Bleacher Report - Articles by Eric Skiba

Alex Rodriguez and Michael Phelps: Newest Members of Disappointing Heroes List

Eric Skiba — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 13:55:58 -0500

No matter what these two stories amount to, Michael Phelps and Alex Rodriguez have lost a part of their hero-like status.

We all have those sports heroes that make us want to become them and emulate all that they do. These heroes are no longer—when they do things that make us wonder, what were they thinking?

Recently suspended for three months from the U.S. Swimming Team, Michael Phelps has explaining to do to all of his fans, young and old. Just about every American citizen has become a fan of Phelps since his amazing run at the Olympics. He was making a lot of money and a lot of fans when he decided to smoke marijuana. Great job Michael.

The only positive that can be taken from the situation is that he admitted it right away once presented with the incriminating evidence. One cannot say the same for A-Rod, however.

Evidence has presented itself showing that Rodriguez tested positive for two types of steroids in 2003. In 2007, A-Rod claimed that he had never used steroids and never thought or considered using steroids during an interview with ESPN. When asked to comment on the allegations recently, he chose to respond: "Talk to the unions. I'm not saying anything."

I personally believe that A-Rod's issues will be more of a dent in the perfect outlook of these athletes more than Phelps'. Either way, however, people will now look at both with a sense of disgust for what has occurred.

Join the club, you two. The likes of Palmeiro, Clemens, Bonds, and McGwire will love to see you. The world of athletes with tainted views grows and grows. Whether steroids or weed, it is still a problem to be doing these kinds of things in front of young fans everywhere.

Athletes that act like this will be replaced with the clean and faultless for our hero choices.

Phelps fans will go back to loving Mark Spitz.

A-Rod fans will exchange his bobble head for true home run hitters.

Sports fans in general will just think to themselves, "Another one bites the dust."

Cincinnati Reds Look to Improve: Sign Ward and Jones to Minor League Deals

Eric Skiba — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 22:24:36 -0500

How many years now have Reds fans had to hear, "We will do whatever it takes for this team to make the playoffs soon?"

Over and over, general managers have come in and decided to make changes. They decide that spending more money and finding the right players will make this team a playoff contender.

Then why does it seem that we never really do hire the big-name guy that we truly need? The Reds have used their farm system and seemingly unimportant trades to finally set up a rotation that can do some damage. Another solid arm wouldn't hurt, but I cannot complain too much.

What Cincinnati needs now is to improve the bullpen just a little more and bring in a right-handed power hitter. As for the first need, the organization decided to resign David Weathers to a deal worth way too much.

The past two seasons, Weathers has put up decent numbers, but not great. At his age, it is not worth it to keep him around. He comes in and ruins far too many games, even if he does well in a higher percentage of games overall. He has lost a lot of velocity in recent years and does not show the kind of talent he used to have.

After this simply stunning signing, the Reds now look for a right-handed power bat. Although they have certainly put their name out there in certain cases, they have not yet made a lofty attempt to help this situation. Instead, the Reds decided to make a different move.

On Thursday, the Reds announced that they have signed outfielders Daryle Ward and Jacque Jones to minor-league contracts and invited them to spring training. Both players are 33 years of age and far past the prime of their careers. Jones played in 42 games last season and Ward played in 89, splitting time between first base and the outfield.

This team might look better than years past simply because of starting pitching and the maturation of their young infielders, but come on. Granted the Yankees have a significantly higher cap, but look at the talent they go after.

Walt Jocketty and the front office for the Redlegs are working on making improvements, which I both understand and appreciate. However, signing two 33-year-olds to minor-league contracts is not going to fix squat.

At this incredibly slow pace, the fix will likely jolt us into the playoffs by the year 2020! Alright!! Hey, New York Yankees, keep signing the players that will take you to the Playoffs. Meanwhile, the Reds are just going to keep dropping the ball on filling their needs to become a contender.

Top 5 Keys to March Madness Success For The Gonzaga Bulldogs

Eric Skiba — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 17:19:44 -0500

As March Madness steadily approaches, one has to wonder how the roller-coaster ride of a season for Gonzaga will end. December proved to be very bleak for the Bulldogs, dropping four of their seven games in the month. Losses to Arizona, UConn, Portland State, and Utah became the talk of the new year as the Zags quickly dropped from the Top 25.

It seemed that the potential dream season had finally fallen apart. A heart-wrenching 3-pointer from A.J. Price at the end of regulation in the UConn game left Gonzaga fans stunned. The stunned feeling from the Connecticut game became much stronger as the Bulldogs fell to Portland State just three days later.

However, a win against Tennessee and a solid start to conference play seemed to be bringing the Zags back to life. Patty Mills or no Patty Mills, the Bulldogs were able to pull out a big win against St. Mary's Thursday, and they were able to hold off a late surge by San Diego Saturday to remain undefeated in the WCC.

A question still seems to linger as it pertains to Gonzaga: What will it take for them to make a strong and serious run at the championship come March? Here are my top five keys to Gonzaga adding to the Madness in March:

5. Matt Bouldin needs to take over as the team leader. Bouldin is one of the top three scorers on the team based on points per game, and his ability to make things happen is a huge plus to their offense. His ball skills and decision-making have improved drastically since his first two years with the Zags, and they seem to get better and better each game. Gonzaga needs him to step up and be the team leader and motivator.

4. Josh Heytvelt needs to play like his size while in the post. Heytvelt is in the best shape of his life now that no injuries are pestering him, proving to be a very agile and versatile athlete. He is one of the top long-distance shooting big men in the nation, and seems to sink one or two 3-pointers in almost every game. On the defensive side of the ball, he is very aggressive and very tough, but on the offensive side of the ball he appears to be avoiding some of the contact. For Gonzaga to be successful, Heytvelt needs to be the post threat everyone knows he is, and he needs to be strong inside.

3. Ira Brown needs to be utilized more frequently. Although Brown does not get many minutes, he brings a spark to both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Averaging a little over 10 minutes a game, Ira gets about three points and three rebounds a game. He is also fourth on the team with nine blocks. He is tied with Steven Gray in that category, but has played 347 less minutes. His size and strength make him a threat and a weapon. Ten minutes is not enough for Ira Brown, especially with Robert Sacre having an injury-filled season.

2. Austin Daye needs to be confident at all times. Daye is the purest all-around shooter on the team, even though Gray is the best long-range shooter, and he must understand that his scoring is needed. He is averaging just under 14 points a game, but he has the potential for so much more. He leads the team in blocks and rebounds, proving that he is a solid defensive big man. At times during many games, Austin gets upset or down on himself and it leads him into multiple temporary slumps. With a little extra confidence here and there, Daye could be the buzz-cut version of Adam Morrison.

1. The Speed of Jeremy Pargo and Demetri Goodson needs to create more mismatches on offense. With simple picks and screens, big men can be switched on to guard one of the Zags' point guards. Either of them can blow past a majority of defenders, leaving them open driving lanes or space to draw in defenders and dish a pass to Heytvelt or Daye. Pargo frequently takes poor shots when he is struggling on offense and an easy lay-up could cause his struggles to disappear. Steven Gray is one of the top shooters in the nation when he has a little time to set up, and Pargo or Goodson entering the lane could free him up for more open shots also.

The Gonzaga Bulldogs can look like a Top 10 team at times and a Top 50 in others. By using these keys, they could unlock quite a season and tournament. Obviously a list could be made spanning the height of Will Foster (7-foot-5) on what it takes for a team to make a long run in the NCAA Tournament, but these five in particular could make this team a Top 10 team once again.

Gonzaga Wins Old Spice Classic Despite Immense Amount Of Competition

Eric Skiba — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 15:34:21 -0500

The Old Spice Classic was packed full with great, competitive teams this year. Between Gonzaga, Michigan State, Tennessee, Georgetown, and Maryland, it made for some really exciting games. Oklahoma State, Wichita State, and Sienna were holding up the rear of the tournament, but they all played tough and made it a great tournament to watch.

Preseason tournaments are all about learning different things from certain teams. What we learn from teams can decide how we perceive the team will play come March. Although each and every team showed us something during the Old Spice Classic, no team showed us more than the Gonzaga Bulldogs.

Winning the whole thing with an 83-74 victory over Tennessee, the Zags showed that their length and agility can break down an offense, in turn creating scoring opportunities on the other end of the floor.

No one can honestly say that any of the Gonzaga wins in this tournament were not significant. They faced and destroyed a talented Oklahoma State team, and ran away from Maryland. Maryland had just come off an 18-point victory over No. 6 Michigan State, but were taken for a ride against the Zags.

The championship game had no lack of excitement. Tennessee played Gonzaga close during the entire first half and about eight minutes into the second half before the Bulldogs tried to run away.

With a little over 10 minutes to play in the game, the Vols found themselves down by 16. This did not stop them from making a comeback, however. They got the deficit down to as low as six, but could not overtake the scrappy Bulldogs.

Sophomore Steven Gray led the Bulldogs with 19 points, including an impressive 4-6 from three-point range. Jeremy Pargo was named the player of the tournament, averaging 12 points and 6.3 assists per game.

These two teams met last season in Seattle, Washington (practically a home game for GU), where we saw Tennessee take home a victory. Now we see Gonzaga beating Tennessee on neutral ground. The only logical step would be a tiebreaker and we will get just that as the teams will face again on Jan. 7 down in Knoxville.

Gonzaga really impressed me during the course of the Old Spice Classic and I assume that they will continue to do so throughout the season. With their height and wonderful guard-play from Jeremy Pargo, Matt Bouldin, and Demetri Goodson, I do not see how this team won't be a potential national champion when March rolls around. I guess we will have to wait and see.

Gonzaga's Journey from Mid-Major to Contender: A Look at the Season Ahead

Eric Skiba — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:49:25 -0500

Seasons ago, fans and analysts alike looked at the Gonzaga Bulldogs like any other mid-major team in the NCAA. They are decent, but only rarely can they knock off a top 25 opponent. In recent years, this idea has been completely forgotten by everyone.

Instead, we can now call Gonzaga a preseason top 25 pick and a major contender for the title this year. With a well-rounded team and one of the smartest coaches in the league (Mark Few), it seems that this season can be one for the ages for the Bulldogs.

Playing in the often weak WCC, Gonzaga always loads their out of conference schedule with tough opponents. This year is no exception, as they will face many. The top three toughest games the Bulldogs will have this year are 1) No. 2 Connecticut, 2) No. 13 Memphis, and 3) No. 14 Tennessee.

These are the obvious choices, but they will face other tough opponents. The Old Spice Classic, starting Nov. 27, could force them to face the likes of Oklahoma State, No. 5 Michigan State, Maryland, Georgetown, or even Tennessee again. Arizona, Washington State, and Indiana can also pose threats to a great season.

This is not to say that the only challenges to confront are those out of conference, however. Although it is easy to assume that Gonzaga will again take the WCC title, watch out for St. Mary's to put up a great season and apply pressure to the dangerous dogs.

Austin Daye, the sophomore forward out of Irvine, California, will be given a much larger role for the Bulldogs this year, and they will need his success to win. A healthy Josh Heytvelt, along with point guard Jeremy Pargo and fellow guard Micah Downs, will have to lead this team if they are going to make any waves in the tournament this year.

The bottom line is that the Gonzaga Bulldogs are here, and here to stay. Many a foe will try to stop them from a dream season, but with enough help from their stars, it should be no problem for them to make a run at the championship.

Reach or No Reach? That is the Question as Bengals Draft WR Simpson

Eric Skiba — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:28:48 -0400

With the 46th pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select Jerome Simpson, WR, Coastal Carolina.

What?! Who is this guy?

The new member of the Cincinnati Bengals, that's who. Right away, the question began about whether or not this was a reach to pick him this early. Projected to go much later, Simpson himself was surprised when he got the call from head coach Marvin Lewis. In fact, he wasn't even home yet, driving to his home with his family to begin watching the draft.

If anyone spent their time watching Big South football, they know exactly who this player is. He set Big South records with receptions and touchdowns, as well as multiple school records. The Cincinnati Bengals had plenty to be impressed about.

Simpson ranked with the best receivers in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, and broad jump. He ranked second in the vertical jump and first in the broad jump, leaping for 11' 4''. His big hands and 6'2'' stature make him a very good target for quarterback Carson Palmer.

A big target could not come at a better time for Cincinnati either. With Chris Henry ousted after another arrest, and Chad Johnson demanding a trade, the Bengals are screaming for help at the wide receiver position.

One argument for this being a poor pick is that the receivers available at that time were much better than Simpson. Yes, there were bigger names, but one has to realize what the Bengals were looking for.

For one thing, they don't want a guy with character issues. Jackson had troubles off the field, and so did Mario Manningham. Another reason for their pick is size. The Bengals have a history of drafting big wide-receivers, and at 6'2'', Simpson is a perfect fit. He is not extremely tall, but Jackson is only 5'10'' at best and other big names were not that tall. With Simpson's solid vertical jump, his height is much more than listed, also.

Limas Sweed was a player available at that time as well, and he also seemed like a good fit for Cincinnati. The fact that he is injury prone hurt him a little bit. Overall, the Bengals looked at their short-list of wide outs, and determined that Jerome Simpson was the best.

Is Simpson a sure thing? No, he is not guaranteed to be successful. Many scouts are worried that by playing in a weaker conference, he never really saw talent that is noteworthy. If a football player is going against poor competition, then it is difficult to figure out the talent level of that player.

One thing is for certain; When you play in a sub-par league, you have to excel and stand out. There is no way to just be "good" and get noticed. You have to be outstanding. That's what Jerome Simpson was, and that's who the Cincinnati Bengals hope he continues to be.

Final verdict—No Reach

With five wide receivers taken before the Bengals in Round two, and the fact that the remaining best receivers were all gone by twelve picks after the Bengals', it's fair to say that Simpson wouldn't have been around much longer. It would have been risky to try to wait for their third-round pick.

Let's hope he brings energy to this football team, as well as a way to forget about the receivers that once wore a similar uniform.