OK, so I'm about 6 months early, but it'll be a Happy Thanksgiving if we see this matchup. Both the Maryland Terrapins and the Georgetown Hoyas are currently scheduled to play in the Old Spice Classic during the 2008 Thanksgiving weekend. I say currently scheduled because who knows what GT might do. They never gave MD back the gentleman's agreement of the home and home game.

Even John Feinstein has said that GT refuses to play in the BB&T Classic because Maryland is in it.

In any case, I have not seen the actual seeding, so I don't know if it's a "lock" that these Washington area rivals will share anything more than the same air in Orlando. But wouldn't it be nice? I'll admit the Hoyas have had the better seasons for a couple of years, but I think Gary Williams will have his team play up if Georgetown is on their card.

Posted by Big Money Tony at 02:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Redskins weren't able to acquire a pass rushing defensive end in the draft so the next option was to go shopping at Costco. Not much is lost in the signing of Erasmus James. Skins new DEGiving up only a conditional 7th Round Pick next year seems like quite the low price.

Have the Skins finally figured out the system of paying league veterans at the appropriate value and level? For those fans that are also Nationals fans, GM Bowden has often found gems from other teams scraps. The first couple of years without ownership and tied to a low payroll the only players Bowden could sign to a contract were players that were coming off of injuries or bad years. That was why they could be signed to such a low contract and were available. Hopefully this will be in the past as new ownership will spend money in offseason acquisitions and will be bolstered by an improved farm system.

The Redskins appear to have taken a page from Bowden and have gone bargain shopping. The signing of James is all upside. If he recovers from health concerns, passes a physical, makes the team, stays healthy, and performs anywhere near to the level that NFL scouts thought as he was a former first round pick then the Skins will have found a short term solution to their pass rush woes. It's alot to ask and nothing to lose.

Posted by The Sports Freak at 11:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Memorial Weekend came and went. The weekend marks the start of summer for all intensive purposes. It provides an opportunity to know our country's history better and pay tribute to all of our troops past and present. It also marks a time for the Indy 500.

It was good to see that Cart and IRL have patched things up after the split years ago that allowed Nascar to take the lead in racing. For years my father and I would watch the Indy 500 together. It's set apart from all else as the track provides ample space to cars designed for speeds in excess of 200 MPH to circle an oval track and pass one another on a long afternoon.

Although my father and I weren't able to watch the race together, it conjured memories of us watching Mario, little Al and Big Al (Unser). Racing was racing back then. It was nice to see Marco Andretti in the field even may have caused the crash of teammate Kanaan and fellow driver Fisher. Marco finished third as Dixon won the race.

ABC did a marvelous job of tuning into driver's conversations with their pit crew. This was especially enjoyable to hear Danica Patrick talk to her crew and let them know a stream of consciousness and details about her car as she informed them that the decision to make changes was up to them but that she was running slow. Insight like this kept the race fun and enjoyable that resembled the days of yester year.

Posted by The Sports Freak at 11:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The "Glow Puck" may be making a come back in the broadcasts of NHL games. Versus may be looking into the possibility of enhancing the viewing experience and follow up on Fox's glow puck.

Mel Kiper of ESPN fame has often called out NFL General Managers for not understanding the draft and saying they just don't get it. The same comments could be made about Commissioner Gary Bettman and NHL Owners. While the NFL, NBA, & MLB research and invest time and money on their own to enhance the viewing experience in person and on television the NHL lets the networks foot the bill and pays the price in the end.

At the end of the day it's the viewing public that make the ratings go up or down. As a result of the ratings systems, the networks then set advertising rates and if the ratings and advertising dollars are high can afford to bid at a higher rate for the next television contract. In the NFL, the television contracts pay for the salaries. The NHL didn't appear to be able to cover costs from the television contracts.

When episodes of the World's Strongest Man, Poker, and even a rerun episode of Mama's Family scored higher ratings than hockey ESPN declined to renew broadcasting hockey games at the NHL price. The NHL needs to not just allow networks to improve the game but to understand the game better themselves and pay for the adjustments that will yield a steady stream of higher revenues in the future.

The Problem With Watching Hockey on TV

The basic problem with watching hockey on TV for casual fans is locating the puck in a crowd along the boards. Where NHL fans naturally know where to look for the puck and can sense where the puck has been kicked, edged, or passed out of the boards by following the players movements the casual fan needs help until they pick up these viewing skills.

Essentially the configuration hasn't changed in the NHL, but how the boards are constructed, what types of cameras are used and where they can be used can change. Everyone knows where the ball is when a running back runs into the pile whether the ball is seen or not because a full picture of the crowd is shown. The NHL could redeploy new cameras and in different areas. Picture in Picture close ups could be used and yes even changing the boards to a different color like a meteorologists green wall when broadcasting to show where the puck is from a different angle.

A camera angle on top instead of a hand held camera in the corners that cuts off the view is what's needed. Being able to isolate the puck is critical for new fans.

Back to the Ratings Game

In another brilliant move by the commissioner of the NHL, NBC holds the option of picking up another year in the current broadcast contract. The NHL decided that it's better to receive more money now on a network like VS than stay on ESPN where the game can be grown and even seen by sports fans of all nature without them even having to search for it.

A deal was completed before the game returned to action. If returning from a lock out would supposedly improve the game then why would a network hold an option and not the league? Many critical decisions are made but being able to understand the game itself, its faults, and resolving them with a basic business mindset constantly appears to be over looked.

Posted by The Sports Freak at 10:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

So I'm torn. I want the umpires to have the tools to effectively call the games. But I don't want 3 hour games to turn into 4 hour games. While it didn't factor in the win loss column, in the Mets-Yankees game yesterday, a Carlos Delgado home run was waved off even though it was real.

Ever since Jeffrey Maier stole caught a fly ball that was potentially in play in the ALCS from the Baltimore Orioles, I've wanted instant replay in the majors. Who knows, without that call, maybe the Orioles win the ALCS over the Yankees and win the World Series. The Peter Angelos hate meter would drop about 5% and instead of the 25 year anniversary of Baltimore's last World Series Championship, it would only be the 12th.

Some might say to cap it like the NFL. You can have X number of replays per game. I'm not happy with that, but I don't want it abused by managers.

In the end some sort of instant replay is needed.

Posted by Big Money Tony at 02:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

No, not me, Big Money Tony. Tony Kornheiser accepts a buyout from the Washington Post. He of ESPN's Pardon the Interruption and Monday Night Football. Also less known for his radio show on 3WT Radio, which is one of my "go to" radio shows even though I live and die on the iPod. In previous versions of the radio show, I blasted the show, which in hindsight, I was blasting that radio station. Even possibly less known about Mr. Tony is that he is a regular panelist on Full Court Press, a local show hosted by former sportscaster George Michael (not the singer) and also his more than occasional stints on the Redskins Report, also host by the same George Michael on WRC4.

As a life-long Washingtonian, I always enjoyed reading Kornheiser's columns in the Washington Post. It was bad the day he wrote his last Style section column, which I think coincidentally was the same day the Style section as a whole died a little bit. Then a few years ago, with his ever increasing TV duties, his sports column became "columnettes" as he came to call them.

For now, at least, he appears to be keeping his PTI and MNF duties. The radio show will go on hiatus in a month or so as Mr. Tony takes vacation and prepares for Monday Night Football duties.

As little as he has written for the Post in the past few years, he will be missed by many. Some do think he is a talentless writer, but that is not the opinion shared by many. So as I write this on an "e-mail machine", I'm confident there's no chance Mr. Tony will read it.

Posted by Big Money Tony at 07:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Big Money Tony's streak of wins has come to an end. It should have come as no surprise if everyone knew how the evening started. I met BMT at his client's office as I exited metro. We happened to have a parking permit for our seats to last Friday night's game. As BMT's vehicle was being pulled from the garage, he had to run back upstairs to grab something. The parking lot attendant then had to move the vehicle over a second time. As I stepped inside I tipped the attendant. BMT then came down and jumped inside ready to go. I told him I had tipped the parking lot attendand to which he uttered damn. He had tipped the attendant, too.

We joked about going back to say there was a misunderstanding and ask for a tip back. Then it dawned on me. Wasn't this a Curb Your Enthusiasm episode? Maybe one of the lurkers on the site would be able to chime in? In any event the smug remarks forshadowed the pounding the Marlins gave the Nats on Friday and then twice over on Saturday.

As BMT said, it is all about the food. When the game goes south there's nothing like some good food. I have since tried the wings at Hard Times and it definitely receives two thumbs way up. It was a great time in our partial plan seats on Saturday as we mingled with our fellow fans. We emplored Nats fans to put on their rally caps in the 8th and yelled at fans leaving the ball park that they could be missing the greatest rally in Nationals history.

It was definetlely a lively night as I'd yell Can Not when Cantu would come up to bat our neighbor would yell Can Too! Moreover, from our vantage point a home run was hit and looked foul as it cleared the foul pole. Our neighbor circled his finger and mocked the umpires as foul ball after foul ball was hit by the Marlins. It may have been an 11-0 game but we found a way to have a great time at a fun park. As stated at the start of the season, the Nationals will be a streaky team and it appears that they're on a downward streak. Luckily it looks like their off to a great start with the makings of a win in tonight's game.

Posted by The Sports Freak at 09:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

There have been rumors online that Seattle has sent scouts to Reds games. Could Griffey be going back to where it all started?

Why not bring Griffey to DC? The Nats haven't had a star like Griffey since Soriano left in free agency. Having a player like Griffey in center field would move Lastings to LF and create more depth in the OF. It would also provide Zimmerman and Johnson more protection in the line-up. Holding onto Lastings and Zimmerman would be key, so who would the Nats need to give up besides a couple of prospects?

Posted by The Sports Freak at 09:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Yesterday, Olaf Kolzig, the long time starting goalie for the Washington Capitals, decided he would not be returning to the team next season.

He's been the only goalie that I associated with the Caps since I started really paying attention about a decade ago. It's tough to see Olie the Goalie, Godzilla, leaving the only NHL team he has played for. Kolzig led the team to it's only Stanley Cup Finals berth in 1998. It appears he knew for sure the end was near when the Caps didn't start him for Game 5 against the Philadelphia Flyers, with the team down 1-3 in the first round. I actually discussed that with some hockey fans. Whether they were going with the "hot hand" or just trying to ride with Cristobal Huet, it made Kolzig's decision easier.

Good luck to you Olie. Here's hoping we see you in net somewhere this winter.

Posted by Big Money Tony at 12:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

To follow up on the initial story of Feel The Power, I had taken a trip to Orlando a little over a week ago and when I looked for towels to dry my hands I noticed something. I didn't see any towels, but what I did find was the competitor. The dryer isn't as strong or fast as Feel The Power. I guess now we know why the name fits, because anything less wouldn't be powerful enough.

Posted by The Sports Freak at 10:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Nats found themselves taking the Braves, Cubs, and Pirates series at home this past week. Not only did the streaky Nationals find some hitting but you could see how much fun the players were having. Winning has also made it easier for Manny to find time for players like Boone to receive more playing time and contribute making it a happy clubhouse.

The winning isn't the only change at home recently. The Nationals also changed the look of the HD Scoreboard. Now it shows both lineups and the live stats of the batter and pitcher. It also displays balls, strikes, pitch count, and mph. It looks fabulous and provides all the stats one could want.

Now on to more important things that being food of course. As BMT and I share a partial plan, we've been able to take in some of the cuisine at the new ball park. After sampling some of the dogs, I prefer the Hebrew National Dog and for a dollar more than the Nats dog it offers a lot more flavor. The Kosher Dog follows a close second and the potato knish was a tasty treat with less salt than a pretzel. The chili mac at Hard Times tastes great too.

We also tried the cafe in center field as we were seated and had waitered service. The view to home plate was fantastic and the chicken caesar salad was pretty good. The chicken was nice and juicy. We may never need to go back, but if we do I'll remember to ask for more dressing. Gifford’s Ice Cream even on a mild is always a nice treat.

The only thing lacking was finding the cuisine of the visiting city. I had read that Nationals Park would provide a taste of a Chicago dog when the Cubs came to town and I walked around the concourse level to no avail. Anyone that's had a Chicago dog done right knows just how delicious it is.

Posted by The Sports Freak at 09:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

This is taking a rivalry too far. Running over an opponent on the field of play might be warranted, but fans running over opposing fans in a parking lot is too far. But I don't have to tell you that, or do I?

Sure, I can't stand Philly fans of any sport, nor the Dallas Cowboy fans (especially those who have never been in Dallas, let alone Texas). I find it hard though that no matter how drunk I am, I would run another human being over.

Posted by Big Money Tony at 08:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBacks (0)

I may be a week late with this, but I can’t just dismiss the disparity among the regular season records of the teams in this year’s NBA playoffs. The NBA playoffs are a 16 team tournament to decide the championship. Teams play 82 games in the regular season to determine which 16 teams get the chance to compete for the championship. This year, the NBA has determined that the Atlanta Hawks, with a record of 37-45, have earned the right to compete for the championship while the Golden State Warriors, with a record of 48-34, did not win enough games to compete for the championship.

That’s an eleven game difference. The Warriors won 11 more games than the Hawks in the regular season, yet it is the Hawks who are in the playoffs. Is the Hawks .451 winning percentage the lowest ever for a playoff team in professional sports?

The biggest surprise to me is that no one seems to have a problem with the above situation. Maybe it is because neither team is likely to win the championship, but if I were the Golden State Warriors I wouldn’t be too happy. The only reason I can think of why team owners, particularly in the NBA and NFL, don’t make more of a fuss about this sort of situation is because they know what comes around goes around – meaning the Warriors know that next year they very well could have a .451 winning percentage and make the playoffs. But does this system represent the best way to determine a champion?

I know I’ve said it before but I’ll ask it again: what would be wrong with eliminating conferences and divisions in professional sports and just taking the teams with the top regular season records to compete in the playoffs?

Posted by Bob at 06:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Why? Why? Why?

In a brillant move that benefits no fans, the NCAA has granted Washington, DC the Congressional Bowl..

What purpose does this serve? RFK or Nationals Park? First of all, RFK should be demolished so Daniel Snyder can build the 1 million capacity retractable dome. Second, why ruin a perfectly good baseball park with a football game? Apparently after rejecting the +1 championship, they thought yet another bowl game to add the to 670 we already have makes it so much better.

The participants are going to be something like the 10th best ACC team and one of the service academies. I hope Navy, the participant for the first Congressional Bowl, makes it to a BCS bowl so the Congressional Bowl organizers will have to scramble for the Coast Guard Academy's football team.

Posted by Big Money Tony at 01:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)