Boomer with a Bleacher View

Sloane Stephens Next Great Tennis Star

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 01:50:00 +0000

After Sloane Stephens defeated Serena Williams in the Quarters of the Australian Open, there were high hopes that she could pull off a miracle win over the Number One seed, Victoria Azarenka.

Sloane Stephens after match with Serena

In the Semi against Azarenka, Stephens quickly dropped the first set but was hanging on in the second, saving 5 match points, before Azarenka took a ten minute "break" classified officially as a medical time out, then came back onto the court to finish with the match in two sets.

Stephens was stoic about the long wait, sitting on the bench, staring at nothing, trying to keep her head in the game and her game in high gear. But the long break in the action took a toll on her focus or energy, and she could still take a great deal of satisfaction in her overall performance.

Nineteen-year-old Stephens was a crowd favorite against Azarenka, so there was a lot of discontent with the manner in which Azarenka took time to settle herself down and eventually advance to the Finals.

Great things will be forthcoming for Sloane Stephens, even Serena Williams predicts that.

New Orleans Pelicans Logo Revealed

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 01:29:00 +0000

The New Orleans Hornets are now the New Orleans Pelicans. An angry fierce group who will lay waste to invaders to their shores, fer sur. I kind of like the Logo, which is colorful, fairly simple to interpret and should transfer easily to jackets and other promotional items.

Harbaugh vs Harbaugh should be downplayed

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 19:57:00 +0000

Everyone else is running this photo so I will jump in here too.

I watched the NFC and AFC Championship games and was surprised by the Ravens. They figured out how to defense the Patriots. Therefore, it follows, right?, that they should know how to defense the 49ers.

I see the game as a toss-up. We will wait to see how the betting line goes, but 3 points either way would be my guess.

I will predict the 49ers to win, partially because my friends and relatives would be upset if I went for an east coast team. We westerners think we should stick together and anything (ANYTHING) east of the Mississippi River is a foreign trade area.

And I hope all the media attention to the Harbaugh vs Harbaugh angle dies down so the players and teams can be the center of attention. I am already tired of the "Brother Bowl" talk.

Marc Trestman named Chicago Bears Head Coach

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 16:12:00 +0000

Marc Trestman

Marc Trestman, who won two Grey Cups with the CFL Montreal Alouettes in five years, has been named the new Chicago Bears Head Coach. If he can win with a team nicknamed the "Alouettes," he should really kick butt with 'da Bears.
(Alouette: French for lark or skylark.)

The problem in Chicago was OFFENSE, and OC Mike Tice not not effective. Trestman served as Offensive Coordinator in the NFL with the Browns, 49ers, Cardinals and Raiders.

But some additional really good news is that he is bringing in the New Orleans Saints' Offensive Coordinator, Aaron Kromer, to be his OC. Kromer did an outstanding job filliing in for Saint's absent Sean Payton this season. Kromer might soon have his own head coaching job offers. Depends on the Bears' records in the next two seasons.

Also coming on board for the Bears as Assistant Head and Special Teams Coach is Joe DeCamillis, who currently serves as the Cowboys Special Teams Coach.

I am a Bears Fan and hope the chemistry works. I have high hopes.

Chip Kelly to NFL Eagles. Was It About The Money?

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 19:05:00 +0000

I think Chip Kelly is making a big mistake, turning his back on Oregon for a shot at the NFL. He leaves a program, a university, a team of players, a number of recruits, and fans all over the country. What does he stand to gain?

The NFL might pay him well, but the stress might kill him. If he brings a "Duck-Style" offense to the Eagles he may not have the personnel there to play the kind of game we are seeing from the NFL teams who have the Quarterbacks to pull it off right now. Michael Vick is too accident-prone and, frankly, too old to pull it off.

He needs an Offensive Coordinator with NFL experience who understands and can implement the "Duck-Style" offense. Kelly began his Oregon coaching duties as the OC, but handling the Offense and being Head Coach at the same time is too much to expect of any NFL Coach.

Perhaps he has had NFL ambitions for years and years. Maybe he always thought of the college ranks as merely his stepping stone to the big time. I don't really understand this move, but I wish him luck. I still don't believe it is about the money.

And, by the way, the Eagles uniforms could use some updating.

It Shouldn't Always Be About The Money

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 02:21:00 +0000

Notre Dame's Head Coach, Brian Kelly, will enter the 2013 season with a team that should be even better than this year's, which is why he may be under even more pressure to deliver the National Championship. The Fighting Irish met a team that was bigger, more experienced and more determined to prove themselves the better team. And they were. And they might be so again in 2013.

Chip Kelly decided to keep his job at Oregon, passing up the NFL and the Big Paydays and Big Headaches that come with the Big Time. He makes plenty of money where he is, so there is no need to take a crappy job with a crappy NFL team. Because the NFL is interested in him, and because he interviews with the Pros, his value and stature at Oregon only increases. His job there is secure. Perhaps some year a great NFL job will open up but he really doesn't have to worry about that.

BCS Championship. Who Will Be Number One?

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 19:42:00 +0000

If Alabama wins the BCS Championship, Notre Dame will probably be ranked Number Two.

If Notre Dame wins, then, with two defeats Alabama will likely fall to Number Three.

I suggest that Oregon, Stanford and even Texas A&M have a claim to the Number Two spot if Alabama falls. Since Oregon lost to Stanford, I think Stanford deserves the Three spot. Outside of the BCS, Ohio State is likely to be ranked Number Two in the AP Poll.

What wouldn't we give for a decent playoff system? Watching the Florida Gators embarrass themselves is further evidence that meaningless Bowl Games following a month of inactivity are not worth the money that the networks and fans put into them.

The FCS Championship, in which North Dakota State beat Sam Houston State was the culmination of a four week playoff bracket that resulted in an undisputed champion.

NFL Coaches and Swinging Doors

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 20:24:00 +0000

Seven NFL Head Coaches were canned at the end of the 2012 regular season. But if one thing can be said about fired NFL coaches it is that they almost always land on their feet, regardless of whether they have a losing record, personality clashes, or behavioral indiscretions.

Usually, a winning season is all a Head Coach needs to keep his job, at least for one more year. Ask Lovie Smith how that goes in Chicago. 10-6 and out the door.

Lovie Smith is a good Head Coach, mentor, people manager and DEFENSE guy. What he needs to find for his next Head Coaching job is a great Offensive Coordinator.

Andy Reid at Philadelphia is already interviewing. Horrible season with the Eagles, which was so unexpected that it cost him his job. Philadelphia was his only Head Coaching position. His Offense didn't work with existing personnel. He will find employment and make lots of money.

Norv Turner at San Diego. Fortunate to have lasted the entire season. Black Monday came as no surprise. Twenty-seven years coaching in the NFL, fifteen as a Head Coach. I imagine he will find employment, but maybe not for the 2013 season. What Norv needs for his next job is a great Defensive Coordinator. He should find one.

Ken Whisenhunt at Arizona. Great start to the season but fizzled out and he caught a lot of the blame. There are jobs out there that he should be invited to interview, although he may not find a good fit this year. He has many years of NFL experience that should not go to waste.

Pat Shurmer at Cleveland. Short tenure with the Browns and they will be looking for someone to turn the team into a winner for a change. Shurmer may end up as somebody else's O Assistant again. Cleveland was his first job as an NFL Head Coach. Perhaps he wasn't quite ready.

Romeo Crennel at Kansas City. Having the distinction of earning the number one pick in the draft is not a good line item for a resume, nor is being sacked after a single season. I don't know where he might go. He was never a college head coach.

Chan Gailey at Buffalo. Another short tenure and out the door. Maybe he can find a job as an Assistant again, or back to the NCAA. He has bounced between Head and Assistant, between NFL and NCAA. Has been given more than his share of chances to prove he can cut it.

Chargers Norv Turner May Remain for the Entire 2012 Season

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 19:30:00 +0000

The San Diego Chargers beat Kansas City, which in itself should have been a forgone conclusion, but what was less certain was whether Norv Turner's head coaching job would be secure for the remainder of the 2012 season. Perhaps he would not have been fired even in his Chargers had lost to KC, but now that they did manage to beat one of the worst teams in the NFL, the decision to replace Norv is on the back burner for another week.

Many people in the know, or who at least claim to be, say that he will make it to the end of the 2012 season regardless of how the team plays in November and December. Frankly, there is little to be gained by changing out head coaches half-way through a season. It is a big disruption and does little to help the team and certainly makes a changeover more difficult for the new guy.

The Chargers have been one of my favorite teams to watch since the Dan Fouts years, but they really haven't lived up to their potential for many years. They have come close a couple of times, but this team needs a kick to the pants if they are going to regain the premier franchise label that was once applied to them. Hell they don't even have any NFL competition for hundreds of miles around. Phoenix? Nah. The 49ers and even the Raiders are pulling fans away from the Chargers.

Lakers Stinkin it up at home to begin 2012 season

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 21:35:00 +0000

What the heck is up with the Lakers anyway? They dropped their 2012 home opener to Dallas, 99-91, after failing to win any pre-season games. Fans have VERY high expectations for this team. Kobe, Nash, Pau, Howard, and Meta should be the best starting 5 in the league. Better fix things on the road before showing their faces in LA again.

Kobe has plenty of help in 2012. No excuses this year.

GIANTS Stand Tall and Surge Into World Series

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 23:45:00 +0000

I was amazed by the San Francisco Giants as they won the final three games of the ALCS and took the National League Pennant. Now, after the first two games of the World Series, they hold a 2-0 lead on the Tigers heading into Game 3, in Detroit, on Saturday.

Once has to think that the Tigers are too good of a team to just roll over and give it away to the Giants, but then they said that about the Yankees in the ALCS.

I love this game. You can never predict what will happen based on what has gone before.

MLB Wild Card Games. Orioles and Cardinals Fly High

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 05:30:00 +0000

The Birds won the wild card games, much to my surprise. Just goes to show that I don't always get my way. I chose the wrong teams in both games; however, I do look forward to the Division Contests. Just not the teams that I wanted to watch. The St. Louis Cardinals think they can repeat last year's amazing run to the finish. I think not, but that, as we know, means absolutely nothing.

Playoff Baseball Like It or Not

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 21:01:00 +0000

Today, in the American League,Texas Rangers vs Baltimore Orioles with winner to meet the Yankees. For the Rangers, a final chance to redeem themselves from the disastrous WEEK that ended their regular season. For the Orioles, a chance to earn an opportunity to meet their nemesis Yankees head-on, instead of hoping spoiler teams would propel them to the Division win. My forecast: I think the Rangers will win today and take their rightful place as the powerhouse that was projected to be the League champion when the season began.

Over in the National League, The Cardinals and the Braves will both bring the best to the mound and it could be a real duel to the finish. I think the Braves are the better team and deserve another shot at the Nationals. Braves should take this.

From the perspective of the Division winners, you have to beat everybody to win the League, but I don't much care for the system that puts two wild card teams into the playoffs. I liked the old system. I already think the 162 game season is too many games and that Major League Baseball lost some of its attraction when the World Series isn't played until well into the NFL season.

Starting Over

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 20:11:00 +0000

I have really neglected this sports blog and so I am really starting over (with the MLB playoffs). Gradually I will delete all previous posts that contain dated material, which is pretty much all of them. Today, however, I will simply publish this and then get to work on substantive articles.

Super Sunday Again Super Bowl XLVI

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 17:45:00 +0000

Many Super Sundays have been busts but I anticipate a good close game between the Patriots and the Giants. Both teams know each other very well, and both know that the game could hinge on very minor mistakes and a few standout performances.

I like this match-up, and, although I am not a big fan of either team, I would like to see the Giants win this, just to pass around the honors a little. I don't believe it is good for any sport when only one or two teams are dominate. So...spread around the Rings!. Update: Final NY 21, NE 17.

Pittsburg Mayor Luke Ravenstahl Tebows

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:42:00 +0000

Pittsburg Mayor Luke Ravenstahl (Twitter photo)

Pitttsburg Mayor Luke Ravenstahl makes good on a pregame wager as he "Tebows" following the Steelers loss to the Denver Broncos. He also donned a Tebow jersy. Good sport.

Red Sox Mom: Tebowing

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:28:00 +0000

Six-year-old and four-year-old daughters of a Colorado Mom show that, they too, know how to "Tebow." They were also informed by their Mom that Tebow is praying when HE does this. See the link.

Link:
Red Sox Mom: Tebowing

Alabama Crushes LSU 21-0 in BCS Championship

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:39:00 +0000

Alabama Quarterback AJ McCarron

AJ McCarron was nearly perfect in executing Alabama Offensive Coordinator Jim McElwain's game plan and the Alabama Defense of Head Coach Nick Saban would not bend as the Tide Rolled over LSU 21-0 in the BCS National Championship game January 9, 2012.

Alabama Coach Nick Saban

Several Alabama players stepped up their game including running back Eddy Lacy, wide receiver Kevin Norwood and placekicker Jeremy Shelley. On the defensive side, it was a total team effort that shut down LSU, but Nick Gentry and Courtney Upshaw deserve special mention.
Of note, this was the first time we have had a shutout in a BCS championship game, and AJ McCarron is the first SOPHOMORE quarterback to win a national championship.

I took a certain pleasure in watching Alabama fulfill my expectations, including the field goal kicking unit. (See my Previous Post game prediction.)

Nick Gentry

Courtney Upshaw

BCS 2012 National Championship

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 23:46:00 +0000

I've been distracted by all the bowl games and the NFL and the NBA over the holidays, but now it is time for the big showdown between LSU and Alabama.

My pick to win it all remains Alabama, as I, like so many others, thought Alabama was the better team on the field in Tuscaloosa and should have won the first match with LSU.

Now, I acknowledge that many weeks have gone by and both teams are different now than they were then. But which has improved the most? Many think that LSU has been tested and has risen to the challenge; that LSU is a better team now than when they visited Tuscaloosa. That is possible. This is why I really like this re-match. They are the best two teams in the country and they will each have to bring their best game to New Orleans.

I pick Alabama by 6, which means their field goal kicking team will have to be better than it was during the first match. Much better.

I really enjoyed the Alamo Bowl, Fiesta Bowl and Rose Bowl shoot-outs. I love offense. I love big scores. 7-3 and 9-6 scores do not excite me. Let's hope the LSU and Alabama offenses can produce this time.

Albert Pujols Signs With Angels. C J Wilson Signs With Angels.

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:33:00 +0000

Wow. Big money players to a big money city. Albert Pujols signed with the Los Angeles Angels for ten years and a reported $250 million. This only makes sense to me in that he will be able to play Designated Hitter for the last half of his contract. Pujols is 32 and I haven't been impressed with his durability the past couple of years.

But...

With the addition of Orange County home-towner C. J. Wilson from the Rangers (five years, $77 million), I think the Angels have put themselves in position for a run to the World Series in 2012. I can't wait to see how this pans out.

Penn State Coach Joe Paterno Fired

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 17:23:00 +0000

Joe Paterno

[This is an updated post]
Joe Paterno was one of the most successful coaches in football history. Thousands of words have already been written about Coach Paterno and what actions he took or failed to take regarding the Jerry Sandusky molestation charges at Penn State. I don't know anything but what I read. What I read is not looking very good.

The Penn State Board of Trustees elected to fire Coach Paterno, along with University President Graham Spanier. This had been expected by most sports fans and coaches, at least here in the USA. Paterno's support weakened as each day passed. On Wednesday, Nov 9, he held a press conference to announce that 2011 would be his final season and he would retire. The decision of when to leave was not left up to him.

In announcing his retirement, Paterno said that the Board of Trustees should not spend any more time on this matter. Well, that pretty much sealed his fate. To me, that remark reflects a man who still did not understand the gravity of the accusations and his lack of moral leadership. In the end, Joe Paterno just did not get it.

I won't have anything further to say about the legal and moral responsibilities of a man in his position other than to remark that I am disappointed.

Tony LaRussa to Retire from St. Louis Cardinals

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:14:00 +0000

Tony LaRussa will certainly be remembered in baseball history as one of the great managers. A detail guy, a control guy, a winning guy.

After three World Series Championships, including 2011, the 67-year-old maestro decided it was time to retire.

I just LOVE it when a star player or coach leaves the game at a time of his own choosing, and at the top of his career. That's Tony LaRussa. Who knows, he may be around major league baseball for many years in one administrative capacity or another, but he won't be in the dugout or on the field.

I always liked his style, even though I was not a St. Louis Cardinal fan. I enjoyed watching him manage the big games as well as the regular season.

St. Louis Cardinals Take Game 7 and World Series

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 15:13:00 +0000

Series MVP Freese

The St. Louis Cardinals won the World Series by beating the Texas Rangers, 6-2, in a series that went to all seven games.

After winning Game 6 on a walk-off home run in the 11th inning, the Cardinals made sure Game 7 never got that far by taking the lead in the third inning and extending it in the fifth and seventh innings.

The Rangers jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead, but those would prove to be the only runs they would score Friday night.

The championship is the Cardinals' 11th, the most of any National League franchise and second overall in the majors behind the New York Yankees, who have won 27.

The Rangers lost their second straight World Series despite winning three of the first five games.

The Cardinals were the National League's wild-card entry in the baseball postseason, winning that distinction on the final day of the regular season.

Cardinal's third baseman David Freese was named MVP. He batted .348, with seven RBI, hit three doubles and one huge home run in game 6.

It was a well-fought battle and Major League Baseball benefited by the excitement and large television audience.

Eleventh Inning Walk-off Home Run Saves Cards in Game 6

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 07:46:00 +0000

I don't think anything in sports is quite so exciting as the "walk-off" home run. It is a sudden death victory for the home team.

The St. Louis Cardinals won Game Six in the bottom of the eleventh inning, 10-9, on a David Freese walk-off home run. In what is being described as one of the most exciting games in baseball history, the Cardinals came back to win after being down to their final out TWICE! Freese was the hero twice as well, having tied the game in the bottom of the ninth inning with a two-run triple.

Game Seven will be played Friday night, October 28, at St. Louis.

I look for a pitching duel but I have no predictions. I has been an exciting Series. The television audience has been big, and deservedly so.

Derek Holland Evens Series 2-2

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 13:08:00 +0000

Derek Holland

Texas Ranger pitcher Derek Holland dominated the St. Louis Cardinals and shut them out 4-0 to even the World Series at two games apiece...

Holland, the 25-year-old lefty, threw 8 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing just two hits...

This is now a three-game series to be won or lost in St. Louis. The Rangers host Game 5, then the final games will be played in St. Louis. If the Rangers can take game 5 they may still win it all, but a loss may prove fatal. Nobody in Texas wants to go to St. Louis needing to beat them twice at home.

Game 5, Monday October 24, 2011, 6:05 pm EDT. Chris Carpenter on the mound for St. Louis, CJ Wilson for the Rangers.