Vince Fiduccia's Blog

Ravens Need Help at Receiver

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 00:41:50 GMT

One thing is apparent to me: the Ravens are in desperate need of one and maybe two big time wide receivers. Don’t get me wrong--Derrick Mason is one heck of a possession wide receiver and more importantly a first class professional. The Ravens don’t need to replace Mason; they need a complement, a true game breaker that can stretch the field and make the defense defend the entire length and width of the field.

What about Demetrius Williams and Mark Clayton you ask? Well very simply these two players need to step up and quickly. No more excuses boys, time to step up. Injuries can’t be an excuse anymore; you need to become playmakers.

If we are ever to see the full scope of Cam Cameron’s playbook, someone other than Mason has to step up. Someone, who truly scares the defense, should open more underneath stuff for Mason and the tight ends; plus it should elevate the eight in the box defenses of which we are sure to see more. This in turn should open up running lanes for Willis McGahee and Le’Ron McClain.

We can’t keep going 80 yards in 13 plays every time we get the ball; at some time we need a quick strike, big play offense. The go route, the deep outs, and the 25-yard curls need to be back in this offense. But for this to happened the Ravens need someone else to step up or you can make wide receiver priority one in the offseason.

Teams Set for Price Modern “Lacrosse for Leukemia”

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:40:23 GMT

The Price Modern “Lacrosse for Leukemia” Fall Invitational Tournament has announced the teams participating in this year’s event to be held on Saturday, October 11^th from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The event will take place at St. Paul’s Schools in Brooklandville, MD. Spectator admission is $5 per person or $20 per car (parking included).

For the first time in its history, eight women’s teams will join eight men’s teams for the 11th Annual benefit tournament. The eight women’s teams are as follows: Towson, Johns Hopkins, Maryland, Loyola (MD) College, George Mason, Penn State, Rutgers, and Louisville.

The men’s squads are highlighted by beltway rivals Towson and UMBC, and 2007 Final Four participant Delaware. The remaining field includes Washington (MD) College, Mt. St. Mary’s, St. John’s (NY) University, Air Force Academy, and Rutgers.

Each team will play in honor of a local youth ambassador who is a survivor of, or is currently undergoing treatment for a blood cancer. These youngsters will serve as “honorary captains” for each team and will spend the day with their respective squads on the team bench. The tournament has raised over $915,000 for research and patient services in 10 years on behalf of the Maryland Chapterof The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and its mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

More than 894,000 Americans currently have blood cancers. LLS is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education, and patient services.

O-Line Biggest Surprise of 2008

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 01:11:33 GMT

The biggest surprise for the Ravens in this young season is the play of its equally young offensive line. Remember during preseason when injuries had wrecked the unit and undaunted defenders came along the perimeter against a guy who was pouring concrete for a living? We were all wondering if any of our quarterbacks could make it more than two or three games. Thanks to the return of Jared Gaither and Adam Terry, the line has come together much quicker and effectively than any of us thought. After two games the Ravens lead the NFL in time of possession and rank second in the league in rushing with an average of 190 yards per game.

More importantly, they are completely dominating the line of scrimmage. Witness the performance in the fourth quarter in each of the first two games. Everyone in the stadium knew what they wanted to do--kill the clock and pound the ball. How did the o-line respond? With punishing grinding drives that left the other teams’ offenses on the bench for long stretches of time. They have allowed just two sacks, have given rookie quarterback Joe Flacco plenty of pass protection, and have owned short yardage situations.

Who gets the credit? Offensive line coach John Matsko probably deserves most of the credit along with assistant offensive line coach Andy Moeller. They have done a great job of teaching technique and working with the each player. Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron has made great calls and put the line in great situations. Plus the addition of fullback Lorenzo Neal, the best lead blocker of his generation, has made this unit elite.

Whoever, decided to move Marshal Yanda to guard and Adam Terry to right tackle (a move I thought was doomed) deserves kudos--especially the decision to make Terry a right tackle. Last year he looked like he was on roller skates at that position. Someone is coaching this group up or scheming right to protect him.

Give the players credit as well. They have observed and learned the lessons taught. They worked hard during the off-season both in the weight room and on the field. The one thing we know about this group is they are talented and young, and their future is limitless. If this level of play continues, general manager Ozzie Newsome is going to have to think of ways to keep this group together under the salary cap.

Tribute to a True Sports Fan

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 03:26:18 GMT

When Nestor asked me to do a blog almost a year ago, he told me write blogs as a fan as someone with an insider’s knowledge who sits in the stands and has a passion for the games. This blog is dedicated to such a person, a true sports fan. Sam Bavaro was such a man.

I first met Sam at Ravens Stadium sitting in my section in the upper end zone. I would usually say something like good afternoon or sorry, as I would move by him on my way to get a beer or to use the bathroom. We formerly met when I was speaking to the Brigade of Midshipmen one afternoon, and I discovered that he worked at the Academy. He saw me; so, he came over, talked to me, and gave me his business card. He was nice enough to invite me to Navy games, something he was very passionate about, and to Navy tailgates, here I was a total stranger getting an invite.

In the fall of 2005, while chatting with him at a Ravens tailgate, Sam told me he had two tickets that he couldn’t use for the Navy-Notre Dame in South Bend the following Saturday. When I asked how much, he said no charge just enjoy. Two days later the tickets came in the mail. He gave me and my wife one of the greatest thrills of our life. That trip to one of the hallowed cathedrals of sports was everything one could imagine.

Last year, Sam once again invited me to a tailgate, and as always it was great--Boardwalk fries, Nathan’s hot dogs, Berger cookies, and plenty of ice cold beer. Plus, there was Sam with his family and friends holding court sitting on the brick riser handing out stickers that said, Go Navy! I took him up on the offer to some free tickets, as I had a good friend up from South Carolina. Sam just didn’t give me tickets; he gave me 40 yard line tickets. I never forgot his generosity and gave him a Ruth's Chris gift certificate and several golf shirts as a show of my appreciation. He asked for nothing and never sought anything; for some reason he just saw a fellow fan that had a passion for the Ravens and Navy.

It was that day that Sam told me about his own trip South Bend last year and how he cried when Navy beat Notre Dame for the first time in 43 years. What joy he must have felt to be there in person to see his beloved Midshipmen finally end the drought.   Unfortunately, winter came, life became hectic, and as always we seemed to lose touch without football.

This summer, I thought it was odd that I didn’t see Sam’s usual email about the start of football season. It wasn’t unusual not to hear from him during the offseason, but this was football season. I looked for him in the tailgate parking lot at the first Ravens game and didn’t see him. When I called his office, I was shocked to hear that Sam had passed away last spring at the age of 64. Part of me was kicking me myself for not keeping in touch and letting life get so hectic that you forget about people. It happens to all of us, but I'm hoping that this reminder will encourage all of us to give a little more effort to keeping in touch with those who impact our lives.

Sam was a great fan, one who simply loved sports. I remember his emails--when his beloved Mets made the playoffs a couple of years ago and the pride when he saw Italy beat France in the 2006 World Cup Final. Plus, he loved the Ravens. However, his greatest sports passion was Navy football. He followed them on the road (Army-Navy games, Bowl games, etc.), and he loved the tailgates and the people. He was a true fan and better yet a good man. For in him we see why sports are so great. It brings people together as friends and community, even total strangers. How many times have we met others in the stands, at Ravens Roost or at alumni tailgates only to become friends? Friendships bonded together by a common love for one’s team. Every team has a Sam Bavaro, a passionate fan, and what a better place this world would be if it had even more like him. The kindness, the ability to welcome strangers and make them feel like one of the family all forged by an oblong ball and 100 yards of turf. For this one fan he made a lasting impression. So as Sam would have said, Go Navy, Beat Army!

Hey Midshipmen, “Win one for Sam” and beat Rutgers this weekend. Somewhere in heaven, he will smile, while holding one heck of a pre-game tailgate.

When a Game Really Doesn’t Matter

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 17:52:48 GMT

I am sure some of you are not happy about the Ravens game being moved first to Monday night and now it appears the game could be cancelled altogether because of Hurricane Ike. Many of you probably have plane and game tickets, which now can’t be changed. Others probably had big plans for tomorrow, like a party with friends or at a neighbor’s house. Some won’t be able to watch the game now if it is played on Monday night because of work or family.

The hardship we are feeling, however, is nothing compared to the anxiety and trepidation that the people of Texas are feeling right now. Many had to make one of life’s toughest decision--leave their homes and evacuate or try to ride it out. Sadly some will lose their lives, and many will come home to have everything they've ever known shattered.

When compared to this, how silly does a football or a baseball game sound now?

An event like this is when we must once again understand the role of sports in our society. Sports have and always will have a unique place in our country and culture. As Mark Suchy so brilliantly blogged on the morning of the anniversary of the tragedy of September 11th, sports helped us all recover and brought us together after those events. Sports are our diversion, and nothing diverts our attention more than pro football. Most of us want/need this diversion to get through life. But for this week, this time football means very little. After all the Ravens and Texans is just a game; what is happening in the Texas Gulf Coast is real life.

The last thing the first responders in that area need to deal with is logistics for a football game with 70,000 people trying to get to and from the game. They have an enormous task in front of them right now, and their only mission should be to help save and protect the citizens of that area.

This game will be played sometime, perhaps in Houston or perhaps in another city. At the right time we will kick the Texans’ rear ends. Right now that’s secondary. When that area is ready to recover, sports -- whether it is a high school football game or the NFL -- will help in that recovery once again.

Sports will help bring some measure of relief and healing to the region.

Please keep the people of the Texas Gulf Coast in your thoughts and prayers as well the valiant civil workers who will risk their lives to help save lives and restore that area.

May God Bless Texas!

What an Opening Day!

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 00:36:48 GMT

Wow! That is about all I can say after today’s Ravens home opener. What an electric atomphsere in the stands on a beautiful if not slightly hot day.

First, Joe Flacco was unbelievable. I know the stats aren’t Hall of Fame worthy, but Flacco’s performance was so much more than numbers. The poise, the presence in the pocket, and the way he checked down to receivers. How about the confidence that Cam Cameron showed in the rookie, going with a no huddle, I don’t know what was more impressive--Cameron letting the rookie use it or the way Flacco operated the no huddle attack. I couldn’t believe Flacco’s fleet feet on that 38 yard touchdown scamper down the sideline. How about no interceptions or fumbles?

Did Flacco ever look like a lost rookie today? The answer is no; instead he showed more composure than most veterans in the league. It’s only one game and we can’t get too ahead of ourselves. But, we may have at long last found our quarterback.

How about the crowd reaction to the kid? Is this town starved for a star quarterback or what? The chants of “Let’s go Flacco” where deafening. What an awesome moment to see the crowd pulling for this kid.

Flacco was far from the only bright spot on this day. The win would not have been possible without the great play of the offensive line; they absolutely whipped the Bengals in the trenches. In the fourth quarter when everyone in the stadium knew what the Ravens were going to do (run the ball), the Bengals couldn’t stop Le’Ron McClain. McClain following fullback Lorenzo Neal dominated the fourth quarter, and the Ravens enjoyed over 36 minutes of time of possession in an old fashion display of smash mouth football. On the pass protection front, the line gave great protection to Flacco and allowed the rookie the ability to go through his progressions. In all the line allowed the Ravens to rush for 235 yards and allowed no sacks. Memo to Willis McGahee: your knee, head and heart better get better quickly or you might not get in at all. This team is already deep with rookie Ray Rice and McClain carrying the load.

The defense was equally terrific today holding the Bengals potent offense in check all day. This just in, the Bengals are going to have big problems on the line this year. They have struggled all preseason with the run offense and can't protect Carson Palmer, but I digress. It was finally great to see the Ravens secondary (Chris McAlister, Samari Rolle, Ed Reed and Dawan Landry) healthy and on the field at the same time. Was Chad Ocho Cinco, Johnson or whatever this clown’s name is, actually on the trip this weekend? Ocho Cinco was nonexistent and Chris Perry got no running room thanks to Haloti Ngata and company. The front seven controlled the Bengals’ offense and showed that age has not caught up to them. These old dogs can still hunt.

It all added up to a very thrilling opening game and special congratulations to John Harbaugh on his first career coaching win. His team was very well prepared and conditioned, especially in the fourth quarter.

It’s a great start and as Drew Forrester likes to say, you can’t win them all unless you win the first. Off to Houston with a 1-0 record next week and maybe the return of Kelly Gregg and the definite return of Fabian Washington to reinforce the defense.

Flacco Era Must Begin with Patience

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 01:51:01 GMT

Back in late April, I wrote a blog about how Ravens fans need to show patience with rookie quarterback Joe Flacco. On Sunday my blog becomes a reality and Ravens fans will begin a journey with Joe Flacco that we hope will last a long time.

We deserve it! It’s been 33 years since this town had a quarterback that went from prospect to bona fide star and leader. That quarterback’s name was Bert Jones, and he and his strong right arm led the Colts to three straight AFC East Championships from 1975-77. Since Jones, the Colts/Ravens have gone through a collection of young signal callers that shall we say aren’t exactly Hall of Fame caliber--Art Schlichter, Mike Pagel, Eric Zeier, Wally Richardson, Chris Redman, and Kyle Boller. Does that bring back some painful memories? In fact, mediocre would be a kind adjective to describe this group.

So now comes our great new hope, all six feet, six inches of him with a cannon for a right arm and a calm demeanor that belies his youth. We can only hope and pray that he joins Unitas and Jones, rather than Redman and Pagel, in Baltimore lore.

As fans we will have to learn to be patient with Flacco. Yeah, we are all excited to see him. But, history is history, and in the last 25 years only two quarterbacks have made immediate impacts as rookies--Dan Marino and Ben Roethlisberger. Peyton and Eli Manning, John Elway, and Brett Favre either didn’t play as rookies or they flat out stunk. Some took a couple of years to develop, and some like Ryan Leaf never could make it.

As I said back in April, we can’t expect Flacco to be Marino from game one or even for the first year or maybe the second. If he goes 10 for 25 with two interceptions vs. the Bengals, we can’t classify him a bust either. Rookie quarterbacks are works in progress, and the process more than the results are important in year one and maybe in year two. Look how much better he has gotten through the preseason and how he improved from week one. Tell me the truth, some of you where ready to dump the kid after the New England game, weren’t you?

Remember, we want Flacco to be our quarterback for the next 10 years, not just for Sunday. When he struggles, and trust me at some point he will, we as fans will need to show some patience. More than likely that patience will be tested, mightily at times. No matter how rough it gets we need to stay patient and most importantly in Flacco’s corner.

Flacco certainly has the talent, and I think he will get good coaching from Cam Cameron and Hue Jackson. Is he destined for greatness? I can’t predict that, and neither can anyone else. Also much depends on the players around him, the system, and the offensive line.

So Ravens fans, get ready; the Flacco era has begun. Please “football Gods,” let this kid be the answer. The last thing we need is another quarterback not to make it. Go Joe!

ESPN Paying Big Time to Stay on Campus

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 01:49:27 GMT

According to Sports Business Journal, ESPN will pay the Southeastern Conference (SEC) $2.25 billion over the next 15 years - about $150 million a year - for the conference's TV rights, giving the network all of the SEC's content that will not taken by CBS. This is on top of the $55 million per year that CBS pays for the over the air package of games. The SEC will rake in over $205 million per year for media rights beginning in 2009-10.

ESPN's preemptive strike stops the league from pursuing a regional cable network like the Big Ten Conference recently started. It also gives ESPN programming for its fledging ESPNU channel and its main networks ESPN & ESPN2.

So what will the ACC do next? Will the conference look to start a network like the Big Ten or does follow the SEC's lead and try to strong arm ESPN or Fox? ESPN is more than willing to pay to keep down its competition. The question is does ACC football have the same cache as SEC football. But you have to believe the ACC hoops package, with national heavyweights Duke and North Carolina along with major media markets in Atlanta, Boston & Baltimore/DC, would be an attractive rights package.

McClain Showing Promise at Tailback

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:07:31 GMT

Since everyone else in Baltimore is going to comment on the offensive line and the quarterback derby, I have decided to focus on one of the bright spots from Saturday night--the play of fullback Le’Ron McClain as the featured tailback. McClain had 41 yards on eight carries vs. the Rams and showed a good combination of power and swiftness. Especially true when you consider that the 260 pound second year pro from Alabama is better known for blowing up linebackers and safeties than trying to elude them.

McClain’s prowess running the ball, besides giving the Ravens great depth, also allows them to use more of Lorenzo Neal, one of the great lead blockers in the history of the National Football League.

With the solid play of rookie Ray Rice, Ravens starting feature back Willis McGahee--he of the questionable work ethic and bad knee--better get back soon. The Ravens are quietly developing other options, including one that was already in the backfield. If “Wounded Knee” Willis was healthy, McClain’s emergences could allow the team to start the season with only four backs on the roster.

McClain’s progress carrying the ball should be something very interesting to watch as the season progresses. A big bruising back can be very useful not only in short yardage, but also to wear down a defense, especially for a team with a questionable quarterback situation.

Playing It Fair With The Quarterbacks

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 14:57:06 GMT

I give high marks to Ravens head coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron; both have shown excellent judgment through this preseason's quarterback competition.

They started the process right, back in the spring following the retirement of Steve McNair. The pair immediately opened the quarterback competition to both Troy Smith and Kyle Boller. Then a week later they drafted Joe Flacco out of Delaware.

This preseason, they have given each quarterback a fair and equal shot at the job. They were correct to start Boller first, giving a nod to experience, and right to give Smith the start in game two. They have been even more correct to see that Flacco is not ready yet to be the starting quarterback.

This week, I think they made another shrewd move in giving Smith the start vs. the Rams in St. Louis. Harbaugh was right when he said that they need to find more out about Smith and they need to give him an extended look. They are also right to give Flacco the remaining reps after Smith plays vs. the Rams. After all he needs them to continue his development. At this point a few snaps in a preseason game aren't going to make a difference to Boller.

Some fans are already distressed at the play of the quarterbacks. That's not Cameron and Harbaugh's fault. The fact is none of the QB's have played well, partly because of the unsettled nature of the offensive line and partly because of a combination of accuracy, nerves and poor decision making. Injuries at running back, wide receiver and tight end haven't helped either. For Flacco this will come with time and maturity; for Boller & Smith it may never come.

At the end of the day, they have all been given a fair shot thus far, and right now no one has risen to the challenge. Let's hope Smith changes that this weekend.

Preseason Leaves More Questions Than Answers

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 01:35:28 GMT

Sometimes the hardest thing during preseason in the NFL is not getting too high or low after the conclusion of a game. Such was my state of mind after leaving the stadium on Saturday night.

It was hard not feeling low after last night, as the game vs. Minnesota left more questions than answers. First, who in the heck will be the starting quarterback on September 7 vs. the Bengals, when the real season starts?

The answer is I have no clue. About the only thing I can say for sure is it shouldn’t be Joe Flacco. Flacco will be answer in 2009 and beyond but not now. The jump from playing at Delaware to playing in the NFL is huge. Go back and look at Peyton and Eli Mannings’ brutal rookie seasons. They proved that the jump from the powerhouse Southeast Conference (SEC) is hard. The game simply looks too big and too fast for Flacco right now. Have patience with the kid; after a year of learning and watching, you will see how much better he looks.

As for where that leaves the Ravens right now, I really don’t have the answer. Neither Troy Smith nor Kyle Boller has distinguished himself. Both have looked good from time to time, but neither has reached out and grabbed this opportunity. Both are still making mistakes, and neither signal caller has shown any form of consistency.

Boller is still turnover prone, and it seems that the whole fan base is against him. They boo this guy at training camp when he throws an incomplete pass. Smith has his own questions, like will he ever be accurate enough. Sure he made some plays with his feet last night, and at times the Ravens last night looked like Nebraska used to, when they dominated college football in the early and mid 90s--an option team, whose quarterbacks scared you with their feet, not their arms. How long before coordinators put a spy on him and force Smith to beat them with his arm? This is the NFL not the Big 12.

Somebody suggested to me last night that the Ravens should abandon ship with these two guys and pursue another option like Dante Culpepper or Chris Simms. No thanks on either player, too late in the preseason and I am not interested in somebody else’s rejects. Although another performance like Saturday night and maybe we need to think about it.

Then again is it really fair to judge any of these quarterbacks given the offensive line injuries? Can we really start a season with Chad Slaughter at left tackle? How much difference would Adam Terry and Jared Gaither really make?

What about their injuries and the injuries to Willis McGahee, Demetrius Williams, Dan Wilcox, Todd Heap, Ed Reed, Samari Rolle, Chris McAlister, Haloti Ngata, and Kelly Gregg? Are they really just things that will pass, or should we worry that these will be season-nagging injuries that see players questionable and doubtful from week to week.

I hope the Ravens are just being careful with these injuries or maybe they are just playing with the Bengals’ minds? But I worry; these guys have missed significant chunks of training camp. Where will their conditioning be? Can Gaither really be counted on to start this season without the necessary reps in preseason?

So many questions, so few answers. They say that the third preseason game is the most important, and for the Ravens, it will be. Next week the game in St. Louis will give us a true barometer on where we are. We’ll see who lines up among the injured vets and looks ready to play and maybe we will be one step closer to naming a starting quarterback.

Let’s hope next Saturday night we have more answers than questions.

King James Makes Statement

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 01:46:12 GMT

Team USA was struggling with a pesky and determined Chinese National Team in the opening round of the Men’s Olympic pool play before LeBron James took over. With Team USA battling nerves, poor outside shooting and problems with China’s three point shooting, James fueled a 16-3 run in the second quarter, and simply put, he was the best player on the court and for one day maybe the best player on the planet. James did it all--18 points, six rebounds, three spectacular blocks and great defense in the 101-70 win.

The United States finally wore down China in the second quarter with an aggressive full court defense and turned its 12 point lead into a blowout by late in the third quarter.

Give China credit, they played their butts off and really gave Team USA fits in what was the biggest game in its nation’s history. I was impressed with their heart, skill and determination.

As for Team USA, they need better shooting both from the free throw line and the three point tripe. Defensively, the U.S .played hard, but they have to be careful and avoid leaving people open outside the three point line. All these teams can shoot; witness China’s 8 of16 performance in the first half. Furthermore, these international squads have excellent ball movement that can spread out a defense and negate the obvious team speed advantage the U.S. has.

Spain, Greece and Germany (all in the same group as the U.S.) are better shooters than the Chinese squad, and this road to redemption will not be a cake walk. To bring home the gold, Team USA will have to continue to play great perimeter defense, move the ball on offense, and get contributions from all 12 members of the squad.

It won’t be easy, but today they took a giant first step, playing in the den of dragon with 1.3 billon people watching.

Ravens QB Derby: Chill Charm City

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 01:44:01 GMT

So John Harbaugh named Kyle Boller as the starting quarterback for the preseason opener, and the whole town is ready to commit mass suicide or perhaps that was just every caller on the radio yesterday. Chill Charm City, it’s only a freaking exhibition game that counts for nothing in the standings.

I wrote on Sunday night that Troy Smith should be the starting quarterback, and even I don’t have a problem with the decision to go with Boller. Here is why I am okay with the decision.

First every report out of Ravens camp has none of the three significantly ahead in this race. Second, Boller is the most experienced of the three quarterbacks and usually in a competition the more seasoned guy gets the first crack.

Next, with the way the offensive line is right know, you don’t want to put either of the younger guys, who are under contract for a couple of years, in harm’s way vs. Richard Seymour, AD Thomas and the rest of the Patriots. Yes, Boller might be a sacrificial lamb.

Last and certainly not least, it’s the first preseason game, not the first regular season game. Who is to say that Troy Smith won’t run with the first unit next week or by week three Joe Flacco won’t be named the starter?

Who starts vs. the Bengals on September 7 will be determined by who plays well in the preseason games. If they all stink, Boller probably starts. If they are equal, I have a hunch maybe Troy Smith starts. If one truly rises above the other two, then whoever that is will probably start.

In the meantime, grab some cold beer, chill out on the lazy boy and enjoy the fact that football season has started. We soon shall find out who the Ravens signal caller will be.

I Am Finally Back to Blogging & It’s Football Season

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:57:59 GMT

Thanks to a communication company that shall remain nameless, I haven’t been able blog for the last few weeks which has absolutely killed me. Why? Because it’s football season!!!! Here are my thoughts on the 2008 Ravens thus far.

Injuries, Bumps and Bruises: Hourly it seems like WNST’s Casey Willett calls in with an update about another player who is injured or not able to play. Here is the good news--none of the injuries seem to be season ending. So far the injuries are just a cause for concern, not a reason for the fans of the purple and black to jump off the Bay Bridge.

The Offensive Line: So far this has been the story of camp, especially the injuries and the real lack of depth and experience at the tackle position. Hopefully both Jared Gaither and Adam Terry will recover from their ankle injuries and be back soon. Ankles, as we saw with Todd Heap and Ed Reed a couple of years ago, can be a might difficult and never really heal. An experienced tackle (a la an Ethan Brooks from 2002) probably won’t hit the market until the final cut down days in late August. For now look forward to seeing lots of Mike Kracalik and Chad Slaughter on Thursday night vs. the Patriots. In the words of John Feinstein, “Next Man Up.”

QB Derby: So who is in the lead? Boller, Smith, or Flacco? The answer is Troy Smith. Kyle Boller is just too inconsistent and Joe Flacco is not ready yet. Smith has great poise and leadership, and his mobility should be a great asset with a banged up offensive line. The more I think about it, the more it just makes sense that Smith is the starter on September 7^th vs. the Bengals. Who will the quarterback be week 10 or 11? That could be a totally different story.

Camp Harbaugh: So how is Camp Harbaugh progressing? Way too soon to tell. We won’t know what impact John Harbaugh’s more physical camp has had positively or negatively until probably the offseason. Football is a tough physical game, and injuries are going to happen. As far as burned out legs in December, let’s judge that after the season as well.

NFL Pinches Wrong Pennies: The NFL has made a very foolish and penny saving decision when it decided to cut the roster for training camp from 85 to 80 players. Yes, it saves a few pennies by teams not having to bring in, house or feed the extra bodies, but in the end it may cost the league more. Veterans and rookies alike are taking more reps and thus you have a greater chance of injury or fatigue that leads to serious repercussions later in the season. For a billion dollar business to save a few bucks on its most important asset—its players— is nothing but short-sighted.

The Arena Issue, Part I

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:08:43 GMT

Here is the easiest answer to a question you will ever get. Yes, we need to build a new arena in Baltimore. The current First Mariner Arena was useless the day it was built. What size and where? Good questions. What are those answers?

Before we tackle these two issues, a quick commentary. Wherever they build this arena and by whom, they need to make sure that the arts and society people, who ruined the last building by putting a stage in it, have absolutely nothing to do with this venue. They shouldn’t be allowed to have any roll in this selection or even be within 10 miles of any planning meetings.

They conspired and pressed the City into building one of the worst arenas in history. How else do explain a building that was built to lure an NHL franchise, yet if you where sitting behind the goal on the non-stage side, you could not see the net? Whoever was responsible for this civic disgrace should have been charged with a criminal act. Trust me on this, I spent six years of my life in that building. It’s a shame the fraud that was perpetrated on this city by these people.

I have been to arenas in Detroit, St. Louis, Cleveland, Washington, Buffalo, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, College Park, Hershey, Harrisburg, Kansas City and Dallas. In both old and new arenas, nothing comes close to being as bad as the tragedy this city built in 1962.

Thanks for nothing goofs. Great arena you built last time. Go to Starbucks and get yourself a double cream latte for $4.50 and chat about some Beethoven concert or some stupid painting by Picasso. Only people with sports and arena facility management backgrounds should be allowed to influence decisions on the type of arena we build.

First, the size: Let’s face facts. We are never going to get an NBA or NHL team in Baltimore without an act of God. It’s simple; neither Philadelphia nor Washington, DC wants to see a team within its territory in either the NBA or NHL. The Leagues would see no sense in splitting the DC market, which already has Caps and Wizards games televised in Baltimore. Remember Howard, Anne Arundel, and Frederick Counties are basically right in the middle of the two markets. Even a 10% loss in attendance would hurt either franchise. The only way we get a team in either league is if something tragic would happen to either city’s venue, and a team wouldn’t be allow to play in its home arena for years.

So the size is simple: 15-16,000 fans with about 25-30 sky boxes. That’s big enough for some very good concerts, UFC or WWE shows, family shows, possibly first round NCAA tournament games, and for high level secondary leagues (like the real Arena Football League or the WNBA) or minor leagues like the American Hockey League. The size would also be good for the only real current sports occupant, the Blast.

Now the where: Mayor Dixon recently was quoted as saying the current location on Howard and Baltimore streets would be the best. That’s hard to argue. That site has excellent mass transit appeal with proximity to both the subway and light rail. It’s close to hotels, the harbor and parking venues. The site unfortunately comes with several questions as well. In the two years it takes to build an arena, what happens to the Blast? What about the lost revenue from the shows and concerts? Plus the land the current arena sits on is very valuable land; the selling of that land could fetch a great deal of money to be used to finance the building of the new arena.

As I see it there are two other good options— Camden Yards Sports Complex or Canton. Camden Yards’ advantage is it would create a Meadowlands like sports complex; it’s a location people are very familiar with, is accessible by light rail and MARC train, and is right off interstate 95 and 295. Nearby Federal Hill offers great dining, and on nights when the O’s or Ravens aren’t in, there would be plenty of parking.

Canton would have the leadership of Blast owner Ed Hale, who has done everything in his power to keep the aging First Mariner Arena going. Hale’s leadership would be a huge plus with a new building. Canton is close to 95; however it lacks public mass transit like light rail.

As much I value Mr. Hale’s leadership, I think Camden Yards would be the best place because of the light rail and MARC component; plus it is still close enough to Downtown for the hotels and restaurants. It would also mean no disruption for the Blast or the other arena events. Ed Hale should play a part wherever the building is.

Would you like to see the Arena built? Where? Give me your thoughts?

Turning Smiths into Grabowskis

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:40:00 GMT

During the Chicago Bears' Super Bowl run in 1986, the Bears played the then Los Angeles Rams in the playoffs. Head coach Mike Ditka pegged the Rams as the Smiths (a white collar, well-to-do team, who lived in big houses). Ditka said his own team the Bears were Grabowskis (a blue collar team from a town where people bring their lunch pails to work and punch the clock every day). The Bears beat the Rams that day and went on to a Super Bowl blowout victory of the Patriots.

Twenty-two years later in the high style and extravagant show biz world of the NFL, the Grabowskis might be about to make a comeback in Charm City.

Among many things that head coach John Harbaugh is bringing to the Ravens in 2008, the most formidable is a change of attitude and perception of the Baltimore Ravens. This change might not be overnight; it might actually take two or three years.

Slowly Harbaugh is using the capital that comes with being a new coach, inheriting a team that won just five games and changing the team, its players, and the attitude. It started at his first press conference when he repeated several times the mantra of the Ravens from that point forward was going to be "the team, the team, the team."

Since then Harbaugh has rearranged the club's locker room, changed the team's weight training program, worked the team in the rain, and most recently gave each player a mechanic shirt with the team logo and his name on the front. Players no longer have the right to take more than one locker (the so called condos). At training camp this year, veterans will be required to stay the entire time, not check-out after the first few days. Oh yeah, training camp promises to be longer and much more physical.

While some brand these moves as new age motivational tactics, Harbaugh is sending a message either be part of the change or be changed.

This April's draft produced Oniel Cousins, David Hale, Tom Zbikowski and Haruki Nakamura and Marcus Smith; along with second round pick Ray Rice, all are gritty tough players who are known for being tough-minded, blue collar players--John Harbaugh type players!

Owner Steve Bisciotti recently chimed in support of his new coach by suggesting that players who didn't show better participation in the off-season program might be moved in the next few years. Bisciotti told the team's flagship radio station during an interview that in the next few years everybody will be at camp. Saying that due to retirement or trades some who have an occasion to miss camp won't be with the team. Translation--when their contracts won't be such a cap hit, you might see some familiar names moved if they don't get with the program and make their way to more off-season camps. A policy the Philadelphia Eagles are known for.

Anyone who knows about Harbaugh's background should not be surprised. Yes, he spent nine years as a disciple of Andy Reid in Philadelphia but his true mentor and philosophy comes from his father, Jack a former college coach at both Western Michigan and Western Kentucky. Jack Harbaugh also served as a long time assistant to Bo Schembechler at Michigan. Schembechler, Jack Harbaugh, and John Harbaugh all come from the same Midwest cloth; they bleed tough, physical, hardnosed football. They have little time for anything or anyone who doesn't come to play. In their world you don't flex and pose, and most importantly you don't show up teammates or coaches.

Showbiz, radio gigs, false praise, and endorsements are not what they are about. Hand in the dirt, tough-minded players who exude fundamentals and team-oriented play is what they look for.

Harbaugh is now trying to instill that same mentality in his team. He wants the Ravens to approach every practice and game like an auto assembly worker or factory worker. He wants them to come in ready to work, expects them to have each other's back, and most importantly give 110% whether in minicamp or a regular season game.

For those who are incumbents of the past regime, this will be a change, and one that they will have to make quickly because a new era is upon them. These Ravens better be prepared to work. If not they may find their job being handed to a Grabowski.

Five Questions for Training Camp

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 01:43:35 GMT

So we are three weeks from the start of Ravens training camp, and like many of you, I have some questions and more than a passing intrigue about what we are going to see in 2008. New coach, new offensive coordinator and a first round pick at quarterback. Here are some of things I look forward to seeing during camp.

1. Camp Harbaugh: Everything we have seen and read seems to indicate a new training camp style and aggressiveness. How tough will it be? I am anxious to see the tempo that is set in Westminster; early reports note that minicamp practices are as tough as most training camp workouts under Brian Billick. Now they are actually going to hit each other legally. One thing is certain, the camp will be much longer than in past years.

2. Reshuffled Offensive line: It's loaded with youth, talent and questions. How quickly will the group gel? How does Marshal Yanda do at guard? Can Jared Gaither somehow fill in for Jon Ogden? Does Adam Terry look anymore comfortable at right tackle? Keep an eye on rookie right tackle Oniel Cousins out of UTEP; he seems to be in the mold of former Ravens brawler Orlando Brown. He might be the brawler who gets things going in the summer heat.

3. The Quarterbacks: Most media people who have seen minicamp have Troy Smith way ahead of Kyle Boller heading into training camp. Can he maintain this or does the contact and scrimmage bring Boller back? And all eyes will be on number 5 - Joe Flacco. His arm and quick learning apparently have Ravens officials excited by his talent. How close is he to being ready to compete?

4. Cam Cameron's Offense: Cameron has added play clocks to practice, a two-inch deep playbook and most importantly worked on this group's frayed mental state after years of being little brother to the big bad defense. Like a kid on Christmas, it will be exciting to see the new offensive and its components.

5. Veterans & New Coaching staff: There is a new way of doing things in Ravenland and the big question is how are its long-standing veterans going to react to tougher practices, longer training camp, and some possible roster shuffles. They don't get to go home after the second day this year. Will some veterans pop off and become a surprise cut or do they get with the new program?

These questions and excitement will make this the most anticipated training camp this team has had in a long time. There will be nothing mundane about this camp. What has you excited, concerned or just made you curious about training camp?

Catching Up On The World of Sports

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 22:30:24 GMT

Sorry for the recent inactivity on the blog; so let’s catch up with nine innings around the world of sports.

First Inning: Congratulations to you the fans for the early result of the King of Baltimore. I am truly impressed with the selections. People are really doing their homework, especially with the Wes Unseld over Chris McAlister pick.

Second Inning: Dave Trembly needs to be a very strong candidate for Manager of the Year; what he has done with the 2008 Orioles is simply amazing. His respect the game approach has taken hold in the club house, and players are buying it hook, line, and sinker.

Third Inning: As much I hate to admit this, the Celtics are a better basketball team than the Lakers. Pau Gasol is weaker than melted butter. What a sissy in the low post. Lamar Odom wasn’t much better.

Fourth Inning: The Celtics defense was the best I have seen in years, not only because of the way they play, but the fast tempo they play on offense. This isn’t the Knicks or the old Miami Heat that held the ball for 22 seconds. The Celtics push the ball, and they defend.

Fifth Inning: There have been some outstanding matches in EURO 2008. It took until the quarterfinals, but the Dutch as usual disappointed. I like Spain to win the tournament over Germany.

Sixth inning: Is there a better story than Josh Hamilton in Major League Baseball? Okay, I am a little biased because he is on my fantasy team, but the kid seems to have turned his life around and is getting close to reaching his potential.

Seventh Inning: Jonathan Ogden is going to be very hard to replace, not only his play on the field, but his quiet class off the field. All rookies should be told the story of J.O. and reminded to follow his example as a man, father, and professional athlete.

Eighth Inning: I’m really impressed with what I am hearing out of Ravens camp, especially the diversified offense and blue collar mentality that John Harbaugh is instilling. Two changes that I love are: (1) Cam Cameron’s play clock idea in practice; and (2) Harbaugh handing out mechanics shirts to signify a new attitude in Owings Mills.

Ninth Inning: I am rooting for Gus Gilchrist (formerly of Maryland) to fail big time. The kid is now on his third school in two years and still hasn’t played a minute of college basketball. He is getting and listening to some bad advice. Apparently, he can’t see when he is being led down the river. Gus, after you bomb out with the NCAA in your ill-fated transfer attempt, I heard the local car wash in College Park is hiring. Good Luck, I will be rooting against you.

Extra Inning: Memo to Gary Williams--If this kid comes back on his hands and knees, begging for a chance to play at Maryland, hand him a broom and tell him its $6 an hour to be a janitor. Just don’t let him back as a player. He obliviously wasn’t serious about being a Terp. Remind your players that it is a privilege to wear that jersey. Isn’t that what you told your team when they were down 20 in the ACC Semifinals a couple of years ago? Remember, that team came back and won that game and the ACC Championship that year. Go with the players you have and try your best, a la Gene Hackman in Hoosiers.

K.O.B.S: USE YOUR HEAD, NOT HEART

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 01:03:16 GMT

As voting begins for the final 32 for the King of Baltimore Sports, I have been intently listening to this topic since the contest was announced two weeks ago. First, what a great idea that has spurred some wonderful discussion of sports history in Baltimore; it’s been fun listening and reading the debate. Kind of what sports radio should be--two guys on a barstool debating sports.

Now as we begin voting I offer this piece of advice: vote with your head not your heart. Remember this is a contest designed to pick the “King of Baltimore Sports”, not the king of baseball, soccer, lacrosse or football.

Case in point: I worked with Mike Stankovic when I worked in indoor soccer, shuttled him around to media interviews, was with him after playoff wins and losses, in good times and bad. I have so much respect for him as a player, coach and person. He was a great indoor soccer player. That being said, I can’t vote for him against Art Donovan, who I also have had the good fortune to meet and speak with on several occasions. Why? Simple, Art Donovan was a pro football Hall of Famer. He was the best at his position at that time, and the Colts and pro football mean more to this city than indoor soccer does. In this matchup Donovan is a bigger “king” than Stankovic.

Case two: When I was eight years old, my favorite quarterback was Bert Jones, right down to the blue number 7 jersey I owned. Bert was my favorite player and probably athlete, but there is no way I can vote for him over Brooks Robinson, even though I only saw Brooks play towards the tail end of his career. Brooks is a Hall of Famer and spent 23 years with the Orioles, winning 16 gold gloves and two world championships. Until Cal, he was Mr. Oriole, and in the grand scheme of things, Brooks was much more important, had a much longer career, and had a greater impact than did Bert Jones in Baltimore.

In short, do your homework, respect the tradition of the past, and vote with your head. Who do I think will win? In my mind the “King of Baltimore Sports” will by Johnny Unitas. Johnny U is the only player from this town who is still talked about nationally as the best to ever play his sport. He played in one of the most important sporting events in the history of the nation (the 1958 championship) and defined the modern day position of quarterback. Oh yeah, he also called his own plays.

Friedgen Needs To Find QB

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 23:24:41 GMT

With summer heat rounding out the last few days of spring, I decided to think ahead to fall and football season. The happiest guy on the Maryland campus right now might be Maryland Head Football Coach Ralph Friedgen. Why? Because with all the negative attention on the basketball program, few people have had a chance to focus on the fact that the Maryland football program has had three losing seasons in the last four years.

I make no secret of the fact that I like Ralph Friedgen as coach; I admire his old school approach, his willingness to give kids a second chance, and his true love for the program. Let’s not forget where the Maryland program was before he arrived on campus in 2001.

The reason the Terps haven’t won lately is simple: they just haven’t had anyone that good to pull the trigger at quarterback. Jordan Steffy was supposed to be that guy when he arrived in College Park five years ago, but injuries and inconsistency have left him still searching. Ditto for Josh Portis who arrived two years ago with top flight tools, but suspension and the inability to grasp the offense have left him down on the depth chart following spring practice. California cool junior Chris Turner showed promise after taking over for Steffy last year; however, he has a maddening habit of not playing well in practice. Friedgen, like most coaches, believes you must first play well in practice before you can make it in the games.

This spring none of the three have taken a firm lead in the battle to be the starting quarterback. Complicating matters is that all three are learning the new West Coast offense of assistant head coach/offensive coordinator James Franklin. Franklin has redone the Terps offense getting rid of the seven step drop and going to more three and five step drops. Give credit to Friedgen, himself an offensive mastermind; he turned over the offense realizing it was too much for one person to do.

Steffy seemed to have a good spring and adapted well to the new offense. Portis seems to still have problems learning the system, and Turner, well he just plays better than he practices.

The Terps look ready in my eye to improve on last year’s 6-7 season. They have excellent depth and talent at offensive line, wide receiver, and plenty coming back on defense. The defensive line especially looks strong. The question mark is at that most important spot. Will someone emerge and take hold? Can Friedgen and Franklin find that elite signal caller? With a good season from one of these, the Terps could be ready to go to a big time bowl game and really make a strong run at the ACC Championship.

Who will it be? My pick is Turner. He has shown the most in games. The offense came alive when he took over last year, and with the added experience, he should be ready to rock (yes, his father was original drummer of Ratt) as the Terps’ QB.

Whoever it is, the answer needs to come prior to the first game on August 30th when the Terps take on the Joe Flacco-less Delaware Blue Hens at Byrd Stadium.

Indoor Soccer Left Out (side)

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 10:33:26 GMT

On Monday, the news spread that the Major Indoor Soccer League was folding. Even with its apparent restructuring for next season under a new banner, the announcement highlights the trouble this brand of soccer is having here in the United States.

First, I am glad the game will continue here in Baltimore. The sport and the franchise have a long, rich history in the city, and yes, the game, the team, and sport have all been a big part of my life. Plus, having done countless hours in the community, the Blast has been a good steward to Baltimore. The organization and its people are first class.

The problem with the game and the league in the US is that since 1990, all the focus, attention, and resources have been channeled to outdoor soccer. That year Alan I. Rothenberg succeeded the unpopular Werner Fricker as president of the United States Soccer Federation. Under Rothenberg's guidance, the 1994 World Cup became a major success, setting records for attendance among other things. Fulfilling a promise to FIFA made as part of the US’s World Cup bid, he oversaw the establishment of Major League Soccer, the first full-time Division I US league since the old North American Soccer League.

Under Rothenberg and since, all financial and material resources have been funneled to the outdoor game especially at the Major League Soccer and US National Team level. Big name sponsors like Nike and Gatorade have flocked to the outdoor brand, while ESPN and its family of networks give the outdoor game the exposure which it so badly needs. After 12 years, MLS is on a steady and slow growth path that will see that league at 16 teams by the year 2010. More soccer specific stadiums are to be built in the next few years. Top flight American players are either in the MLS or oversees in Europe.

Last week, the expansion Seattle Sounders and Microsoft agreed on naming rights to the team's jersey. The deal is reportedly worth $20 million over the next five years. The Sounders have already received 16,000 requests for season tickets. The Sounders will wear Xbox 360 on their jersey. The indoor game can't compete with these types of deals for sponsors or attract top flight players.

The proliferation of satellite packages have also lead to a growing interest in international soccer leagues like the English Premier League, Serie A of Italy. People can simply head down to Slainte Irish Pub and Restaurant in Fells Point or other bars and watch their favorite teams from across the pond or sit in their living rooms and follow Liverpool or Manchester United. The growth of the Hispanic population, who are very loyal to the outdoor game, is also helping the outdoor brand continue to grow in the US.

The indoor game has been besieged by ineffective ownership, bad leadership at the league level, and a lack of exposure at both the local and national television level. The league has too few national corporate partners The Blast, under the excellent ownership of Ed Hale, is one of the few indoor soccer franchises that has it right.

Will there be indoor soccer next year? The answer is yes. Does the league have a chance to be in business five or 10 years from now? Yes. Will it emerge to be anything even resembling its glory days of the early and mid-1980s when it was on the verge of something big? The answer to that is most likely no.

The sun may not have set on indoor soccer, but the league will find it hard to emerge from dusk. The stability and growth of MLS, globalization, and corporate America have shifted their priorities to the beautiful game.

Money Not The Only Factor In AL EAST

Thu, 29 May 2008 22:53:42 GMT

So we have heard this line for about the last 10 years – How are we supposed to compete in the American League East with the Yankees and Red Sox? They are the ones with 200 million dollar payrolls, dedicated television networks, and high ticket prices.

Well gee, I opened up my paper on May 29th, and lo and behold what do I see but the low budget Tampa Bay Rays in first place currently with a 32-21 record. That is .604 baseball for all of those who can’t do percentages.

How can this be? The Rays don’t have a television network like, YES, NESN or MASN. They play in a god-awful stadium. They rank 27^th in baseball with an average attendance of 18,686 per game. According to USA Today, they had a payroll on opening day of just over $43 million, dead last in the AL East. For the record, the Orioles are at $67 million, the Blue Jays at $97 million, the Red Sox come in at $133 million (not 200M), and the Yankees at $209 million.

So, how can the "Ollie’s Bargain Basement” of professional sports be leading a division with the vaunted Red Sox and Yankees? Simple, they have done a phenomenal job of scouting, developing and coaching young talent. Give new owner Stuart Sternberg, General Manger Andrew Friedman and Manger Joe Maddon credit; they have resurrected a franchise many of us thought was headed for either a move or contraction and turned it into one of the brightest and most exciting young teams in sports.

Some would have us believe that is because of revenue shortfall that our club (the Orioles) can’t compete in the money-laden AL East. That, sports fans, is flat out wrong! We haven’t been able to compete because we have made bad baseball decisions. We did a horrible job of scouting players, drafted duds for most of the last quarter century, and failed miserably at developing them. Why? Because we had bad baseball people making bad baseball decisions.

Either because they were hamstrung by management or by their own lack of talent, the Orioles failed to do their job in all facets of player development. The result--quick fix band aids that didn’t work with players that should have never worn the black and orange. And, most of all 10 years of losing baseball and a diminishing fan base.

The Rays did things smart; forced by anemic revenues, they put the emphasis where it should have been here: on scouting, player development and waiting patiently. The result? Carl Crawford, BJ Upton, James Shields, and Evan Longoria. Their system is now stocked with quality young pitchers just waiting to join the good young staff they have.

Thankfully, the Orioles may have seen the light. Andy MacPhail is too smart of a baseball man not be able to see this equation. He gets it! So far he seems to have the full trust of the ownership group, and most of all he is patient. Better times are hopefully coming. He realizes this is a major system overhaul, not just a quick tune up.

If he ever needs a reminder, he just needs to look up in the standings at Tampa Bay.

Who Are the Best Coaches in Sport?

Mon, 26 May 2008 03:27:46 GMT

Pull up a barstool. It’s time to have an old fashion barroom debate. Here’s the question very simply put--who are the best coaches in sports right now? I wondered the same thing the other night as I watched the Lakers-Spurs. It dawned on me as I watched Phil Jackson and Gregg Popovich coach that I was watching two of the very best ever. So here we go. Below I will list my choices for the best current coaches in football, basketball, baseball and both college football and basketball. Then you give me yours. Let the debate begin

NFL

· Bill Belichick: I know some of you are going to consider him a cheater and wonder about his accomplishments, but love him or hate him, you can’t take away what Belichick has done in New England in a hard salary cap era. He gets players to buy into a philosophy, and he quickly puts down any thought of individualism.

· Runner Up: Tony Dungy, solid in every sense of the word.

· Honorable Mention: Mike Holmgren has taken two different teams to the Super Bowl.

College Football

· Pete Carroll: He has rebuilt USC into a modern day dynasty. He has combined an excellent recruiting touch with a combination of collegiate enthusiasm and NFL coaching smarts.

· Runner Up: Jim Tressel of Ohio State, despite his failure in the big game recently, has had Ohio State in position three times this decade to win a national championship.

NBA

· Phil Jackson: Yes, he has had great players, so do all coaches who win consistently. Yet somehow he has taken his unreal personality and philosophy and molded teams into winners. He is going for a 10th championship this year.

· Runner Up: Gregg Popovich is easily the most underrated coach in American sports today. He just wins.

· Honorable Mention: Jerry Sloan, Utah. Doesn’t it seem as though he has been coaching forever? Somehow in a league notorious for players not playing hard, every night his team gives everything it has.

College Basketball

· Mike Krzyzewski: My skin is starting to itch with this selection, but give the Blue Devil his credit. What he has done with Duke has been nothing short of phenomenal

· Runner Up: Rick Pitino, Louisville, has taken three different schools to the Final Four and has taken an NBA team to the playoffs.

· Honorable Mention: Tom Izzo of Michigan State. Nobody is a better in-game coach.

Major League Baseball

· Tony LaRussa of St. Louis: This superb handler of pitchers has taken three different teams to the playoffs and won World Series with two different teams over the last 25 years. Very innovative and able to get players to perform.

· Runners Up: Terry Francona & Joe Torre. Yes, they had huge payrolls, but they won with these payrolls. Both have won with a mix of older and young players.

Pour yourself a beer and let’s hear your thoughts.

The NBA, Big Brown & MASN

Wed, 21 May 2008 10:27:34 GMT

The Celtics-Cavaliers tussle on Sunday turned into a classic NBA game seven. The Paul Pierce dual (41 pts) vs. LeBron James (44 pts) was very reminiscent of the Larry Bird-Dominique Wilkins epic battle in 1988. When NBA teams try hard, you get what happened on Sunday--superb play at maximum intensity. It’s too bad we don't see more of this in the regular season. Side-note: Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy are superb as color analysts. Hopefully neither gets a job as a head coach anytime soon.

Big Brown: Big Brown ran away with the second leg of the Triple Crown; now it’s on to the Belmont. It would really be cool for horse racing to have a Triple Crown winner, but as dominate as this horse has been, we have seen this tease too much in the last few years. For the industry, let’s hope this time is the charm. Side-note: What a breath of fresh air jockey Kent Desormeaux is. Horse racing and sports in general need more of his type enthusiasm.

Arms Leading O's: The Orioles MVPs thus far have been as follows: Andy MacPhail, Dave Trembly, and Rick Krantiz Why? Because they have acquired, managed and coached the most out of George Sherrill, Matt Albers, Jim Johnson and Dennis Sarfate. These young arms have combined for one the most impressive bullpens in baseball. Can they keep it up? Who knows? Maybe it’s 1989 all over again. Side-note: Enjoy it while it lasts; however, for once, the future is starting to look brighter.

MASN: I like what MASN did this past weekend combining Don Sutton and Jim Palmer with either Gary Thorne or Bob Carpenter. Listening to Palmer and Sutton was like receiving a free clinic on pitching. Why Palmer isn't working with Fox or ESPN is beyond me. He is articulate, bright and not afraid to criticize. Hopefully next time they do this, they will lose the thought of involving Jim Hunter. Side-note: Nationals sideline reporter Debbie Taylor is not just a pretty face, she is an excellent reporter who actually earned her stripes as Peter Gammons’ research assistant. She is very well prepared and very knowledgeable about the game.

NCAA Needs To Come Down Hard On USC

Fri, 16 May 2008 11:23:19 GMT

It might seem like I am about to come down hard and unfairly on USC, but the NCAA needs to crack down and send a real message to each of its member institutions. And in this case, USC has to become the sacrificial lamb. The NCAA's message should be simple and clear--what has gone on with USC involving Reggie Bush and O.J. Mayo will not be tolerated, and the University, even with its storied history, must pay its debt.

The NCAA needs to use harsh sanctions against USC--strip both teams of scholarships, three years of probation with tournament and national TV bans, and make them repay bowl and NCAA tournament money earned by these two teams. Sure other schools are committing the same mistakes. Fortunately for them, they are ones not getting caught. Tell USC that any further infractions in the next five years will result in their programs being shut down for two years. Force athletic director Mike Garrett to get fired; this happened on his watch after all. Make them look at firing both Pete Carroll and Tim Floyd. Come on, you don't think anybody at USC knew what was going on?

A slap on the wrist won't do. Send a message to the other universities that this type of behavior will not be allowed. In other words, put a precedent in place and have the gumption to stick with it. If the NCAA lets this one slide, then they might as well go home and let chaos reign.

A few years ago the University of Alabama should have received the death penalty for its transgressions; however, the NCAA, fearful of sparking a possible rebellion and seeing what's happened to SMU's program since it was given the death penalty, relented and just gave them sanctions. This is why you have this current situation at USC, because schools don't fear the reprisals.

It's time for the NCAA to act swiftly and forcefully. Stop making Mickey Mouse rules and show some tooth. The clock is ticking. Push has come to shove.

Williams Risking His Terps Legacy

Sat, 10 May 2008 15:07:22 GMT

There is no other way to put it; Gary Williams is risking it all with the signing of junior college guard, Tyree Evans. His reputation, his character and his legacy. Why would Gary Williams, a coach with 600 career victories, an ACC championship, and a national championship, risk it all with a kid that has a questionable character?

The answer is simple; following three NIT appearances in four years, Williams is feeling uneasy about his tenure at Maryland. Also when he takes a look at his roster for next year, he sees a backcourt that has more questions than answers. Will Greivis Vasquez get consistent? Can Eric Hayes get more athletic and find his confidence? Will Adrian Bowie or Cliff Tucker, both great athletes, emerge as solid ACC players? Can Sean Mosley get his academics in order and actually qualify.

With all these questions, you probably can’t blame Williams for taking this gamble. Sports are a today business, and today the Maryland basketball program is underachieving. Yesterday’s savior is today’s goat.

Evans reportedly is the type of player that can help the Terps back to the Big Dance; he is lighting quick and a great shooter (44% from 3-point range). He immediately helps solve the lack of backcourt quickness and should push the other guards to step up their game.

To be fair to the kid, he has apparently stepped up his academics at the junior college level, and his coach has vouched for him. Williams has personally said he will mentor the kid and keep him out of trouble.

My biggest fear is that the large and complex urban institution that is Maryland with lots of temptation and people that will test this kid. It will only take one small mistake or error in judgment, and skeptics will be quick to pounce on both Evans and Williams. A serious incident and Williams will most likely not be able to survive the onslaught. He might not survive a small incident.

So is it worth the risk? I will put it this way: without this kid, Maryland might not get back into the NCAA Tournament. If the Terps don’t make it back to the big dance next year, Williams’ chair goes from tepid to scorching hot. But if this move fails and Evans does get in trouble, it will cost him something more than his job it will cost him his legacy.

NBA Playoff Thoughts and Notes

Thu, 08 May 2008 22:26:01 GMT

I am getting more and more intrigued by the NBA playoffs. The Sun has set on Phoenix. The Spurs are on their heels. The Lakers are perfect, and Celtics are showing some holes. Let’s go around the Association for some news and notes:

Paul Making a Point: A great story is brewing in New Orleans, where Chris Paul is making an argument as the best player in the NBA, and he has most certainly passed Steve Nash and Jason Kidd as the best point guard in the league. He embarrassed Kidd in the first round of the playoffs and is making Tony Parker look like Eva Longoria thus far in the second round.

Hornets Giving Hope: What a job Head Coach Bryon Scott has done with the Hornets, who are making the Spurs look old and slow so far. This would be a great thing for the City of New Orleans which is still not back. I wonder if that team can survive long term in that city. It’s a great story and you can’t help but root for the Hornets. Anything that gives people in that beleaguered city hope is a good thing.

Taking The Night off: I can’t get over how many teams take the night off in the NBA Playoffs. You literally don’t know what to expect from night to night. I can understand in the regular season with travel and back-to-back nights, but the playoffs with sometimes two and three days between the games? This is inexcusable and possibly tells you something about the heart of some players in the league.

Could Baltimore Support an NBA Team: I go back and forth on this one. I am pretty sure that selling $45 upper deck tickets to see the Sacramento Kings on a Tuesday night would be hard even if we had a new arena next to Camden Yards. However, if the team marketed well, won, and did some good things in the community, it might be able to draw enough corporate support from the metro area to make it. Actually the creation of MASN might be a help. See the network has a giant hole in its schedule from November through April and an NBA team would be a nice addition. Plus it would give a new team a good revenue base. Pipe dream anyway, we are never getting a team as long as Washington or Philadelphia has one.

My Pick: The Los Angeles Lakers over Boston in six games; Kobe Bryant wins the MVP and Phil Jackson retires after winning his 10^th NBA title, as the best coach in NBA history

Ravens Fans Will Need Patience With Flacco

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:36:33 GMT

Joe Flacco is officially a Raven thanks to some very shrewd and risky draft board manipulation by Ravens General Manager Ozzie Newsome. With the selection of Flacco at Number 18, the Ravens officially have their quarterback of the future, and for the City of Baltimore and the Ravens fans, patience will be our mantra for the next couple years.

It’s been 33 years since this town had a young quarterback that went from prospect to bona fide star and leader. That quarterback’s name was Bert Jones, and he led the Colts to three straight AFC East Championships from 1975-77. Since Jones, the Colts/Ravens have gone through Art Schlichter, Mike Pagel, Eric Zeier, Wally Richardson, Chris Redman, Troy Smith and Kyle Boller. Not one Pro Bowl appearance between this bunch.

In fact, mediocre would be a kind adjective to describe this group. So now comes Flacco, all six feet six inches of him, with a cannon for a right arm. We can only hope and pray that he joins Unitas and Jones, rather than Redman and Pagel, in Baltimore lore.

As fans we will have to learn to be patient with Flacco. In the last 25 years only two quarterbacks have made immediate impacts as rookies--Dan Marino and Ben Roethlisberger. The Mannings, John Elway, and Brett Favre either didn’t play as rookies or they flat out stunk as rookies. Some took a couple of years to develop.

We can’t expect Flacco to be Marino on day one or even for the first year or two, and we can’t classify this draft a bust if he doesn’t become an immediate starter or if he has a rough preseason. Rookie quarterbacks are works in progress, and the process more than the results are important in year one and maybe in year two.

Remember, we want Flacco to be our quarterback for the next 10 years, not just for the opening game next year. It might be better if it takes him most of the year before he gets into a game.

When he does play, expect bumps in the road and expect some frustration; it’s only natural. Flacco certainly has the talent, and I think he will get good coaching from Cam Cameron and Hue Jackson.

So Ravens fans, get ready. The Joe Flacco era has begun. At the very least it will make preseason very interesting. We can do our part by showing patience and letting his development come naturally.

Impressed with Harbaugh So Far

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 11:14:05 GMT

Okay, I know the first ball hasn’t been snapped in anger yet, but I have really been impressed with John Harbaugh during his first off-season as a coach.

He started by hiring a top notch coaching staff, especially his coordinators. Rex Ryan, Cam Cameron and Jerry Rosburg are very well regarded and respected. He kept a good mix of past assistants like Vic Fangio and Mike Pettine and mixed in some new position coaches like John Matsko on the offensive line and Hue Jackson as his quarterbacks coach. He obliviously took Art Modell’s advice to heart and surrounded himself with good people.

From the day he took over, Harbaugh hasn’t been afraid to make changes. He rearranged the locker room so that players wouldn’t just interactive with their own position; hopefully this stops cliques from developing and brings the entire team together.

In the offseason conditioning program, Harbaugh and strength and conditioning coach Bob Rugucki have totally changed the philosophy and tempo. They leaned more on free weights, and according to published reports, players are working hard and often. The Ravens have had 40-50 players in the weight room at all times. They often said the Nebraska football program (back when they were winning championships in the 90’s) didn’t beat you in September; they beat you in February and March with their off-season conditioning program.

Harbaugh has also made it clear that training camp will be much more physical, and he has ended the practice of veteran players being able to go home during camp. They will work, eat, and sleep as the Baltimore Ravens.

Terrell Suggs’ and Ray Lewis’ appearances at mini-camp last week highlight the fact that players seem to be buying into Harbaugh's enthusiasm and program. While we still don’t know how he handles three game losing streaks or in-game adjustments, it’s clear that Harbaugh was prepared for this opportunity. The man had a plan.

Some of his plans came from Andy Reid of the Eagles (his boss for the last nine years), and clearly some have come from his father Jack (a college coach for 41 years) and even some from when he was a boy in Ann Arbor, Michigan watching his father coach alongside the legendary Michigan head coach Bo Schembechler. Hard work, conditioning, and physical play are all trademarks of Schembechler’s teams at Michigan. It seems like Harbaugh has learned from all and now is ready to apply those lessons with a few modern twists during his first opportunity.

It’s only April, but so far so good for John Harbaugh. The Ravens appear to be in good hands and the journey of 2008 has begun. T minus three months ‘til training camp.

Four Bases with the Orioles

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 02:38:00 GMT

Okay so maybe we shouldn’t print playoff tickets just yet, but the Orioles’ fast start has at the very least made this early season very interesting. Here are some reasons on why the team has gotten out of the gate fast as we run around the bases.

First Base: The revamped bullpen has been lights our so far. What a difference a few fresh arms can make and just think they didn’t have to spend $42 million for this bunch. George Sherrill has been terrific as a closer. Randor Bierd and Matt Albers look to have great promise for the future.

Second Base: Kevin Millar looks like the leader this club has been missing for years. No, he is not the greatest player ever, but there is something about his personality that is infectious. He kind of looks like a throwback player and is a great example for the young players. This club is having more fun than any in recent Orioles memory, and Millar’s playful attitude is a big reason why.

Third Base: Although never to be confused with the ‘27 Yankees, this unheralded lineup is really gelling and getting key hits with runners in scoring position. Nick Markakis is a star in the making, and Aubrey Huff has put down his drink long enough to be a really big factor.

Home Plate: Manager Dave Trembly has pushed all the right buttons, not only with his bullpen, but also in keeping his everyday players fresh. Trembly is a great communicator and a no nonsense type of teacher, and so far so go. Because the lineup has been effective, Trembly hasn’t even had a chance or need for a small ball approach.

Extra bases: The one concern thus far is the starting pitchers. They so far aren’t going very deep in games, and you wonder how long Daniel Cabrera has before the Orioles need to think about his place in the rotation. It’s time for Cabrera to start realizing his potential and put together a string of strong starts. Matt Albers’ good start in the bullpen might be a catalyst for a promotion into the rotation the way Jeremy Guthrie’s was last season.

Orioles Need To Let Fans Vent, Have A Voice

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 19:50:02 GMT

So the Orioles are off to a better than anticipated 2-1 start after beating Seattle 7-4, meaning last night would have been a great night to call the Orioles flagship station and praise Dave Trembly for his shrewd handling of the bullpen, or to praise Melvin Mora or Kevin Millar for their nights at the plate. But no, if you’re an Orioles fan, that is not possible. See the Orioles don’t want phone calls after games. Why? They don’t like fans beating them up during what most likely will be another 90+ loss season. Seems nine years of losing got a little under their skin; so last year when they switched affiliates, they ask for this provision. Don’t they understand that this insane policy is stunting fan passion and enthusiasm? And they wonder why there are 33,000 empty seats on a Friday night.

Look no farther than 700 yards down the street. The Ravens have built a large, passionate fan base by interacting with their fans. During the years 1996-98, the character building years as Nestor Aparicio called them, when the team won a combined 16 games, fans called in angry about Ted Marchibroda conservative play calling or grumbled about Donny Brady not being able to cover anyone. Along the way, the passion grew to where fans bought old school buses and turned them into Ravens mobiles or led fans to travel to away games, and to buy out a store’s supply of purple 52 jerseys.

It was those years and that post game show that allowed for the team to build its hardcore following. The bandwagon fans and the people who just go to be seen came later.

If you’re either angry enough or passionate enough to call a station, you’re a real fan. Casual fans don’t wait on hold and don’t vent in public; neither do wine and cheese fans.

Last week coming home from the Nationals game, they were taking calls 30 minutes after the last pitch. People shared their thoughts on the new ball park, their experience at the game, Ryan Zimmerman’s walk-off home run, and yes even complaining about the 10-12,000 fans that left early. Slowly that community is developing a passion for baseball. Here in Baltimore our club is doing everything it can to dissipate that passion.

Sure they would get raked over the coals this season if they lose 100 games, and no one likes being called out in front of a city. Having thin skin isn’t doing the club any good. They have had 24,000 fans combined at two games, and there were by some accounts 8,000 empty seats on opening day. Can you imagine what September will look like?

The Orioles need to reverse their course. Let the flagship open up phone lines. Let the fans vent and let some passion build. Who knows, it might be more positive than they think. Some good things may be happening; let the fans come along for the ride.