDS against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Thank Dodgers manager Joe Torre for his perfect timing in inserting utility infielder Loretta in the ninth inning, despite his horrible 0-for-15 history against Cardinals All-Star closer Ryan Franklin.

Applaud Torre for sending Juan Pierre in the game as a pinch runner for James Loney earlier in the inning, as Pierre’s speed was essential in scoring the game-tying run from second base on Ronnie Belliard’s single to shallow center field.

Shower third baseman Casey Blake with praise for battling back from a 1-2 count to draw a two-out walk and sustain the rally, representing the winning run in what had been a pitching duel between the Cards’ Adam Wainwright and the Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw.

Whatever you do, don’t blame Ryan Franklin.

A quick, cursory glance at the box score from the game will show that Franklin gave up the winning run and was credited with a blown save and a loss.

But if Cardinals left fielder Matt Holliday catches Loney’s liner with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, the game is over. St. Louis would have won 2-1, and the Cardinals would be heading back to Busch Stadium full of confidence with a chance to take the series lead in Game Three.

However, Holliday couldn’t make the game-ending grab, and the Dodgers took advantage of the fortuitous opportunity and stayed alive in the game. Franklin tried to stay focused, but he seemed unsettled after Blake battled to earn a walk following Holliday’s miscue.

Belliard, batting after Blake, shot a single up the middle on the first pitch he saw from Franklin.

Franklin was rattled and threw three consecutive balls to the next batter, Russell Martin. The third pitch was a passed ball that skidded past catcher Yadier Molina, last year’s NL Gold Glover at the position. The bases were full after Franklin walked Martin, setting the stage for Loretta’s magical hit.

The Dodgers claimed a thrilling come-from-behind victory and a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series.

Like Torre, Cardinals manager Tony La Russa made all the right moves in the game.

La Russa bravely kept Wainwright in the game through the eighth after Wainwright gave up a fourth-inning home run to Andre Ethier. La Russa used pinch hitter Troy Glaus for Wainwright in the ninth, knowing that Ethier would be up first in the ninth.

The veteran manager used left-handed relief pitcher Trever Miller against the left-handed Ethier, and the tactic worked as Miller retired Ethier for the first out. Then he wisely brought in Franklin to face Dodgers slugger Manny Ramirez, and that strategy worked, too. But St. Louis’ plans went awry when a hard-charging Holliday couldn’t record the final out.

If not for the Cardinals' crucial ninth-inning errors, Franklin would have a save, Wainwright would have a win, and La Russa—not Torre—would be the manager recognized for making the correct late-game decisions.

Now the Cardinals find themselves barely hanging on to their postseason lives after Wainwright, Miller, and Franklin had combined to shut down the Dodgers for most of the game.

The Dodgers deserve all the credit for withstanding the Cardinals’ best shot, but St. Louis’ pitchers and its manager did everything right to win the game.

Pitchers, Managers Will Go Batty Facing Postseason Hitters

Gabriel Taylor — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:26:37 -0400

Pitching wins championships but the deep, powerful lineups featured on 2009 playoff rosters will fluster hurlers. The first few games of playoff baseball shows that hitters will make their case about the hierarchy of postseason importance.

There could be plenty of walks, home runs, and inflated ERAs in the playoffs with batting orders reading like All-Star rosters, pitchers with little or unfortunate postseason experience, and baseball’s ERA leader and top AL Cy Young Award candidate, Zack Greinke, unavailable to baffle hitters.

The Twins sent rookie pitcher Brian Duensing to the mound against the Yankees in Game One after needing a one-game tiebreaker and 12-inning victory over the Detroit Tigers to qualify for the postseason. Duensing came out in the bottom of the third with a 2-0 lead and facing the bottom of the Yankees order.

The Yankees scored three runs in the inning and Duensing gave up runs in the fourth and fifth innings, exiting the game in the fifth and giving up five earned runs on the night.

CC Sabathia had a strong outing in his team’s playoff opener, conceding only one earned run in 6.2 innings in a 7-2 win over the Minnesota Twins. But the combination of Yankee Stadium dimensions and one of the best lineups in baseball was ready to pick up any slack.

Derek Jeter, a Yankees postseason legend, continued to add to his legacy with two hits, two walks, a two-run homer, and three RBI. Alex Rodriguez, a traditional playoff underachiever, got off the snide, going 2-for-4 with an RBI.

The New York Yankees’ first seven batters are all All-Stars: Derek Jeter, Johnny Damon, Mark Teixeira, Alex Rodriguez, Hideki Matsui, Jorge Posada, and Robinson Cano. Boston’s lineup is high-quality, too: All-Stars David Ortiz, Jason Bay, Kevin Youkilis, J.D. Drew, Mike Lowell, Victor Martinez, and Dustin Pedroia. That list doesn’t include the Red Sox’s Jacoby Ellsbury, the MLB stolen base leader who had a .301 batting average on the year.

With postseason games scheduled at the Colorado Rockies’ and New York Yankees’ launching pads known as Coors Field and the new Yankee Stadium, hitters should enjoy October’s attractive confines.

The battle for the 2009 World Series championship also travels through home run havens like Boston’s Fenway Park and the Philadelphia Phillies’ Citizens Bank Park and other hitter-friendly venues such as the Minnesota Twins’ Metrodome.

Although Philadelphia’s Cliff Lee pitched a masterpiece in a 5-1 complete game victory against the Rockies in Game One of their divisional series, he should be able to count on his sluggers to provide him with plenty of run support, especially at home.

The Phillies batting order would comfort any starting pitcher, with Chase Utley (31 HR) batting third, Ryan Howard (45) in the cleanup spot, Jayson Werth (36) batting fifth, and Raul Ibanez (34) in the sixth slot.

In the sixth inning, Howard and Werth hit hard shots but strong winds may have saved Colorado starter Ubaldo Jimenez from surrendering back-to-back home runs. Still, those winds were enough to drive Colorado’s outfielders crazy and the Phillies scored three runs in the inning to secure the game.

Pitchers and their managers will have to be calm, cautious, and creative with their pitch selection, starting rotations, and bullpens.

Another example of pitchers yielding to hitters in the first batch of playoff games was the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 5-3 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals in Game One of the NLDS.

In the top of the first inning, the Dodgers’ Randy Wolf walked two batters, including an intentional pass to leading MVP candidate, St. Louis first baseman Albert Pujols, before giving up one run and escaping the inning with the bases loaded.

Chris Carpenter, the NL Comeback Player of the Year and National League Cy Young Award candidate completed the regular season with a 17-4 record and a NL-best 2.24 ERA, and had a 5-1 record in the postseason but the Dodgers’ batters were aggressive from the outset.

In the bottom of the first, shortstop Rafael Furcal singled and center fielder Matt Kemp homered before Carpenter could record his first out of the inning. Carpenter settled in but runs in the third and fifth chased him from the game and he finished with five IP, nine hits, four earned runs, and four walks against Los Angeles.

Boston and Los Angeles battle in the ALDS and the Red Sox’s Josh Beckett, 7-2 in the postseason, has a chance to prove that strong starting pitching can withstand fearsome hitters.

Solid pitching will always be a part of playoff competition, but with hitters like Mauer, the major league batting champion, Pujols, the major league home run champ, and other statistical giants like Teixeira , AL home run and RBI champ, and Howard, NL RBI champ, batters will do their part to decide outcomes.

Cleveland Browns Give New York Jets Another Gift, WR Braylon Edwards

Gabriel Taylor — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:13:56 -0400

It’s only natural that beleaguered, yet highly-talented wide receiver Braylon Edwards should join rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez on the New York Jets' roster. Both players came to New York courtesy of the Cleveland Browns and their undying quest to build a competitive franchise—in New York.

The Jets acquired the oft-troubled, former Pro Bowl receiver from the Browns in exchange for wide receiver Chansi Stuckey, linebacker Jason Trusnik, and draft picks.

Edwards, the third overall selection in the 2005 NFL Draft, may drop some passes but he also possesses the athletic ability and size to be one of the best receivers in the NFL. The 6’3” wideout should be a welcome addition to New York’s offensive arsenal despite his off-field problems.

Edwards could form a productive tandem with Sanchez, the first-year quarterback from USC who also came to the Jets via a trade with the Cleveland Browns.

In April, the Browns and their new leader, former Jets head coach Eric Mangini, gave up the fifth overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft in exchange for the Jets’ 17th overall pick, their second-round pick, and three ex-Jets, strong safety Abram Elam, defensive end Kenyon Coleman, and quarterback Brett Ratliff.

This isn’t the first time Cleveland’s moves have benefited New York, the city that doesn’t sleep on good deals.

When the Cleveland Indians made it clear that they were unwilling to re-sign starting pitcher CC Sabathia for big bucks in 2008, New York profited from Cleveland’s cost-cutting move. Sabathia signed with the Yankees in the offseason and became the team’s ace, winning a major league-best 19 games this season. Cleveland shipping magnate and Yankees owner George Steinbrenner had unlocked the door to unlimited opportunity in Cleveland.

Now, the Browns’ deal with the Jets stands as the latest act of philanthropy between the two cities.

Cleveland hasn’t won professional sports championship since the Browns captured the 1964 NFL Championship but the city’s franchises have no problem helping the Big Apple in its title aspirations. Oddly, the Browns have donated a talented, young quarterback and a gifted Pro Bowl receiver and all they have to show for their continued kindness is a 0-4 record.

The deal was a no-brainer for Edwards, as he was already disgruntled in Cleveland.

He drew the ire of Cleveland Cavaliers forward and Ohio native LeBron James with his alleged participation in an altercation with the NBA superstar’s friend Edward Givens on Monday. Edwards, a Detroit native and former University of Michigan star, has faced the wrath of Cleveland fans the past two seasons. This year, the Browns drafted wide receiver Brian Robiskie, a high school star in Cleveland and college standout at Ohio State.

In New York, Edwards has a chance to become the team’s No. 1 wide receiver and should savor the opportunity to enter the lineup of a winning team. Sanchez has proven to be a great fit with the Jets, winning his first three games before falling to the undefeated New Orleans Saints on the road.

Meanwhile, the Browns haven’t found a quarterback they can rely on and since the end of the 2008 season they have traded their best receiving targets, tight end Kellen Winslow and Edwards.

The Jets are in first place in the AFC East and even if they don’t make the playoffs and neither Sanchez nor Edwards become superstars, maybe the Browns will still find the Jets a nice holiday present.

LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh Look to Future, May See Other Teams

Gabriel Taylor — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:31:27 -0400

The 2009-2010 NBA season is creeping closer, but shrewd NBA executives are already eyeing the cream of next summer’s free agent crop. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh become unrestricted free agents after the season, and though each player holds an option to add another year to his contract, the players will likely sign the biggest contracts of their careers between now and the beginning of 2010-11 season.

Their teams would be crazy to let Bosh, Wade, or James go. But if players like Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar can resurface in another city after bringing a championship banner to the teams that drafted them, anything is possible for this generation of impact players.

Cleveland’s James and Miami’s Wade are the best players in their franchises’ histories, while Bosh is second only to Vince Carter in Toronto’s annals. All three players are perennial All-Stars and were teammates on the 2008 Olympic gold medal-winning United States men’s basketball team. Their future destinations could shake up the NBA standings, especially in the Eastern Conference.

Various factors such as the team’s record, player performance, and team chemistry will help determine if the player signs a lucrative deal to stay with the team, takes the option for 2010-11, is traded midseason in 2009-10, or is part of an offseason move in 2010.

Numbers crunchers will surely inspect luxury taxes, salary caps, and the wisdom of signing any player to a long-term deal in this economy. However, the Cavaliers, Heat, and Raptors will undoubtedly use every tactic to keep the centerpieces of their franchises in the city that they’ve played their entire NBA careers.

Cleveland has already made several efforts to placate James and help bring the city an elusive NBA title. After adding All-Star point guard Mo Williams in 2008, the Cavs added All-Star center and four-time NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal in 2009.

James, an Ohio native who’s the highest-paid athlete in the NBA with his many endorsements, is probably the most likely to member of the trio to remain with his current team—especially if the Cavs win the title in 2010.

The New York Knicks and New Jersey Nets could have plenty of cap space available to bring the King to the biggest market in the country, but James might not fit in well with head coach Mike D’Antoni’s fast-paced offensive system with the Knicks.

The Nets—who plan to move to Brooklyn—are partially owned by hip-hop superstar Jay-Z, one of James well-known friends in high places who would definitely love to add one of the best all-around players in the NBA to New York’s new NBA franchise and help satiate basketball-hungry fans in the Big Apple.

The Toronto Raptors will have to make a very competitive offer to keep a good player north of the border. Bosh is a young, talented player who may not have reached his prime, but the Raptors traded seven-time All-Star Tracy McGrady in 2000 and eight-time All-Star Vince Carter in 2004.

The franchise even witnessed the exit of popular forward Morris Peterson, another first-round pick who holds the team’s record for games played (542).

Toronto has put forth a tremendous effort to keep Bosh in Canada, acquiring versatile, 6’10” Hedo Turkoglu, drafting a high-scoring perimeter player in 6’7” DeMar DeRozan, and adding Jarrett Jack, a point guard who played with Bosh at Georgia Tech. A return to the postseason in 2010 after missing the playoffs in 2009 would go a long way in encouraging Bosh to remain with the Raptors.

The Heat’s Wade has been the most vociferous concerning his free agent status in 2010, and the Chicago native should get plenty of attention from the Bulls, Knicks, and Nets. If James stays with the Cavs, the Heat may be more likely to lose the Wade in 2010. Wade led the NBA in scoring in 2008-09, averaging 30.2 points per game last season and has led the team to the playoffs five of the six seasons he’s been in Miami.

The Heat should be in the best financial position to keep their superstar and may have more incentive to keep because Wade because, unlike James and Bosh, Wade has brought a NBA title to Miami.

Things could get interesting very quickly if one of the players becomes disgruntled or one of the teams falls out of contention by the midpoint of the season. Potentially, one team could keep its best player and add another’s team’s leader to their squad, too.

After an extremely busy offseason in 2009, don’t expect teams to play it safe in 2010.

Who Is This Man and What Did He Do with Brett Favre?

Gabriel Taylor — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 02:27:44 -0400

The Minnesota Vikings have some explaining to do after a 30-23 win over the Packers in the biggest game of this young 2009 NFL season.

Their new signal-caller is wearing Brett Favre’s No. 4 jersey, but he’s not playing like the Favre known by many for his carefree, gun-slinging feats that can frustrate and invigorate at any moment.

The man behind center for the Vikings is patient and makes smart decisions under pressure. He doesn’t constantly seek the big play, he’s accurate, and he hasn’t lost a contest with late-game turnovers.

In this Monday Night showdown between NFC North rivals, Favre was nearly flawless throwing for 271 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. He was 24-for-31, completing 77 percent of his passes and finishing with a 135.3 passer rating.

Could this really be the same Favre that led the NFL in interceptions last year while sputtering to a 1-4 finish in the last five games of the season?

Is this the same Favre that finished his storied career as a Packer with an interception in overtime to help seal Green Bay’s fate in the NFC Championship game in January 2008?

What happened to the danger-loving quarterback that threw one touchdown, three interceptions, and only completed 50 percent of his passes in his last game as a Jet, a 24-17 loss against Miami?

Favre is proof that one is never too old to learn, habits can be broken, and there’s no motivation quite like that of revenge.

Favre came into the game against the Vikings armed with an excellent running back, Adrian Peterson, and one of the best defensive lines in football. Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers was sacked eight times—four and a half sacks by All-Pro defensive end Jared Allen. While the Packers defense contained an always potentially explosive Peterson, it had no answer for Favre, whose poised play confirmed what many already knew: Favre was saving his best effort for his former team.

There’s little doubt the Green Bay Packers don’t miss the gunslinging, risk-taking quarterback who hadn’t met double-coverage he didn’t think he could beat. They don’t want to relive the recurring scenario of a driven quarterback trying to do too much.

Yet, the new, updated version of Brett Favre seems content to play his role and capitalize on the opportunities presented by the opposition’s defense rather than try to create his own highlights.

Favre is enjoying the luxuries provided by a game-breaking running back and a stellar defensive unit. He’s thrown eight touchdowns and only one interception in the first four games of the season. Although he was selected for the Pro Bowl last year, he threw an interception to match every touchdown he threw in 2008 (22 TDs, 22 INTs).

The NFL’s Iron Man will be 40 on Saturday, but one wonders if he will slow down any time soon. He’s performing on a top-notch level, he hasn’t missed a start in 18 seasons, and the Vikings are undefeated (4-0). The future Hall of Famer has been unpredictable in the twilight of his career and it would be foolish to crown the Vikings champions in October, but Favre has to be pleased with one of the best games of his career in a nationally televised grudge match against the team that jettisoned him.

With one down and one to go, Favre awaits an even bigger matchup, the Nov. 1 rematch against the Packers in his return to Green Bay’s Lambeau Field. The Packers are probably hoping that familiar surroundings bring out the “old” Favre, while the Vikings hope that the “new” Favre comes with a one-year guarantee.

Just another twist in the “Favrey” tale of No. 4.

Why Joe Torre and Joe Girardi Are Not Your "Average Joe" Managers

Gabriel Taylor — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 22:25:57 -0400

For the first time since the Yankees last won it all in 2000, New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner and Los Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre may be simultaneously satisfied.

Steinbrenner’s pinstriped crew, led by steady manager Joe Girardi, is back on top of the major league standings and Torre is on the cusp of leading his team to the playoffs for the 14th season in a row.

Girardi should be a lock for AL Manager of the Year after lighting a fire in New York and helping revive the Yankee organization in 2009. The Yankees have the best record in the majors (97-56), not an easy feat playing alongside the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East, the toughest division in baseball.

While first baseman Mark Teixeira is the team’s top candidate for AL MVP honors, Girardi, by convincingly proving that he can win in the toughest of circumstances and under the most biting scrutiny in sports, may be the key to the team’s success.

Torre’s Dodgers (91-60) have been just as impressive in the second-most difficult division in baseball, the NL West. The Colorado Rockies and San Francisco Giants have been nipping at the Dodgers’ heels throughout the second half, but the boys in Dodger blue have held off the competition all year with timely hitting and solid teamwork.

After Manny Ramirez was credited with 2008’s second half surge that catapulted the team into the playoffs, Torre proved that the common denominator was his leadership and L.A. should make its first back-to-back playoff appearances since 1995-96.

Torre overcame the 50-game suspension of his best hitter, left fielder Manny Ramirez, who tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs.

Faced with this huge hurdle, right fielder Andre Ethier and center fielder Matt Kemp continued to develop under the legendary skipper and after posting career-bests in Torre’s first year as the Dodgers manager in 2008, Ethier and Kemp have set career-highs in home runs and RBI again in 2009.

While Los Angeles rushed out of the gates and has dominated the NL West all season, Girardi has coped with injuries to three-time AL MVP third baseman Alex Rodriguez, and two-time All-Star Hideki Matsui, the team’s designated hitter.

Slow starts by starting pitcher CC Sabathia and Teixeira were other pitfalls that confronted Girardi in his second season as a major league manager. He made the then-controversial decision to move Joba Chamberlain into the starting rotation and place Phil Hughes in the bullpen.

Other AL managers having great seasons include the Detroit Tigers’ Jim Leyland, the Los Angeles Angels’ Mike Scioscia, and Ron Washington of the Texas Rangers.

Leyland and the Tigers are holding on to a slim division lead and have been in first place in the AL Central most of the year. Scioscia has the Angels on the brink of their third consecutive AL West title, which would give the team five playoff berths in the last six seasons.

The Rangers will complete the season above .500 for the first time in five years and with a strong run to the finish line, third-year manager Washington has a chance to end the year with the franchise’s best record this decade.

Girardi gets the edge in the AL because his team has the best record in MLB and has persevered in the rugged AL East. It would be his second Manager of the Year award in three seasons as a major league manager. Girardi was NL Manager of the Year with the Florida Marlins in 2006.

In the NL, Tony La Russa of the St. Louis Cardinals, Charlie Manuel of the Philadelphia Phillies, and Jim Tracy of the Colorado Rockies are in the running for managerial accolades.

The Cardinals are led by leading MVP candidate Albert Pujols; shrewd midseason acquisitions have kept the team in first place in the NL Central. Manuel is underrated but the Phillies are back in first place in the NL East looking to defend their back-to-back division titles in October.

Tracy has re-energized the Rockies and if not for Colorado’s 18-28 start before he took over as manager, his squad could be battling for home field advantage in the playoffs instead of fighting for the NL wild card.

Torre gets the edge because his team has played well all year in a very tough division featuring the resurgent Rockies and the pitching power of the Giants. Torre won AL Manager of the Year honors with the Yankees in 1996 and 1998.

These above-average Joes have shown that they're at the top of the heap, but high expectations in the country's two largest markets might derail their chances of garnering recognition.

Backups or Replacements: Eagles' Donovan McNabb Needs Swift Return

Gabriel Taylor — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:10:23 -0400

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid has been fiercely loyal to quarterback Donovan McNabb in the past, and McNabb has weathered storms before, but it seems like the Eagles are inviting drama this season.

McNabb faces an onslaught of competition to maintain his 11-year reign as the Eagles’ starter. A quick return to action would help solidify his spot as his fellow quarterbacks could pad their stats in the Eagles' next two games against rebuilding teams, the 0-2 Kansas City Chiefs and the 0-2 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Kevin Kolb, a third-year quarterback, replaced McNabb in the second half of a game last year and Pro Bowl journeyman Jeff Garcia spectacularly substituted for McNabb during a playoff run in the 2006 season. Michael Vick, another Pro Bowl quarterback, brings his strong arm and quick feet to complete the trio of in-house challengers.

In preseason action, Vick operated in the Wildcat formation and McNabb was rightfully upset at the team’s play calling. The five-time Pro Bowler, who has led the team to unprecedented success and is one of the best players in franchise history, seemed surprised that the team would use the formation early in the game and compared the “gimmick” to the squad’s base offense.

It’s still unclear if McNabb will be available on Sunday, and if not, which of the other quarterbacks will start for the Eagles against the Chiefs. The fact that he was listed as doubtful last week after suffering a rib injury in a Week One win against the Carolina Panthers and is trying to play in Week Three is interesting. Coincidentally, Vick is eligible to return in Week Three.

Most franchise quarterbacks aren’t subjected to this type of treatment, and this may be a sign that the team is looking to proceed in another direction.

Quarterbacks Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and Ben Roethlisberger don’t have Pro Bowl backups that pose such an immediate threat to their position. They don’t utilize the Wildcat much, either.

The obvious retort is that those quarterbacks have won a Super Bowl championship and earned the accompanying perks. However, McNabb has been entrenched as a starter since his rookie season and helped the team make seven playoff appearances in 10 seasons.

Another argument in favor of stockpiling quarterbacks in Philadelphia is McNabb’s injury history. Injuries have played a large part in McNabb’s career, and the much-maligned quarterback suffered season-ending injuries in 2005 (sports hernia), 2006 (knee), and 2007 (ankle). Painful playoff losses have also plagued McNabb, and the biggest heartbreaker was the Super Bowl loss that followed three consecutive NFC title game losses, including two at home.

It’s hard to believe that McNabb is in such a quandary after a solid season in 2008 in which he started all 16 games for the first time since 2004 and led the team to an unexpected berth in the NFC Championship game with two road victories in the playoffs.

After McNabb remarkably expressed that he didn’t understand NFL overtime rules in a tie against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11, head coach Andy Reid pulled McNabb at halftime during a loss to the Baltimore Ravens the next week. McNabb was 8-of-18 for 59 yards with two interceptions, a fumble, and two sacks for a 13.2 passer rating, but despite his performance, the Eagles were only down 10-7 at the half. McNabb told reporters that he had never been removed from a game in that manner and shock waves began to spread.

The questionable move to switch quarterbacks when the Eagles were trailing by three points didn’t work out for the Eagles, and Kolb didn’t fare much better against the Ravens' exceptional defense in the 36-7 blowout. Kolb also threw two interceptions, including one that was returned 100 yards for a touchdown by standout safety Ed Reed.

McNabb recovered, leading the Eagles to wins in four of their last five games and earning a trip to the playoffs. The much-maligned quarterback continued to work magic in the postseason before yet another NFC title game loss against the Arizona Cardinals.

The addition of Vick and Garcia makes for great theater, but it may signal uneasy times for McNabb.

Kolb, who has played in two tough games—a sudden, unplanned appearance against Baltimore’s defensive stalwarts and a 48-22 loss against the New Orleans Saints and their high-scoring offense—could get the start against the Chiefs. The Chiefs have lost their last six games and are 1-13 in their last 14 games.

Vick, whose two playoff losses with the Atlanta Falcons came at the hands of the McNabb-led Eagles in 2002 and 2004, could play in the Wildcat formation in his return to the active roster this week. If Kolb struggles again, Vick could find himself playing quarterback more often.

Garcia is the master of being patient and seizing an opportunity when it arises. He seldom arrives to a team as a starter, but he manages to find his way onto the field. Any quarterback playing in front of Garcia might feel anxious that he’ll be plugged in the lineup.

After leading the Eagles to the playoffs in 2006, he led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a division title in 2007 before the Bucs narrowly missed the playoffs in 2008, after losing the final game of the season. Following this week’s matchup with the Chiefs, the Eagles have a bye week before facing two of Garcia’s former teams, the Oakland Raiders and the Buccaneers.

Motivation abounds for McNabb's backups. Vick wants to shine in his return to the NFL, Kolb would like to show he can be an effective NFL quarterback, and Garcia has the chance to defeat his former teams.

The triple threats are eager to take the reins of the team, but a speedy recovery from McNabb will slow down their race to take his spot.

Miami Is in Wonderland, Florida Tosses and Turns, and USC Has Nightmare

Gabriel Taylor — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:27:06 -0400

After last weekend’s games, some teams are having sweet dreams, others are tossing and turning, and a few are in the midst of a nightmare.

USC, Florida, and Miami were particularly interesting this week with each team turning in an astonishing performance.

No. 3 USC fell to Washington (yes last year’s 0-12, Pac-10 doormat) 16-13, No. 1 Florida, a 30-point favorite against Tennessee, scored 23 in a win over the Volunteers, and the Hurricanes avenged four consecutive losses to Georgia Tech, including a 41-23 loss last year in which the Yellow Jackets’ triple-option offense racked up 472 rushing yards, with a 33-17 victory.

Miami Hurricanes 2-0 (2-0 ACC)

It may be too early to announce that the Hurricanes have come back to glory, but Miami has already avenged two stinging losses from last season—against ranked foes no less.

Last season Florida State and Georgia Tech ran all over Miami, with the Seminoles’ Antone Smith rushing for four touchdowns in Miami and the Yellow Jackets executing the triple-option to perfection in a win in Atlanta. This year has begun much differently, with the team still sporting the same colors but a new attitude.

In the first game of the season, Miami avenged last year’s embarrassing 41-39 home loss against Florida State, and started the season in good fashion, holding on for a dramatic 38-34 victory. The win was great but there were lots of questions about head coach Randy Shannon and Miami’s defense.

In Miami’s second game, the Hurricanes held the Yellow Jackets and their run-oriented attack to only 95 yards. Sophomore quarterback Jacory Harris continued to play well and after throwing for 386 yards against the 'Noles, he finished with 270 passing yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions in the 33-17 win over Georgia Tech.

Although the Hurricanes have lost three quarterbacks since the end of last season, including former starter Robert Marve, the offense seems to be on the right track with Harris at the helm.

The backfield and receiving units are talented, versatile, and deep with several players contributing in major ways in the first two games. In two games, Harris has thrown touchdown passes to five different players and three different players have scored rushing touchdowns.

The best part about the Hurricanes’ quick start this season is that they’ve beaten two consecutive ranked teams in front of a national television audience (the first game was on a Monday night, the second on a Thursday night). But danger lurks ahead with the Hurricanes playing at No. 11 Virginia Tech and at home against No. 10 Oklahoma in their next two games.

Shannon may have been on the hot seat at the beginning of the season, but if he can find a way to pull out a win in Blacksburg, Va. and another at home against the Sooners, he may become the hottest coach around with four consecutive wins against ranked opponents.

USC Trojans 2-1 (0-1 Pac-10)

The Trojans were missing something against Washington.

Maybe it was Steve Sarkisian, the Trojans former offensive coordinator-turned University Washington head coach. Maybe it was Mark Sanchez. Maybe it was Matt Barkley.

For many Trojan observers, however, USC’s problems began a long time ago. In 2008, after a now-typical season featuring the usual Pac-10 title and a loss to an unranked foe, USC defeated Penn State 38-24 in another ho-hum Rose Bowl victory to finish last season with a 12-1 record.

Yet, the writing was on the wall in December of last year when Sarkisian was named the head coach at the Washington, taking USC’s defensive coordinator Nick Holt with him. Additionally, the loss of three starting linebackers (Rey Maualuga, Brian Cushing, and Clay Matthews) was expected but, nonetheless painful.

The offseason also featured another setback in Mark Sanchez’s surprising decision to leave USC for the NFL after starting only 16 games for Southern Cal.

As the offseason lingered the nightmare only became worse. First, Aaron Corp was selected to be the new Trojans signal-caller, but then he hurt his left leg in summer practice and All-American, highly-touted freshman QB Matt Barkley was thrust in the starter’s seat for the season opener against San Jose State.

After leading the team to a 56-3 rout against the Spartans, Barkley helped USC defeat No. 5 Ohio State on the road, 18-15.

But when it rains it pours and just when everyone felt that USC had overcome all the above obstacles, Barkley hurt his right shoulder and USC’s best player, All-American safety Taylor Mays, injured his right knee in the ultimately costly victory over the Buckeyes.

Plus, USC was already missing projected starting wide receiver Ronald Johnson due to a collarbone injury and projected starting cornerback Shareece Wright, who was declared academically ineligible at the eve of the 2009 season.

A quick recap: The Trojans also lost their offensive and defensive coordinators prior to spring practice. USC lost its starting quarterback to the NFL, his backup to injury, and his backup’s backup to injury, too. Two starting defensive backs are out and the No. 2 wide receiver is out, too.

Certainly losing to Washington doesn’t bode well for USC, and if the Huskies were tough to score against how will the Trojans fare against Oregon, Notre Dame, Oregon State, and California with a depleted receiving corp and a freshman or inexperience sophomore at quarterback?

There were some positives to take from the Washington game, too. Though Jake Locker led Washington to the game-winning field goal in the final seconds, USC’s defense remained solid.

Although Corp was dismal with limited opportunities, RB Joe McKnight is showing why he was such a valuable high school recruit, as the junior notched his second 100-yard game of the season against a Husky defense stacked against the run.

Despite the challenges, the Trojans should finish strong because Pete Carroll is a defensive mastermind. The Trojans are only surrendering 11 points a game and the Pac-10 has been Carroll’s punching bag. Like a prizefighter dropped by a punch out of nowhere, the Trojans should get back up and continue to bully the Pac-10.

Florida Gators 3-0 (1-0 SEC)

Florida is still No. 1. They have the nation’s longest winning streak at 13 games. Tim Tebow is still the quarterback and Urban Meyer is still the head coach for the defending national champions.

But the public consensus is that the Gators lost something in their 23-13 win over Tennessee in the Swamp. Maybe it was their sense of invincibility or their opponents’ fear of their offense.

Still, a 30-point line over a conference rival featuring former NFL assistant Monte Kiffin as the defensive coordinator and All-American safety Eric Berry, the SEC’s 2008 Defensive Player of the Year was probably a stretch by the oddsmakers in the first place, and both teams only combined to score 36 points.

Kiffin’s defense played well and Berry had nine tackles (two for losses) and an interception, but Monte’s son, head coach Lane Kiffin, couldn’t get the Volunteer offense moving. Florida had two interceptions against Vols QB Jonathan Crompton, who has thrown seven picks in three games this season.

Tebow didn’t throw a touchdown for the first time in 30 games and gave away a costly fumble in the fourth quarter as two of his turnovers led to 10 of Tennessee’s 13 points. The Gators’ offense isn’t as potent without gamebreakers Percy Harvin and Louis Murphy who’ve both hauled in NFL touchdowns this season.

However, Meyer, a collegiate defensive back at Cincinnati, has one of the best defenses in Florida football history and the secondary is one of the team’s biggest strengths. Cornerback Joe Haden and safety Ahmad Black both logged interceptions against Tennessee.

The Gators have a tough schedule ahead featuring games at No. 7 LSU (a team that’s defeated Florida the season after each of its previous national championships), against No. 21 Georgia in Jacksonville, and against No. 18 Florida State at home.

Eventually, another star will emerge on Florida’s offense and its defense has enough firepower to take the team back to the SEC championship game.

John Smoltz Joining St. Louis Cardinals Gives New Meaning to "Senior Circuit"

Gabriel Taylor — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 18:00:18 -0400

Welcome back, John Smoltz.

The St. Louis Cardinals have rescued Smoltz from his personal abyss that was the American League. Smoltz joins the NL Central division leaders with a chance to become the Cards’ fifth starter or contribute as a reliever.

Last offseason, after grappling with the Atlanta Braves over contract provisions, Smoltz decided to take his services to the American League, where the Boston Red Sox offered patience and a spot in the rotation.

But Smoltz, a future Hall of Famer with eight All-Star selections, a Cy Young Award, and the all-time leader in postseason wins, was in for a very rude awakening.

He allowed five earned runs in five innings in his first start as an AL pitcher.

The Red Sox handled Smoltz’s situation as cleverly as possible.

He was coming off a 2008 season-ending shoulder surgery and the Red Sox waited until June 25to give the 42-year-old right-hander his first start.

The Red Sox made sure his first game as an AL pitcher was in an NL park against baseball’s worst team, the Washington Nationals. But despite familiar surroundings and the absence of an opposing designated hitter, Smoltz and the Red Sox lost 9-3.

In less than two months, Smoltz amassed the worst pitching stats of his career in eight starts. Smoltz allowed eight home runs in 40 innings and left the junior circuit with an 8.32 ERA.

Boston ultimately released him after he surrendered eight runs in 3.1 innings in a 13-6 loss against the team’s biggest rivals, the New York Yankees, on Aug. 6.

His 2-5 record featured wins against AL non-contenders Baltimore and Kansas City. Smoltz allowed five runs in six innings in the victory versus the Royals.

The one-year deal for $5.5 million seemed low-risk, high-reward for Boston, but even Theo Epstein, one of the best general managers in baseball, knows when a move has backfired.

What happened to Smoltz? He went to the AL instead of going to an NL contender.

It’s no secret that great hitters can prolong their careers in the AL as designated hitters, and pitchers can prolong theirs in the NL against weaker lineups featuring pitchers as batters.

AL sluggers like David Ortiz, Jason Giambi, and Frank Thomas don’t even have to man first base, the easiest defensive position on the diamond. They can play DH and concentrate on hitting, a role which Ortiz absolutely thrived in for years with the Red Sox.

It’s just as simple in the NL. Pitchers like Pedro Martinez, Randy Johnson, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and Jamie Moyer have experienced success by lengthening their careers in the senior circuit, which offers the comforts of facing pitchers with men on base and all-around weaker lineups compared to some of the most brutal lineups in baseball over in the junior league.

Martinez and Johan Santana won Cy Youngs in the AL before finding riches with the NL’s New York Mets. This offseason, Francisco Rodriguez, the best closer in baseball, decided to become a Met, too.

Moyer, 46, won his first championship last season with the Philadelphia Phillies after 22 MLB seasons, including 15 in the American League. Johnson pitched with Moyer in Seattle and also won his first and only World Series title in the NL, with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2001.

Johnson, Maddux, and Glavine each won their 300th game in the NL. In 2005, at the age of 43, Roger Clemens finished 13-8 with a 1.87 ERA, the lowest in the majors and the best mark of his career.

Maddux pitched until he was 42 and Glavine, 43, was still looking to pitch earlier this year. Johnson is 45 and in addition to winning his 300th game with the San Francisco Giants earlier this season, he's also produced a respectable 8-6 record on the year.

Martinez, 37, finally found a home with the Phillies, and last night Pedro pitched the first three innings before a rain delay halted play. Moyer pitched six innings in relief, helping the team to a 5-1 victory and improving his record to 11-9.

Smoltz, a pitcher who had spent his entire career pitching for the Braves, could have stayed in the National League. He would have faced a few familiar hitters and may have had the upper hand in those matchups.

In the battle of unknown entities, AL batters rocked Smoltz.

Now he’s on his way back to familiar turf with the NL’s Cardinals, a playoff contender that features the major’s best hitter, Albert Pujols, and the current major league leader in wins, Adam Wainwright.

The Cardinals have nine games remaining against NL East teams, including three against the Braves. With his postseason prowess, Smoltz could redeem himself and play a big part in a championship run in St. Louis.

Primal Motivation Spurs Brett Favre To Become a Viking

Gabriel Taylor — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 19:40:51 -0400

Another drama-filled summer of Brett Favre has brought the NFL’s all-time passing leader closer to his ultimate goal. Favre has finally teamed up with the Minnesota Vikings and is prepared to lead a raid on the Green Bay Packers.

This isn’t about money folks.

Favre has already earned millions of dollars on and off the field as the country’s All-American quarterback. Although winning is a key factor, it isn’t the overriding issue in this compelling tale either.

The three-time NFL MVP has a championship ring, two Super Bowl appearances, and one losing season in 17 seasons as a starter. But this is about something much simpler and more obvious. This is about retribution against the Green Bay Packers.

Favre will finally get his shot at a city and franchise that ushered him out of town after he brought a title back to "Titletown."

Favre led the Packers to 11 postseason berths in 16 seasons. The Packers had one playoff berth in the 16 seasons prior to Favre’s arrival.

If revenge is best served cold, Favre has kept his dish in a deep freezer for a year and a half; patiently awaiting an opportunity to beat a franchise that may have tried to bring a premature end to his Hall of Fame career.

In 2004, Favre threw for 4,088 yards, 30 TDs, and 17 INTs with a 64.1 completion percentage and a 92.4 passer rating. The Packers finished 10-6 that season, but fell to the Vikings 31-17 at Lambeau Field in the wild card playoffs.

Favre was intercepted four times that game, and Vikings WR Randy Moss added insult to injury by faux-mooning the Packers faithful on their home field after hauling in two touchdowns.

Analysts had a field day on the gunslinger. Talk radio in Green Bay and across the country said that his risk-taking stunts had caused the team to lose its second home playoff loss in franchise history.

The 2005 offseason would prove to be the worst of Favre’s career.

Like most NFL quarterbacks, Favre wanted his team to make a run for the aforementioned, embattled Moss, who was being shopped by the Vikings.

The 6’4” receiver with freakish speed and great hands had 13 touchdown catches in 13 games in 2004—the perfect complement for a quarterback like Favre that loves to put the ball in the air and let his receivers make a play.

The Packers didn’t go after Moss. Blame it on the whole “mooning our season ticket holders” thing.

More importantly, Favre watched his beloved team draft California’s hotshot quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the first round of the NFL Draft. First round quarterbacks usually demand high salaries and are eventually expected to start in the NFL.

Rodgers arrival was more than planning for the future—the Packers had essentially declared that the end was near for the "Energizer," a quarterback that has an NFL record 269 starts at the position.

The writing was on the wall.

The Packers finished 4-12 in 2005 and Favre’s 29 INTs led the NFL, and were the most he’s ever had in a season.

Favre had another subpar season in 2006 as the Packers were shut out twice, and the team failed to make the postseason for the second consecutive season.

Although the Packers failed to obtain the once-again available Moss in the offseason, everything was clicking for Green Bay and Favre in 2007. He finished with the highest completion percentage of his career and the fewest interceptions for a season since 2001.

The Packers finished 13-3, but Favre’s tenure as a Packer ended unceremoniously. He threw an interception in overtime during the NFC Championship game in Green Bay, as the Packers lost 23-20 to the New York Giants.

After the game, Favre insinuated he would retire and did so on March 4, 2008.

The Packers must have known that Favre wanted to go to Minnesota. They refused to grant him a release and even filed tampering charges against the Vikings. Favre had to settle for a trade to the AFC’s New York Jets and put vengeance on hold.

Favre’s retirement didn’t last long, and although he was unable to go to the Vikings and get an immediate shot at revenge, he did earn the starting job with the Jets, leading the team to a 9-7 record and garnering Pro Bowl honors for the tenth time in his career.

But Minnesota was waiting in the wings. Childress lacked a consistent, proven NFL quarterback. Brett Favre lacked revenge. Could it all be this simple?

No. Brett Favre underwent surgery on his right shoulder (which probably played a part in the Jets’ late-season slide), his throwing arm, and then announced that he wouldn’t return to the NFL on July 28 despite his well-documented efforts to return.

Today, the Energizer announced his comeback, a mere three weeks after declaring he wouldn’t return.

Hey, after 269 consecutive starts who needs training camp? What, are ten Pro Bowls not enough to convince everyone he knows the West Coast offense inside and out?

Many will argue that Favre’s return is about his passion for the game, his relationship with Vikings offensive coordinator and former QB coach in Green Bay, Darrell Bevell, or a need to leave the game on a high note.

But it’s no coincidence Favre wants to play in the NFC North where he’ll have the opportunity to face the Packers twice a year, including the chance to defeat the Packers at Lambeau Field, a scenario that would have seemed impossible a few years ago.

He’ll get his shot at Minnesota and enjoy playing on a team that features four 2008 Pro Bowlers on defense, along with the NFL’s leading rusher, Adrian Peterson.

Rodgers is Green Bay’s starting quarterback and head coach Mike McCarthy and GM Ted Thompson also await Favre’s return.

The Big Payback or a setup for a letdown?

The Packers play at the Vikings on Monday Night Football, October 5 and host Minnesota on November 1.

Let's see if Favre can exact his revenge.

The Toughest Position in the NFL: Offense

Gabriel Taylor — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:24:13 -0400

Who has the toughest job on the football field? Is it the defensive tackle that faces double-teams on every play while receiving little recognition? Is it the cornerback that challenges bigger, stronger wide receivers armed with speed and awareness? Is it the quarterback that faces blindside pressure? Or the running back that takes a pounding every game? What about the linemen that must protect those quarterbacks and running backs? Here’s a look at all the defensive positions, what they entail, and what makes each position tough. Each position features a Pro Bowler who embodies greatness at the position. Are some positions tougher than others? You decide. Pictured: 2008 Offensive Player of the Year Drew Brees

Begin Slideshow

The Toughest Position in the NFL: Defense

Gabriel Taylor — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:13:34 -0400

What’s the toughest position in football? Is it the defensive tackle that faces double-teams on every play while receiving little recognition? Is it the cornerback that challenges bigger, stronger wide receivers armed with speed and awareness? Is it the quarterback that faces blindside pressure? Or the running back that takes a pounding every game? What about the linemen that must protect those quarterbacks and running backs? Here’s a look at all the defensive positions, what they entail, and what makes each position tough. Each position features a Pro Bowler who embodies greatness at the position. Are some positions tougher than others? You decide.

Begin Slideshow

Top Five Reasons Peyton Manning Is the NFL's Best Quarterback

Gabriel Taylor — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 15:07:03 -0400

Peyton Manning was drafted No. 1 overall in the 1998 NFL Draft and hasn’t failed to live up to the lofty expectations for a player whose father, Archie, played in the NFL for 14 years.

Peyton won a Super Bowl championship after the 2006 NFL season and has won the NFL MVP award three times in his career. He’s been selected to the Pro Bowl nine times in 11 seasons.

When choosing the best quarterback in the NFL, one might be drawn to QBs such as Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Philip Rivers, Kurt Warner, Jay Cutler, and Ben Roethlisberger.

Don’t lose focus, though. Manning is the top quarterback in the NFL.

Here are the top five reasons why Manning is at the top of the heap.

Consistency

While Manning certainly possesses a variety of skills that make him a great quarterback, the biggest factor he brings to the Indianapolis Colts is consistency. He hasn’t missed a start in his entire career and he’s thrown for more than 3,700 yards and at least 26 TDs in each of his NFL campaigns.

Brady is a very consistent quarterback for the Patriots but he went from a career-high of 28 TDs to a record-setting 50 TDs in New England’s undefeated 2008 regular season. You have to ask yourself if he will resemble the form he showed in nine of his 10 NFL seasons, or if the Randy Moss-Brady tandem will continue to break records.

Durability

Fantasy football owners know all too well the detriments an injured player can have on a fantasy roster. Manning hasn’t disappointed his owners, though, starting every game in his career. He usually plays the entire game and is even starts late in the season when playoff positions have already been decided.

Look at the list of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and many of them have suffered from serious injuries. San Diego’s Philip Rivers suffered a knee injury late in the 2007 season; Brady only played one game in the 2008 season after injuring his knee; and a shoulder injury in the last game of the 2005 season helped push Brees out of San Diego to make room for Rivers as the Chargers’ starting quarterback.

Quick Release

A speedy release under relatively light pressure, usually results in a better throw from the quarterback. Avoiding sacks is key to keeping drives alive and putting points on the board. Manning’s quick release has helped him throw fewer than 15 interceptions in the last six seasons. When he set the single-season records for touchdowns with 49 in 2006, Manning only threw 10 interceptions.

Pittsburgh Steelers signal caller Ben Roethlisberger is well-known for his postseason exploits. In the regular season, however, he’s often sacked in key situations. Big Ben was sacked 46 times in 2006, 47 times in 2007, and 46 times in 2008. Manning has not been sacked more than 29 times in a single season and was only sacked 14 times in 2008.

Accuracy

Manning’s 64.4 career completion percentage is better than Joe Montana’s 63.2 rate. The Colts QB has kept his completion percentage above 65 the last seven seasons.

While Tom Brady had a 68.9 completion percentage in his record-setting 2007 season, he hasn’t passed the 64 percent mark in any other season during his nine-year NFL career.

Better accuracy keeps drives going, keeps defenses honest, and shows that Manning isn’t putting up numbers simply because he throws a lot—he’s the most accurate quarterback in the NFL.

Preventing Turnovers

Quarterbacks have to take care of the ball and prevent turnovers if they want to keep their teams in the game and in playoff contention. Manning doesn’t fumble often.

For instance, Kurt Warner had an excellent season in 2008, leading the Arizona Cardinals all the way to their first Super Bowl appearance. Warner passed for 4,583 yards, 30 TDs, 14 INTs, and had an above average 67.1 completion percentage.

But Warner’s biggest weaknesses have been turnovers and he had 11 fumbles last season. He lost two fumbles in Super Bowl XLIII, a close game that Pittsburgh won with a touchdown in the final minute. Warner has reached double-digits in fumbles five times in his career and had nine fumbles in two other seasons.

In comparison, Manning career-high for fumbles in a single season is seven and Manning only had one fumble in 2008. An incredible statistic, especially considering Manning’s team recovered his single fumble.

After Silent Battle, University of Florida and Urban Meyer Reach a Truce

Gabriel Taylor — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 00:54:25 -0400

The University of Florida had a problem. Urban Meyer had a problem, too.

In June, I wrote an article entitled Show Meyer the Money: College Football’s Biggest Conundrum, and mentioned how Meyer had defeated many head coaches who had bigger contracts including LSU's Les Miles, Alabama's Nick Saban, Oklahoma's Bob Stoops, and Ohio State's Jim Tressel.

In July, I wrote an article about Meyer’s change of heart after he told a reporter that he wouldn’t be coaching at Notre Dame—“Ever.” The statements were a complete turnaround from comments Meyer made on South Florida radio station 560 WQAM in December, noting that Notre Dame was his “dream job” and igniting an ongoing controversy.

Before news reports revealed Meyer finally signed a six-year, $24 million contract extension with the Gators on August 3, the obvious questions were presented:

When would Florida give Meyer a boost in salary? Would he go to Notre Dame?

Why was he still the third-highest paid coach in the SEC?

Would Florida give the coach a raise after he declared that another school was his “dream job”?

The university has a strong alumni base with deep pockets, but has been economically prudent with its star head coaches.

The school held fast in 2002 when Steve Spurrier left for more money with the NFL’s Washington Redskins, and again in 2007, when basketball coach Billy Donovan left for more money with the Orlando Magic, before coming back to Gainesville shortly after thereafter.

Like Meyer, Spurrier and Donovan were looking for UF to open up the financial floodgates after leading the school to unprecedented success.

Meyer is the hottest coach in college football and riding the waves of success as the only head coach with two Bowl Championship Series titles (2006, 2008) in addition to producing the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner, Tim Tebow. His ingenious, unstoppable spread offense has also fashioned an undefeated season at Utah in 2004, 2005 NFL Draft No. 1 overall pick Alex Smith, and an overall record of 83-17.

Meyer’s restructured deal keeps the ultra-successful, 45-year-old head coach with UF until 2014. The timing comes as no surprise as Meyer’s previous contract extension, in June 2007, also came months after a national championship run.

Meyer’s deal is peculiar because he has pledged to give $1 million to the school’s Opportunity Scholars Program, a good deed and a welcome pledge of loyalty to the school after he declared Notre Dame was his dream job.

Although Meyer still isn't the highest-paid coach in college football, he certainly isn’t complaining. He just received an increase in salary to coach an excellent football program in one of the most talent-rich states in the country.

With the University of Miami and Florida State struggling to reclaim their past greatness, UF's football program is at an all-time high. After Meyer had records of 9-3 in 2005 and 9-4 in 2007, he now has plenty of job security in case the team isn’t winning titles every other year once the legendary Tebow has exhausted his eligibility.

Florida showed its great appreciation for Meyer by giving him a new deal despite his vivid proclamation of his adoration of Notre Dame. Although Meyer recanted his statement, Notre Dame can easily make him the highest-paid coach in football, the Fighting Irish are struggling, and contracts don’t prevent coaches from leaving schools.

While there is little debate on Meyer’s standing in college football entering the 2009 season, some of Florida’s alumni aren't entirely impressed with Meyer.

Meyer has coached at three different schools and signed five different deals this decade—including three with the Gators.

Spurrier, a passionate Gator who won the 1966 Heisman trophy as UF's quarterback and dominated the SEC as a head coach in the 1990s, wasn’t at all pleased with Meyer’s “daydreaming” about becoming the head coach at the nation’s most storied football program while coaching in the Swamp and called him out after the statements were reported.

After examining the aftermath, Meyer and UF are both winners. He inherited a program enhanced by Spurrier, brought it to extraordinary heights, and found a way to get two raises before his fifth season as the Gators head coach. The school locked in a hotshot coach at his peak.

The union between one of the country’s best football coaches and one of its best programs has been tenuous, but now the civil war between Meyer and the university may have come to an end—at least until the Gators win their next national title.

Cardinal Sin: Is Albert Pujols the Elephant in MLB's Scandal-Filled Room?

Gabriel Taylor — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 02:18:10 -0400

As more and more players fall off the high wire in baseball’s three-ring circus, St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols continues to keep fans at the edge of their seats.

While the “anonymous” names of MLB players that tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in 2003 are persistently and patiently released, Pujols has become a main attraction, the elephant in a room open to the entire world.

Under MLB’s protective tent, the inevitable reservation that accompanies every great player of this era has loomed large for a very likable superstar.

Pujols has been on an absolute rampage this season, intimidating pitchers across the National League and enjoying the best first half of his career, batting .322 and leading the senior circuit with 92 RBI and 32 home runs.

Much like the ringmaster slowly but reliably announcing and presenting acts, those responsible for divulging the names of those who tested positive for PEDs may be saving their biggest victim for last.

A two-time NL MVP, Pujols probably has no reason to worry, as he’s proven himself to be a consistent all-around player. Unlike other sluggers who’ve watched their batting averages, slugging percentages, and home run totals plunge in 2009, Pujols is having his best season, and his power numbers are higher than ever at this point in the season.

He’s played in St. Louis his entire career, and unlike other alleged PED users, he’s not fighting for a new contract. He’s also already played in two World Series, winning the championship in 2006.

For the sake of baseball and for the trust of the fans, no one wants to believe that Pujols has fallen victim to the allure of PEDs.

But we also wanted to believe that a PED-free Alex Rodriguez would break Barry Bonds' home run record. Or that David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez were clean when they helped break the curse and proudly brought championship glory to the Red Sox Nation in 2004 and 2007.

In February, the PED circus rolled into town when the New York Yankees' third baseman and three-time AL MVP Rodriguez confessed to past PED use after vehemently denying any involvement with PEDs.

In March, Ramirez signed a two-year $45 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Two months later, Ramirez admitted using banned substances and was suspended 50 games for violating MLB’s drug policy.

Suspicion has followed Boston’s Ortiz all season—and for good reason.

The Boston Red Sox designated hitter has had his worst season ever, currently batting .228. He’s only hit 14 home runs this year, and his slugging and on-base percentages have plunged to career-low levels.

Yet Pujols is much different from Ramirez, Ortiz, and Rodriguez: He came into the league with a muscular physique, and his power numbers haven’t fluctuated dramatically since he arrived on the Cards' big league roster in 2001. His second season was the worst of his nine-year career—The Machine “only” batted .314 and hit 34 home runs in 2002.

Until the entire list of more than 100 players who tested positive during the 2003 season is released, doubt will be cast on every productive, powerful hitter.

Baseball can be healed with better testing protocol, and the release of every name on the 2003 list may bring closure to a period defined by controversy.

Pending those actions, we'll continue to be entertained by major league shenanigans.

Peanuts, anyone?

Top 10 Greatest All-Around Players in NBA History

Gabriel Taylor — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:59:15 -0400

Yep. Michael Jordan could pass the ball, too. The most versatile players in NBA history have a lot in common: they are superstars, leaders of their teams, and the most recognizable names and faces for their franchises. These All-Stars were able to excel at several facets of the game, scoring, rebounding, passing, and blocking shots on their way to the Basketball Hall of Fame. When they were on the court, they could hurt the opposition in a variety of ways. Scoring is great but it’s only one part of the game. Likewise, rebounding and passing are essential to winning, but you have to score to win. Every player on the list has won an NBA MVP award and all but one won an NBA championship. Each player has led the league in at least one statistical category and although all are noteworthy, a few rise above the rest of the pack. Steals, blocks, and assists are listed when significant. Blocked shots weren’t officially recorded until the 1973-74 NBA season. Feel free to comment and if there’s someone you think should be included, mention who you think the player should replace.

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Wild Ride on Offseason Rollercoaster Makes LeBron James Stronger

Gabriel Taylor — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 22:25:38 -0400

The King’s last three months have had more twists and turns than the best vomit-inducing, scream-producing rollercoaster could provide.

The Cavalier Express, a public relations machine that took the NBA’s best all-around player on a wild ride, may have strengthened LeBron James’ resolve to win his first NBA championship.

His ascent began pleasantly as the Cleveland Cavaliers completed the 2007-08 season with the best record in the NBA, winning a franchise-record 66 games.

The Cavs swept the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the playoffs, and the player called The Chosen One was selected as the NBA’s Most Valuable Player.

The ride continued to travel skyward as James lifted his team to another sweep, besting the overmatched Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

The Cavs were 8-0 in the postseason and supposedly headed for a star-studded match-up with the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals.

Here the coaster took a swan dive.

James and the Cavs finally lost a postseason game—and all their momentum—when the Orlando Magic shocked Cleveland in the first game of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Like any exciting amusement park attraction, the Express made an unexpected, 180-degree turnaround and headed north, as James hit a miraculous game-winning, buzzer-beating three-pointer to beat Orlando by one point in Game Two.

But just as you catch your breath, unthinkable happens, and the Cavs go on to lose the ECF four games to two, and James leaves the arena without shaking hands with his opponents or speaking with the media.

Nike puppets, network executives, and Vitamin Water marketing wizards joined NBA fans everywhere in lamenting the loss of a dream face-off between the Lakers’ Kobe Bryant, the 2007-08 MVP, and James.

James didn’t sail into the sweet surrender of a quiet offseason away from all the media pressure. During the NBA Finals, Commissioner David Stern fined James $25,000, and apparently there was no end to the descent.

The best part of the excursion came in June when Shaquille O’Neal, a four-time NBA champion, was traded to the Cavaliers. Cleveland finally made a major deal to give James his most legitimate shot at a championship since he arrived as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft.

LeBron, who advanced to the NBA Finals in 2007, can’t squander another major opportunity to win a title. Although his stats are comparable to those of the greatest players in NBA history, he’ll need a championship ring to bolster his legacy.

The lowest point of the adventure occurred on July 6, in a game at his LeBron James Skills Academy in Akron, OH.

A college sophomore, Jordan Crawford, converted a two-handed slam against James’ team. Reportedly, Nike confiscated all amateur footage of the dunk, but video of Crawford’s jam surfaced on the Internet this week.

Nike’s valiant effort to conceal the video turned an everyday occurrence into a complete frenzy, as the saga quickly became an urban legend in our fast-paced, techno-driven society.

Ironically, Shooting Stars, an autobiographical book co-written by Buzz Bissinger about James’ youth basketball experiences with his friends and teammates in Akron, revealed that James smoked marijuana.

Apparently, LeBron’s love of the game makes him want to conceal basketball embarrassments—hiding the video of Crawford’s dunk; refusing to address media after the Cavs’ playoff elimination—but embrace opportunities to prove how much he has matured since his self-proclaimed “arrogant” ways as a high school superstar.

For a basketball player hungry for a championship and conscious of his role model status, that might not be a bad thing.

The highs and lows of a polarizing offseason continue as the 24-year-old hopes to finally have his coronation in 2010—by peace with championship in Cleveland or by mutiny with a free-agent signing in New York.

His journey hasn’t been the worst offseason venture a basketball player has ever had. In fact, his experience may be the impetus to help the most complete player in the league bring glory back to a long-suffering Cleveland sports community.

Power of the Sun: Phoenix, the NBA's City of Rejuvenation

Gabriel Taylor — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:27:46 -0400

Phoenix is supposed to be the end of the line. It’s a retirement and rehabilitation haven surrounded by harsh desert conditions.

Yet, the city has become the NBA’s center of renewal, the place where players and even coaches can revitalize and enhance their careers.

Charles Barkley arrived in Phoenix in 1992 as an accomplished veteran with an Olympic gold medal and six consecutive All-Star selections.

Sir Charles would go on to experience the most success in his career with the Phoenix Suns, winning the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award after his first season, as the team finished the season with an NBA-best record of 62-20. Barkley took the team all the way to the 1993 NBA Finals where the Suns fell to four games to two to Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls.

In 1996—the same year Barkley left the team—Phoenix acquired the Dallas Mavericks’ exciting, young point guard Jason Kidd and embarked on a mission to revive his career. The No. 2 overall pick in the 1994 NBA Draft was named 1994-95 co-Rookie of the Year, but the Mavericks finished 36-46 and 26-56 in his first two seasons with the team.

Kidd’s tenure in the Valley of the Sun would feature five consecutive playoff appearances, three All-Star selections, and he led the league in assists per game three times.

In 2004, another Mavericks All-Star and a former Sun, Steve Nash, came back to Phoenix to play for head coach Mike D’Antoni, a former NBA point guard who implemented a coast-to-coast, running style of basketball that lit up scoreboards all over the league. While Nash was already a very good player, he hadn’t led the league in assists per game and D’Antoni’s record at that point was a dismal 35-76.

But D’Antoni and Nash proved to be a very suitable tandem as Nash led the league in assists per game for the first time and won the first of back-to-back MVP awards in his first season with the Suns. Phoenix finished with the league’s best record in 2004-05 (62-20) and D’Antoni was named NBA Coach of the Year.

After six disappointing seasons with the Orlando Magic, Grant Hill came to the Suns with a reputation as an injury-prone former superstar. Hill, a consistent member of the Eastern Conference All-Star team early in his career suffered a myriad of injuries to his leg, groin, and ankle with the Magic.

With an 82-game slate in the NBA’s regular season, Hill only managed to play 67 games in his best season, failing to reach 30 games in four of his six seasons with the team—including missing the entire 2003-04 season.

Amazingly, Hill came to a young, fast Phoenix team in 2007 and played in 70 regular season games, the most he had played in since his last season in Detroit in 1999-2000. After making the move in 2007-08, Hill returned stronger than ever in 2008-09, appearing in all 82 games for the first time in his career—an astonishing revitalization for the 36-year-old forward.

The most ironic Phoenix resurgence may have been Shaquille O’Neal’s comeback in 2008-09.

O’Neal arrived from the Miami Heat in a midseason move at the trading deadline in February 2008. Shaq only appeared in 40 games for Miami in the 2006-07 season and made plenty of noise about wanting to play for a contender as his usually dependable stats fell to career lows with a Heat squad that would finish the season with an NBA-worst record of 15-67.

In Shaq’s first full season with the Suns in ’08-‘09, he played 75 regular season games, all starts, the most regular season games he competed in since the 1999-2000 season when he won the first of his four championships.

Shaq returned to the All-Star game after a one-year absence, and the 7’1”, 325-pound center improved his scoring average from the previous season from 13.6 to 17.8.

The Suns allowed Shaquille O’Neal to leave in a trade with the Cavs that should give the 37-year-old a great chance to win his fifth NBA title with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Don’t doubt the huge financial stimulation Phoenix offers, either.

Steve Nash, a 35-year-old point guard, just signed a $22 million, two-year contract extension with the Suns. Mike D’Antoni left Phoenix after accepting a four-year, $24 million deal with the New York Knicks. Joe Johnson, the No. 3 scoring option on the Suns’ stellar ’04-’05 team, was able to garner a five-year, $70 million contract with the Hawks.

Now, I’m not saying that Sasha Pavlovic will be an All-Star, but there’s something in the air out there.

Top 10 Offensive Players in NBA History

Gabriel Taylor — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 12:05:22 -0400

Pictured: Two of the greatest scorers of all time join forces in Los Angeles, as Jerry West welcomes Shaquille to the Lakers in 1996. You’ve seen the list of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA history. You know the players in basketball’s Hall of Fame. This list is different because it cares not for championships, defense, or athletic ability. It doesn’t give points for being a good guy. Quite a few played on bad teams that couldn’t make the playoffs. You could characterize some as ballhogs, others as winners. All know how to fill it up on any given night, making scoring a lot points look much easier than it really is. No, this isn’t a regurgitation of the NBA record book—how boring would that be—it’s a look at the NBA’s heartbreaking, unstoppable, on-court magicians. Feel free to comment on any player you think should be on the list. Remember to mention who you think the player should replace on the list.

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University of Florida-Notre Dame: Urban Meyer Has a Change of Heart

Gabriel Taylor — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 07:57:37 -0400

He loves me. He loves me not. He loves me. He loves me not.

Sorry Notre Dame. Your usefulness as leverage may have come to an end.

According to the Gainesville Sun’s Pat Dooley, Urban Meyer has decided he doesn’t want to go to Notre Dame—ever.

With only a month remaining before the season begins, Meyer couldn't be expected to say anything different to Gatorland.

The University of Florida won its second national title in three years last season and Meyer was still unable to crack the top five in coaching salaries, despite an incredible 45-9 record with the Gators.

Rumors were rightfully ignited considering Notre Dame's horrible 2008 season. When UF didn’t publicly announce that Meyer would receive a contract extension or a bigger deal, the flames became larger.

Now with the season about to begin, and SEC media days quickly approaching, Meyer is singing a different tune in regard to the Fighting Irish.

Meyer Helped Start Rumors with His Own Statements

Meyer is ultimately linked to Notre Dame, not because of writers that rushed to conclusions or opposing coaches who want to hamper Meyer’s recruiting efforts. He’s naturally connected to South Bend because of his history with the team and his own statements.

He spent five seasons as an assistant coach for the Fighting Irish and declared that Notre Dame was his dream job and that he would consider going there in the future.

He told that a Miami radio station that Notre Dame was “still my dream job; that hasn’t changed.” He went on to tell 560 WQAM, “Once my kids are done, maybe someday I’ll go coach there...That’s way down the road.”

Meyer made these statements in December, when coaching changes are rampant.

His current contract pays him less than LSU's Les Miles (LSU) and Alabama's Nick Saban, who he beat in the 2008 SEC championship game, Ohio State's Jim Tressel who he beat in the BCS title game in January of 2007, and less than Oklahoma's Bob Stoops, who he defeated in the BCS title game in January.

Meyer's two BCS titles are more than any other coach in the country.

He recanted his Notre Dame comments this weekend, with the season opener right around the corner and UF desperately seeking to avoid the drama of a season-long recruitment of Meyer.

When Meyer declared that Notre Dame was his dream job, he sent a clear message to University of Florida officials. A reminder that he still has options. Very lucrative options.

According to USA Today, Meyer’s contract notes that, “The parties acknowledge that Coach’s skill, success and experience create a demand for his services at other universities and by professional football franchises.”

Maybe his tactic worked and the University of Florida will shortly announce that he has agreed to a deal that will make him the highest-paid coach in the country.

Tim Tebow is entering his senior season

In three seasons UF quarterback Tim Tebow has already cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in college football history.

But next year, Meyer will have to operate without his best player and while it’s possible he can find a player as good or better than Tebow, it’s highly unlikely he’ll find an identical superstar who can run, pass, and will his team to victory.

Tebow is as close to irreplaceable as a player can be, and he’s been a key part of Meyer’s success.

When Tebow departs, along with many of Florida’s top-notch players on the 2009 team, Meyer will be forced to try to reproduce the best run in Florida football history, an almost unattainable task. Meyer knows when to get out, and what better time than when Tebow departs.

Meyer has a history of moving

Meyer has been the head coach at three different schools this decade: Bowling Green(2001-02), Utah (2003-2004), and Florida (2005-present). For prognosticators to assume he might leave is not totally irrational, especially by Meyer’s own standards.

Meyer is entering his fifth season at the University of Florida, the longest he’s stayed at one school as a head coach. He was at Notre Dame as an assistant for five seasons.

The Ohio native played at Cincinnati and has also been an assistant at Ohio State and Illinois State.

After the 2004 season, Meyer didn’t take the Notre Dame job, even though he was riding high from an undefeated season at Utah.

Although Charlie Weis has a winning record at Notre Dame, his 29-21 mark hasn’t been enough to impress fans of one of college football’s most popular teams.

Certainly, Meyer is not looking forward to having to answer questions about coaching the Fighting Irish all season long. If Notre Dame starts off slowly the rumors will only build. Meyer’s value as a coach is at an all-time high and another national championship season from Florida won’t quell any rumors about his future.

Great coaches will always be hounded by rumors and offers; it comes with the territory, especially when the coach is undervalued at his current institution.

Florida State’s Bobby Bowden, another two-time national championship winner, has had to endure criticism and calls for his job most of this decade after several years of success. Meyer could easily enjoy a similarly, longtime successful career at UF.

But don’t take my word for it—feelings often change.

College Football Playoffs Vs. BCS: Why Colleges Prefer BCS

Gabriel Taylor — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 18:17:35 -0400

Before college football begins another potentially controversial season—coaches, players, and fans should know the rules.

Before any weird tiebreakers are applied, before slipups against huge underdogs, all 119 FBS teams should be aware that there is no college football playoff system.

There is a Bowl Championship Series that will decide the BCS national champion, the team that will be almost universally recognized as the nation’s top team in January 2010. There should be no more tears in the BCS crying game.

But since the argument rages, despite ESPN’s recent deal that ensures the BCS will be in place until 2014, there’s no better time than the offseason, when passions are quelled, to examine the many financial and logistical advantages of the BCS system vs. a playoff format.

For the Love of Money

Financially speaking, there shouldn’t be any debate about whether the current bowl system, including the BCS, is better than a playoff format with eight or 16 teams.

College football teams and their conferences, especially the big six conferences, have experienced an astronomical increase in profits and bowl payouts since the inception of the BCS in 1998.

Networks pay lots of money to air college football bowl games under the current format. There were 34 bowl games following the 2008 season, and the 68 teams received payouts totaling around $200 million for schools across the country.

The NCAA is not a part of the bowl system and bowl committees try to create fun experiences for schools and their fans while earning profits for their community.

A playoff system with only 16 teams and 15 games would diminish the value of other bowl games which currently generate hundreds of millions of dollars for schools across the country.

While many would be excited to see the best teams in the country battle it out in a college football playoff, conference commissioners know that football is the breadwinner for many schools and their athletic departments. There are guaranteed payouts for all bowl games whereas there has been little discussion on how to pay college playoff teams or non-playoff bowl participants.

Then there’s the matter of finding a network willing to pay billions of dollars to broadcast college football playoffs.

Which network would be willing to pay for the television rights to a 16-team, 15-game, four-week college football playoff that would compete with NFL coverage?

ESPN/ABC, NBC, Fox, CBS, and the NFL Network spend considerable portions of their budgets to air NFL games and they, along with their affiliated networks, would be unlikely to broadcast college football playoff games. College football playoffs would probably compete with the NFL games which are now aired on Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Logistical Headaches

Those who support a playoff system usually fail to point out where prospective playoff games would be held.

Would there be home-field advantage or neutral sites? Could teams use current bowl sites? What about using NFL stadiums?

The general assumption is to hold the bowl games at current bowl sites. But bowls and their committees have no reason to relinquish conference ties and relationships that have enabled college football to grow. They’re making mega-bucks with the current setup, and they’re under no pressure to change.

There is little likelihood that fans would travel around the country to support their teams during the holiday season.

A potential national champion under a 16-team playoff format could play 18 games. If bowl games are held at neutral sites, holiday-weary fans would have to travel four consecutive weeks, an expensive endeavor in any financial climate, but an unnecessary expense in the current economic downturn.

What about game times and the schedule for games? Would teams play 18 consecutive weeks? Most teams have a bye week during the season, but a few teams don’t and others have early byes and would play in 10-plus games without a break. Playoff participants with professional aspirations would be at a bigger risk than their non-playoff counterparts.

More Controversy with Playoff Format

Usually there are four or five legitimate teams in the national championship debate at the end of the year.

With a 16-or eight-team playoff format, there could be more than 40 teams involved in the debate. Unless there are automatic berths for conference champs, the big six teams would probably grab the majority of playoff berths, leaving non-BCS teams with the same troubles they currently endure.

There are 11 conferences in the FBS, but simply naming conference champs would be absurd due to strength of schedule.

Conferences would argue for their teams, fans would still be mad, and schools would still complain about a flawed system.

There would be politics, not unlike those that were already in place before the BCS, involved in choosing game sites and teams for what would be a move to another flawed system.

There has always been controversy about who’s the real champion in college football. An NCAA-sanctioned playoff format is unlikely and any other type of playoff system would still create a “mythical” national champion in the eyes of frustrated fans.

At its heart, college football is subjective.

Bowls choose the teams they want to play. Writers and coaches rank teams every week during the season. The Heisman Trophy goes to the player voted as the best in the nation.

Even a playoff would feature selective choices for its participants.

AT&T National: Tiger Woods Continues to Win the Right Way

Gabriel Taylor — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:27:19 -0400

Tiger Woods is no longer simply a role model.

He’s become a business model for aspiring athletes by capturing crowns at tournaments sponsored by companies he endorses.

Not all golf tournaments are created equal, and Tiger Woods has become the Master of Priority, the King of Precedence, the Sultan of Strategy, and a Logistical Perfectionist.

In appreciation for the support and efforts of high-paying sponsors and fans at the AT&T National, the tournament hosted by Woods to benefit the Tiger Woods Foundation, Tiger managed to set a tournament record Sunday, finishing with a final score of 267, 13 under par at Congressional in Bethesda, MD.

Woods’ policy of dominating tournaments hosted by his sponsors and idols has enriched the world’s No. 1 golfer many times over. He has earned more than any athlete in history, and he shows little signs of slowing down as he approaches $1 billion career earnings.

Astonishingly, Woods has earned his megabucks playing in fewer tournaments than most golfers.

But he’s extremely efficient and productive, currently ranking No. 3 in all-time PGA Tour wins with 68 PGA Tour wins.

He’s five behind Jack Nicklaus (73) and 14 behind Sam Snead (82).

There are times a golfer is so good at certain tournaments that he makes the public wonder if he’s slacking at other events. But winning sponsor's tournaments can be very lucrative, the fruitful results pushing golfer's annual income into another stratosphere.

By participating in fewer events, Woods protects his sponsors by not shining in events hosted by his sponsors’ competition, and he also has more time to prepare to dominate the tournaments he partakes in.

Hunter Mahan, a rising star on the Tour who finished one stroke behind Tiger at Congressional, has competed in 17 PGA Tour events this year, earning $2.15 million, good for No. 15 on the Tour’s money list.

Woods has competed in about half the events, nine, and leads the money list at $4.56 million. He also leads the Tour FedEx standings after his win on Sunday.

Now, the majors are very important to Tiger—and all other PGA Tour members—because of their prestige, rewards of exemption, and lifetime honor they bestow.

Who can forget Tiger’s 2008 U.S. Open victory at Torrey Pines, where Woods won on with a gimpy knee?

Woods would refrain from competition until 2009, following his third U.S. Open title.

But all the talk about Woods only being concerned about the four majors, the Masters, U.S. and British Opens, and the PGA Championship undermines Woods’ exceptional record at tournaments in which he has a vested interest.

Skeptics may question the theory that Woods plays better at certain tournaments.

But consider this: Woods holds course records and multiple titles at tournaments near and dear to his heart, mind, and wallet.

The longtime endorsement specialist for automaker GM’s Buick brand and financial giant American Express, has shined at tournaments sponsored by both, winning the American Express Championship (1999, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, and 2007) and the Buick Invitational (1999, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008) six times apiece.

Even more telling, Woods holds the tournament scoring records for the American Express Championship and the Buick Invitational. He also won two Buick Open titles (2002 and 2006).

Eerily, Woods hasn’t won a title at the Buick Invitational or American Express Championship since the cohorts’ business relationship ended (Amex, 2007 and Buick 2008).

The Orlando resident has won the city’s Bay Hill Invitational a record six times (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2008, and 2009).

It’s well-known that Tiger uses Jack Nicklaus’ achievements as a barometer for his own accomplishments. Woods has won the Memorial Tournament, hosted by Nicklaus, four times (1999, 2000, 2001, and 2009), more than any golfer.

Woods, a positive example as a father, golfer, and philanthropist, has also shown business acumen with his endorsement deals, and he should be a standard-bearer for other golfers.

He’s forever changed the meaning of winning the right way.

Tommy Hanson, Smart Choices Redeem Atlanta Braves GM Frank Wren

Gabriel Taylor — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:17:57 -0400

Frank Wren had been labeled a total idiot during the offseason prior to the 2009 season. He couldn’t sign Rafael Furcal, Ken Griffey, Jr., Jake Peavy, or John Smoltz

Braves fans weren’t at all excited about Plan B choices Derek Lowe, Kenshin Kawakami, Javier Vazquez, and Garrett Anderson.

Things would get worse before they got better, as 43-year-old Tom Glavine publicly expressed his displeasure after being released earlier this month. Smoltz, 42, was quick to jump on the anti-Wren bandwagon.

When former Braves GM John Schuerholz was promoted to team president in October 2007, he didn’t exactly leave the coffers filled for current general manager Frank Wren, and Wren’s first two offseasons hadn’t been very fruitful.

While Schuerholz certainly has authority in all personnel decisions, it’s Wren’s neck getting wrenched in public.

Like a hitter that doesn’t get hot until the summer months begin blazing, maybe Wren is more of a regular season barterer, as he has shown an ability to make shrewd in-season moves.

Wren’s best move was calling up Tommy Hanson, a 6’6”, 22-year-old starting pitcher who was the Braves’ best prospect.

Even this choice looked hasty, as Hanson allowed three home runs and six earned runs in his first start against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Hanson and Wren would both bounce back from rough starts in 2009.

In his last four starts after his brutal welcome to the majors, Hanson is 4-0 with victories against the vaunted New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, who have the most formidable lineups in baseball, loaded with All-Stars and MVPs.

Derek Lowe has turned out to be another wise choice, leading the team in wins. Lowe shares many physical characteristics with Hanson, and as a member of the 2004 Boston Red Sox championship team, he should also be a great role model for Hanson.

Another prudent move by Wren was trading a few prospects for a proven major league talent in Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Nate McLouth. McLouth is still adjusting to his new surroundings, and once he finds his stroke in Atlanta, he’ll be a great addition to Braves stars Chipper Jones and Brian McCann.

Griffey has played much better than Anderson, but was most likely using the Braves for leverage until the very end of his negotiations with the Mariners, the team which he began his future Hall of Fame career with.

Hindsight is always 20-20, and a few of Wren’s decisions have saved the team money, heartache, and the time it takes to develop younger players.

Jake Peavy is 6-6, with a complete game, 92 strikeouts, and a 3.97 ERA. Not bad, but certainly nothing for Braves fans to continue cry about.

Smoltz had a rocky debut for the Red Sox, allowing five earned runs in five innings for a 9.00 ERA and a 0-1 record.

Much like the Mets parting ways with Pedro Martinez, the Braves release of Glavine seems sound—no other team has picked up the future Hall of Fame lefthander.

The Braves also avoided another big mistake by not signing Furcal. The shortstop signed a three-year, $30 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and is currently hitting .245 with only four stolen bases and a .320 OBP.

Patience is supposed to be a virtue, but no one has ever confused baseball fans of being patient or virtuous.

Wren hasn’t been perfect, but he’s proving that a lot of his doubters prematurely rushed to judge his abilities as a general manager.