Bleacher Report - Articles by Kyle Flanagan

The NFL: How Fantasy Football Has Changed My Sundays

Kyle Flanagan — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:03:47 -0500

When it comes to Major League Baseball, I have always been and will always be an Atlanta Braves fan. When you talk NBA, I’m a Utah Jazz fan through and through–despite the “sands of the hourglass” drama that is Carlos Boozer.

But when you talk NFL, I have just one team I care about: Kyle’s Krushers of the Gridiron Gaggle Fantasy Football League.

I don’t care that the New Orleans Saints are 9-0 on the season. But show me a Drew Brees touchdown pass to receiver Marques Colston, and I’ll do whatever it takes to get me a set of Bourbon Street beads.

Brees’ six touchdown passes in week one of the NFL season were even enough to make me forget about my Eli Manning fanship from last season.

I wouldn’t exactly say the San Francisco 49ers are my life. But when Vernon Davis reeled in seven passes, for 96 yards and two touchdowns in Week 3, I was the the first one on the Mike Singletary bandwagon.

This year, I was a huge New York Giants fan—well, at least a fan of their defense. But my Giants loyalty ran its course after their defense gave up 48, 24, 40, 21 points in their last four games respectively—all four losses.

But what about the old fantasy football conflict? Any fantasy football player sees this at least once a season.

For me it was the New York Giants’ defense facing my potent quarterback, Brees.

Brees tosses four touchdowns and 369 yards in the Saints 48-2 victory. One of Brees’ four scoring throws goes to my receiver, Colston—who finished with eight catches for 166 yards and the score against the Giants defense.

That’s a conflict you’ll take.

I don’t care for the Dallas Cowboys or their owner, Jerry Jones. But show me a highlight of a Patrick Crayton 50-yard touchdown pass, and I’ll show you my cardboard cutout of the Lonestar state.

I used to view football stats for what they are (i.e. Peyton Manning throws for 327 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions in Sunday’s 35-34 win over the Patriots).

Now I see stats in a whole new light (i.e. Peyton Manning throws for 15 points (yards), plus 24 points (TD’s), plus 10 points (Over 300 yards bonus), minus four points (two per interception) for a total of 45 points—for my fantasy opponent.

There was a time in my life when I viewed a running back’s 100-yard game as brilliantly played football. Now I view a 100-yard performance as brilliantly drafted fantasy football.

Four years ago if you would have asked me who John Carney was, I would have asked if he graduated high school with me.

Now, when John Carney’s name is thrown around, I’m the first to respond with how many 50-plus field goals he’s knocked down this year (0), what his PAT percentage is this season (40-42, 95 percent), and what his career long field goal is (54 yards twice, 1991 and 1998).

I lose sleep over the fact that I took a chance on the former Kansas City Chief Larry Johnson with a third round pick. I smile when I see Jericho Cotchery catch six passes, for 66 yards and one touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and I wonder how he slipped to me in the ninth round of the fantasy draft.

I was devastated when Leon Washington went to the injured reserve list—not because I care about the New York Jets but because, up until his injury in Week 7, he had pulled in 64 points for my team.

Late Saturday night lineup changes make me happy. Informing an opponent that his quarterback is on a bye (before Sunday’s games) is a classy move. Tipping your hat to an opponent whose pick you made fun of, rattles off 100-plus yards rushing is the mark of a gentleman.

But despite the joy that is brought to the over 27 million people who spend an average of nine hours a week on fantasy football, there are some that say that fantasy football has ruined the game.

But me, I offer thanks to a former Oakland Raiders’ limited partner named Bill Winkenbach for his fantasy football idea in 1962.

I look the critics of fantasy football in the eye and say, “Go Krushers!”

*This article originally appeared on www.howtowatchsports.com

Delaware State: One Day, Two Losses, a Whole Lot of Cash

Kyle Flanagan — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 02:26:51 -0400

Having been in football locker rooms after a devastating loss, I can understand the frustrations and disappointments that come from suffering defeat.

But how does a college football team deal with two losses in one day?

Perhaps after losing two games in one day, you’d expect a team to take hours to board the bus to the hotel. Maybe the impact of two defeats in a day would cause a group of competitive 18- to 22-year-olds to resort back to youthful tears.

But for Delaware State, two losses in one day meant a John-and-Kate-sized payday—enough to possibly counter the defeats.

The FCS (formerly Division I-AA) Hornets collected $550,000 to travel to Ann Arbor and take a beating the size of Lake Michigan at the hands of the Michigan Wolverines—picking up their first loss of the day in the form of a 63-6 shellacking at The Big House Saturday afternoon.

That’s a whopping $91,666 per Delaware State point—to go along with the $8,730 per point they allowed the Wolverines.

The Hornets’ second loss of the day came by way of forfeit, as they had simply cancelled a game with conference foe North Carolina A&T in order to go collect the Michigan check instead.

A conference foe!

Can you imagine this happening at the Division I level? How about a phone call between Texas coach Mack Brown and Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops?

“Hey Mack, the Sooners and I are really looking forward to taking on you and the Longhorns.”

“Yeah, Bob, about that.”

“You know Mack...I...”

“Wait, you’re really going to hate me Bob. You see, Florida A&M Technical International Center for Educational Research and Design has invited us to play at their place this Saturday. So I think we’re going to take them up on that.”

“Uh...I...eh...um...”

Are things so bad at some of these universities that they have to cancel conference games in order to collect a big check?

Can’t some former Delaware State players who have played in the NFL throw some cash the Hornets’ way?

Darnerien McCants (Baltimore Ravens), Shaheer McBride (Philadelphia Eagles), where are you guys?

I mean, one day, two losses.

That’s $275,000 per loss.

I thought two losses in one day only happened in baseball and horseshoes.

Allow me to break down some other financials from the Delaware State beatdown.

The 106,304 fans that headed to The Big House for Saturday’s game had to have been the largest crowd that Delaware State has played in front of.

That’s a Michigan expense of $5.17 per fan in attendance.

You think Delaware State cares about giving up a staggering 727 yards of total offense to Michigan? I think all they cared about were the $756.53 they got per yard given up–$1,193.05 per rushing yard (461) and $2,067.66 per passing yard (266).

Michigan running back Vincent Smith, who hadn’t rushed for more than 23 yards in any one of the Wolverines previous six games, rattled off for 166 yards and one touchdown in the win.

Smith had only 35 total yards in his career before the Delaware State game. His breakout game Saturday cost the Wolverines $3,313.25 per rushing yard.

Delaware State gained 14 yards on their first four drives of the game...combined.

But a poor start is easy to handle when you figure that’s $39,285.71 per yard, and $137,500 per drive.

The Michigan 57-point win marked the second-largest margin of victory for the Wolverines in the last 59 years.

That’s $9,322.03 per year.

Sure, the Hornets converted just 1-of-15 third down conversions. But that one conversion was worth half-a-million bucks.

Michigan, not very surprisingly, racked up 34 first downs–$16,176.47 per first down.

I don’t blame the Hornets though. Nor do I blame Division II football.

As long as the NCAA allows Division I teams to “buy” wins, these types of transactions are going to continue.

And why shouldn’t the Division II teams continue to take a beating in exchange for a check?

After all, most of their locker rooms don’t have big screen plasma TV’s. Most of their stadiums don’t seat 15,000 people, much less 100,000. They play in a league of A&T’s, A&M’s, Internationals, Industrials...and the list goes on.

So, of course a team like Delaware State gets higher than Colorado’s balloon boy when presented with a lucrative beatdown offer.

For the Hornets, $550,000 can go a long way in nest improvement.

*This article first appeared on www.howtowatchsports.com

Dear Baseball, Please Let October Last All Year Long

Kyle Flanagan — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 02:51:10 -0400

I generally have a huge distaste for the month of October.

It’s typically the beginning of Jack Frost’s six month reign over my life. It includes grown adults dressing up as anything from Harry Potter to Michelangelo’s David. Parents turn cute three-month-old babies into flowers, clowns and any array of Disney characters.

By now, my fantasy football team has suffered through five weeks of “come on Larry Johnson."

My favorite college football team, by October, has usually hit a roadblock on its quest to its first national championship since 1984, and the only NBA highlights on ESPN involve LeBron’s entrance into an arena and one of 25,000 former NBA D-Leaguers who are “on their way to the show.”

But there is one thing about October that I simply can’t live without: October baseball.

Most of baseball’s regular season is spent with my wife asking why I have a game on the TV, plus games on both of our computers.

But in October, it’s her idea.

In October, my April-through-September non-baseball-interested wife suddenly becomes as excited as an all-you-can-eat buffet owner when Phillies manager Charlie Manuel comes to town.

I grab her hand. We each grab a Diet Coke, make our way to our torn up, 15-year-old couch, and partake of nine innings of pure wedded bliss.

A single tear finds its way down my cheek.

As a life-long fan of the Atlanta Braves, I haven’t had anything to go crazy about in October since a David Justice solo home run in 1995 lifted Tom Glavine and the Braves to a 1-0 win over the Cleveland Indians in Game Six of the World Series—a win that quickly prompted a victory lap around my neighborhood.

In 1991, my mother consoled me after a heartbreaking loss to the Minnesota Twins in the World Series. The next year my dad celebrated with me when Sid Bream slid across home plate in the bottom of the ninth to defeat the Pittsburgh Pirates in the NLCS—he then joined me in sorrow as we watched the Toronto Blue Jays celebrate World Series glory.

In 1994, I cried myself to sleep after Dan Patrick officially announced the MLB strike—I cried because I knew there would be no October baseball.

My family waited on the lawn for me to finish my victory lap in 1995 and we all died a little inside in 1996, ‘97, ‘98 and ‘99. From 2000-04, I felt the pain of October losses.

I got married in 2005, the last year the Braves played in October. My wife sat on the edge of her seat next to me that year as the Braves and the Houston Astros battled it out in an 18-inning marathon Game Five—only to see Chris Burke leave the yard and give the Astros the win.

But despite my team’s recent failure to take the field in October, I still return to an adolescent state of mind while watching October baseball.

I got the chills when Philadelphia Phillies closer Brad Lidge overcame recent struggles and threw a nasty slider to strike out Troy Tulowitzki and send the Phillies to the NLCS to face the Dodgers.

I momentarily forgot of my general disliking of Alex Rodriguez while watching him hit .455 with two home runs and six RBI in the New York Yankees’ three-game sweep of the Twins.

I stood and applauded when the Angels battled back at Fenway to send the Boston Red Sox faithful home with a broom to go along with their chowdaaaahh.

I forgot about the twitch I get when thinking of L.A. fans when I saw the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate with legendary manager Joe Torre following their sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals.

I smile each time I see 50,000-plus fans waving the same colored towel in hopes of generating enough momentum and energy to propel their team to victory. My eyes water when a catcher throws his glove in the air and rushes the mound to celebrate with a pitcher.

In a world of cubicles, spreadsheets, meetings, presentations, and deadlines, it’s nice to take a trip back to childhood during October.

With so much uncertainty in my life, one thing is always for sure:

Come month 10, my inner 12-year-old gets to meet my Mrs. October.

*This story originally appeared on www.howtowatchsports.com

Utah Jazz Find Needed Solace at Home

Kyle Flanagan — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 07:28:19 -0500

There’s no place like home.

Dorothy said it three times to return home from the land of Oz, and the Utah Jazz say it every time they return home to EnergySolutions Arena, where they are currently 5-0 this season—following up a league-best 37-4 mark in Salt Lake City last season.

After returning home from a five-game Eastern road trip that saw the Jazz post a dismal 1-4 record (the lone win coming in Philadelphia), Utah rebounded with a convincing 109-97 victory over the Phoenix Suns Monday night in Salt Lake City.

But what is it about this Jazz team that makes it so difficult to win on the road?

There are myriad reasons, from injuries to lack of focus.

But the one fact remains: Utah sighs at the sound and thoughts of the Willie Nelson classic “On the road again.”

It has been seven seasons since a Jazz team finished a season with a road record above the .500 mark. And with all the comparisons of the current Jazz squad to the Jazz squads of the Karl Malone and John Stockton era, there is one thing that keeps the Mailman’s team at a different level than the Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams Jazz team.

“The biggest difference between that team (Stockton and Malone) and this team is that that team was a little better road team,” Jazz assistant coach Phil Johnson said. “This team, we don’t do as well on the road…but we are almost unbeatable at home.”

The current Jazz team has followed up last season’s disappointing 17-24 road record with an equally disturbing 2-4 road record to start this season’s campaign—including losses to the then winless Washington Wizards, the Charlotte Bobcats, the dysfunctional New York Knicks, and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

While the Jazz continue to struggle as the visiting team, their success continues to grow as the host team—a feat that is constantly credited to the rowdy and raucous crowd.

In fact, in a survey conducted among 242 NBA players across the league last season, Sports Illustrated found that EnergySolutions Arena was seen as the toughest arena to play in as an opponent. Nearly 20-percent of those surveyed said that that Jazz home court was the most intimidating gym in the league.

Kyle Korver, who joined that Jazz mid-season last year from the Philadelphia 76ers, has seen the arena form an opponent’s view and knows that intimidation factor that faces opposing players on a nightly basis in Salt Lake City.

“I know playing on different teams in years past, coming here (to Utah) you always knew that the crowd was going to be into it, and that the crowd was going to be a factor,” Korver said. “Now that I do play from the other side, it is a factor and it helps a lot.”

Utah has always drawn energy and momentum from its home floor and its supportive fans. In Utah’s first year of existence, it recorded one sellout game. But since that season, the Jazz have sold out their arena over 600 times.

“If there would be an advantage, I would have to say our fans. Our fans have been terrific,” Jazz coach Jerry Sloan said. “You go around the league and look at teams and there aren’t a lot of people in the stands and that can be tough at times. Our guys have kind of relished the idea of having the fans behind them.”

Not only does a Jazz return to Utah give the team a chance to enjoy a fan “sixth-man”, but it also provides the Jazz a chance to forget their most recent road disappointments and re-focus.

“We did a great job of putting it (the 1-4 road trip) where it is at…in the past,” forward Carlos Boozer said following Monday’s win over Phoenix. “If we had put our heads down, we would have come back and played terrible tonight. We left it in last week and moved onto this week. The great thing in the NBA is that if you lose one game, you have a chance to come back the next night.”

The favorite cliché of most NBA teams, Utah included, involves the idea of taking one game at a time.

So, as the Jazz prepare for Milwaukee on Wednesday night at home, leave it to the hordes of Jazz fans to look forward and hope for a pleasant outcome to the frightening 35 remaining road games—including a Friday night bout at San Antonio where the Jazz haven’t won in over ten years.

Sing it, Willie.

Andrei Kirilenko: There's a New Sixth Man In Town

Kyle Flanagan — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 18:46:31 -0500

The lights go down at EnergySolutions Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah as the public address announcer introduces the starting lineup for the Utah Jazz.

Fireworks blast, laser lights scan the crowd of Jazz fans, and music blares from the arena’s new sound system. But one former Jazz starter doesn’t get to experience the new introductory style.

Instead, he is introduced after a buzzer substitutes him in—with all the lights on and no music playing.

Think that bothers the Jazz’s three-time NBA All-Defensive Team member Andrei Kirilenko?

Not according to him.

“It doesn’t really matter, as long as you play in the game,” Kirilenko said after Utah’s first win this season against the Denver Nuggets. “There are some good sides when you are coming off the bench. You have a chance to see the game from the beginning, see who’s really dangerous, and see how you can help.”

Utah’s star forward now plays the critical sixth-man role for a Jazz team that now has arguably the most dangerous bench in the NBA.

And it may be part of the reason why he has started the season the way he has.

Kirilenko’s ability to accept the role as the multi-dimensional weapon off the Jazz bench has, in fact, been a major reason for the new found energy and success that the one-time NBA All-Star is enjoying through the first seven games of the 2008-09 campaign.

Through Utah’s first two weeks of the season, the 6'9" forward out of Russia is averaging 15.6 points and 7.3 rebounds per game in his new role with the Jazz—all while still getting over 32 minutes per game.

While as a starter, it was easy for Kirilenko’s aggressive defensive style to sometimes land him in foul trouble in the opening minutes of the game. Now, with C.J. Miles starting at forward, Kirilenko enters the game with no fouls and the opportunity to be more aggressive defensively and offensively—leading to more production on both ends.

In fact, one major part of Kirilenko’s success could be the fact that Miles is in the game early on to pick up those fouls that would have otherwise limited Kirilenko’s late game production.

Kirilenko has only added to a potent Jazz bench in his new role, and he has played a major part in making the Jazz’s bench the best bench in the NBA with an average of over 40 points per game from the reserves.

Many of those points are coming from Kirilenko and his omnipresent style of basketball. As Kirilenko continues his successful beginning to the 2008-09 season, it is easy to see how he could be on the fast track towards a Sixth Man of the Year award and a second All-Star selection.

It is definitely early in a long NBA season, but entering Wednesday night’s 95-87 loss to the Washington Wizards, Kirilenko has proven wrong any doubters of head coach Jerry Sloan’s plan to have his highest paid player come off the bench.

Consider this.

Kirilenko’s lone All-Star Game appearance came in the 2003-04 season. Through the first seven games of that season, his production was similar to what it has been through the first seven games of this season. No other season of his, until this year, has seen similar numbers to his All-Star year through the first seven games.

Through seven games of the 2003-04 season, Kirilenko averaged 17.2 points per game (this season, 15.6). He grabbed 7.4 rebounds (7.3), dished out 2.1 assists (2.8), blocked 2.2 shots (1.5), and came up with 1.5 steals per game (1.2).

“I’m trying to be valuable coming off the bench,” Kirilenko added. “Trying to get some deflections, steals, blocks, run the floor a little bit, and bring a little spark and energy from the bench.”

Many Jazz opponents may feel that the Jazz’s bench was already a force to be reckoned with, as Paul Millsap, Kyle Korver, Matt Harpring, and Ronnie Price provided plenty of spark and energy.

But, as Kirilenko is excelling and succeeding with his new role, opposing coaches now hear the substitution buzzer and their stomachs drop a little more than usual.

Kirilenko’s role with the Jazz may have changed, but his ability to produce results and contribute to the Jazz’s game plans has stayed constant.

“A.K. is a special part of our team,” Jazz teammate Deron Williams said. “He does what no other player on this team can do and that’s fill up a stat sheet. He does it offensively and defensively, he brings s a lot of energy to our team.”

With that type of production off the bench, it is easy to think:

Move over Manu Ginobili…there just may be a new Sixth Man of the Year.

Kyle's Week Two "What The...?" Awards

Kyle Flanagan — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 05:45:45 -0400

Another weekend, and another opportunity for sports fans to scratch their heads and say, “What the…?”

Welcome to Kyle’s Week Two “What the…?” Awards. Let’s get right to it.

“What the Phillies Offense?”

Dear Philadelphia Phillies offense,

Welcome to the World Series. It is nice to see that you have finally showed up.

After going a dismal 1-for-the century with runners-in-scoring position, and leaving every citizen of Philadelphia on base, you finally erupted for some runs as you defeated the Rays 10-2 in Game Four of the World Series. You only left eight men on base in the whole game and you managed to record 12 hits in the contest.

Ryan Howard, you were a monster. Going 3-for-4 with a dinger and five RBI was crucial for the Phil’s offense. Rays' manager Joe Maddon had to have removed his Buddy Holly glasses, looked at himself in the mirror, and thought, “What the…?”

“What the Golden Hurricanes?”

Hey BCS "geniuses,” you may want to take note of the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes. Sure, Tulsa plays in the Conference U.S.A., but guess what? These guys can play with anybody. Tulsa’s offense, with its no huddle strategy, can make a game move faster than a drunken prom date.

Explain to me how teams like Boise State and Utah can be higher than the Golden Hurricane in the polls. Tulsa is 8-0 on the season, and aren’t as high in polls simply because of a preseason bunk ranking.

The Hurricanes have one advantage over other non-BCS schools, and that is the fact that they have a Conference Championship game. If the Hurricane runs the table, then the BCS has no choice but to kick themselves and think “What the…?”

“What the Steelers' Long Snapper?”

I get it. He’s the back-up long snapper for the Steelers. He can’t be expected to perform when called upon. Wait, yes he can, and yes he should. What else does back-up snapper James Harrison do for the team?

I would think that if you were delegated as back-up long snapper, that you would have practiced this at some point. Harrison single-handedly brought the Giants back into the game. New York had only been able to come away with field goals (four to be exact) and trailed the Steelers 14-12 with just over six minutes to go in the fourth quarter.

With a punt in the works, Harrison promptly snapped the ball over the punter’s head and out the back of the end zone for a safety. With the score 14-14, the Giants rallied and drove the field on their next possession, before Eli Manning found Kevin Boss for the go-ahead score.

Hey Harrison, “What the…?”

“What the Lack of Upsets?”

College football is quite the game. One week it seems as though every team ranked in the top ten can’t buy a win, and the very next week they all go on the road and defeat their opponents.

Georgia tops LSU in Baton Rouge, while Alabama goes before 102,000 Tennessee faithful and demoralize the Volunteers. Penn State picks up the win over host Ohio State, and Texas Tech marches into Kansas and makes light work of the Jayhawks. How about a little consistency from college football, I mean “what the…?”

That does it for this week’s edition of Kyle’s “What the…?” Awards.

As always, please feel free to add to the list via a comment.

Rays-Phillies: Five Lessons Learned so Far

Kyle Flanagan — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 03:49:07 -0400

The 2008 World Series has lived up to its billing thus far. The Phillies squeaked out a 3-2 Game One victory, while the Rays held on for a 4-2 win in Game Two. October has continued to prove that it is a month to be reckoned with in the baseball world.

After digesting the box scores and happenings of the first two games of the series, I have compiled a list of five things that I have learned after two showdowns.

1. There Are No Intimidated Phillies

Tampa Bay had the best home record in the major leagues this regular season, posting a 54-27 record at Tropicana Field. Entering the World Series, Tampa Bay had gone 4-2 in postseason games at the Trop and had allowed more than four runs only once in the 2008 postseason—Boston’s eight runs in Game Two of the ALCS.

The Phillies were the perfect team to come into St. Petersburg. Philadelphia showed no intimidation in a Game One that featured a sold-out crowd of 40,723 people and at least 20,000 cowbells. Philadelphia’s ace, Cole Hamels, had no trouble with a powerful Rays offense, as he threw seven innings of five-hit ball and surrendered only two runs in the victory.

Intimidation was not a factor for the Philadelphia offense in Game One either, as Chase Utley connected on a two-run dinger in the top of the first inning of Game One.

2. Dan Wheeler Doesn’t Back Down

You want pressure? Enter a crucial Game Two of the World Series with runners on the corners and you will feel pressure.

But all Dan Wheeler did was end the threat as quickly as it began.

Wheeler impressed all watching as he was called upon for relief in the sixth inning of Game Two, after starter James Shields left with runners on the corners and the Phillies seemingly threatening. Wheeler got Pedro Feliz to hit into a fielder's choice to end the threat.

3. David Price Has an Achilles Heel

Price was called up in mid-September and has been a staple in the Rays' bullpen strategy in the 2008 postseason. He will forever be remembered for his timely strikeout of Boston’s J.D. Drew in Game Seven of the ALCS, but in Game Two of the World Series, Price showed a weak spot.

His seemingly inability to go longer than an inning or so of work causes reason for concern for Rays fans. Manager Joe Maddon has expressed his desire to have Price in the starting rotation at some time, but if he struggles past 35 pitches like he did in Game Two, that may not be the best move.

Price threw 42 pitches in two-and-a-third innings of work, faced 11 batters, and surrendered both of Philadelphia’s runs.

4. Phills Left on Base

Leaving 11 people on base in Game Two and 22 people after the first two games is enough reason for Phillies fans to be worried. Feliz, himself, left four runners on base in Game Two—all in scoring position.

In fact, the Phillies are a dismal 1-for-28 with runners in scoring position through the first two games of the series, including 1-for-15 in Game Two.

Compared with only seven stranded runners in the first two games by the Rays, the numbers are bound to catch up with the Phillies as this series shifts to Philadelphia.

5. Battle, Battle, Battle

It has been clear that this is not going to be reminiscent of the 2004 World Series when the Red Sox made light work of the Cardinals. This will be no 2007 World Series that saw the Rockies roll over in four games.

This is a series for fans of baseball. This is a series for fans of hard-nosed ballplayers. These two teams will battle it out and will leave nothing on the field when it is all said and done.

With the first two games being decided by two or less runs, it is safe to assume that nothing will change. Expect close games that are decided by heart and the will to win.

Expect nothing but pure excitement from baseball's greatest month.

Thanks, October.

Atlanta Braves: A Letter to the Community

Kyle Flanagan — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 11:33:21 -0400

Dear Atlanta Braves Community Members,

Allow me to introduce myself.

I am a mourning Braves fan. I have watched the team since 1990. I was on a Braves Little League team and from there I fell in love with the team. I grew up watching TBS and the Carey’s calling each game. I saw Sid Bream slide across home. I watched Marquis Grissom catch the final out of the 1995 World Series.

I witnessed Otis Nixon’s bunt attempt in the World Series against the Blue Jays. I was there for the great run of Division Titles and League Pennants.

Now, like many of you, I have been forced to suffer through October-less years and poor performances, and this season was no exception.

In fact, the Atlanta Braves shattered many of our playoff-hopeful hearts with a dismal 72-90 record this season—marking only the second time in almost 20 years that a Braves squad has finished a season under the .500 mark.

Sure, it may have been more effective to have a cactus up to bat over Jeff Francouer at times. Frenchy disappointed many folks, both in and out of his clubhouse, with his .239 batting average and his 11 home runs.

Granted, there were times when a bucket placed on its side with the opening pointed towards home plate would have been better than Kelly Johnson at second base.

But when all is said and done, we will all be back next season pulling for the boys in Hotlanta.

There are often times when I, like many fans, think that I could do a better job at a certain position then the player making millions doing it. Many times I think that I could head to the outfield 162 times and perform perfectly—typical fan.

This may come as a surprise to some, but the Braves haven’t called me looking for a left-handed former power-hitter who once homered twice in a high school game. They have yet to get in touch with the one-time Orem City “A” All-Star team member that I was.

To my knowledge, Bobby Cox has yet to come up with a nickname for me—even though I can hear him now, “Come on now Flanny;” “Atta baby Flanman;” “Good eye, Flan.”

But what I can’t do between the white lines, I will strive to do in my fanship and in my duties as the Community Leader of the Atlanta Braves Community. We have one of the biggest team Communities in the MLB Community and hopefully we can continue to grow.

I look forward to the offseason and the chance to dream about the 2009 season and the Championship that will hopefully find its way to Atlanta next season.

Sincerely,

Kyle Flanagan

Atlanta Braves Community Leader

Kyle's Week One "What The...?" Awards

Kyle Flanagan — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 09:05:49 -0400

It seems as though every weekend I find myself going to bed on Sunday night with thoughts of “What the…?” in my mind with regards to different sporting events I witnessed.

In response to my late-night thoughts, I would like to introduce the Weekly “What the…?” awards.

“What the freak happened in Tampa Bay?”

Wow. The Rays shocked the baseball world and dethroned the Kings of the American League. Tampa’s 3-1 victory over the Sox kept me thinking “what the…?” throughout the night.

The Rays grab the American League title after outscoring the Sox 43-28 in the seven-game series. Willy Aybar emerges as the unlikely hero, while Evan Longoria, B.J. Upton, and Rocco Baldelli leave no doubt as to why they deserve to be household names.

David Price arose as the man on the bump at the end of the game and, almost certainly, left those who watched Game Seven turning off their television sets with thoughts of “what the…?”

“What the BCS?”

BYU secured their spot outside of a BCS Bowl Game with a devastating 32-7 loss to TCU and the BCS picture got even more intriguing with the rise of Utah and Boise State. Schools within BCS conferences were shook up after another confusing weekend of college pigskin—don’t believe me? Check out Lisa Horne’s latest story on the BCS. I try not to think about the BCS while in bed, simply because I can’t sleep with all the “what the…?” questions I have concerning the issue.

“What the Joba?”

As if the Yankees needed any more reason to be upset that they aren’t playing October baseball, pitcher Joba Chamberlain finds himself in front of a Nebraska police photographer for a mug shot.

At least the hurler had the class to apologize for his “error in judgment.” I’m sure Joba had thoughts of “what the…?” running through his head as he was violated and searched for contraband.

“What the Jerry Jones’ Boys?”

Is there a doctor in the house? Doctor Jerry Jones, please report to the Emergency Room. Your team is falling apart and fading fast.

Brad “What the senior citizen?” Johnson gets the nod as the starter and the Cowboys offense feels it. However, Johnson had nothing to do with the Dallas defense that gave up 160 yards rushing and three touchdowns to the Rams’ Steven Jackson.

I’m sure that after only two receptions and 31 yards, T.O. was sulking on the bench thinking “what the…?”

“What the Brett the Jet?”

I’m sorry. I am a huge Brett Favre fan, but I just can’t excuse a loss to the Raiders. I don’t care how far you had to travel or what creepy owner is staring down at the field from the box seats. You don’t lose to the Raiders.

Favre ended the afternoon with 197 yards in the air and two interceptions—oh yeah, no touchdowns! “What the…?” Even Jamarcus Russell, the Raiders quarterback who had 203 yards and one touchdown, was probably heard walking into the Raiders locker room saying “what the…?”

Please feel free to leave a comment with any “what the…?” moments you witnessed and thought I missed. I would love to hear them.

Check back every Monday for Kyle’s “What the…?” awards.

Rays-Red Sox: Real Reality Television

Kyle Flanagan — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 18:07:06 -0400

Reality television has become so popular in recent years that television stations are forced to begin moving to that genre of viewing options.

Donald Trump has hired and fired countless contestants. People have eaten things not even a goat would attempt to digest for the chance at cash prizes. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition has helped numerous amounts of people, while The Hills have harmed even more. Ozzy Osbourne has cursed his dog out publicly thousands of times, and Jessica Simpson taught the world that not having a clue can make you millions.

Sunday night television was no exception.

Perhaps the most real of the reality shows was found on TBS on Sunday night, as the Tampa Bay Rays secured a date with the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2008 World Series with a Game Seven ALCS 3-1 victory over the Boston Red Sox.

Tampa’s Matt Garza quickly became the Spencer (The Hills) to Red Sox fans everywhere, as he annoyed Boston hitters to the point of complete frustration, on his way to earning his second victory of the ALCS.

John Lester, who suffered back-to-back losses for the first time in his MLB career, fulfilled the role of the American Idol contestant you would give anything to see make it to the next round, but seems to come up just short.

Goosebumps, tears, smiles, drama, and looks of awe accompanied the reality show taking place in St. Petersburg, FL on Sunday night.

Not even Simon Cowell could bring down the spirits of the fans and players of Tampa Bay.

How could he?

Garza’s act of courage and resiliency was un-matched, as he threw 118 pitches in seven innings of work—giving up only two hits and one run. Willy Aybar proved that non-household names sometimes make the biggest impacts in the most crucial moments, as he left the park for the second time of the ALCS with an insurance run, providing solo shot in the seventh inning.

David Price, who was called up from the Tampa Bay farm system in mid-September, was called upon in the eighth inning and the bases full of Red Sox. The 23-year-old left-hander was asked to face J.D. Drew, and promptly struck out the power-hitter on four pitches. With three outs to go, Price returned to the mound where he eventually got Jed Lowrie to hit into a fielder’s choice groundball to second base to end the game.

Not even the The Real World ever had this much reality.

So, as the Rays finish celebrating and prepare for Wednesday’s World Series Game One showdown with the Phillies the baseball world joins Simon, Randy, and Paula to say:

“Congratulations Rays, you’re on to the next round.”

BYU: Viva Las Vegas

Kyle Flanagan — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 04:30:03 -0400

BYU fans—make sure to thank the Cougars.

For the fourth straight year you only have to make a five-hour drive to the lights of Las Vegas for another rousing opportunity to play a fourth-place Pac-10 team.

Be honest—you weren’t really wanting to have to plan a trip to Tempe for the Fiesta Bowl or New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl.

After BYU’s devastating 32-7 loss to the Horned Frogs of TCU, the Cougars did accomplish one thing—they proved ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit right.

Herbstreit told viewers of ESPN’s SportsCenter coming into the 2008 college football season that the Cougars didn’t belong in discussions of top 10 teams and had no reserve in declaring that the Cougars were “ranked too high.”

Sure, Herbstreit also predicted a UCLA victory over BYU this season, and then the Cougars took a 59-0 win over the Bruins—can’t get them all right. But perhaps Herbstreit was merely looking at the past when he declared that the Cougars were too far up in the rankings.

A disheartening loss on the road in a promising season is something that Cougar fans are accustomed to.

BYU started off the 2006 season with Pac-10 foe Arizona in Tucson. The Cougars outgained the Wildcats by 60 total yards on the night and enjoyed a halftime lead. But after a special teams miscue and a lackluster offensive night, the Wildcats recorded the big win on a Nick Folk field goal with six seconds remaining in the game.

No. 23 Boston College was another big road game for the Cougars in 2006, and after another explosive start, the Cougars let Boston College back in the game.

BYU amassed 547 yards of offense compared to the Eagles' 471 yards. But the Cougars were unable to take advantage of several offensive opportunities and the Eagles eventually took a 23-20 double-overtime victory, leaving the Cougars aimed towards Vegas again.

Luckily for the Cougars, Celine Dion’s “New Day” show was still playing in Las Vegas in 2006.

The next season ushered in the first year of the Max Hall era, and Cougar fans were sure that the BCS would come calling. But it took only three weeks for the Cougars to begin making travel arrangements for Las Vegas. After a 27-17 loss to UCLA in the Rose Bowl, the Cougars followed with an uncharacteristic 55-47 loss at Tulsa.

Hall threw for 537 yards against Tulsa, and the Cougars had a chance to score at the end of regulation for a possible tie, but back-to-back false starts from offensive lineman Travis Bright ended the rally and secured the win for Tulsa.

The Cougars have won their last 16 games at friendly LaVell Edwards Stadium, and the BCS would surely be busted if BYU could play all 12 games in a season in Provo.

However, as long as there are quality teams and raucous crowds on the road, the Cougars will be destined for Vegas.

Hey, are Siegfried and Roy in town this year?

Tampa Bay Rays: An October To Remember

Kyle Flanagan — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 07:42:12 -0400

After watching the Rays completely handle the Red Sox again in Game Four, all I could say was “wow.”

We all knew the Rays were good, but did anyone know that they were this good?

Did anyone think that Tampa Bay would take the first two games at the hallowed grounds of Fenway by a combined score of 22-5?

Did anyone really think that the Red Sox would be facing elimination in Game Five of an ALCS against Tampa freaking Bay?

I didn’t think you did.

Who knew that Willy Aybar, a guy who didn’t even play a game in the big leagues last season, would be hitting .500 (6-for-12) in the ALCS, including a long ball and five RBI?

Who thought that Carl Crawford would go 5-for-5 in Game Four, with two RBI and three runs scored? Who figured that Andy Sonnanstine would shut down a Red Sox lineup by going seven-and-one-third innings and allowing only three earned runs?

Oh yeah, Sonnanstine is one of only two pitchers to pick up multiple wins this postseason—Cole Hamels of Philadelphia being the other with a Game Five win over the Dodgers last night.

Did anyone think Red Sox ace John Lester would give up five runs in five innings of work in Game Three?

Could you have possibly thought that David “Big Floppi” Ortiz would be hitting under the Mendoza line for the playoffs (.161), including a dismal 1-for-14 (.071) in the ALCS?

Anyone else out there surprised by Red Sox captain and leader Jason Varitek’s offensive performance?

In fact, the only person performing worse from the plate than “Big Floppi” is El Capitan, Varitek. The catcher is hitting a gloomy .125 (3-for-24) in the 2008 postseason and has yet to record a hit in the ALCS.

Who would have thought that the Rays could overcome weak Game One offense, in which they scored zero runs, and then promptly rattle off 31 runs in the next three games? Who knew that James Shields, Tampa’s ace on the bump, was going to get no offensive support in Game One and take the loss?

Show me a person who thought that Boston would be facing a second consecutive 3-1 deficit in the ALCS and I will show you a liar. Show me someone who figured that playoff experienced Josh Beckett was going to last only four-and-a-third innings in Game Two and surrender eight runs and I will show you a fabricator.

Who thought Jacoby Ellsbury, the pride of the Red Sox farm system and consistent offensive contributor in the Division Series and last year’s playoffs, would be told to find a place on the pine in Game Four because of his 0-for-14 ALCS?

October is a month that ushers in colder weather in most states. It is a month that kicks off the changing of the color of the leaves. October gives us the first opportunities to see our breath when we exhale.

And October of 2008 has given us the unthinkable.

Red Sox-Rays: What I've Learned So Far

Kyle Flanagan — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 08:42:57 -0400

As I watched the 11 inning, five hour and 27 minute, back-and-forth affair between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox in Game Two of the ALCS, I learned quite a bit about both squads.

Here's what I've come to conclude.

Josh Beckett = Huh?

What has happened to Beckett? He was given an early lead from the Sox offense and he managed to give up that lead...wait for it...three separate times (see Francona's Follies below). Beckett was the 2003 World Series MVP for the Florida Marlins. Just last season, he was the easy choice for MVP for the Red Sox in the ALCS over the Indians.

2008 has obviously not been Beckett's year, and he showed his mortality throughout the season, as he followed up last year's 20-7 record with a disappointing 12-10 record this season in 27 starts.

This season also marked only the second time in his career that he has finished a season with an ERA over four. However, one thing that has been as consistent as facial hair on Kevin Youkilis is Beckett's ability to shut opponents down in the playoffs. In his playoff career, he has only had a series ERA over three once (3.26 in 2003 against the Cubs), but this season, in his two playoff starts, he is holding down an ERA over 11. Good thing there is a guy named John Lester in that rotation.

Francona's Follies

Look, Terry Francona is a great guy and often times a great manager. But is anyone else curious as to why he left Beckett in for so long the other night? Why did Beckett even get the chance to surrender the lead a third time?

J.D. Drew has no arm

Has anyone ever done testing to see if, in fact, J.D. Drew has a right arm? With the way he came up throwing on that shallow flyball off of Upton's bat had to leave Sox fans wanting proof that there is an actual arm coming out of that jersey.

Drew almost had to waive off the first and second basemen to make the play and yet he still couldn’t' get that ball to home in the air...what?! I know several men in the geriatric unit at Boston's South Cove Manor nursing home who would have been able to put enough air under that throw (much less keep it on line).

If I'm Tampa Bay and I have a guy on third base with less than two outs...forget swinging for the fences...I'm swinging for Drew.

Tampa has weaknesses

It is so much fun to think about the Rays winning the World Series (unless you are a Boston, L.A., or Phillies fan). But one thing we have seen in these first two games against the Sox that we didn't see in the series against Chicago is that Tampa has some things to be worried about.

Scott Kazmir did his best impression of Charlie Sheen in Major League, as he became a little wild again. He threw a whopping 38 pitches in the first inning, and if I'm Tampa Bay, I am a little concerned. An inconsistent offense (zero runs in Game One and nine runs in Game Two) seems to be the story for the first two games of this ALCS, and with the Rays having to face Lester at Fenway today, they better hope their Game Two offense shows up.

David who?

Who needs David Ortiz? The Sox obviously don't. Lately, it seems as though Ortiz has been swinging with a No. 2 pencil instead of a baseball bat. He is 0-for-6 in the ALCS and only 4-for-23 (.173) in the 2008 postseason. But who cares? It hasn't hurt the Sox at all...they have shown that they can win without his or the former left-fielder's bat in the lineup.

Jason Bay is plain smoking the ball this postseason, hitting .440 in the playoffs (11-for-25), not to mention the three dingers and nine RBI to go along with it. Dustin Pedroia has worked out the kinks from the Divisional Series (where he was 1-for-17) and has hit .500 in the first two games against the Rays (4-for-8).

Pitchers have had about as much success against Youkilis as a razor blade has against his beard, and Coco Crisp has proved that he is more than just a cool name, but that he can swing the lumber as well.

From Cinderella to Legitimate

The Rays did prove on Saturday night that they are not just Cinderellas. They were not the "little guys" who were going to give into the tradition and talent of Boston. They proved that they can battle back and win games, even when the odds are stacked against them.

One thing is for certain: This series is sure to provide many more highlights, and I plan to be there for all of them.

To B(CS) or Not to B(CS): That Is the Question

Kyle Flanagan — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 09:34:46 -0400

It seems as though every August we college football fans are forced to listen to the relentless hyping and talking up of the next BCS buster.

Why is it that we are forced to go through this year in and year out?

Why do teams outside of those “superior” and “powerhouse” conferences constantly have to wonder...“to B(CS) or not to B(CS)? That is the question.”

The answer is simple: When William Shakespeare wrote the phrase uttered in his famous play Hamlet, the world was still in order.

However, since the creation of the BCS the world has fallen into a college football apostasy.

Now we have computers deciding who should play in what game. We have teams (like the BYU Cougars) who are forced—mind you—forced to schedule lesser teams in hopes of achieving perfection and perhaps getting a nod to a financially coveted BCS bowl game.

It worked for Utah in 2004. The Broncos of Boise State made it happen in 2006, and Hawaii used the theory just last season.

In the case of Utah and Boise State, they proved that they did in fact belong, but why do these teams have to prove it more than other teams?

BYU goes on the road and gets a close victory over a “down” team but still drops a few spots in the polls.

However, if Florida were to ever travel to an opponent’s field during the opponent's “down” season and narrowly escape with a victory, there would be no repercussions. We simply chalk it up to the fact that they play in one particular region of the country. That’s it.

As a close follower of Mountain West Conference football (your home of the next BCS buster), I feel that there are several reasons why the MWC deserves the credit and hype that other programs get.

Granted, BYU is in the top 10 and Utah is rolling right now. I see the props coming in. I just want to offer a reminder that these guys can play.

Against their rival conference the Pac-10, the MWC is 5-1 on the season. Even mid to bottom MWC teams (UNLV) are taking it to the supposed upper echelon of Pac-10 teams (Arizona State). BYU put a convincing 59-0 beatdown on UCLA, while TCU and New Mexico handled their Pac-10 foes.

I will concede that top to bottom the SEC and the Big 12 are superior conferences to the Mountain West. However, I will contend until I am blue in the face that this season the Mountain West Conference is the third best conference in the country.

Utah proved they could hang with the Big Ten as they went into the Big House and beat a Michigan team that took care of ninth-ranked Big Ten opponent Wisconsin on the same field.

Ohio State struggled in victories against much “lesser” opponents in Ohio and Troy, while Wisconsin suffered the loss to the Wolverines and barely escaped Fresno State with a victory.

The Big Ten does have one thing going for it...Penn State and Joe Pa.

I don’t even need to get into the ACC and Big East, as they are clearly not in the same breath as the Mountain West Conference.

Of course, as bad as they are, the ACC and Big East winners are still granted an automatic berth into a BCS showdown (where they will most likely be beaten by a “lesser” MWC opponent. See: Utah 35, Pittsburgh 7 in 2004).

Go figure.

How I wish I lived when Shakespeare did...those were the days.

Five Reasons Why the Tampa Bay Rays Deserve a World Series Championship

Kyle Flanagan — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 03:35:10 -0400

Finally...At long and blessed last...It's about time...Take that skeptics.

These phrases, along with many others, are almost certainly the most common words being spoken in Tampa Bay, FL this week, as for the first time in its history, the Tampa Bay Rays have won a playoff series and have advanced to the American League Championship Series.

It wasn't enough that the Rays (or as everyone still calls them, the Devil Rays) finished above .500 for the first time in franchise history, they went on to win the A.L. East by a two-game margin before securing a spot in the ALCS with a 6-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox to take the first-round series, 3-1.

There is no team in baseball that deserves to win the World Series more than the group of "sandlot players" in Tampa Bay.

The Red Sox have broken the curse of the Bambino; America is now tired of them.

The Dodgers' fans are the most unloyal and fair-weathered fans in baseball history. If you can't arrive to the game before the first pitch is thrown, and you can't sit in your seat past the sixth inning during a regular-season game, your team doesn't deserve a Championship.

The Phillies are boring. The Brewers collapsed. The Cubs can't even beat a "curse" from a billy goat, the White Sox don't like each other, and the Angels are the biggest group of underachievers since that guy that was drafted ahead of Michael Jordan (old what's his name).

This leaves one deserving team of the World Championship this season, the Rays, and here are five reasons why:

1. Homegrown Talent

15 of the players on the 2008 Tampa Bay roster are products of their very own farm system and wise drafting strategies. These homegrown players aren’t the run-of-the-mill bench players either; these are starters and superstars.

A guy like Evan Longoria, the deserving A.L. Rookie of the Year, with his .272 batting average, 27 home runs, and 85 RBI in 2008, has proved what homegrown talent can do. Carl Crawford and Rocco Baldelli were both drafted and groomed by the Rays. The Rays have built their team the right way; their superstars were not bought, they were developed.

2. Get the Fans to the Park

The Rays had one of the lowest attendance-averages during regular-season games, averaging 22,370 fans per game this season (third lowest among A.L. teams).

Before now, a Rays ticket was about as desirable as a case of the measles, but a World Series Championship will bring the fans to the field and turn a ticket to a Rays game into one of the most wanted items in Florida.

The players in Tampa Bay deserve a full stadium, and a World Series appearance and Championship will give them what they deserve.

3. Joe Maddon

Is there any doubt that this guy is the A.L. Manager of the Year? You would have to be an absolute fool to vote otherwise. He happened to manage only the second team in major-league history to win more than 95 games only one year after losing more than 95 games.

While some managers may celebrate victories with a cold brewskie, Maddon sips on a nice glass of wine from a bottle he keeps on a wine rack in his office at Tropicana Field.

4. Payroll

The Rays' payroll for 2008 was an astonishing $43.8 million. This is by far the lowest in the American League and second lowest in the major leagues (the Marlins are lowest at $21.8 million).

When compared to the teams they beat in their division, the Rays, who are over $20 million less than the 2008 A.L. East last place Orioles, have proven that teams can be developed.

With only $43.8 million on their payroll, the Rays still managed to embarrass their A.L. East opponents, all of who happen to have much larger payrolls (Yankees $209 million, Red Sox $133.4 million, Blue Jays $98.6 million, Orioles $67.1 million).

5. Who saw it coming?

This was the worst team in baseball last season, with a 66-96 record; finishing 30 games behind the division winning Red Sox. This season saw the Rays jump out to a 14-12 record after one month of action (the first above-.500 month in franchise history) and finish with a 97-65 record and an A.L. East title.

The Vegas odds for the Rays winning the World Series at the beginning of the MLB season were an astonishing 150-1. The odds-makers put the Rays at 75-1 for winning the American League before the season began. If Vegas didn’t see it coming, no one did.

After 11 years of existence, the Rays are on the brink of achieving greatness, and it’s time to take the old, overrated, overexposed, and overly boring out of the World Series and welcome the new, classy, and homegrown boys in.

So put down the beer, grab a glass of wine, and raise it high in the air as we toast manager Joe Maddon and his miracle team.

Here’s to you Tampa Bay.