This is how little anyone cares about Philly "winning" the world series. On ESPN they had it as their cover story, but not in any blown out of proportion way as they are usually wont to do. Right next to it they had BREAKING NEWS: Oden out 2-4 weeks. The Phillies are the champions of professional baseball and breaking news is that Greg Oden is out 2-4 weeks?
It was a joke. Outside of Cole Hamels being his dominating self and Ryan Howard remembering that he was in fact Ryan Howard, I didn't see anything that made me think the Phillies won this series. I watched the Rays not show up, forget how to hit, and saw the outcome of a secret team meeting in which they said to each other, "Hey, let's play like it's 2007 tonight, gang!" Although I had picked the Rays to win, this worked out much like I saw it working out. My feeling was that the Phillies could beat the Rays, but not the Sawx, and that the Dodgers could beat the Sawx, but not the Rays. Mind you, that was a "could," my expectation was that the Rays could run the table, but they didn't. May they become the '07 White Sox next year for failing to man up. I'm embarrassed that we're saying goodbye to baseball in '08 in this fashion. Congrats, Philadelphia, you sucked the least this year.
God, the Phillies were unimpressive - I can't get over it. Ok, recaps:
None of my picks that actually came to fruition were major events for me. Except one, we'll get to that. I picked the Chiefs to cover, and that is what we call a Smart bet, considering how poorly the Jets had played a week before and still could not cover the spread. The chips were stacked against them for that, but KC is horrible, and I would say I earned my money on that pick.
Miami beating Buffalo was a shocker. Today I heard Jim Kelly talking about how really there are only 2 games a year you have to win if you're Buffalo - the two you play against the Dolphins. By the way, in case no one's noticed, Miami is 2-1 in the division...keep your eyes peeled.
Tampa Bay could have beaten Dallas, had both teams remembered that they were playing football. Watching Dallas celebrate their victory almost made me pity them...almost.
St. Louis just barely, BARELY made their points and cost me what I thought was an easy win. Oh, and Steven Jackson sat and killed my fantasy team. Who didn't sit and also helped kill my fantasy team? Anquan Boldin, who along with the rest of the Cards, earned a tie (point wise) against the Carolina F*ing Panthers (CFP as I shall refer to them from here on out). It should be mentioned that this was the first time all year that a team from the west playing on the east coast even earned so much as a tie against the spread. Still, no team from the west has won a 1 oclock game on the east this year. Mark that one down.
Washington was unable to cover the spread against a struggling Detroit team but earned a tie points wise, making me think that maybe Washington isn't as nasty as they had appeared. Then again, the Giants are arguably one of the best teams in the NFL, and they almost lost to the Bengals and did indeed lose to the Browns.
I would like to point out my prophetic powers with my AGS (Any Given Sunday) pick. The whole game felt like, "This shouldn't be happening," until the final score came and said, "Holy Shit, it happened." I think going forward I will now be instituting this pick, which in reality will allow me to pick whatever team I want and suffer the Loss, but no repercussions for a poor pick.
Seattle won the battle of Who Could Care Less, much as I thought they would, but that was anyone's guess. Both teams were so anemic coming in that I was actually going to pick the Refs in that one, and closer study of game video might have shown that they did in fact come out on top...
Indy sucks. Badly. Only one Manning has shown up this year, which leads me to my next point...
GIANTS WIN! GIANTS WIN! They were tested in the Steel City, but they came out on top. A lot has been made of Pittsburgh's long snapper getting injured, necessetating a replacement, and said replacement blowing open the game. This was a Momentum Changer, but it was not by any means a deciding factor on the game. The score was only tied, and with Pittsburgh punting from its field position, it is very likely that the Giants would have started in an even better place to drive toward the goal line. But we will never know. The truth is the snap did sail over the punter's head, and went out for a safety, and the Giants reaped the benefits. I was at a bar and must have made the safety sign about 15 times in succession. Not much is known after that. I remember cheering and chest bumping, drinking beers and singing, "There's only ooooooooone Eli Maaaaaanning!" Oh, and Justin Tuck is a BAD man. He will hurt you! The Giant's D kept them in that game, as did the O-line which yielded zero sacks to the Steel Curtain. God I love football. Picks coming up in a couple days. Getcha popcorn.
This week: 6-6-2
As a bonus for this week's pick, I will unveil the "Wide Receiver Douchiness" scale a couple of my buddies and I came up with. It will be a delight.
-Jobimoto out.
Would you say that was more of a Randy Moss or a Plaxico Burress?
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Week 8
I literally spent about 4 minutes trying to come up with a name for this week's entry, and then I said, "F it." This is week 8. I watched the Rangers come from behind against the Penguins last night at the Garden and it was amazing. Now I've got some Wolfmother pumping and I'm ready to bring to you the picks for week 8.
Baltimore (-7.5) over Oakland - Please. Oakland sucks. It's a 1 oclock game on the East in which Oakland is traveling. They suck, Baltimore is hungry, and still no west coast team has won at 1pm this year coming East. I'll take Baltimore and give the points. No brainer.
New Orleans (+3) over San Diego - In London, so no team is really home, although N.O. is getting screwed on the schedule because this counts as one of their home games. I'm going to go along with Mike Golic on this, and say that San Diego got smacked around coming East last week, then has to travel again? I just don't think they're going to put it together. However, New Orleans is without Reggie Bush, who, apart from Brees, is their Playmaker. Depending on the weather, this could be another debacle like last year. I'm taking New Orleans and the points.
Kansas City (+14) over Jets - One of those, "am I actually writing this?" picks, but we're talking about giving 14 points to a Jets team that lost by 3 to the Raiders last week. Something doesn't sit right there. Kansas City is Bad, but if a team as Ugly as Oakland can beat the Jets, I think it opens the flood gates and raises a lot of questions about Brett Favre Brett Favre Brett Favre (apologies to Greg Easterbrook). I'll take the points.
Buffalo (-1) over Miami - It's a pretty close line, but I don't think Miami's winning this game. They've been struggling a little bit, though they appear better than they are. The Bills on the other hand are a legit contender, and I don't think they lose this game. Divisional match ups are what they need to feast on right now, and they are hungry. Buffalo by 1 at least.
Tampa Bay (+2) over Dallas - Again, "am I really writing this?" At +2 I'm saying that I think Tampa Bay is going to win this game. Do I think they will? I'm not so sure. Do I think they can? Definitely. Dallas cannot be as bad as they are looking right now, and the same argument was made of the Giants last year when they lost and lost Ugly. The Cowgirls have looked like a mess at the best of times recently, and until they prove me wrong, I think the safe money is on the other team, even in Big D.
Atlanta (+9) over Philly - This is an interesting one. ESPN has Philly at -5.5, but Vegas has it at 9. I think Matt Ryan is going to run into a buzz-saw, a whole different beast than he is used to playing against, but this team continues to surprise me and Philly continues (thankfully) to disappoint. Turner has been a horse this year, and has proven his stud status. Still a lot of questions in Philly, that's why I think Atlanta will cover, though not necessarily win. I'll take the points.
New England (-7.5) over St. Louis - Will the real 2008 Patriots please stand up? Last week they were monsters against a Broncos team that I was certain would show the Patriots the meaning of the word respect. Instead that game was over before it started. St. Louis is Back, there is no doubt about it, but just how Back? I don't think they can waltz into Gilette and take this game, especially with Jackson at questionable strength. I'll take New England and give the points, and probably be horribly burned by this flip-flopping team.
Carolina (-4) over Arizona - We all know the rule by now, I refuse to pick based on Carolina. This time I'm not, simply playing the 1pm percentages with the west coast traveling east. Until a team from the pacific time zone is able to win on the east coast at 1pm, I'm picking the east coast teams without a second glance. Hope Hightower goes in today though, I need some pts in FF.
Washington (-8) over Detroit - Leaving behind the, "No point spread is large enough," talk that tends to get me in trouble, I think this is an extremely coverable gap, especially for a Washington team that needs to flex some muscle, and especially against a Detroit team that looks like it could be helped by putting me in the slot for a couple plays. Taking Washington, giving the points.
Jacksonville (-7) over Cleveland - Cleveland's depleted, has locker room turmoil, and is 1-2 on the road, facing a Jacksonville team that is a better football team. The Any Given Sunday factor is coming in here, and I would have to make this my Any Given Sunday pick of the week, in which for no reason whatsoever the team that should not be able to win can manhandle the opposition. But alas, this is not my AGS pick, I'm still going with the Jags and giving the points.
Giants (+3) over Pittsburgh - IT IS ON! This is a true battle, though the Steelers missing Parker and Polamalu is big, as well as them potentially losing Santonio Holmes to the weed bust. Pittsburgh has classically played the most grinding football I have ever seen, and the Giants can hang tough with it, but I think they will be best served trying to play their own game. In the air is where the Steelers can win this game, as the Giants' secondary has looked lost at the best of times recently, but count on the G-Men to stop the run, especially if Antonio Pierce is back in the lineup. The Giants need to keep Eli off his back, and they are the key to this game. If the O-line performs, then it's going to be Giants. Still, I'll take the points, but picking Giants to Win.
Seattle (+5.5) over San Francisco - Really? Are either of these teams capable of winning a game? I am not convinced that either of these would be the correct pick. I only picked Seattle because I saw firsthand how bad San Fran was last week. Look for JT O'Sullivan to lose this game, not for Seattle to win. That's about all I can say. This is the type of football game that makes Baby Jesus cry.
Houston (-9) over Cincinnati - Wow. When I thought you couldn't get more boring than the last game I picked, Houston and Cincy come to town. Awesome. Houston and give the points, because honestly, Cincy couldn't win with Palmer, he's done, and they suck. They SUCK. To quote Homer,"I've seen teams suck before, but man did these guys suck. They were the suckiest bunch of sucks that ever sucked." This doesn't get an Any Given Sunday pick either, because Houston is better than their record and can easily cover the spread against a team that should just be stricken from the existence of the NFL.
Indianapolis (+4) over Tennessee - FINALLY! Another good game in the NFL after the Giants/Steelers game. Tennessee is a juggernaut this year, not unlike the character from the pages of X-Men. They are big, they are mean, they are forces of nature and they will eventually be Beat, but they will not be Defeated. Indy needs a win more than anything, especially against AFC South rival/leader Tennessee. This could be their season. They go to 4-3 and gain ground against the Titans, or they drop to 3-4 and start thinking about the draft pick and what commercials Peyton will be doing in the off-season. I am still convinced that Indy can win any game, any day of the week when the stakes are high enough. This is a Foolish pick, I know. There is nothing indicating that they should win this game, but sometimes you gotta go with your gut.
-Jobimoto out.
Crosby is stopped, Rangers win in OT!!!
Baltimore (-7.5) over Oakland - Please. Oakland sucks. It's a 1 oclock game on the East in which Oakland is traveling. They suck, Baltimore is hungry, and still no west coast team has won at 1pm this year coming East. I'll take Baltimore and give the points. No brainer.
New Orleans (+3) over San Diego - In London, so no team is really home, although N.O. is getting screwed on the schedule because this counts as one of their home games. I'm going to go along with Mike Golic on this, and say that San Diego got smacked around coming East last week, then has to travel again? I just don't think they're going to put it together. However, New Orleans is without Reggie Bush, who, apart from Brees, is their Playmaker. Depending on the weather, this could be another debacle like last year. I'm taking New Orleans and the points.
Kansas City (+14) over Jets - One of those, "am I actually writing this?" picks, but we're talking about giving 14 points to a Jets team that lost by 3 to the Raiders last week. Something doesn't sit right there. Kansas City is Bad, but if a team as Ugly as Oakland can beat the Jets, I think it opens the flood gates and raises a lot of questions about Brett Favre Brett Favre Brett Favre (apologies to Greg Easterbrook). I'll take the points.
Buffalo (-1) over Miami - It's a pretty close line, but I don't think Miami's winning this game. They've been struggling a little bit, though they appear better than they are. The Bills on the other hand are a legit contender, and I don't think they lose this game. Divisional match ups are what they need to feast on right now, and they are hungry. Buffalo by 1 at least.
Tampa Bay (+2) over Dallas - Again, "am I really writing this?" At +2 I'm saying that I think Tampa Bay is going to win this game. Do I think they will? I'm not so sure. Do I think they can? Definitely. Dallas cannot be as bad as they are looking right now, and the same argument was made of the Giants last year when they lost and lost Ugly. The Cowgirls have looked like a mess at the best of times recently, and until they prove me wrong, I think the safe money is on the other team, even in Big D.
Atlanta (+9) over Philly - This is an interesting one. ESPN has Philly at -5.5, but Vegas has it at 9. I think Matt Ryan is going to run into a buzz-saw, a whole different beast than he is used to playing against, but this team continues to surprise me and Philly continues (thankfully) to disappoint. Turner has been a horse this year, and has proven his stud status. Still a lot of questions in Philly, that's why I think Atlanta will cover, though not necessarily win. I'll take the points.
New England (-7.5) over St. Louis - Will the real 2008 Patriots please stand up? Last week they were monsters against a Broncos team that I was certain would show the Patriots the meaning of the word respect. Instead that game was over before it started. St. Louis is Back, there is no doubt about it, but just how Back? I don't think they can waltz into Gilette and take this game, especially with Jackson at questionable strength. I'll take New England and give the points, and probably be horribly burned by this flip-flopping team.
Carolina (-4) over Arizona - We all know the rule by now, I refuse to pick based on Carolina. This time I'm not, simply playing the 1pm percentages with the west coast traveling east. Until a team from the pacific time zone is able to win on the east coast at 1pm, I'm picking the east coast teams without a second glance. Hope Hightower goes in today though, I need some pts in FF.
Washington (-8) over Detroit - Leaving behind the, "No point spread is large enough," talk that tends to get me in trouble, I think this is an extremely coverable gap, especially for a Washington team that needs to flex some muscle, and especially against a Detroit team that looks like it could be helped by putting me in the slot for a couple plays. Taking Washington, giving the points.
Jacksonville (-7) over Cleveland - Cleveland's depleted, has locker room turmoil, and is 1-2 on the road, facing a Jacksonville team that is a better football team. The Any Given Sunday factor is coming in here, and I would have to make this my Any Given Sunday pick of the week, in which for no reason whatsoever the team that should not be able to win can manhandle the opposition. But alas, this is not my AGS pick, I'm still going with the Jags and giving the points.
Giants (+3) over Pittsburgh - IT IS ON! This is a true battle, though the Steelers missing Parker and Polamalu is big, as well as them potentially losing Santonio Holmes to the weed bust. Pittsburgh has classically played the most grinding football I have ever seen, and the Giants can hang tough with it, but I think they will be best served trying to play their own game. In the air is where the Steelers can win this game, as the Giants' secondary has looked lost at the best of times recently, but count on the G-Men to stop the run, especially if Antonio Pierce is back in the lineup. The Giants need to keep Eli off his back, and they are the key to this game. If the O-line performs, then it's going to be Giants. Still, I'll take the points, but picking Giants to Win.
Seattle (+5.5) over San Francisco - Really? Are either of these teams capable of winning a game? I am not convinced that either of these would be the correct pick. I only picked Seattle because I saw firsthand how bad San Fran was last week. Look for JT O'Sullivan to lose this game, not for Seattle to win. That's about all I can say. This is the type of football game that makes Baby Jesus cry.
Houston (-9) over Cincinnati - Wow. When I thought you couldn't get more boring than the last game I picked, Houston and Cincy come to town. Awesome. Houston and give the points, because honestly, Cincy couldn't win with Palmer, he's done, and they suck. They SUCK. To quote Homer,"I've seen teams suck before, but man did these guys suck. They were the suckiest bunch of sucks that ever sucked." This doesn't get an Any Given Sunday pick either, because Houston is better than their record and can easily cover the spread against a team that should just be stricken from the existence of the NFL.
Indianapolis (+4) over Tennessee - FINALLY! Another good game in the NFL after the Giants/Steelers game. Tennessee is a juggernaut this year, not unlike the character from the pages of X-Men. They are big, they are mean, they are forces of nature and they will eventually be Beat, but they will not be Defeated. Indy needs a win more than anything, especially against AFC South rival/leader Tennessee. This could be their season. They go to 4-3 and gain ground against the Titans, or they drop to 3-4 and start thinking about the draft pick and what commercials Peyton will be doing in the off-season. I am still convinced that Indy can win any game, any day of the week when the stakes are high enough. This is a Foolish pick, I know. There is nothing indicating that they should win this game, but sometimes you gotta go with your gut.
-Jobimoto out.
Crosby is stopped, Rangers win in OT!!!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
If you don't love this car, you have no soul.
Go here and look at this amazing Lamborghini concept car. Now
I am not really a car person, there are certain ones I like, but nothing that has ever made my jaw drop like this beauty. It has become my obsession. I need it. I want it. Or at least to touch it. Sitting in the driver's seat of it might actually give me super powers or at least convert me to pure kinetic energy. I am entranced by its Siren's song for at least another 15 minutes, which is more than most things can do...
Also, it took me about five minutes to realize there was a girl standing next to that car. You could but Giselle next to that car and I'd STILL be looking at the car. That's how amazing it is. If you put Giselle on that car...my brain would explode.
-Jobimoto out.
Look at that car again. NOW!
I am not really a car person, there are certain ones I like, but nothing that has ever made my jaw drop like this beauty. It has become my obsession. I need it. I want it. Or at least to touch it. Sitting in the driver's seat of it might actually give me super powers or at least convert me to pure kinetic energy. I am entranced by its Siren's song for at least another 15 minutes, which is more than most things can do...
Also, it took me about five minutes to realize there was a girl standing next to that car. You could but Giselle next to that car and I'd STILL be looking at the car. That's how amazing it is. If you put Giselle on that car...my brain would explode.
-Jobimoto out.
Look at that car again. NOW!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Consider the pain broughten.
My picks last week were awesome - for the one oclock games. I went 7-1 and got screwed by who? That's right, the Carolina Panthers who ripped the Saints apart. Detroit covered the spread by a point and a half, but the Jets' played one of the worst games of football I've ever seen, Washington and Tampa both didn't cover the points, Indy got destroyed by the Packers, and Broncos were sent back to Denver with their tail tucked between their legs after being beat in what? A shootout. I finished at 8-6. Not that impressive, but better than previous weeks.
Steven Jackson carried my fantasy team, it was a pretty good day. Tampa Bay is in the Series starting tonight, and I think either them or the Phillies winning is a sign of the impending apocalypse.
-Jobimoto out.
Abandon hope, all ye who enter here...
Steven Jackson carried my fantasy team, it was a pretty good day. Tampa Bay is in the Series starting tonight, and I think either them or the Phillies winning is a sign of the impending apocalypse.
-Jobimoto out.
Abandon hope, all ye who enter here...
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Bring the Pain!
Today will be a special day for Blogi and I. His team (49ers) are coming east to play my team (GIANTS BABY!) and we are actually in the same city to watch this event unfold together. Maybe we'll get some live blogging in, but more likely than not we're just going to sit here yelling at the TV, and as soon as the game turns into a rout by Eli and the G-Men (somewhere around 12 minutes to go in the second quarter), I'm sure we'll wax rhapsodic about more pressing issues - but what could be more important than sports on a Sunday in the fall? The Rays are failing to deliver the killing blow, the Rangers are starting off well, and there's even hope that the Knicks won't be a public embarrassment to New York this year. Smell that? It's turning leaves and the best time of year to be a sports fan.
All that being said, I want a nickname. I can hear you now, "But Jobi...that IS your nickname!" Well, tough turkey. I want a nickname like, "Swami," or, "Guru," or, "White Chocolate Thunder." I know all of these names are already taken, but I want something for Sundays for when I make my bold predictions that cannot be backed up. That being said, on with the show...
Tennessee (-9) over Chiefs - Tennessee is now the lone unbeaten team left in the NFL, but that is not to say they will stay that way indefinitely. They will lose, but not to the Chiefs. The nine points may be a bit much, especially considering that Kerry Collins is under center for this team, but the Chiefs are not impressive. I'm taking Tennessee's defense to ice the game.
Buffalo (-1) over San Diego - It will happen some time this year that a west coast team will win a 1 o'clock game being played on the east coast, but until someone actually does, I'm going with history on this one. The Chargers could be the exception that proves the rule, but they (read - Phillip Rivers) have disappointed me so many times this year that I'm picking the Bills.
Pittsburgh (-9.5) over Cincinnati - Honestly, what are the Bengals doing this year? Last week they proved they couldn't cover a double digit spread against the Jets, who are by no means a powerhouse, and reports have been flying that the fans have given up on the season, sold their tickets to Stillers fans, and will be crying into their chili-mac as Pittsburgh rolls over these loser having lost all home field advantage.
Baltimore (+3) over Miami - Miami lost a close one last week that they should have won, and even though that may have soured me a little, I still think they're a good team. Baltimore got blown out of the water last week and I think they are better than that score reflects. They will be hungry, they are a defensive team, and they will have been studying the wildcat for the past week. I'm taking Baltimore and the points.
St.Louis (+7.5) over Dallas - As I wrote that pick I had to look again and say, "am I really doing this?" Losing Romo is not as bad as people are making it out to be, and the addition of Roy Williams is going to make a big difference for Dallas, even though T.O. is clearly losing a step. Losing Pacman is going to be addition by subtraction for the Cowgirls, because - as people have only recently started pointing out - he was never Great, just Good. He was not a huge factor this year, but the cameras ate him up every time he had a tackle or a big hit. Dallas' defense has looked both locked in and also sieve-like at times, and if St. Louis can take advantage of the latter and generate some offense, I'll take the Rams and the points. With all their weapons, they can't possibly be as bad as they are...can they?
Chicago (-3) over Minnesota - Both of these teams look very different since last they met, but none of them look good. They are technically tied for first in their division, but nobody looks like they actually want it. What an underachieving group of losers. With Peterson going toe to toe with the Bears' D, this should be an exciting game to watch, but for some reason I think I'd rather watch paint dry than see these two teams, one of whom will make the playoffs by default, go at it.
New Orleans (+3) over Carolina - I am sick of picking Carolina. Just sick of it. They burn me every damn week. They're the favorite, they don't cover the spread. They're the underdog, they STILL don't cover the damn spread. So F them. From now on every time Carolina is in a game I will not even consider them when making the pick. Drew Brees is great. He gets the +3. If I were a gambling man, I would avoid the Panthers and their games like a new plague.
Giants (-10.5) over 49ers - This is a fan bet. Can they Giants cover the spread? Yes. Will they cover it? I'm not so sure. I think that they might play a little conservative last week considering the loss the Browns, which will not be to the Giants advantage. If they win the coin toss, they should come out with the long strike right away to set the tone of the game, let Eli get comfortable, and turn this into the rout it should be. The 49ers are a Pacman Jones team right now - Good, not Great. They are an Enigma in a league full of Questions. If the D-line can shut down Frank Gore, I have no problem with this pick. Coincidentally, I think Jacobs is going to have a field day.
Detroit (+9.5) over Houston - I can't rationalize not taking these points against a Houston team that should be better than 1-4 but somehow isn't. Detroit is 0-5, and feel as they should be 0-8 7 weeks into the season. What everyone talks about is the ineptitude last week when their quarterback ran out of the end zone, cost them a safety, and they lost by 2. They lost by 2 to Minnesota! Do you know how much freaking money was lost on that game?? Even with the ungodly spread they had, I don't think anyone in their right mind picked Detroit and the points. Which is why I am doing it this week and Vegas will take me to the cleaners.
Jets (-3) over Oakland - Nothing about this game or this line makes me think anything is amiss. The Jets have a soft schedule and should keep winning games. Brett "I'm going to call Tony Romo and make him look like a p*ssy" Favre can still throw those bombs, I think this is an easy call.
Washington (-7.5) over Cleveland - Both teams are fired up. Cleveland's season is now not lost, and Washington needs to re-assert itself. In the crazy flipflopping world, look for the team that lost to the Giants to beat the piss out of the only team this year to beat the Giants. Home field is going to play a factor for Washington, and I think they can harass Anderson enough to get him out of his comfort zone and returning to his early season form. He was a bust in this year's draft, and as I was picking him I said, "bad call." I picked up Eli (good call), and Brady Quinn who is going to be a stud, even if they convert him to Linebacker - I mean, have you seen this guy?? The clipboard he's carrying must be made out of 45 lb plates. He is jacked. Actually, he is so huge that pretty soon, they will stop saying, "jacked," and start saying, 'Bradyed" or "Quinned." You see that guy on the bench? He's totally Quinned.
Indianapolis (-1) over Green Bay - This is why Vegas gets paid. One point is not enough to really give any indication of how this game is going (which is Indy's way), and is enough to entice Indy fans to say, "They can cover that easy!" and Green Bay fans to say, "Only one point? We can totally beat this team!" Both fan bases will open their wallets, Green Bay more so if someone gives them decent odds, and it will be an 8 point game either way. Vegas may not know much about football, but they know about making their money. Regardless, Peyton Manning is back to form, the Pack looks a little confused, even coming off the win in Seattle, and my money is on Vegas (-10) over poor schmucks like me.
Tampa Bay (-10.5) over Seattle - Another, "am I really making this pick?" moment. But indeed I am. Seattle has shown no life, Tampa Bay has looked strong (did I just write that), but the time change will not be a factor. But why is this the evening game? Who cares! I will be shocked if I am still watching this game at 8:15pm, even with Julius Jones running.
Denver (+3) over New England - Denver needs to bring one strategy to this game - shootout. Their defense is porous at best, but Cassel has proved only one thing this year, and that's the fact that he can't go toe to toe in a slugfest. He is the guy bringing a knife to a gunfight. The Patriots' D is aging, slow, and can be taken advantage of by the Broncos, even in Gillette stadium. If the Broncos come out swinging, put some early points on the board, and take the air out of New England, this game could turn very one-sided.
-Jobimoto out.
"Where'd they get trenchcoats?"
All that being said, I want a nickname. I can hear you now, "But Jobi...that IS your nickname!" Well, tough turkey. I want a nickname like, "Swami," or, "Guru," or, "White Chocolate Thunder." I know all of these names are already taken, but I want something for Sundays for when I make my bold predictions that cannot be backed up. That being said, on with the show...
Tennessee (-9) over Chiefs - Tennessee is now the lone unbeaten team left in the NFL, but that is not to say they will stay that way indefinitely. They will lose, but not to the Chiefs. The nine points may be a bit much, especially considering that Kerry Collins is under center for this team, but the Chiefs are not impressive. I'm taking Tennessee's defense to ice the game.
Buffalo (-1) over San Diego - It will happen some time this year that a west coast team will win a 1 o'clock game being played on the east coast, but until someone actually does, I'm going with history on this one. The Chargers could be the exception that proves the rule, but they (read - Phillip Rivers) have disappointed me so many times this year that I'm picking the Bills.
Pittsburgh (-9.5) over Cincinnati - Honestly, what are the Bengals doing this year? Last week they proved they couldn't cover a double digit spread against the Jets, who are by no means a powerhouse, and reports have been flying that the fans have given up on the season, sold their tickets to Stillers fans, and will be crying into their chili-mac as Pittsburgh rolls over these loser having lost all home field advantage.
Baltimore (+3) over Miami - Miami lost a close one last week that they should have won, and even though that may have soured me a little, I still think they're a good team. Baltimore got blown out of the water last week and I think they are better than that score reflects. They will be hungry, they are a defensive team, and they will have been studying the wildcat for the past week. I'm taking Baltimore and the points.
St.Louis (+7.5) over Dallas - As I wrote that pick I had to look again and say, "am I really doing this?" Losing Romo is not as bad as people are making it out to be, and the addition of Roy Williams is going to make a big difference for Dallas, even though T.O. is clearly losing a step. Losing Pacman is going to be addition by subtraction for the Cowgirls, because - as people have only recently started pointing out - he was never Great, just Good. He was not a huge factor this year, but the cameras ate him up every time he had a tackle or a big hit. Dallas' defense has looked both locked in and also sieve-like at times, and if St. Louis can take advantage of the latter and generate some offense, I'll take the Rams and the points. With all their weapons, they can't possibly be as bad as they are...can they?
Chicago (-3) over Minnesota - Both of these teams look very different since last they met, but none of them look good. They are technically tied for first in their division, but nobody looks like they actually want it. What an underachieving group of losers. With Peterson going toe to toe with the Bears' D, this should be an exciting game to watch, but for some reason I think I'd rather watch paint dry than see these two teams, one of whom will make the playoffs by default, go at it.
New Orleans (+3) over Carolina - I am sick of picking Carolina. Just sick of it. They burn me every damn week. They're the favorite, they don't cover the spread. They're the underdog, they STILL don't cover the damn spread. So F them. From now on every time Carolina is in a game I will not even consider them when making the pick. Drew Brees is great. He gets the +3. If I were a gambling man, I would avoid the Panthers and their games like a new plague.
Giants (-10.5) over 49ers - This is a fan bet. Can they Giants cover the spread? Yes. Will they cover it? I'm not so sure. I think that they might play a little conservative last week considering the loss the Browns, which will not be to the Giants advantage. If they win the coin toss, they should come out with the long strike right away to set the tone of the game, let Eli get comfortable, and turn this into the rout it should be. The 49ers are a Pacman Jones team right now - Good, not Great. They are an Enigma in a league full of Questions. If the D-line can shut down Frank Gore, I have no problem with this pick. Coincidentally, I think Jacobs is going to have a field day.
Detroit (+9.5) over Houston - I can't rationalize not taking these points against a Houston team that should be better than 1-4 but somehow isn't. Detroit is 0-5, and feel as they should be 0-8 7 weeks into the season. What everyone talks about is the ineptitude last week when their quarterback ran out of the end zone, cost them a safety, and they lost by 2. They lost by 2 to Minnesota! Do you know how much freaking money was lost on that game?? Even with the ungodly spread they had, I don't think anyone in their right mind picked Detroit and the points. Which is why I am doing it this week and Vegas will take me to the cleaners.
Jets (-3) over Oakland - Nothing about this game or this line makes me think anything is amiss. The Jets have a soft schedule and should keep winning games. Brett "I'm going to call Tony Romo and make him look like a p*ssy" Favre can still throw those bombs, I think this is an easy call.
Washington (-7.5) over Cleveland - Both teams are fired up. Cleveland's season is now not lost, and Washington needs to re-assert itself. In the crazy flipflopping world, look for the team that lost to the Giants to beat the piss out of the only team this year to beat the Giants. Home field is going to play a factor for Washington, and I think they can harass Anderson enough to get him out of his comfort zone and returning to his early season form. He was a bust in this year's draft, and as I was picking him I said, "bad call." I picked up Eli (good call), and Brady Quinn who is going to be a stud, even if they convert him to Linebacker - I mean, have you seen this guy?? The clipboard he's carrying must be made out of 45 lb plates. He is jacked. Actually, he is so huge that pretty soon, they will stop saying, "jacked," and start saying, 'Bradyed" or "Quinned." You see that guy on the bench? He's totally Quinned.
Indianapolis (-1) over Green Bay - This is why Vegas gets paid. One point is not enough to really give any indication of how this game is going (which is Indy's way), and is enough to entice Indy fans to say, "They can cover that easy!" and Green Bay fans to say, "Only one point? We can totally beat this team!" Both fan bases will open their wallets, Green Bay more so if someone gives them decent odds, and it will be an 8 point game either way. Vegas may not know much about football, but they know about making their money. Regardless, Peyton Manning is back to form, the Pack looks a little confused, even coming off the win in Seattle, and my money is on Vegas (-10) over poor schmucks like me.
Tampa Bay (-10.5) over Seattle - Another, "am I really making this pick?" moment. But indeed I am. Seattle has shown no life, Tampa Bay has looked strong (did I just write that), but the time change will not be a factor. But why is this the evening game? Who cares! I will be shocked if I am still watching this game at 8:15pm, even with Julius Jones running.
Denver (+3) over New England - Denver needs to bring one strategy to this game - shootout. Their defense is porous at best, but Cassel has proved only one thing this year, and that's the fact that he can't go toe to toe in a slugfest. He is the guy bringing a knife to a gunfight. The Patriots' D is aging, slow, and can be taken advantage of by the Broncos, even in Gillette stadium. If the Broncos come out swinging, put some early points on the board, and take the air out of New England, this game could turn very one-sided.
-Jobimoto out.
"Where'd they get trenchcoats?"
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Nostradamus, I am not
The humbling thing about picking football games is that you sound very smart going into it, there are pundits and professionals who agree with you, and then the week happens and you look like a moron. I have a few gems, from last week, a few skin of the teeth wins, and some times where not only was I wrong, but I think most of the free world was with me.
Oh, and I will now henceforth be commenting on the Giants game, since my tactic of not picking the game proved less that helpful to them. I don't wanna talk about it:
Recap:
The Bungles got creamed by the Jets and didn't cover the double digit spread. Earlier in the week when the line was Jets by 5.5, I took the Jets, and that was with Palmer starting. Why I thought Fitzgerald was only a 4.5 point swing will forever elude me.
Can my comments on Carolina being a more impressive team than the Bucs be stricken from the record? I'm glad I wasn't the only one who made that call...
Not only did Minnesota not cover the 13.5 spread against a Detroit team that looked like it was running defensive tactics reminiscent of Poland in 1939, they didn't even score 13.5 points, and they shouldn't have escaped Detroit with the W. But sometimes the natural order of things is preserved, and Detroit should be punished for sucking so badly for so long.
Atlanta needed some magic, but not the points when all was said and done. Even if they had missed the field goal, they would have covered the spread - pretty nifty.
Miami should have won their game against the Texans, but instead they botched a do or die goal line stand in the closing seconds of the fourth quarter. My jaw dropped as Schaub sauntered into the endzone.
Washington losing to St. Louis blew my mind, and as soon as I saw it I said, "The Giants are going to lose this week." When something that weird happens, you know more dominoes are going to fall, which leads to -
Dallas getting beat. Don't get me wrong, I looooove to see the Cowgirls get smacked around, I think it should happen more often and will be happening with Romo out of there (they will not miss Pacman - he was a failed experiment for the most part, Dallas' secondary scared no one). But I was wrong when I said Arizona was not the Sexy pick for the week. Not only was Arizona the Sexy pick, but they turned out to be that gorgeous girl who wants to get freaky with you after watching Star Wars - we all know what I'm talking about.
Philly whipped the Niners. No contest. Am I an idiot? Same thing with Green Bay at Seattle. Classic Vegas odds making. Oh, and the Giants got beat silly and I'm counting them as a pick.
For the week: 5-9 (sidenote, if I had stayed with the picks I made earlier in the week: 8-6).
Rank: Wishy-washy waster
Fantasy team: Sucked. None of my RBs scored and Eli got manhandled, as did the Giants D, both of whom I was counting on.
Next week: I make a pick on the Giants game, objectively, but still make verbal love to my team for way too long to be comfortable.
-Jobimoto out.
I got a realllll pigeon here...
Oh, and I will now henceforth be commenting on the Giants game, since my tactic of not picking the game proved less that helpful to them. I don't wanna talk about it:
Recap:
The Bungles got creamed by the Jets and didn't cover the double digit spread. Earlier in the week when the line was Jets by 5.5, I took the Jets, and that was with Palmer starting. Why I thought Fitzgerald was only a 4.5 point swing will forever elude me.
Can my comments on Carolina being a more impressive team than the Bucs be stricken from the record? I'm glad I wasn't the only one who made that call...
Not only did Minnesota not cover the 13.5 spread against a Detroit team that looked like it was running defensive tactics reminiscent of Poland in 1939, they didn't even score 13.5 points, and they shouldn't have escaped Detroit with the W. But sometimes the natural order of things is preserved, and Detroit should be punished for sucking so badly for so long.
Atlanta needed some magic, but not the points when all was said and done. Even if they had missed the field goal, they would have covered the spread - pretty nifty.
Miami should have won their game against the Texans, but instead they botched a do or die goal line stand in the closing seconds of the fourth quarter. My jaw dropped as Schaub sauntered into the endzone.
Washington losing to St. Louis blew my mind, and as soon as I saw it I said, "The Giants are going to lose this week." When something that weird happens, you know more dominoes are going to fall, which leads to -
Dallas getting beat. Don't get me wrong, I looooove to see the Cowgirls get smacked around, I think it should happen more often and will be happening with Romo out of there (they will not miss Pacman - he was a failed experiment for the most part, Dallas' secondary scared no one). But I was wrong when I said Arizona was not the Sexy pick for the week. Not only was Arizona the Sexy pick, but they turned out to be that gorgeous girl who wants to get freaky with you after watching Star Wars - we all know what I'm talking about.
Philly whipped the Niners. No contest. Am I an idiot? Same thing with Green Bay at Seattle. Classic Vegas odds making. Oh, and the Giants got beat silly and I'm counting them as a pick.
For the week: 5-9 (sidenote, if I had stayed with the picks I made earlier in the week: 8-6).
Rank: Wishy-washy waster
Fantasy team: Sucked. None of my RBs scored and Eli got manhandled, as did the Giants D, both of whom I was counting on.
Next week: I make a pick on the Giants game, objectively, but still make verbal love to my team for way too long to be comfortable.
-Jobimoto out.
I got a realllll pigeon here...
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Football Picks - week 6
Ok, admittedly, it is a little late in the season to be starting this, but I feel it is my duty to put my weekly picks against the line out there to the world to prove just how much Vegas knows over the average football nutter. I would be seriously in the red so far because Vegas may not know football, but it knows how to Win, and in Vegas, the house always Wins.
There are is only one real rule I have about making picks though - I will never comment on the Giants games, because it is a lock that I will always be erring on the side of my beloved Boys in Blue. Betting against the team you love is a Gambler's move, and putting your money where your heart is has always been a Sucker's move, and as I like to think of myself as neither of these things, I will abstain from commenting on the game, because that will only bring negativity to my team - just assume I always pick them to win. So with the home team in bold and without further ado:
New Orleans (-7) over Oakland - Teams traveling from west to the east, or even to the central time zone, on a 1 oclock start, go through hell. On top of that, Oakland sucks, and even if they've been working on a variation of the Wildcat Offense that is carrying Miami and made McFadden the commodity he is, there is no hope. I think you could give them 9 and I'd still take N.O.
Indianapolis (-4) over Baltimore - This is one of those games that I think the oddsmakers know what they're doing. Indianapolis could very well be at 0-4 right now, but they have prayed to the Football Gods, made sacrifices and are standing at a very shaky 2-2. But Baltimore has not come up big when needed, and I think Peyton and company are ready to get back on track. And Vegas would be ready to take my money.
Bengals (+10) over Jets - Palmer's out, but still look for Cincy to cover the spread. They hung in against Dallas and if it hadn't been for poor play calling/clock management, they could have gotten their first win of the season. Of course, what do I know? I picked the Browns to be the monsters of the North.
Carolina (+2) over Bucs - The Bucs have been underwhelming at best, and I think the Panthers have too many weapons to not pull this one out.
Minnesota (-13.5) over Detroit - No point spread is large enough. Detroit has looked like a bunch of overwhelmed tortoises released from the zoo into a large pot of terrapin soup. Woe be any defender that gets in the way of Adrian Peterson - he will be picking turf out of the crevices of his helmet.
Atlanta (+3) over Chicago - I'm not sure I heard the question, but Kyle Orton is not the answer. He has held out long enough without making himself look like a bumbling idiot, but smoke and mirrors only go so far. Turner is going to switch on the afterburners and torch the Bears.
Miami (+3) over Houston - Houston should not be 0-4. Additionally, the Dolphins should not be 2-2. No one has figured out the Wildcat, and while it's not the case that no one ever will, it won't be the Texans.
Washington (-12) over St. Louis - See my evaluation on Minnesota/Detroit. Why am I contemplating playing Steven Jackson today?? Stupidity. I ultimately have decided to sit him, watch him blow up for 3.
Jaguars (+3.5) over Broncos - Everything in my gut is telling me to pick the Broncos - at home, team coming from the east, killer offense - but I just don't think they're going to get it done. They have no defense and they have been exposed. That loss to K.C. not only wounded their pride, but any other team that plays them has to smell that delicious mix of blood and failure.
San Francisco (+4.5) over Philly - Without Westbrook, the Eagles are a different team, and even with him last week, they are less than thrilling. Mix in the travel, and I'm taking the 9ers and the points.
Dallas (-4.5) over Zona - This week's Sexy pick is the Cardinals to upset the Cowboys. However, like so many before them, the Cards will come close but will not get the cigar. High scoring game, and my boy Tim Hightower is going to rack up some points, and will be one of those rare 18th round picks I won't get to keep for next year.
Seattle (-1) over Green Bay - The Pack seem to be a giant punching bag these days, and I don't think they're pulling it together against the Seahawks. Julius Jones is going to run all over them like he historically has - or at least he better or my fantasy team is screwed and I'll be wishing I put in Jackson. Or Grant.
*Sidebar* How do I have four talented Running Backs in Jackson, Ryan Grant, Jones, and Hightower, and I only play them when they DON'T score? It's killing me. I could be 4-1 right now, instead I'm 1-3-1. Horrid.
San Diego (-5) over New England - There won't be a winner, but there will be a loser in this. Look for New England to play worse than the Chargers. This is also another example of Vegas being smart and setting a line that seems reasonable and idiots like me will take the favorite when really they should take the points. I'll figure this game out by the end of the season...
Plus the game that shall not be mentioned. There will have to be a great line or a great argument for me to actually comment on it.
Coming soon - the weekly recap, and once I get to work and find my sheet, my yearly record.
-Jobimoto out.
We're going for 2!
There are is only one real rule I have about making picks though - I will never comment on the Giants games, because it is a lock that I will always be erring on the side of my beloved Boys in Blue. Betting against the team you love is a Gambler's move, and putting your money where your heart is has always been a Sucker's move, and as I like to think of myself as neither of these things, I will abstain from commenting on the game, because that will only bring negativity to my team - just assume I always pick them to win. So with the home team in bold and without further ado:
New Orleans (-7) over Oakland - Teams traveling from west to the east, or even to the central time zone, on a 1 oclock start, go through hell. On top of that, Oakland sucks, and even if they've been working on a variation of the Wildcat Offense that is carrying Miami and made McFadden the commodity he is, there is no hope. I think you could give them 9 and I'd still take N.O.
Indianapolis (-4) over Baltimore - This is one of those games that I think the oddsmakers know what they're doing. Indianapolis could very well be at 0-4 right now, but they have prayed to the Football Gods, made sacrifices and are standing at a very shaky 2-2. But Baltimore has not come up big when needed, and I think Peyton and company are ready to get back on track. And Vegas would be ready to take my money.
Bengals (+10) over Jets - Palmer's out, but still look for Cincy to cover the spread. They hung in against Dallas and if it hadn't been for poor play calling/clock management, they could have gotten their first win of the season. Of course, what do I know? I picked the Browns to be the monsters of the North.
Carolina (+2) over Bucs - The Bucs have been underwhelming at best, and I think the Panthers have too many weapons to not pull this one out.
Minnesota (-13.5) over Detroit - No point spread is large enough. Detroit has looked like a bunch of overwhelmed tortoises released from the zoo into a large pot of terrapin soup. Woe be any defender that gets in the way of Adrian Peterson - he will be picking turf out of the crevices of his helmet.
Atlanta (+3) over Chicago - I'm not sure I heard the question, but Kyle Orton is not the answer. He has held out long enough without making himself look like a bumbling idiot, but smoke and mirrors only go so far. Turner is going to switch on the afterburners and torch the Bears.
Miami (+3) over Houston - Houston should not be 0-4. Additionally, the Dolphins should not be 2-2. No one has figured out the Wildcat, and while it's not the case that no one ever will, it won't be the Texans.
Washington (-12) over St. Louis - See my evaluation on Minnesota/Detroit. Why am I contemplating playing Steven Jackson today?? Stupidity. I ultimately have decided to sit him, watch him blow up for 3.
Jaguars (+3.5) over Broncos - Everything in my gut is telling me to pick the Broncos - at home, team coming from the east, killer offense - but I just don't think they're going to get it done. They have no defense and they have been exposed. That loss to K.C. not only wounded their pride, but any other team that plays them has to smell that delicious mix of blood and failure.
San Francisco (+4.5) over Philly - Without Westbrook, the Eagles are a different team, and even with him last week, they are less than thrilling. Mix in the travel, and I'm taking the 9ers and the points.
Dallas (-4.5) over Zona - This week's Sexy pick is the Cardinals to upset the Cowboys. However, like so many before them, the Cards will come close but will not get the cigar. High scoring game, and my boy Tim Hightower is going to rack up some points, and will be one of those rare 18th round picks I won't get to keep for next year.
Seattle (-1) over Green Bay - The Pack seem to be a giant punching bag these days, and I don't think they're pulling it together against the Seahawks. Julius Jones is going to run all over them like he historically has - or at least he better or my fantasy team is screwed and I'll be wishing I put in Jackson. Or Grant.
*Sidebar* How do I have four talented Running Backs in Jackson, Ryan Grant, Jones, and Hightower, and I only play them when they DON'T score? It's killing me. I could be 4-1 right now, instead I'm 1-3-1. Horrid.
San Diego (-5) over New England - There won't be a winner, but there will be a loser in this. Look for New England to play worse than the Chargers. This is also another example of Vegas being smart and setting a line that seems reasonable and idiots like me will take the favorite when really they should take the points. I'll figure this game out by the end of the season...
Plus the game that shall not be mentioned. There will have to be a great line or a great argument for me to actually comment on it.
Coming soon - the weekly recap, and once I get to work and find my sheet, my yearly record.
-Jobimoto out.
We're going for 2!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Things and Stuff
I want to congratulate Blogi for stepping up to the plate and announcing the return of our awesomeness - or maybe that our awesomeness never went away, but was simply dormant and has now returned with a vengeance: a powerful, piss and vinegar vengeance.
There is a lot to talk about, and there is little to talk about. The Yankees rolled over like whipped curs around two months ago, after going on an 8 game win streak after the All-Star break to get us believing, and when everyone had finally given up hope, they were 6 games back with six to play and a three game series against the Red Sox. The Yanks won and the Sawx lost. 5 left to play, 5 down. A Boston win ices it. And they did it. Those freakin' jerks. They then had the nerve to go and smack the Halos around like a punching bag, pissing all over the "Angels are way better than the Sox and they are built to win" argument I got into with a friend in July that almost led to me reaching through the computer, over the internet, and physically shaking him through his monitor.
A lot has changed since then. There's a great football season going on at both the professional and collegiate level, but that isn't what I'm thinking about right now. I'm thinking about baseball and all the horrid teams that haven't won in years (Cubs specifically, Mets and Phillies come to mind). Has anyone noticed that the the four teams in the two most recent expansions - Arizona ('98), Tampa Bay ('98), Colorado ('93), and Florida ('93) - have 4 trips to the World Series between them, while in that time, the Cubs - starting with a firm foundation, long history, and big bank account - have no trips to the Series. In that time the Phillies have gone once ('93), the Mets have gone once, ('00), the Red Sox have gone twice (and won both might I add), the Braves have gone 3 times (won once), the Cardinals twice (won once), and the Yankkes have gone 6 times (4 rings baby).
Now I'm not going to sit here and make unfounded claims that indicate I believe expansion teams have an easier time - I don't. But what I do believe is that there are extablished clubs that are doing things horribly wrong. There are teams that have just been horrible - Pirates, Royals, Reds, Expos/Nationals that beg the question - are you trying to put a winning product out there or are you just trying to get your revenue dollars? These teams baffle me. What baffles me more though are the losers - the Cubs, the Orioles, and until recently the Dodgers - teams that put a ton of money on the field and do absolutely nothing. The Orioles haven't gotten it together since the mid-90's. The Cubs have been a threat for a few years now, but they just choke. The Phillies will see their day before the Cubs do. I'm convinced the Rockies will, even after that choke job they pulled in the World Series last year; and don't forget the Rays. They are young, they are talented, and they are going to be a power for a looooong time.
Some of this losing is criminal - and who should we blame: the organizations that don't field a good team and comfortably take their cut of the revenue sharing, or the fans who don't protest how poorly they are treated by their teams? The closest thing we have seen to that is when Pirates fan publicly rallied to stage a walkout, then only a fraction of the fans did because the Pirates were leading when the walkout was supposed to happen. You can't win a battle you don't fight.
-Jobimoto out.
"And that, Tom, is what really Grinds my Gears..."
There is a lot to talk about, and there is little to talk about. The Yankees rolled over like whipped curs around two months ago, after going on an 8 game win streak after the All-Star break to get us believing, and when everyone had finally given up hope, they were 6 games back with six to play and a three game series against the Red Sox. The Yanks won and the Sawx lost. 5 left to play, 5 down. A Boston win ices it. And they did it. Those freakin' jerks. They then had the nerve to go and smack the Halos around like a punching bag, pissing all over the "Angels are way better than the Sox and they are built to win" argument I got into with a friend in July that almost led to me reaching through the computer, over the internet, and physically shaking him through his monitor.
A lot has changed since then. There's a great football season going on at both the professional and collegiate level, but that isn't what I'm thinking about right now. I'm thinking about baseball and all the horrid teams that haven't won in years (Cubs specifically, Mets and Phillies come to mind). Has anyone noticed that the the four teams in the two most recent expansions - Arizona ('98), Tampa Bay ('98), Colorado ('93), and Florida ('93) - have 4 trips to the World Series between them, while in that time, the Cubs - starting with a firm foundation, long history, and big bank account - have no trips to the Series. In that time the Phillies have gone once ('93), the Mets have gone once, ('00), the Red Sox have gone twice (and won both might I add), the Braves have gone 3 times (won once), the Cardinals twice (won once), and the Yankkes have gone 6 times (4 rings baby).
Now I'm not going to sit here and make unfounded claims that indicate I believe expansion teams have an easier time - I don't. But what I do believe is that there are extablished clubs that are doing things horribly wrong. There are teams that have just been horrible - Pirates, Royals, Reds, Expos/Nationals that beg the question - are you trying to put a winning product out there or are you just trying to get your revenue dollars? These teams baffle me. What baffles me more though are the losers - the Cubs, the Orioles, and until recently the Dodgers - teams that put a ton of money on the field and do absolutely nothing. The Orioles haven't gotten it together since the mid-90's. The Cubs have been a threat for a few years now, but they just choke. The Phillies will see their day before the Cubs do. I'm convinced the Rockies will, even after that choke job they pulled in the World Series last year; and don't forget the Rays. They are young, they are talented, and they are going to be a power for a looooong time.
Some of this losing is criminal - and who should we blame: the organizations that don't field a good team and comfortably take their cut of the revenue sharing, or the fans who don't protest how poorly they are treated by their teams? The closest thing we have seen to that is when Pirates fan publicly rallied to stage a walkout, then only a fraction of the fans did because the Pirates were leading when the walkout was supposed to happen. You can't win a battle you don't fight.
-Jobimoto out.
"And that, Tom, is what really Grinds my Gears..."
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