One word can be used to describe the Manny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather fight this past May 2nd. Underwhelming. This was supposed to be the most anticipated, the most exhilarating fight of the century, and it fell way flat. With all the hype leading up to this fight, viewers at the MGM, and at home were yearning for a knockout. What did they get? A 12 round hug and jab fest, which was not worth their $100 at home, and thousands of dollars at the MGM. It became apparently clear to me that Mayweather has one motive. Money. He does not love the sport of boxing, and he does not love to compete. Floyd Mayweather "fights" for his nine figure check. For every second that passed by, Mayweather made $83k. No wonder he dragged the fight out. If this fight was against anyone else, with any other circumstance, he would have gone for the KO. But his strategy for the entire fight, was to drag it out, and there are a few things that make me believe this.
1.Fight Style: Floyd played defense the entire night. Just by watching, I could tell he was running around, and one could say he fought scared. On several occasions, Pacman would work Mayweather into the corner, and begin to land a sequence of punches, culminating with one heavy left hook. Instead of fighting his way out, and landing a few return punches, Mayweather would slip out of the situation, and reboot the fight. That lack of offensive fire-power shows his lack of interest in the fight, in my mind. If Mayweather really cared about the fight, he would have gunned for Pacquiaos head, and left no mercy. On May 2nd, he jogged around, and gave the occasional hug. Seriously? Mayweather's lackluster fight style also restricted Manny from going after it. Because Floyd took Manny in for a tender hug everytime a 66 pound per punch fist was cocked for his head, Pacman couldn't fight like he normally would. Mayweather's cowardly fighting style made it impossible for Pacquiao to make any moves on Floyd.
2. Too Much Hype: This fight was five years in the making. Every TV station had a Mayweather vs Pacquiao commercial running. T-shirts were sold in large quantities. ESPN didn't even have coverage of the actual fight, but they moved their live SportCenter shows out to LA to have a week full of coverage for the fight. With all the anticipation for the fight, there needed to be a bloody match, where both men poured their heart and soul into the match, culminating in a knockout. To avid boxing fans, it may have seemed like a good fight. But the majority of the audience were not avid boxing fans, merely just people looking to see a good fight, potentially the fight of the century. Most people wanted to witness history, not a match where someone outboxed the other. All the hype leading up to it was too big.
This fight barely satisfied it's viewers. To be honest, I almost turned the fight off after two straight minutes of a black screen because Charter couldn't handle all of the traffic it was getting from its hundreds of thousands of Pay-Per-View buyers. And to be honest again, I was dissapointed in the fight as a whole. The week leading up to the fight was filled with hype, but the fight did not fulfill my hopes and dreams. This was my first, and probably my last boxing match I'll ever watch. Even IF there was the possibility for #MayPac2, I probably wouldn't even watch. MayPac1 might have ruined boxing for me.
Monday, May 11, 2015
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
99 Problems but a Win isn't One
While the Knicks continue to trudge along in the debacle of a season this one was, one thing stands out to me like a sore thumb with this team. Melo needs to go. Plain and simple. Phil Jackson recently made the worst trade imaginable by ridding J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert. Those two guys could have been the foundation to building a better team in the 15-16 season. But no. Phil Jackson needed to clear cap space immediately it seems like. Well Phil, if I were in your shoes, here's what I would have done differently.
1. Keep Shumpert. He was the best defensive player the Knicks had, and was still on his rookie contract. Yes he is injured, but he could have been the building block for success for this potentially up and coming Knicks team. But no. Knicks need the cap space NOW! Losing Shumpert and Smith dumped $20 million in luxury and salary tax, which makes $35 million available for free agent shopping this summer. Lamarcus Aldridge, Marc Gasol, Kawhi Leonard, and DeAndre Jordan are just some of the names they can pursue this summer.
2. Trade Melo. Jesus god almighty. As much as I love Melo, HE NEEDS TO GO! All he's doing right now is taking up cap space! With Shumpert and Smith gone, there's no one for Melo to work with. So keeping Melo means that he'll take all the work onto his shoulders, make all the other players un happy and un willing to play with him. On top of that, he's injured. Melo has a 5 year contract, for $124 million through 2018. A team like the Hawks, with the most cap space in the league, can maneuver some players around and make a big trade to acquire Melo, and send some players to New York. Someone like Paul Millsap and Kyle Korver would help the Knicks out substantially.
3. Play for 1st (pick). Let's be real here. With a 10-45 record as of February 24th, there's nothing left to look forward to for the Knicks besides 1st pick in the draft. By doing that, they can build and get younger. Jahil Okafor or Emmanuel Mudiay can help the Knicks tremendously
4. Make a splash in the Free Agent Pool. How about some fresh talent in NY huh? It seemed to work when the Knicks brought in Carmelo, Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler in back in 2010. If I was in Jacksons shoes, and Melo was already traded, the first thing I would look for is the SF position. Guys like Luol Deng or a Kawhi Leonard (at the right price) could serve great in NY as Anthony's replacement. The next desperatley needed position would be Center. With the power forward position potentially locked down with Cleanthony Early in the D league, the Center would be the next need for the Knicks. If we're going to be honest, the Knicks haven't had a reliable center since Patrick Ewing in the 80's and 90's. A reliable guy like Omer Asik, who is great on defense, and scores when he needs to is just what they need. Or, if the room is there, Lamarcus Aldridge or DeAndre Jordan will be potentially shopping for new teams.
This Knicks franchise needs a complete revitalization. Phil Jackson needs to realize that the way he has constructed this team is not fit for winning more than 20 games in a season. Getting Shumpert back, trading or dumping Melo, building through the draft and shopping for Free Agents will help this team take a 180 degree turn talent wise, and maybe even record wise. Lord knows they could use it.
3. Play for 1st (pick). Let's be real here. With a 10-45 record as of February 24th, there's nothing left to look forward to for the Knicks besides 1st pick in the draft. By doing that, they can build and get younger. Jahil Okafor or Emmanuel Mudiay can help the Knicks tremendously
4. Make a splash in the Free Agent Pool. How about some fresh talent in NY huh? It seemed to work when the Knicks brought in Carmelo, Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler in back in 2010. If I was in Jacksons shoes, and Melo was already traded, the first thing I would look for is the SF position. Guys like Luol Deng or a Kawhi Leonard (at the right price) could serve great in NY as Anthony's replacement. The next desperatley needed position would be Center. With the power forward position potentially locked down with Cleanthony Early in the D league, the Center would be the next need for the Knicks. If we're going to be honest, the Knicks haven't had a reliable center since Patrick Ewing in the 80's and 90's. A reliable guy like Omer Asik, who is great on defense, and scores when he needs to is just what they need. Or, if the room is there, Lamarcus Aldridge or DeAndre Jordan will be potentially shopping for new teams.
This Knicks franchise needs a complete revitalization. Phil Jackson needs to realize that the way he has constructed this team is not fit for winning more than 20 games in a season. Getting Shumpert back, trading or dumping Melo, building through the draft and shopping for Free Agents will help this team take a 180 degree turn talent wise, and maybe even record wise. Lord knows they could use it.
Arod's 2015 will be a Hit or Miss
When I typed Alex Rodriguez's name into google, the first three related people that came up were Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds, and Manny Ramirez. Those three have one major thing in common with Arod. STEROIDS. But, Yankee fans have been assured this is a new era. A clean era for Arod. With the PED and BioGenesis scandals behind him, Rodriguez can now focus on the more important things, like getting his 39 year old PED reliant body back in baseball shape.
As a Yankee fan, I'm concerned, yet anxious about Arod's 2015 campaign. He could bomb the season, proving to everyone that he can't play without the juice, regardless of what he's told the fans. He could struggle to bat his weight, and be replaced as the Designated DH by the barely younger Carlos Beltran. Arod could also make a fool out of himself in front of all the booing fans, and walk away from the team after this season with his $61 million and quickly be consigned to oblivion by the baseball world.
As realistic as all of that sounds, some little part of my pinstriped heart tells me that this could be an omen. Arod could FINALLY produce like he used to back in the mid 2000's. After taking his suspension from the 2013-2014 seasons, he could have gotten 100% healthy again, and play his first full, 162 game season since 2005 with the Yankees. 2005 was also Arod's arguably best year ever in pinstripes, where he posted a .321 average, 130 RBI's and 48 homers. Ever since, loyal yankee fans have seen Arod's numbers decrease. But, 2015 could be the year he actually contributes to this team since 2009, where they won a World Series. His offseason work could all come full circle, and develop a swing that is explosively efficient, making balls pop like popcorn, while simultaneously reducing his strikeouts. IF all of that comes together, Yankee fans could be blessed with a potential post season push.
But being realistic here, the Arod of 2015 won't be able to hold the jockstrap of Arod of the mid 2000's. Granted, he was on the juice back then, but at least he was a valuable member to such a storied organization! Yankees fans have been sick and tired of hearing Arod this and Arod that in the news, and even more sick of him stinking up the field when he's playing! This year needs to be a tell all for Arod. With three years left on his contract, he needs to make some big changes. If he fails, which is likely, the once glorified Yankee will be pressured by the fan base, and even the front office to take his money and get out of the Bronx so there is more room for actual talent. But, if by chance he manages to pull off a successful season, and lead the Yankees to the playoffs, Arod will once again be worshiped by fans. He once again will be mounted on top of a pedestal for all to view. And potentially, could be forgiven of his dreadful sin by the fans, which, in reality, would be the biggest victory of his career.
As a Yankee fan, I'm concerned, yet anxious about Arod's 2015 campaign. He could bomb the season, proving to everyone that he can't play without the juice, regardless of what he's told the fans. He could struggle to bat his weight, and be replaced as the Designated DH by the barely younger Carlos Beltran. Arod could also make a fool out of himself in front of all the booing fans, and walk away from the team after this season with his $61 million and quickly be consigned to oblivion by the baseball world.
As realistic as all of that sounds, some little part of my pinstriped heart tells me that this could be an omen. Arod could FINALLY produce like he used to back in the mid 2000's. After taking his suspension from the 2013-2014 seasons, he could have gotten 100% healthy again, and play his first full, 162 game season since 2005 with the Yankees. 2005 was also Arod's arguably best year ever in pinstripes, where he posted a .321 average, 130 RBI's and 48 homers. Ever since, loyal yankee fans have seen Arod's numbers decrease. But, 2015 could be the year he actually contributes to this team since 2009, where they won a World Series. His offseason work could all come full circle, and develop a swing that is explosively efficient, making balls pop like popcorn, while simultaneously reducing his strikeouts. IF all of that comes together, Yankee fans could be blessed with a potential post season push.
But being realistic here, the Arod of 2015 won't be able to hold the jockstrap of Arod of the mid 2000's. Granted, he was on the juice back then, but at least he was a valuable member to such a storied organization! Yankees fans have been sick and tired of hearing Arod this and Arod that in the news, and even more sick of him stinking up the field when he's playing! This year needs to be a tell all for Arod. With three years left on his contract, he needs to make some big changes. If he fails, which is likely, the once glorified Yankee will be pressured by the fan base, and even the front office to take his money and get out of the Bronx so there is more room for actual talent. But, if by chance he manages to pull off a successful season, and lead the Yankees to the playoffs, Arod will once again be worshiped by fans. He once again will be mounted on top of a pedestal for all to view. And potentially, could be forgiven of his dreadful sin by the fans, which, in reality, would be the biggest victory of his career.
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
2015 NFL Draft: 1st Round QB's
Even though the NFL and NCAA seasons have not yet come to an end, all eyes are soon to turn to the NFL draft. And where will the most attention go to? The most important and dynamic position, Quarterback. Two names headline this years draft. Marcus Mariota out of Oregon, and Jameis Winston out of Florida State. These two are sure fire first round QB's, but the only question is.... What teams will draft them?
First off, what teams need a new QB in the first round? The Tampa Bay Bucs desperately need someone at the helm of their offense, after their stint with Josh McCown didn't pan out like they planned. Mike Glennon didn't show up like the Bucs would have wanted either. The two had a combined 3,623 passing yards, 21 TD's and 20 INT's, with six fumbles over the 16 game 2014 season. Obviously these two aren't getting it done. Mike Evans needs a high quality quarterback slinging TD passes to him on a game-to-game basis. Who should they draft? Marcus Mariota. This Heisman winner is exactly what a developing team with potential, like the Bucs are looking foo. LOW TURNOVERS. In his three year career at Oregon, Mariota had a total of 13 interceptions. And in his Heisman winning 2014 season, he had three interceptions. If the Bucs want any chance at competing for the once strong, now weak NFC south, they need Mariota to take care of the ball, which he has proven time and time again that he can do. On top of low turnovers, this kid can score. This past season, Mariota totaled 55 TD's, with 15 of them on the ground, and 40 in the air. His playmaking ability and being able to extend the play with his feet is a perfect fit for Tampa. If Mariota spends his rookie year with the Bucs, be sure to expect some Evans to Mariota connections!
The next team who needs a QB desperately is the Tennessee Titans. For years now they have struggled finding a solid QB who can produce game in and game out. Jake Locker can't stay on the field. Charlie Whitehurst provided for the team, but he hasn't truly shown he can consistently win for the Titans. Zach Mettenberger had an interception in every game he started, so how does anyone know if he's ready for the big time after only playing seven games. The Titans are a team with not a ton of weapons, so they need someone to bring life to the offense. Who better than Jameis Winston? In the situation the Titans are in, where they need any sort of spark in the system, I would put aside any off the field concerns and draft Winston. He was a Heisman winner in 2013, and even though he lost his number one target, Kelvin Benjamin to the 2014 draft, he still dropped a 3,907 yard passing season, with 25 TD's. Winston is a guy who the Titans should take a chance on. If Winston doesn't pan out, then they have Mettenberger as a safety net. But, if I were the Titans, I would offer up Jake Locker to a team like the Texans, who need a solid backup who can step into starting at anytime, for some offensive weapons, or defensive insurance.
Many people think that the Jets need to draft a top ranked QB. I say no. Geno Smith had a few ups and downs, but the month of December served him well. He passed for over 1,000 yard, and had six TD's, and three INT's. From October on, Geno only improved, having a 97 QBR for the last two months of the season. The Jets need to hold onto Geno, and trust that whoever they bring in to replace Rex Ryan will develop him, like Rex couldn't. What should they do in the draft then? I see a CB as their number one need. Now, they could draft a corner at six overall. But, a viable option for them would be to trade down into the middle teens of the draft, and rack up some quality talent to buff up their offensive line. Nick Mangold is a keeper, but the rest of the offensive line is hindering the Jets' ability to score. Trading down, gathering up some extra talent, and acquiring a CB like Ifo-Ekpre Olomu out of Oregon, or Kevin Johnson from Wake Forest.
First off, what teams need a new QB in the first round? The Tampa Bay Bucs desperately need someone at the helm of their offense, after their stint with Josh McCown didn't pan out like they planned. Mike Glennon didn't show up like the Bucs would have wanted either. The two had a combined 3,623 passing yards, 21 TD's and 20 INT's, with six fumbles over the 16 game 2014 season. Obviously these two aren't getting it done. Mike Evans needs a high quality quarterback slinging TD passes to him on a game-to-game basis. Who should they draft? Marcus Mariota. This Heisman winner is exactly what a developing team with potential, like the Bucs are looking foo. LOW TURNOVERS. In his three year career at Oregon, Mariota had a total of 13 interceptions. And in his Heisman winning 2014 season, he had three interceptions. If the Bucs want any chance at competing for the once strong, now weak NFC south, they need Mariota to take care of the ball, which he has proven time and time again that he can do. On top of low turnovers, this kid can score. This past season, Mariota totaled 55 TD's, with 15 of them on the ground, and 40 in the air. His playmaking ability and being able to extend the play with his feet is a perfect fit for Tampa. If Mariota spends his rookie year with the Bucs, be sure to expect some Evans to Mariota connections!
The next team who needs a QB desperately is the Tennessee Titans. For years now they have struggled finding a solid QB who can produce game in and game out. Jake Locker can't stay on the field. Charlie Whitehurst provided for the team, but he hasn't truly shown he can consistently win for the Titans. Zach Mettenberger had an interception in every game he started, so how does anyone know if he's ready for the big time after only playing seven games. The Titans are a team with not a ton of weapons, so they need someone to bring life to the offense. Who better than Jameis Winston? In the situation the Titans are in, where they need any sort of spark in the system, I would put aside any off the field concerns and draft Winston. He was a Heisman winner in 2013, and even though he lost his number one target, Kelvin Benjamin to the 2014 draft, he still dropped a 3,907 yard passing season, with 25 TD's. Winston is a guy who the Titans should take a chance on. If Winston doesn't pan out, then they have Mettenberger as a safety net. But, if I were the Titans, I would offer up Jake Locker to a team like the Texans, who need a solid backup who can step into starting at anytime, for some offensive weapons, or defensive insurance.
Many people think that the Jets need to draft a top ranked QB. I say no. Geno Smith had a few ups and downs, but the month of December served him well. He passed for over 1,000 yard, and had six TD's, and three INT's. From October on, Geno only improved, having a 97 QBR for the last two months of the season. The Jets need to hold onto Geno, and trust that whoever they bring in to replace Rex Ryan will develop him, like Rex couldn't. What should they do in the draft then? I see a CB as their number one need. Now, they could draft a corner at six overall. But, a viable option for them would be to trade down into the middle teens of the draft, and rack up some quality talent to buff up their offensive line. Nick Mangold is a keeper, but the rest of the offensive line is hindering the Jets' ability to score. Trading down, gathering up some extra talent, and acquiring a CB like Ifo-Ekpre Olomu out of Oregon, or Kevin Johnson from Wake Forest.
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