Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Longhorns Lose Brantley
In a move that is shocking to some, expected by others, Texas' heralded quarterback commitment, John Brantley, switched commitments from Texas to Florida today.
Brantley, the Gatorade National Player of the Year and a native of Ocala, Fl., had been committed to Texas for eight months and had shown no signs of a wavering committment. However, the switch was not surprising, as Brantley's father, uncle and high school coach had played for the Gators, and he had grown up attending Florida games.
On one hand, I really want to wish him well. He is 18 years old, and I don't blame someone for wanting to stay at home.
But on the other hand, I wis him much worse. I know he is just a kid, but obviously high schools do not teach any kids the definition of the word commitment. Mack Brown and the Texas coaching staff had been planning their entire recruiting class around Brantley, mainly because of quotes like:
"I want to end with a very special thanks to coach Brown, coach (Greg) Davis and coach (Gene) Chizik. I won't let you down. Hook'em."
Brantley's commitment caused Mack Brown to turn down Ryan Mallett, the No. 2 quarterback in the nation from Texarkana, because the quarterback position is now full.
So, with some 18 year old's indecision, the Longhorns missed out on two blue chip quarterback prospects.
I hope you enjoy three years on the bench behind Tim Tebow. I pray you receive the same amount of playing time as Ryan Perrilloux. Karma's a bitch.
Brantley, the Gatorade National Player of the Year and a native of Ocala, Fl., had been committed to Texas for eight months and had shown no signs of a wavering committment. However, the switch was not surprising, as Brantley's father, uncle and high school coach had played for the Gators, and he had grown up attending Florida games.
On one hand, I really want to wish him well. He is 18 years old, and I don't blame someone for wanting to stay at home.
But on the other hand, I wis him much worse. I know he is just a kid, but obviously high schools do not teach any kids the definition of the word commitment. Mack Brown and the Texas coaching staff had been planning their entire recruiting class around Brantley, mainly because of quotes like:
"I want to end with a very special thanks to coach Brown, coach (Greg) Davis and coach (Gene) Chizik. I won't let you down. Hook'em."
Brantley's commitment caused Mack Brown to turn down Ryan Mallett, the No. 2 quarterback in the nation from Texarkana, because the quarterback position is now full.
So, with some 18 year old's indecision, the Longhorns missed out on two blue chip quarterback prospects.
I hope you enjoy three years on the bench behind Tim Tebow. I pray you receive the same amount of playing time as Ryan Perrilloux. Karma's a bitch.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Carr Not Going to Get It Done in Houston
Houston Texans' owner Bob McNair is probably hoping right now that he bought Carr insurance.
How about this for a line? 16/28 for 127 yds, 0 TD, 4 INT, 4 Sacks, 4. 4.s yds per pass attempt.
Carr definitely earned the game ball from the New England Patriots' 40-7 win over the Texans. Carr got an assist for giving the Patriots great field position on four drives.
Five years ago, Houstonians thought they were getting a quarterback that could take them to the Super Bowl. One year ago, coach Gary Kubiak said that Carr had the skills to win. Sunday, I can still see what the Texans saw. He has a strong arm and is fairly mobile.
But while Carr does have the physical skills, the number of intangibles he has equals about 0. The guy just isn't smart. Everyone blames his O-line for the sacks. Most of the time Carr is sacked, he actually has plenty of time to throw (at least this season). He holds on to the ball in the pocket too long, afraid to throw it away. Amazing that he can think that as many times as he has had an O-lineman help him up.
Carr is still the first and only quarterback I have ever seen throw the ball away after he had crossed the line of scrimmage. I've seen QBs throw to receivers, but I've never seen one throw the ball out of bounds after crossing the line of scrimmage. And Carr did that twice in the same game last week against the Titans.
In addition, he is just not a leader. The fight has already left the dog in Houston, and I think it did last season. I've never seen Carr disappointed about a bad play (amazing considering how many he has had). He does not inspire anyone else on his side of the ball to play with any kind of intensity. The offense sleepwalks. No leadership causes the offensive line to not block as hard and not create a push. No leadership causes receivers to drop passes that are normally catchable. No leadership causes everyone to give up. I know, I've played on a football team with a quarterback that nobody respected.
It's time for the Texans to unhitch the wagon from David Carr. Obviously the team needs improvement in 15 of the 22 positions on the field (maybe more), but the glaring weakness on this team is at quarterback. Fix that problem first.
How about this for a line? 16/28 for 127 yds, 0 TD, 4 INT, 4 Sacks, 4. 4.s yds per pass attempt.
Carr definitely earned the game ball from the New England Patriots' 40-7 win over the Texans. Carr got an assist for giving the Patriots great field position on four drives.
Five years ago, Houstonians thought they were getting a quarterback that could take them to the Super Bowl. One year ago, coach Gary Kubiak said that Carr had the skills to win. Sunday, I can still see what the Texans saw. He has a strong arm and is fairly mobile.
But while Carr does have the physical skills, the number of intangibles he has equals about 0. The guy just isn't smart. Everyone blames his O-line for the sacks. Most of the time Carr is sacked, he actually has plenty of time to throw (at least this season). He holds on to the ball in the pocket too long, afraid to throw it away. Amazing that he can think that as many times as he has had an O-lineman help him up.
Carr is still the first and only quarterback I have ever seen throw the ball away after he had crossed the line of scrimmage. I've seen QBs throw to receivers, but I've never seen one throw the ball out of bounds after crossing the line of scrimmage. And Carr did that twice in the same game last week against the Titans.
In addition, he is just not a leader. The fight has already left the dog in Houston, and I think it did last season. I've never seen Carr disappointed about a bad play (amazing considering how many he has had). He does not inspire anyone else on his side of the ball to play with any kind of intensity. The offense sleepwalks. No leadership causes the offensive line to not block as hard and not create a push. No leadership causes receivers to drop passes that are normally catchable. No leadership causes everyone to give up. I know, I've played on a football team with a quarterback that nobody respected.
It's time for the Texans to unhitch the wagon from David Carr. Obviously the team needs improvement in 15 of the 22 positions on the field (maybe more), but the glaring weakness on this team is at quarterback. Fix that problem first.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Bagwell Retires
Houston Astro Jeff Bagwell announced his retirement today.
Bagwell played for the Astros for 15 seasons. He is the team leader in home runs, RBIs and extra base hits.
Bagwell, along with Craig Biggio, did something that is almost unthinkable in sports today; he played his entire career for one team. This yankee boy from Massachusetts came on down to Texas and made this place his home. He always did great things for the community and has said many times that Houston is now his home.
I grew up watching Bagwell and Biggio play, and they will forever be #1 in my heart for what they have done for my city, both on the field and off. I grew up watching these guys play ball, and while it will be sad the day their numbers are retired, at the same time it will bring back all the great memories that Astros fans have had over the last 15 years.
Houston would not be the same without Jeff Bagwell, and he will forever be one of my two favorite athletes, with Biggio being the other. Heres to a first ballot Hall-of-Famer!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for 15 great seasons Jeff.
Bagwell played for the Astros for 15 seasons. He is the team leader in home runs, RBIs and extra base hits.
Bagwell, along with Craig Biggio, did something that is almost unthinkable in sports today; he played his entire career for one team. This yankee boy from Massachusetts came on down to Texas and made this place his home. He always did great things for the community and has said many times that Houston is now his home.
I grew up watching Bagwell and Biggio play, and they will forever be #1 in my heart for what they have done for my city, both on the field and off. I grew up watching these guys play ball, and while it will be sad the day their numbers are retired, at the same time it will bring back all the great memories that Astros fans have had over the last 15 years.
Houston would not be the same without Jeff Bagwell, and he will forever be one of my two favorite athletes, with Biggio being the other. Heres to a first ballot Hall-of-Famer!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for 15 great seasons Jeff.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Embarrassed to Be a Texans Fan
I thought I would be over it after four days.
A long time ago, I thought it wouldn't be a big deal juggling my favorite NFL team and my favorite football player in a long time. But after seeing Vince Young's 39-yard touchdown run for the 40th time on TV, I just can't take it anymore.
I think I'm done with my financial support of the Texans. My parents have already decided not to renew our season tickets for next year. My #8 David Carr jersey? I'm planning on it to find the fire sometime over this Christmas break.
But every time I see Vince Young rip his helmet off after defeating Houston, it just makes me sick thinking about what could have been.
I can't take it anymore. This is my big F-YOU to Texans owner Bob McNair. You could have taken the hometown kid who was already a football hero to over half of your state. You would have won millions of fans who never even thought about rooting for your team. You might have become more popular than the Cowboys.
Oh yeah, you also would have drafted a quarterback that would take your team to the Super Bowl.
Instead, you have made millions of Texans hate your team. You're going to be seeing 15,000 empty seats for every game (except when Vince comes to town). You're not going to sell any jerseys. You know who is going to sell jerseys in Houston? Bud Adams will be selling #10 Vince Young jerseys. Never thought you'd be hearing that.
Oh yeah, and your quarterback is David Carr. A guy who threw the ball away after he crossed the line of scrimmage. Twice. In one game.
This is the point that I am cutting off my financial support of your team. Until you show me that you are committed to winning and you can hire a front office that doesn't have it's head up its ass, I will not spend another dime on anything Texans. I'll still watch, probably because I'm a masochist.
Oh wait, I can't watch. They show the Titans in Austin.
A long time ago, I thought it wouldn't be a big deal juggling my favorite NFL team and my favorite football player in a long time. But after seeing Vince Young's 39-yard touchdown run for the 40th time on TV, I just can't take it anymore.
I think I'm done with my financial support of the Texans. My parents have already decided not to renew our season tickets for next year. My #8 David Carr jersey? I'm planning on it to find the fire sometime over this Christmas break.
But every time I see Vince Young rip his helmet off after defeating Houston, it just makes me sick thinking about what could have been.
I can't take it anymore. This is my big F-YOU to Texans owner Bob McNair. You could have taken the hometown kid who was already a football hero to over half of your state. You would have won millions of fans who never even thought about rooting for your team. You might have become more popular than the Cowboys.
Oh yeah, you also would have drafted a quarterback that would take your team to the Super Bowl.
Instead, you have made millions of Texans hate your team. You're going to be seeing 15,000 empty seats for every game (except when Vince comes to town). You're not going to sell any jerseys. You know who is going to sell jerseys in Houston? Bud Adams will be selling #10 Vince Young jerseys. Never thought you'd be hearing that.
Oh yeah, and your quarterback is David Carr. A guy who threw the ball away after he crossed the line of scrimmage. Twice. In one game.
This is the point that I am cutting off my financial support of your team. Until you show me that you are committed to winning and you can hire a front office that doesn't have it's head up its ass, I will not spend another dime on anything Texans. I'll still watch, probably because I'm a masochist.
Oh wait, I can't watch. They show the Titans in Austin.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Astros Acquire Jennings From Rockies
The Houston Astros announced Tuesday that they acquired starting pitcher Jason Jennings and reliever Miguel Ascencio from the Colorado Rockies.
In return, the Rockies will receive center fielder Willy Taveras and two young pitching prospects, Jason Hirsch and Taylor Buchholz.
The move appears to be the Astros' way of moving on from Andy Pettitte, who signed a 1 year, $16 million contract with the New York Yankees on Friday.
The move does shore up the Astros' rotation a bit. Jennings, who posted his career best ERA at 3.78 last season, does bring some experience to a rotation that will be reeling with the loss of Pettitte and with Roger Clemens playing his usual games. Ascencio should actually bolster the pen as well.
The big problem is that the Astros overpaid. Including Taveras in the deal is fine. Although he is a speedster and has great range in center field, he just never seemed to develop into the leadoff and base stealing threat that 'Stros fans thought he could be, although yours truly thinks that it wouldn't have hurt if someone taught him to dive back into first base headfirst.
The golden rule of GMs in baseball is that you never trade your top pitching prospect. That is exactly what the Astros did by throwing Hirsch into the deal. While Buchholz seemed expendible, Hirsch is the real deal. Although he has seen a small sample size in the bigs, he absolutely dominated the opposition at ever level he pitched at. Unfortunately, pitching in the thin air may never allow Hirsch to reach his full potential, even with humidifiers.
Speaking of the thin air, you never know what you are getting when you pick up a former Colorado pitcher. Jennings had an ERA of 3.78 last season, but it was his first season with an ERA under 4.50. He has never won more than 12 games in a season.
The thing that really bugs me about the deal though is that Jennings will be a free agent after this year. With the Astros typically not being the team to be the highest bidder on free agents (this season being the exception), if Jennings does have a breakout year the Astros will lose their chance of keeping him long term. Multiple sources have said that Jennings is a hothead, and that he had already turned down a long term contract paying $9 million/year from the Rockies. If he heads to the Juicebox and puts up career numbers, you can bet that Jennings will demand $12 million/year. If he stinks up the joint than you may not want to resign him anyway.
If either of those scenarios come true, and I could see them happening, then the Astros just traded at 24-year old center fielder with two years of Major League experience and 24- and 25-year old pitching prospects for a starting pitcher that noone is completely sure about. Even if Jennings has a decent year and the Astros can resign him, that is still quite a price to pay for an unproven commodity.
In return, the Rockies will receive center fielder Willy Taveras and two young pitching prospects, Jason Hirsch and Taylor Buchholz.
The move appears to be the Astros' way of moving on from Andy Pettitte, who signed a 1 year, $16 million contract with the New York Yankees on Friday.
The move does shore up the Astros' rotation a bit. Jennings, who posted his career best ERA at 3.78 last season, does bring some experience to a rotation that will be reeling with the loss of Pettitte and with Roger Clemens playing his usual games. Ascencio should actually bolster the pen as well.
The big problem is that the Astros overpaid. Including Taveras in the deal is fine. Although he is a speedster and has great range in center field, he just never seemed to develop into the leadoff and base stealing threat that 'Stros fans thought he could be, although yours truly thinks that it wouldn't have hurt if someone taught him to dive back into first base headfirst.
The golden rule of GMs in baseball is that you never trade your top pitching prospect. That is exactly what the Astros did by throwing Hirsch into the deal. While Buchholz seemed expendible, Hirsch is the real deal. Although he has seen a small sample size in the bigs, he absolutely dominated the opposition at ever level he pitched at. Unfortunately, pitching in the thin air may never allow Hirsch to reach his full potential, even with humidifiers.
Speaking of the thin air, you never know what you are getting when you pick up a former Colorado pitcher. Jennings had an ERA of 3.78 last season, but it was his first season with an ERA under 4.50. He has never won more than 12 games in a season.
The thing that really bugs me about the deal though is that Jennings will be a free agent after this year. With the Astros typically not being the team to be the highest bidder on free agents (this season being the exception), if Jennings does have a breakout year the Astros will lose their chance of keeping him long term. Multiple sources have said that Jennings is a hothead, and that he had already turned down a long term contract paying $9 million/year from the Rockies. If he heads to the Juicebox and puts up career numbers, you can bet that Jennings will demand $12 million/year. If he stinks up the joint than you may not want to resign him anyway.
If either of those scenarios come true, and I could see them happening, then the Astros just traded at 24-year old center fielder with two years of Major League experience and 24- and 25-year old pitching prospects for a starting pitcher that noone is completely sure about. Even if Jennings has a decent year and the Astros can resign him, that is still quite a price to pay for an unproven commodity.
