Rays Fever

I love baseball. Okay fine, I love playoff baseball. It's just too bad it takes 162 games to get there. But once the playoffs start, it's like a whole new game. What makes the playoffs so great? Well, I can think of a few things: 1) It's the playoffs. The fact that it's "win or go home" makes every moment, every pitch, every swing of the bat that much more important. One good swing or one bad pitch can cost your team the series. 2) The exclusiveness. The NBA and NHL allow 16 teams, the NFL allows 12 teams, but Major League Baseball, only 8. I really think baseball has the best setup: take each division winner and the best second place team. Of course some divisions are better than others, but the game has been around for 139 years, what goes around will come around. 3) The slow pace. Okay, I know what you are thinking. "How is the fact that the game is slow good?" It's true, baseball is a slow game, and it gets quite boring at times. With the speed and exciting pace of basketball and the hard-hitting electricity of football, baseball can quickly lull anybody to sleep. But not anymore. Game 7, bottom of the 9th, man on third, 2 outs, full count, tie game. That ten seconds waiting for the pitcher to throw the ball can make even the heartless sweat. That one pitch, that one moment, can be the difference between the off season and a championship. And you have to just sit there, and wait for it.

Okay, so you're probably still not convinced that baseball, nonetheless playoff baseball, is in fact awesome. No worries. I have another story that should make you at least tune into what is going on right now.

Welcome to Major League Baseball Tampa Bay.


The Rays (formerly the Devil Rays) are in their 10th season. During the nine seasons up to this current season, Tampa has finished in last place all but twice, in which they finished second-to-last. They play in the AL East which includes both the Red Sox and Yankees, which means they have never even come close to making the playoffs. Their best season in franchise history, 2004, they won 43% of their games, finishing 70-91, only 30 1/2 games out of first place. They are one of only four current teams to have never played in the World Series.

Get the point?

Back in 2006, I went to several Devil Rays games at home in Florida. The first game I went to they were playing the Red Sox. I have been to many baseball games, mostly in Atlanta, but also in Oakland and San Francisco. Never before had I seen something so disheartening and disappointing. The game was completely sold out, 90% Red Sox fans, 5% Devil Rays fans, and 5% people who probably had nothing better to do. I remember David Ortiz blasting a 450 foot shot over the center field wall. The place erupted. I remember the Devil Rays making an outstanding defensive play. The place groaned. Where was I? Certainly I wasn't in Tampa. But I was, and this was one of the hardest events I had ever had to witness. It's not fair that a team should have to essentially play all of their games on the road, even the supposed home games. Yet that is what one had come to expect in Tampa. And when a normal team comes to town (aka not the Red Sox or Yankees), no one goes to the games.

I almost felt disgusted and embarrassed for the city. But at the same time, sympathy was hard to find. Could I really blame the fans? The owner put a team there and then put nothing but garbage (no offense) on the field and expected people to pay and watch. People are not going to pay money to see bad entertainment. I remember a conversation I had with my dad right after the game. I told him something to the effect of, "Management needs to put a winning team on the field" and "If they win, they will come." But that change had to start at the top. Sure enough, the changes started.

New management came in and had a desire to put a winning team on the field. Stuart Sternberg took over executive control of the team. He fired General Manager Chuck LaMar and pretty much the entire front office. Instead of hiring a new specific General Manager, he decided to spilt duties between Matthew Silverman, Andrew Friedman, and Gary Hunsicker. The team had, and still has, the smallest payroll in all of baseball, and the management knew that in order to turn this team around they were going to have to draft well and groom young talent in the minor leagues. They couldn't pull a Yankees and just pay 250 million for A-Rod, or assemble an all-star team. They had to grow their players. This led to the assemblage of a young core, including Carl Crawford, BJ Upton, Scott Kazmir, Rocco Baldelli, Johnny Gomes, and more recently Evan Longoria. In order to effectively train and teach these young players, they hired Manager Joe Maddon, bench coach for the Anaheim Angels.

Of course putting even just a competitive team on the diamond was first and foremost the priority, making coming to the games enjoyable and affordable for fans was important as well. I remember my mom and I were at AAA buying discounts tickets for a day at Busch Gardens. A representative for the Devil Rays was there trying to sell tickets. He offered us a package that included six tickets, to any game, for $15. Yeah, fifteen dollars for six major league baseball tickets. If the incredible price didn't impress me enough, it was the fact that an actual representative for a professional sports team was out on the streets, in the community, sparking interest and selling tickets. What organization does that? It was obvious they were going against the mold to try and turn this thing around. Not only this, they made other changes unheard of in professional sports: Free parking at the game, allowing fans to bring in outside food and drinks, allowing free tailgating on stadium grounds, even playing a series in nearby Orlando to try and expand the market. Also, a 10 million dollar renovation took place to make Tropicana Field a better place to see a game. All this on top of incredible ticket prices and promotional giveaways. There is even a 10,000 gallon tank behind the right field fence that contains live Rays that you can go touch. We were sold, and we bought the ticket package.

The pieces were being put in place, yet the next few seasons still produced similar results. 2006 still saw the Devil Rays finish in last place, yet for the first time ever, they finished with a winning record at home (41-40). Although subtle, things were happening. Home attendance increased 20% to the highest total since 2000. Many veteran players were traded away and the young players were emerging. In 2007, the Devil Rays had the youngest starting line-up since the 1983 Twins. The hard work was paying off and Tampa Bay had an incredible offense and credible starting pitching. Unfortunately, the bullpen was not quite there yet and squandered many chances for the team to close out and win games. Despite the improvements, they still finished the season in a familiar position, dead last with a record of 66-96. A look at the surface would lead one to believe that this was still the same Devil Rays, a team doomed to the graveyard of baseball, the perennial losers. Yet, management stayed their course and believed in what they were doing. They even signed Joe Maddon to a contract extension, something amazing in a profession in which one bad season can cost you a job.

Although improvements were being made on the field and in the seats, Tampa was still in the bottom five for attendance, and they were still the best losers. The overhaul that had been the previous several years was evident, but only those who truly cared to see the changes were aware, and those numbers were few. Sometimes a more physical change needs to happen, it's just good marketing. When a product becomes outdated, and especially a product that is associated with failure, it's time for a change. Before this season, "Devil" was dropped and the team became the "Tampa Bay Rays." Also, a new uniform and color scheme were introduced, presenting a more classic, clean look as compared to the flashy look of the old uniforms. The facelift of the franchise had come full-circle. The way I look at it, especially someone who is looking into getting a masters degree in sports management, the template has been set. First the upper management, then the players, then the fan experience, then the new image. Too often franchises try to change the image first. What isn't realized is that ultimately, the thing fans care most about is wins. Put in place the proper management that can make smart decisions, in turn they will choose good personnel and players. Make the environment affordable and enjoyable for the casual fan to see the team. After all of this, the image will fix itself, and when the physical changes, such as uniforms and colors, are altered, fans will have something new and fresh to rally around. The only thing missing from this Resurrection of a dead team was results, results that ultimately come in the form of wins.

They finished the first month around .500, and for the first-time in history. By Memorial Day, the Rays were in first place in the AL East and held the best record in baseball at 31-20 (The first team since 1900 to have the best record through Memorial Day after having the worst record the previous year). This was by far the best start in franchise history. It had to be a fluke, these are the Tampa Bay Dev..., I mean, Rays we're talking about. Sure they had just swept a series against the defending champion Red Sox, but this will pass and eventually they will settle back where they belong, right? By the end of June, the Rays were still sitting atop the AL East at 50-32.

During that month of June, in my opinion, the most important event happened in Rays history. In the middle of a series against the Red Sox, a bench clearing brawl occurred. Now how could a fight be so important? Some say this has no place in sports. I disagree. For ten year the Rays had been doormats. They were the laughing stock of baseball. Now, all of a sudden, they are beating up on the champions. Obviously this wasn't sitting well with both sides, and it boiled over. As the Rays entire team brawled it out that summer afternoon against the Sox, something happened. You may call it a rash of suspensions and a disgrace to sportsmanship, I call it unity. In this moment, they became a team.

After a rough 7 game losing streak, they entered the all-star break 1/2 game back of the Red Sox. But don't forget who we're talking about here, still impressive. A strong July had them finishing the month at 63-44 and up 3 games on Boston. Keep in mind, the most wins this team had ever won in their history was 70. They had 63, and the season was just halfway over. On August 29, they secured their first winning season with their 82nd victory. At the end of August, they were 84-51, the best team in all of baseball and up 5 1/2 on the Red Sox. I'll say it again, we're talking about the Tampa Bay Rays. On September 20th, the Rays clinched their first playoff berth, and the next week, their first division title.

It's not supposed to happen like this. From worst to first in one season? Especially for a team that knew no different than worst. Losing was ingrained into this team's DNA. Yet there they were. Getting ready to face the White Sox in the first round. Surely a team so young and inexperienced would have trouble beating a team that won the World Series a few years previous. The doubters were still alive. Three wins later, and the Rays are in the ALCS and onto another color of Sox. As I'm writing this, the Tampa Bay Rays are up 3-1 on the defending champion Red Sox, one win away from the World Series, and I think of that game I went to just over two years ago. The same two teams, the same stadium, completely different place.

Now I am a Braves fan, always will be. But if you want to accuse me of being a bandwagon fan of the Rays that's fine, I'll just respond with "I'm driving the bandwagon." I make sure everyone knows what time the game is on. My sister is probably sick of getting text messages that say, "Big game tonight at 6." My mom is probably upset that I make them stop working on homework to go watch the TV at 11:00 at night. My dad has probably cared more about baseball the past week and a half then his entire life, and I'm making sure of it. This is Tampa, this is their city. And I have never been more proud to feel like I am a part of place I have never lived.

But I was there. I watched with my own eyes the home team get humiliated by their own city for the enjoyment of watching the away team. I was at the Ray's/Blue Jays game with Jeff when we could count the number of fans in the seats by the time the first inning ended. When I turned on the TV to watch game one of the ALCS between the Rays and Red Sox, I'm not embarrassed to say I almost had tears in my eyes to see what has happened there. Everyone knows that I love sports, but this is why. The way it can unite an entire city. The moment when you are high fiving and hugging complete strangers because your team just did something awesome. To see that place completely sold out, everyone decked out in Rays apparel, people with "Rayhawks" and cowbells, it's just amazing.

If this team wins the World Series (and I've watched every playoff game, and they are by far the best team), this will have to go down as one of the greatest accomplishments in the history of all sports. And while pretty much all my friends and people I know could care less about baseball and aren't even aware of what's happening, I don't care. Not only has this team taught me about unity and perseverance, they have also taught me that any "bad thing" can be turned into a "good thing."

For me personally, this has come full circle. And I find it quite ironic that it was the Red Sox the Rays played in my first game, the same team they are in the process of royally de-crowning. Now it's not over yet, and the Sox did come back from being down 3-1 last year to knock off the Indians. But this feels different. It seems as if all those years of Rays' futility is being taken out on the Red Sox (I mean come on, they are pounding them), and it's not going to stop here. In only seven playoff games, Evan Longoria is the youngest player to hit 5 home runs, BJ Upton, second youngest(It took Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris a combined 23 games to reach this). Crawford went 5-5 last game. They put up 9 runs on Josh Beckett, arguably one of the best postseason pitchers of all time, 9 runs on Lester, 13 on Wakefield. The pitching has been spectacular. I say "Bring on the Phillies" or "Bring on the Dodgers." It's only beginning. If you are reading this, it's not too late to get in on the action and make it a priority to watch this team play. I know, I know, it's baseball. It's lame, it's boring, it's outdated, it's overrun by steroids. And any casual fan, including Fox television, wanted a Red Sox/Dodgers series. But watch this for the Rays, you won't be disappointed.

Re-dedication

So work has been getting really slow lately and I find myself with more and more free time. Now at work, we have limited internet access, which is really lame, so I can’t get on my blog and write down what's on my mind. But, I can write emails to myself, and then post them on here when I get home. Which is what I just did. Sounds amazing huh? I want to be a better writer, especially with my chosen career path, so I figure I should spend this down time at work getting some good practice. There have been a lot of topics on my mind lately definitely worth voicing an opinion on. The fall tends to be such an exciting time of year, a time when changes and new adventures always occur. Of course the presidential election is coming up in a few weeks, big news. Football is mid-season, Baseball is in the playoffs, Basketball starts in a few weeks. Just a lot of stuff to write about. So, here's the deal: I'm going to get going on this again.

I hear ya

Sure then, since Trav wants to use this as debate, I'm all for it. I see what you are saying, Like I posted over on your blog, I am excited about this year's team and ready to get the domination back on track like those great 92 and 96 teams. And you know what, you are right, as it stands the 96 team is better than the team we have just assembled.

As of now.

Would you say that a team consisting of Gary Payton, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, and Shaq is better than Chauncey Billups, A young Tayshaun Prince (Your Christian Laettner), and Rasheed Wallace? You know where this is going.

When you look at it on paper, of course those 04 Lakers were more talented then the Pistons, but around the time when the Pistons got up 40 in that game 5 to win the series, it dawned on me. Team basketball is how championships are won. Your comparison matches individuals, not the collective team.

Now Trav, of course we're talking Olympic basketball here, and the 96 team was incredible. An assembly of basketball gods. But unless that team and this year's team somehow meet in the afterlife (And we'd have courtside tickets my man), we'll never know which team is "better". Like I said, the competition is improved, and only time will tell how great the 08 squad really is.

And one more thing, you wrote, and I quote, "John Stockton is the greatest point guard of all-time..." Dude, Trav, whatever happened to those week-long Magic/Stockton arguments? Have you conceded?

Team USA

The Olympics start on August 8th and I am super excited. It is by far my most favorite sporting event that the world has to offer, and it is because the whole world is offering it. I mean where or when else can we have members from all cultures, countries, and races come together peacefully? It is a nice relief from wars and differences that separate and divide the Earth every day. Sure there will be many political rallies and opportunities for debate and divide, but it is in the spirit of friendly competition that the games are set.

With that said, I hope Team USA puts the "friendly" competition aside and puts a good ole' fashioned American Beatdown at the Olympics. I have a lot of pride for my sports teams, and more importantly for my country. It doesn't matter if I am watching ice dancing or boxing, I always cheer for our team. We as Americans are a prideful people, we believe we are better than everyone, and that is why a lot of countries despise us. I think our USA pride gets us a bad rep. But let's face it, there are certain things we are just dang good at and no other country comes close. I'm not saying we are "better" than any other country when it comes to something such as culture or tradition because individuality is what makes this world so great. But when it comes to one thing, no one should be able to touch us. You know what I'm talking about.

Basketball.

Bronze? Are you kidding me? How do we get anything but the gold in basketball? 2004 was an embarrasment. We lost more games (3) in that one Olympics than all previous Olympics combined, and that dates back to 1936. I will not accept that Argentina won the gold, or Italy won the silver. We lost those medals. Arguments have been made like, "Well those countries practice together year round and the US only gets a month." I don't care. On any give night, Team USA could be assembled, and should go out and beat any team the world can put together. They shouldn't even have to practice. The fact is that the team we had in 2004 just didn't care. That needs to change.

Upon receiving news that knee surgery was imminent, Yao Ming had to choose between missing the Olympics or the NBA Playoffs. Not even thinking twice, Yao stated that playing for his country was much more important than playing in the NBA.

How many Americans would do that? What happened to the pride of being able to stand together and listen to the Star Spangled Banner with gold medals around their necks? Today's players are more concerned with money and status. Or concerned about getting an injury that could jeopardize future money and status. Just go play the game, and be proud.

With all this said, the team we have put together this year is probably the best since the 92 dream team, which was the greatest team ever assembled, with one exception (Sorry Christian Laettner...but you know). Just for the fun of it, did you know that the 92 Dream Team won every game by an average margin of 43.8. Coach Chuck Daly never even used a timeout. There is no reason why we should lose a game this summer, no reason why we shouldn't win by an average of at least 3o.

Let's take a look at the team.

With a team this star-studded, the playing time between starters and non-starters will be pretty equal so it shouldn't make much difference. This is how I see the depth chart:

Starters:
G: Chris Paul
G: Kobe Bryant
F: Lebron James
F: Carmelo Anthony
C: Dwight Howard

Bench:
Dwyane Wade
Chris Bosh
Deron Williams
Tayshaun Prince
Michael Redd
Jason Kidd
Carlos Boozer

Black Uniforms

Football season is rapidly approaching. Yeah, I wish. Still a little over two months to go, but a whole lot better figuring it's been over six months since the bowl game. A while back I wrote an article on the evolution of Utah's uniforms. Remember it? Amazing huh? Anyways, at the end I tried to photoshop an idea for the new rumored "all black" uniforms. Well, check out what I found. This is supposively from the new NCAA 08 video game, and it has the Utes in an alternate, black uniform.


It's okay BYU, you can cry. Or do you want to wait until after the game?

Quick update

It's been a month and a half since I wrote on here. I recently moved and don't have the internet yet so it makes it a little tough, but I figured I had a minute to get on here and make some quick notes.

First off, Celtics beat the Lakers in the Finals...okay, I can live with that. If I would have kept my predictions up to date, I honestly would have had the Spurs and Pistons in the Finals, but oh well, can't win them all.

Second, I got a new job. It's pretty fun I guess but gets a little monotonous at times. I do get to talk to people from all over the country and get some pretty crazy stories which is fun, also I love the people I work with which makes it fun too.

Third, I am playing a lot of basketball lately which is awesome.

Fourth, it's summer and the weather is nice...so I'm going to the pool right now. Bye.

2nd Round Predictions

Alright so the first round is pretty much over as of now, the only game left being a game 7 between Atlanta and Boston...yep, game 7. During the regular season, Atlanta went 37-45, Boston went 66-16. 7 Games. Amazing. The home team has won every game in that series and unless some sort of divine intervention happens, Boston will finally get their act together, and finally dispose of the Hawks Sunday afternoon. But, tomorrow kicks off the start of the second round for 4 teams, so I have to get these predictions rolling. I'm just going to presume Boston will win Sunday and roll with that...if Atlanta wins, well then I will have to edit this later.

Lets take a look at how I did in the first round...

So when the Celtics win Sunday, I will be 8-for-8 on my first round predictions. All the top seeds advancing. However, I only got two series right on with my series-length predictions, both the Cavs and Jazz winning in six. Both my sweep predictions ended up being the only series to be tied 2-2, but lets be honest, who thought the Sixers would win two and that the Hawks would even win a game? I was shocked at how easy the Hornets beat up the Mavs...and so was Mark Cuban. Goodbye Avery Johnson. I thought Denver would win one, but no surprise they got swept. I also thought the Suns would be a little better too, but the Spurs are the Spurs. Were there any other series? Oh yeah, the East. Who cares.

2nd Round Match-Ups and Predictions


Eastern Conference

(1) Boston Celtics (When they win)
(4) Cleveland Cavaliers

So, assuming the Celtics win, I am sure they will be glad to finally get rid of the Hawks. I still think they are the best team in the East, they are definately the most talented team. The tough opening series with the Hawks could either do two things for Boston. 1) Wake them up and remind them that this is the playoffs, and anything can happen, so get out there and come to play every night. -or- 2) Show the league that Boston is vulnerable and expose their weaknesses. I think that #1 is the more likely scenario. I don't think Cleveland has the collective firepower alongside Lebron to expose Boston enough to win the series. Boston is a mature team and will be more focused. Cleveland just didn't look very in-sync at times against Washington and that will continue, and be more evident, against a better team in the Celtics. Lebron will win a game or two for his team, but that's about it.

Boston in 6


(2) Detroit Pistons
(3) Orlando Magic

After watching the Pistons lose a couple in Philly, I began to question this team. They have the same basic core as when they were champions, but they didn't seem to have the same desire. I blame Flip Saunders. He looks lost sometimes when the team needs him to draw up quality plays down the stretch in close games, and his name is Flip. However, the Pistons are too talented to let him personally lose this series. Plus they completely dominated the Sixers the last two games like they should have. The Magic are a good team. Young and still developing, but not yet mature and experienced enough to take out Detroit. The centerpiece is in place for a good future, and Dwight Howard will dominate several games in the paint, but it won't be enough. Pistons just have two many steady and consistent weapons.

Pistons in 6


Western Conference

(1) Los Angeles Lakers
(4) Utah Jazz

This will be fun. The Lakers are playing great basketball and the first round was a breeze, but who in the West wouldn't have swept the Nuggets right now? It didn't really tell us anything new about LA, except that they continue to consistently win games they should. The Jazz on the other hand are very inconsistent. During the season, they lost to Minnesota one night, and beat Boston by 18 the next. They beat the Rockets twice in Houston, and then lost at home for just the fifth time all year. This series' outcome is 100% contingent on which Jazz team shows up. The Lakers will be the Lakers. We know they're a great team. The Jazz are a great team too, sometimes. If they want to beat the Lakers, they need to be great every game. I think the Jazz can win, I really do. The problem is, I think the Lakers will win. In my opinion, this series is a toss-up. But with homecourt belonging to LA and their consistently good play, they are the logically correct, but painful, choice.

Lakers in 7



(2) New Orleans Hornets
(3) San Antonio Spurs

This series will be interesting. The Hornets gained some good experience during the first round, but now the real test begins. It's playoff time, and that means the Spurs have flipped the switch which turns them from a good team into a championship team. Every year. It will be very hard for the Hornets to win this series. Tony Parker will play Chris Paul a lot tougher and quicker than old-man Kidd (no pun intended), and maybe even Bowen will get in on the act as well. Add Ginobili and Duncan to the mix..how does New Orleans counter? I don't think they have the talent and their lack of experience will finally catch up. Homecourt doesn't matter against the Spurs either. The Spurs owned the Suns, and the Suns are much more talented then the Hornets. The Hornets have proved me wrong before, but I am pretty confident it won't happen this time.

Spurs in 6

You Learn Something New Every Day

I was browsing ESPN.com just checking out if their were any articles worth reading today and I was reminded of something that confused me. The NHL playoffs are going on right now but I have never really been into hockey before so I know very little about it. I occasionally watch a Stanley Cup Finals game or two if nothing else is on, but that is about the extent of my interest the NHL gets. I also went to an Olympic Hockey Game in 2002, Czech Republic vs. Sweden, and I went to the first ever Atlanta Thrashers game. I may be a complete idiot when it comes to the game, but I understand enough to know that the team in Montreal is called the Canadiens.

But everywhere I look and whenever I hear something about them on TV, they are called the Habs. And why do they have an "H" in their logo? Is their a correlation between the two?

It made absolutely no sense to me, until now, after some research. I had to get to the bottom of this. If you know me I hate not knowing the answer to something, and I especially hate not knowing the answer to a sports question So, here is today's entry of "You Learn Something New Every Day"

Montreal is in Quebec, and the official language of Quebec is French. Thus, the official name of the Canadiens is "Le Club de Hockey Canadien" but a common nickname for the team among the locals is "Les Habitants." Les Habitants refers to the French settlers who farmed the land between the St. Lawrence Gulf and the St. Lawrence River, in what is now Quebec. The Habitants referred to themselves and others of French Canadian origin as "habs." The nickname died off in the early 20th century giving way to the more popularly used term "agriculteur" which simply means "farmer."

I always wondered why the Canadiens had the letter "H," on their logo inside the "C." With my newfound knowledge I figured it simply stood for "Habs" or "Habitants." But that in fact is not true. The "H" in fact just stands for "Hockey." So there you have it, the mystery of the term "Habs" and the mystery of the logo's "H," all solved in one day!

2008 NBA Playoffs

Now that the season is officially over and the playoff bracket is set, I can make my predictions for the first round. The seeding came down to a couple game 82's in the West and after a predictable night, playoff pairings settled into where most thought they would be. At first glance, the East is pretty predictable, at least we all know who will be in the East Finals. But I'll do my best at who I think will get through the first round. The West on the other hand bunches 5 or 6 teams all with a legitimate shot at getting to the Finals because for good teams in the playoffs, which the West is full of, anything can happen. So, for the fun of it, and I think this is a lot of fun, here are my first round picks:

Eastern Conference


(1) Boston Celtics
(8) Atlanta Hawks

I think that the Celtics and the Pistons should just play a 21 game series for the Eastern Conference title. Just get all of these meaningless 1st and 2nd round series out of the way. But unfortunately, that's not how it works. So, I bring you my analysis of this match up between the Hawks and Celtics. Celtics = really good. Hawks = Not really bad. Hey give credit where it's due. The Hawks are back in the playoffs after taking a ten year break. (Thank you Eastern Conference). The Celtics are arguably the best in the league, backed up by the league's best overall record and a 25-5 record against the West. This series will be an intriguing, intense, gritty, tough it out, hard fought battle for both teams. Just kidding.

Celtics in 4.


(4) Cleveland Cavaliers
(5) Washington Wizards

These teams meet again for the third straight postseason. You think that would make for a great and epic playoff rivalry (ex. Lakers and Kings). But if you were thinking that, you thought wrong. There have been some exciting games in the past, but for the most part this match up has been irrelevant. The Cavs have Lebron of course, so you can never completely count them out. Plus the addition of Big Ben in the middle gives them championship experience and some added defense. They were in the NBA Finals last year, but if I remember correctly they were also in the East last year, so that doesn't mean much. The Wizards have done a commendable job getting this far without Gilbert Arenas for most of the season and should be pleased with a playoff appearance. A win or two would be icing on the cake.

Cavs in 6.


(3) Orlando Magic
(6) Toronto Raptors

This series could be closer than most people think. But the reality is, most people will forget this series is even happening. I mean get real, one team is from Disney World and the other is from Canada. If you need a reason for caring however, the match up between Dwight Howard and Chris Bosh will be awesome. Both teams have legitimate young talent and some highlights are bound to be made. But other than that, check out this series to see who will lose to the Pistons in the second round. My bet is on the Magic.

Magic in 6.


(2) Detroit Pistons
(7) Philadelphia 76ers

This series is a no brainer. The fact that the Sixers are in the playoffs should be reward enough for Philly. My vote goes to Andre Miller for Most Improved Player...or more like the award for Most Under Appreciated Player Until Now. He has singlehandedly got the Sixers to the 7th seed. But the Pistons are the Pistons. Too much experience, depth, and talent. Not much needed to be said here. Bring out the brooms.

Pistons in 4.

Western Conference

(1) Los Angeles Lakers
(8) Denver Nuggets

This series in my opinion is the most predictable in the West. The Lakers are playing great basketball lately with Pau Gasol and it's almost disgusting how smooth his transition from the Grizzlies to the Lakers went. In fact, that whole trade was disgusting to everyone outside of LA and Pocatello, Idaho. If Andrew Bynum can work his way back into the lineup nicely during the playoffs, this might be the team to beat. The Nuggets have to play flawless basketball in order to put up anything resembling a fight. They are a streaky team and when they're on they are good, plus Iverson is a fighter. But, possibly the only thing they will leave this series with is another Carmelo DUI.

Lakers in 5.


(4) Utah Jazz
(5) Houston Rockets

By virtue of winning the Northwest Division, the Jazz get the #4 seed although the Rockets finished with a better record and will have homecourt advantage. The Jazz match up well with the Rockets and seem to be in their heads. With homecourt advantage this series would be a lock for the Jazz, who finished with a league best 37-4 record at home. But the Jazz will have to steal a road game in Houston in order to move on to the second round. The Rockets have come back to Earth since tearing off a 22 game winning streak. The absence of Yao Ming and a definite inside game will hurt them in the playoffs. If they get hot from the three point line, they have a chance. But, I see this series going to the Jazz like last year.

Jazz in 6.


(3) San Antonio Spurs
(6) Phoenix Suns

The Suns have been playing great basketball lately and the Shaq trade looks better every game. The Suns still have a top point guard in Steve Nash and a superstar in the making Amare Stoudemire. They pose difficult matchups for a lot of teams because of their ability to play both an up-tempo and half court game. But, unfortunately for the Suns, so can the Spurs. Tim Duncan is getting old, but Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili more than make up for his age. And I mean come on, he is still Tim Duncan, and the Spurs still are the defending Champions. I see this series being very fast at times and very slow at times, but ultimately, the Spurs will grind it out when the games get down and dirty.

Spurs in 6.


(2) New Orleans Hornets
(7) Dallas Mavericks

Normally you would think the #2 seed would have the distinct advantage in this series, but this year I don't find that to be the case. Dallas seems to have finally got things in working order since the Jason Kidd trade and might be gelling at the right time. However, I can't discredit the season the Hornets are having. They finished #2 in the West for a reason, they win games. They are collectively young and inexperienced in the playoffs, but I think Chris Paul and friends will continue past the first round, albeit a tough and grueling series.

Hornets in 7.

Playoff Sechedule

Holocaust Lecture

Last Thursday, which actually was my birthday, I had the opportunity to listen to a guest lecture from Theodore Weiss, President of the Holocaust Education Foundation. People have asked me why I chose to spend my birthday night listening to something so depressing, but I figured it won’t be much longer until there are no Holocaust survivors left and I wanted to make the most out of the chance to learn from one firsthand.

Instead of needing to give background information about Theodore Weiss, his story provides all the background anyone should need. The title of his lecture was “Memories” and he spent the better part of 2 hours just recounting his experiences as a Jew during the Holocaust. Forgive me if not all the information I give is 100% accurate according to his story, I am merely going off my memory of what was said and it has been about 5 days. Also, his accent was a little difficult to understand at times, so if I mispronounce or misstate anything it is purely unintentional. For this purpose I am going to write this from my point of view as the listener, instead of statement of fact.

Weiss started off by telling us that growing up as a Jew was difficult, but for the most part life was pretty good. He grew up in a village located in what is now modern-day Hungary. He came from a very large extended family, I believe he said that he had 10 aunts and uncles and 72 cousins. His family worked on farms and for the most part, food and the necessities of life were plentiful. Being Jewish during this time, it was common to be harassed and occasionally beat-up. This was just accepted in the community and over time Weiss said he learned to defend himself.

As time passed however, things continued to get worse and worse for him and his family. Eventually, the Jewish citizens in the village were forced to wear gold patches of the Star of David so they could be easily located when it was time for certain events to happen. Taxes became heavy and the life resources that were once ample became scarce. It got to the point where Weiss and his family had hardly enough to eat and survive.

One day, while just going about the normal daily routine, soldiers showed up. Weiss told us that he and his family were blindfolded and taken from their home. Not knowing where they were going or what was going on; they were placed on a train. When they had arrived at the destination they were lead from the train and placed into a long line. Weiss was able to stick with his family until now, but that would soon change. The place they were at was Auschwitz-Birkenau, which was among the largest concentration camps during the war. According to Weiss, the camp was separated into two distinct camps, Auschwitz being the “work camp” and Birkenau being the “death camp.” When his family arrived at the end of the line, they were separated into two separate lines, one to Auschwitz and one to Birkenau. His mom and sister were placed in the line to Auschwitz and Weiss, his brother, and his dad were placed in the line that lead over to Birkenau. He hasn’t seen his mom and sister since.

As Weiss, his brother, and his dad were being lead down the road to Birkenau, the soldiers just grabbed his brother for no apparent reason and shot and killed him. He was able to stick with his dad through the first night, but the next day they were separated and that was the last they ever saw of each other.

Imagine that, having your mom and sister drug away never to be seen again, your brother killed right in front of you, and your dad soon to be gone forever. I don’t think I could ever comprehend something like that. And for what? Because of your ethnicity, heritage, whatever?

Weiss was now all alone, I believe he said he was somewhere between the age of 11 and 12 at this time. Every night in Birkenau all the prisoners were lined up and the soldiers randomly selected people to be taken to die, whether by firing squad or by gas chamber. There was a name for this but I couldn’t understand what it was called. Weiss was able to survive for a while luckily, but the night came when he was chosen. Once the chosen were marched into a barrack, presumably a gas chamber, they were arranged and lined up. Weiss remembers there being two windows opened in the back of the chamber for some reason. He said that all of a sudden the man next to him in line made a run for the window. Weiss followed him and they both proceeded to dive out the window and out of the chamber just in time.

He didn’t know what possessed him to do it. At the time, being a young boy, Weiss didn’t know they were going to die in that barrack. Something possessed him and he made a move.

At this time, the allied troops were closing in. Weiss even said that after his later research, the war might have even been over at this time and Hitler already dead. Nonetheless, the Jews were still being persecuted and killed. Before the camp was taken, the inmates were loaded up and led on the “death march.” Weiss remembers this as being the most terrible thing ever. It was the winter and they were forced to march without food for days. Only an average of 2 out of 10 survived the march. After, if I remember right, a week or so of marching, he and another guy decided to sneak off the road and find a place to lie down and die.

They found a dirt road somewhere off the beaten path, and laid down. Soon after, a truck full of American soldiers passed by and instead of just driving on, stopped and helped them. They were taken to a hospital and the doctor refused service since the two were Jews. The American soldier demanded they be treated and after some commotion, Weiss and the other man were admitted into the hospital and treated.

Weiss spent 6 weeks in the hospital, recovering from various diseases such as Typhoid and others due to malnutrition. After he was recovered enough, he was admitted to a type of boarding facility, where he could be educated and somewhat provided for. An opportunity to move to Canada came up and he took it, sailing across the North Atlantic and into Halifax. Not liking the people in Halifax, Weiss continued over to Montreal. He had no high school diploma or anything like it, but being exceptionally good at math, he was accepted into Cargill University, and later Harvard.

The main message of his lecture was that one should never forget the capacity of the human species to do evil, and likewise the capacity to do good. He cites the example of the American soldier who went out of his way to help. The soldier didn’t have to do it, but it was how he was raised. The soldier’s mother told him when he was young, that the second he doesn’t stop and help someone in need, he is no longer her son.

I look at Theodore Weiss and admire him. Not for what he had to go through, but because of how he overcame it. We all have bad days and sometimes we feel that nothing could possibly get any worse. I look at this man and think, “I have had the easiest life ever.” Sure I may have a lot of homework and am wondering if I can get it done in time, but at least I don’t have to wonder whether or not I am going to be killed tonight. I may have car problems that get frustrating sometimes, but I have never had to walk for days, even weeks, in the cold without food…I have a car.

There are so many things that are taken for granted every day that would have been an absolute luxury to these people during the Holocaust.

He said it has happened before, and it can happen again. Be thankful for the way things are today because it could be a lot worse.

Salt Lake Tribune article.

Yankee Stadium

I have few regrets in life. For the most part I have made good decisions and been able to avoid disasters that bad choices can sometimes produce. I try to look at past decisions that maybe were not the smartest and use them as examples to learn for the future. Mark Hoppus sang "The past is only the future with the lights on," and I think that if I look at past mistakes as stepping stones for the knowledge I have today, then it's easy to not have any regrets.

With all of this however, I do have a regret. After living in New York City I never went to a game at Yankee Stadium. Now I know what you are thinking, "How can a Braves fan even think about stepping foot in such a terrible place?" Well, if you know me you've learned that I am a sucker for the hometown team. Think about it. All of my favorite teams are from places I lived. While living in NYC I met the craziest, die hard fans I have ever met. I loved it. So, I had to pick a team and my choices were either the Yankees or the Mets. While the Yankees have given the Braves problems in recent World Series, I could never lower my standards and become a fan of the Mets who are a division rival.

So I went and did this:

It was tough at first and I think I actually suffered some brain damage and hair loss as a result, but I bought a Yankees cap (not hat, I learned the hard way). Look at me, I look confused and scared, maybe even a little cold, but it wasn't because I was in a busy Times Square at night. Luckily, over time I got used to wearing the NY on my head and believe I have made a full recovery.

Now that I had this new cap and a new team to cheer for, I figured I better go to a game, and what's better than seeing the Yankees game at historic Yankee Stadium? So, I began to petition the idea of a "Day at the Ballpark" with those I knew. No one bit.

I know baseball is not the most exciting form of entertainment known to man. And believe me I would choose to go to a football or basketball game over baseball any day. But come on! This is Yankee Stadium. This is like visiting a national monument! Only this national monument is being torn down at the end of this season to make way for the "New Yankee Stadium." No one would go with me, they just hated baseball more than they wanted hot dogs on a July afternoon at the park. I should have manned up and just went by myself, but I never did, and now most likely never will get the chance.

Is it worth a trip to New York this summer? I'm not sure. Chances are it's not happening. So I figured I could write a little bit about the history of Yankee Stadium. And maybe, just maybe, I can learn from this past mistake and seize any opportunity that grand next time it comes around.

History Lesson: Yankee Stadium

In 1900, plans were made to add another team to New York City, but the existing National League New York Giants wouldn't let it happen. Western League President Ban Johnson decided to form a team, placed it in Baltimore, named them the Orioles, and began play in Baltimore's Oriole Park. Soon after learning of the newly founded team not far down the road, the Giants began to steal players from the Orioles. After a lot of tension, a "peace conference" was held (although their relationship stayed pretty nasty) and Oriole owners Frank Farrell and William Devery moved the team to New York as originally planned.

The Yankees joined the American League and moved to their new home, Hilltop Park (because it was built on the highest point of Manhattan), not far from the Giants' stadium, Polo Grounds. The Orioles were renamed the Highlanders, a reference to their park's location. The Highlanders had a home of their own until 1911, when Polo Grounds burned down. The Highlanders allowed the Giants to share Hilltop during the reconstruction of Polo Grounds.

In 1913 the new Polo Grounds was completed along the Harlem River, and since the relationship between the two teams had grown better, they shared the bigger and better facility. As a result of the move, the nickname 'Higlanders' no longer applied and the team became known as the 'Yankees.' Farrell and Devery both were in need of money, and decided to sell the team to Colonel Jacob Ruppert and Captain Tillinghast L. Hommedieu Huston. Ruppert had inherited a brewery fortune and thus had the money to support the Yankees with big time funds. This led to the Yankees being able to buy Babe Ruth from the Red Sox for $100,000 in 1920.

The acquisition of Babe Ruth enabled the Yankees to develop plans for their own stadium and avoid a possible eviction from Polo Grounds at the hands of the now less-popular Giants. Plans were made for a $2.5 million stadium, a huge financial risk for the owners. The stadium design called for 60,000 seats, nearly double the average of other stadiums at the time. Doubters speculated that New York City could not support a stadium that size due to the fact that the city had 2 other teams (Brooklyn Dodgers and the Giants).

Many locations were scouted including 137th Street and Amsterdam Ave. in Manhattan, West Side Manhattan, and Queens. The owners settled on a 10 acre lumberyard not far from Coogan's Bluff in the Bronx and purchased it for $600,000. Construction began on May 5, 1922 and finished less than a year later. So, after several years of playing home games at Oriole Park, Hilltop Park, and Polo Grounds, the Yankees finally had a permanent home. The first game played at Yankee Stadium was an April 18, 1923 defeat of the rival Red Sox 4-1, with Babe Ruth hitting the stadium's first ever home run. The Yankees also went on to win the World Series in the stadium's inaugural season (The first of 26).

Baseball stadiums at the time were all known as parks, fields, or grounds. Due to the massive size of the Yankees new park, it was called a "stadium." The term "stadium" referred to the Ancient Greece measurement of a footrace, thus Stadiums were the buildings that housed these footraces. Yankee Stadium was the first "three tiered" sports facility in America and housed the first ever electronic scoreboard. The original capacity was 58,000. Nonetheless, the opening game somehow managed to fit 74,217 with over 25,000 turned away. It wasn't rare for attendance to exceed 80,000.

Renovations in the mid 30's replaced wood with concrete. The second and third decks were extended around the foul poles, and the green colored exterior was painted white. During the 70's another massive renovation occurred. The 118 columns supporting the upper decks were removed, new lights were installed, the famous copper frieze (fans call it the facade) was extended around the entire stadium, a new upper concourse was constructed, the press box was expanded, the dimensions were narrowed (now allowing monument park to be out of the field of play), and several other attributes were added or modified.


All in all, this is the Yankee Stadium we see today. But the new stadium will be finished by next season and this landmark will be torn down. Although most of the new stadium will look exactly the same, and elements of the old stadium will be physically transferred, it won't quite be the same.

New Yankee Stadium

Quickly, Baseball is here

So, baseball season has started and once again that really excites me. Not really because baseball has actually started, but because it means the weather is getting nicer. This year however, I am going to try and be a better Braves fan and follow them much more closely than I have since I moved from Atlanta. I feel good about the team this year and think we can take the NL East back. The two year drought has been agonizing, especially after winning the division 14 years in a row. The Phillies and Mets will be tough to beat out, but I like our chances.

Although I don't think the Braves will win it all this year like Jayson Stark believes, I do agree that the team's play will turn some heads. I just wish we could go back to the old "Laughing Indian" logo.

Now that would turn some heads! Go Braves!

New Uniforms

So the Utes have new uniforms for the upcoming season. One thing that has always frustrated me, or should I say confused me, is that the football and basketball teams seem to switch the uniforms every couple of years. It's not unusual for teams, especially in college sports, to always be changing things up. But the big time programs like Ohio State, Notre Dame, Michigan, Florida State, USC, and several others have kept the same uniform design for years, with the exception of a wrinkle here or there. I believe this just adds to the tradition and aura of these programs...it's why they remain elite year after year. For example, check Notre Dame:


<--- Here is the uniform worn by Notre Dame's Joe Montana in the mid 70's

And here is the current Notre Dame uniform worn by Brady Quinn --->

You see, hardly any difference. I love it. But, to say that the Utes have a tradition as rich as any of those major college football teams would be wishful thinking. So for now, I figure we look for a uniform that works and when we do get one, stick with it. After all, I guess some pretty big names in college football also change it up quite a bit, such as Miami and Oregon.

So, I figured to celebrate the history and tradition of Utah football, we would take a look at some of the uniforms the team has sported over the years.

The year: 1930








Leather helmets with long knit sweaters. Wish it wasn't in black and white so we could see the sweater design in color. Nonetheless...classic old-school.


The year: 1939




















The Utes (white sweaters and dark pants) defeated New Mexico 26-0 in the '39 Sun Bowl, their first bowl game victory. Note the use of block numbers on the sweaters instead of the fancy design used 9 years previous.


The year: 1964

















The Utes, pictured here in their 1964, 32-6 Liberty Bowl defeat of West Virginia, are wearing the dark jerseys with gray pants. Instead of leather, the use of a hard football helmet which appears to be white, is worn by the Utes. Most visible is the snazzy block U cheerleader outfits.

The year: 1973


Arizona State, riding a 12 game winning streak and ranked 8th in the country, was defeated in Salt Lake City 36-31 by the Utes in these uniforms. White helmets with double stripes, dark tops, and white bottoms with double stripes are featured here. (This must be where BYU got the idea for their uniforms, thiefs)

The year: 1978

















Finally a colored picture! The uniforms worn during this 23-22 victory over BYU in 1978 feature a red top with white bottoms. The now red helmet featured double white stripes, white facemask, and the classic drum and feather U logo on each side. White pants with red stripes are also featured atop red socks. Simple white block numbers adorn the chest, back, and lower sleeve.

History lesson: The year previous this picture, which was 1977, BYU beat a clearly over-matched Utah team handily. Marc Wilson, BYU's quarterback, was left in the entire game in order to run up the score and attempt an NCAA record. After the game had finished, the coaches met midfield and a BYU coach voiced some racially-disparaging comments to coach Wayne Howard about the Utes' team. Wayne Howard comments following the game:

"This today will be inspiring. The hatred between BYU and Utah is nothing compared to what it will be. It will be a crusade to beat BYU from now on. This is a prediction. Utah will drill BYU someday, but we won’t run up the score even if we could set an NCAA record against them."

One year later, coming into the Holy War with a 6 game losing streak, the Utes rallied from 16 points down to knock off the more-talented Cougars. Perhaps they were inspired from the year before? You be the judge.

The year: 1988























After a period known as the "Dark Ages" of Utah football, otherwise known as the 1980's, these uniforms, worn on the cover of this game program, were featured. BYU was favored by 11 points coming in to this episode of the Holy War, only to leave Cougar Stadium with a 29 point blowout loss to the U (57-28), despite the Utes subbing in backups and attempting to avoid classlessly "running up the score" (a la the 1977 Cougars).

When I think of the "Classic Ute Look," I think of these. The uniforms pictured here are the away uniforms (white top, red bottom). The Utes stayed consistent, wearing dark tops and light bottoms for home games, light tops and dark bottoms for away games. The red helmets featured the same double white stripe, logo, and white facemask. Double stripes down the side of the pants remained. Last names appear on the backs of the jerseys. The numbers feature an outline. A wide stripe surrounded by two thin stripes replace the number on the lower sleeve while the number finds its way to the top of the shoulder pad.

The year: 1996


















Future Pittsburgh Steeler Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala helped the Utes to a 45-42 victory over the #20 Kansas Jayhawks wearing this Utah uniform. The double white stripe has been removed from the helmet, but the rest of the helmet remains the same. The white stripes have also been removed from the lower sleeve and replaced with the drum and feather logo; the numbers remain on the shoulder pad. The pants are now red, ushering in the era of the all-red home uniform (the away uniform rotates between all white, and white top-red bottom). The stripes are also removed from the pants as well. Possibly we were trying to distance our uniforms as far from BYU as possible, even though they stole their "classic" design from us.

The year: 2004























During the Utes perfect 12-0, BCS busting season in 2004, the Utes sported these jerseys worn here by Alex Smith. Black trim made a big debut on these Nike designed models. The home uniforms were all red and the away were all white, both featuring a thick, solid black stripe up the sides and curving around the armpit. The helmet design stayed the same but the crimson red took on a deeper, darker color, despite the jersey and pant colors remaining traditional crimson. The numbers were outlined in black and a small print "UTAH" appeared above the chest numbers. Numbers were also located on the lower sleeve. A drum and feather was located on the upper left leg. Other teams such as Cal and West Virginia wore uniforms along the lines of this template.

The year: 2007


















The most recent Ute uniforms are pictured here. Adopting the "Miami design," the Utes were one of several teams to wear this style. Awarded #10 in "College Football's Worst Uniforms" by Sports Illustrated, the death of this design was in the making last year. The uniforms are very busy, to the point I don't even want to describe them. Several elements from previous uniforms remained, but the addition of a few new lines and curves, such as the ugly line going beneath the back numbers, made this uniform one to forget. In fact, they were so forgettable that Utah dropped Nike in favor of UnderArmour, the designer of this year's new uniform, pictured here:

So this is what we will look like next year. Personally I think they are pretty classy, but still a little busy like the last design. At least the back stripe is gone, I hope. (Can't see the back, but doesn't appear to have anything going back there) UnderArmour has been an up and coming brand that prides itself on innovative and revolutionary design/fabric. They have made a splash in the NFL and several other college teams such as Auburn, South Carolina, and Hawaii have UnderArmour gear. One thing that has become popular over the past few years is the "all-black" uniform, used on special occasions such as rivalry games. It has been rumored that an all-black uniform is in the works for the Utes, but no confirmation or images have been release. Using my modest photoshop skills, I have come up with this possibility:

This is pure speculation, and I know the art is pretty choppy, but you get the idea. I think they would be awesome, especially against BYU, and especially since this year's game is at night! Most traditionalists are opposed to this, and don't even like black trim, but I'm all for it. Let the players have a little fun.

So there you have it, a little history of the Utah football uniform and a sneak peek to next year!