The Daily Hat Trick

Conversation with Tennessee Assistant Coach Jon Harris

2012-02-29T08:55:00.002-06:00

The high school I cover, Madison Prep Academy, advanced to the Louisiana High School Athletic Association semifinal round with a thrilling win over Hornbeck High School on Tuesday night. Jarell Martin, Madison Prep’s star player, had a few eyes upon him in the audience. While Tennessee assistant John Harris is not permitted, by NCAA rules, to discuss recruiting, I doubt his wife was out of town, there was nothing on TV, and he decided to drop in to Baton Rouge to watch a little high school basketball.

I had an opportunity to speak with Coach Harris, whose Volunteers play LSU in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center tonight. I stuck to questions about Tennessee and the SEC so nobody would get into trouble! Here is what he had to say.

Tennessee Assistant Coach Jon Harris 1

The Daily Hat Trick (TDHT): I am here with University of Tennessee Assistant Coach Jon Harris. Coach, thank you for visiting (and) looking at these fine students in Louisiana here tonight. I know you guys have LSU tomorrow at the PMAC. Big game…. Tell me what’s going through the minds of the Tennessee players right now as you guys are battling really hard for positioning in the (SEC) Tournament.

Jon Harris: We’re just trying to stay the course, man. Taking this thing…one game at a time. LSU is playing some really good basketball right now.

TDHT: You guys had some ups and downs this year. A while ago, people in Baton Rouge (sports media) were saying (that LSU could) write this Tennessee game off as a loss. And now, with the run they’ve made lately, it looks like it’s going to be a real battle. What do you think are going to be the keys for your team in tomorrow’s game?

Harris: You know, again, just staying consistent, man. Playing together…playing our defense…working the ball around trying to control the tempo.

TDHT: In the SEC, who do you think, besides the obvious, Kentucky, are going to be the other real threats to the Vols in the SEC Tournament?

Harris: (scoffs) We’re fighting for our lives, man. You know, like I said, taking this thing one game at a time. Every game in this league is going to be a dogfight.

TDHT: After what happened to (fellow SEC school) Alabama last year, going 12-4 in the league (and being excluded from the NCAA Tournament), would it be fair to say that you guys are feeling a little “bubbly” right now?

Harris: You know, again, that’s something that’s out of our control, man. We’re just trying to do what we can control and play our game and win the games we can win and see what happens.

TDHT: I appreciate you coming down to visit and I hope that you enjoyed your stay here and this game tonight.

Harris: Appreciate it.

I have had the privilege of meeting a number of coaches in major college basketball while covering Madison Prep Academy. Some coaches are very open and willing to talk basketball. Some keep their thoughts closer to the vest. I respect that. They have a job to do and their programs should come first.

Coach Harris clearly kept his thoughts close to the vest. But what he did reveal through his tone of voice, body language, and verbiage is that his Volunteers, while talented, were streaky and as a result of the losing portions of those streaks, his team has its back against the wall for an NCAA Tournament berth. Every game, including tomorrow’s game against my LSU Tigers, will be critical to Tennessee’s survival into March. The Daily Hat Trick is very appreciative for Coach Harris’ time and interest in our athletes here in Louisiana.

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!

Big East Race - Things Just Got Interesting

2012-02-28T13:40:00.001-06:00

Syracuse locked up the Big East regular season championship and the top seed in the conference tournament quite some time ago. Marquette comfortably sat in second place after this past weekend. While the #3 and #4 seeds, which would receive first and second round byes in the 2012 Big East Tournament, were still available to several teams, Notre Dame, who was riding a nine game winning streak prior to last Saturday, had a leg up on Georgetown for the third seed. Georgetown appeared to be hanging on to the fourth spot and the two round bye. Then last night happened.

Georgetown freshman Otto Porter slices past three Notre Dame defenders en route to the basket. 1

UNCERTAINTY IS CERTAIN

The once blazing hot Notre Dame Fighting Irish has little pieces of them left all over the Verizon Center, getting obliterated by 18 points at Georgetown. Notre Dame was never really in the game. After the game, Big East fans were left with a host of possibilities that could shift several teams up or down by several seeds between now and the end of the regular season this Sunday.

As of this morning, there are five teams - Cincinnati, Louisville, South Florida, Notre Dame, and Georgetown, who, collectively, could be seeded anywhere between the #2 seed (ensuring a two round bye and a favorable quarterfinals matchup) and the #7 seed, forced to compete in the round of 16 with unfavorable matchups being likely in the subsequent rounds. Marquette, currently in second place, could fall to as low as fourth place with back-to-back losses against Cincinnati and Georgetown to close out the regular season.

The Bearcats are currently in sixth place. They could still finish third after Saturday. 2

RACE TO THE FINISH

Like last year, there is tremendous concentration at the top of the Big East. Like last year, the Big East, who sent nine teams (including eventual champion, 9th place regular season finisher Connecticut) to the NCAA Tournament last year, could be the conference leader in teams invited to the Big Dance. And like last year, all of the questions, except for where Syracuse can expect to be seeded in the March Madness, will have to be sorted out by the results in the Big East Tournament.

The tournament cannot start until the regular season finishes are settled. Five Big East games will be played in the next five games to decide six different seeds. Get your popcorn ready!

The Big East race is as explosive as the Daytona 500 was last night! 3

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!

Didn’t We Almost Have It All?

2012-02-27T06:09:00.004-06:00

On Saturday afternoon, Missouri and Kansas took part in an epic battle, the latest and possibly last in a century old rivalry. The championship of the Big XII hung in the balance. The Missouri Tigers won the first contest between these rivals earlier in the month. The Kansas Jayhawks’ backs were against the wall coming into this game in their own building.

Missouri had the regular season tiebreaker over Kansas. Missouri took an early lead that they would not relinquish for the remainder of regulation. Missouri led by 19 points in the second half. Missouri lost.

LIVE BY THE SWORD…DIE BY THE SWORD

By “sword”, I mean the three point shot. In the first meeting, Missouri trailed Kansas late in part because of missed jumpers. They came back with late three point shots and missed free throws by Kansas. This afternoon, Missouri surged far ahead early in the game. The Tigers attempted 29 three point shots, making 11 (six in the first half).

Senior Marcus Denmon, who finished with 28 points, nailed a three point shot to put Mizzou up 19 points. Denmon was 6 for 10 from downtown. The rest of the team didn’t fare so well from behind the arc.

After going up by 19 points, Missouri would go 1 for 8 on three pointers. Missed jump shot after missed jump shot allowed Kansas to climb back into the game. Kansas senior Tyshawn Taylor (24 points) and Thomas Robinson (28 points, 12 rebounds) steadily chipped away at Missouri’s defense. Robinson seemed to be Johnny on the spot, grabbing rebound after rebound following a missed shot by the Tigers. Robinson tied the score with 16 second remaining in the second half, sending the game into overtime.

Robinson: and one! 3

ONE MAN SHOW

Missouri’s Marcus Denmon was spectacular in the extra five minute period. Denmon made three of the Tigers’ four field goals in overtime, including two three pointers and two shots to give Missouri the lead. However, Denmon, who played 44 minutes, appeared to be the only Tiger who was not gassed by the end of regulation. The momentum had completely shifted to Kansas and Missouri could not stop them.

Taylor and Robinson of Kansas would combine to score all 12 of the Jayhawks’ overtime points, with only one field goal coming from beyond the perimeter. Taylor, Robinson, and the Kansas crowd appeared to overwhelm Missouri, who offered little resistance to Kansas’ penetration. The ultimate irony, Marcus Denmon made what would have been a game winning shot for Missouri with no time on the clock. Unfortunately for Denmon and the Tigers, the ball left his hands with no time on the clock.

Denmon helped put Missouri ahead early and keep them in the game during overtime. 2

CLOSE BUT NO CIGAR

For the second year in a row, Mizzou reached the 25 win plateau in the regular season. For the second year in a row the Tigers began a conference losing streak in late February that began with a loss to Kansas State and included a loss to Kansas. Conversely, Kansas, for the second year in a row, had a winning streak of five or more after beating Missouri. Last year Missouri was one and done in the NCAA Tournament, cleaned out Cincinnati in the round of 64 after limping into the Big Dance. This year?

The picture says a thousand words. 1

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!

All-Star Game 1 Pro-Bowl 0

2012-02-26T23:53:00.002-06:00

2012 NBA All Star Game MVP Kevin Durant (right) 2

In the 21st century elite, star professional athletes are business entities unto themselves. For the vast majority, the bonus money earned for participating in all-star exhibitions is a pittance, mere pocket change that may not be worth the effort expended to participate in the event. As a result, players seldom leave all of their efforts out on the field of play.

This "sports light" is especially visible in the National Football League's Pro Bowl. Football is a rough and dangerous sport. Contracts are usually not guaranteed. The league put a number of rules in place: no blitzing, set, standard formations on both sides of the ball, restrictions on blocking, tackling, and coverage techniques, etc., to minimize the risk to players. The result looks like a backyard football game on a full sized field with helmets and pads, not football.

Notice anyone racing to disrupt or sack Cam Newton (left)? Neither do I. 3

The NBA All-Star Game, for decades, has been conspicuously void of tight defensive play. Still, what I observed tonight was far more entertaining and closer to "real" NBA basketball than last month's Pro Bowl was to "real" NFL football. Nice, athletic dunks were performed. Difficult shots were attempted and made. And in the final minutes of a close All Star Game, the players, with pride and ego at play, appeared to be playing at more than 90%, if not 100%.

In the matchup of All Star Games, the Western Conference's 152-149 conference over the Eastern Conference was a 1-up by the NBA over the NFL.

At least LeBron and company gave us something worth watching. 1

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!

Guilty Until Proven Innocent?

2012-02-24T12:15:00.002-06:00

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder and reigning National League Most Valuable Player Ryan Bruan won a first, ever, appeal of a Major League Baseball drug suspension. Braun was suspended for 50 games for violating MLB’s performing enhancing drug (P.E.D.) policy, allegedly submitting a urine sample that revealed testosterone at 20 times the normal level. An arbitrator found that chain of custody protocol in handling urine samples was not properly followed.

When this story first broke, late last year, Braun immediately maintained his innocence. Mike and Mike in the Morning of ESPN Radio reported that Braun requested a DNA test to prove that the sample that tested positive was not his. Major League Baseball declined to conduct such a test. Reportedly, that factored into the arbitrator’s decision.

MLB MESSED UP

Dozens and dozens of high profile baseball players have been busted for using PEDs. Nearly all of them, eventually, have either confessed to P.E.D. use or has had so much subsequent evidence revealed to the public that little doubt remained. Every time a baseball player stood at the highest mountain and pronounced their declarations of innocence to the world, the public reaction was, “Suuure you’re innocent! Suuure!” Braun is unique.

He said he was falsely accused (that is not unique). He challenged the integrity of the collection process (that is not unique). He offered a means of confirming the accuracy to the test results (that is somewhat unique). His attorneys built a sound case to show that testing protocol was not followed (that was new), and his violation finding and suspension was overturned (that is unprecedented).

"You know that everyone's innocent in here?" 1

HE’S STILL GUILTY!

Unfortunately for Braun, based on what I have heard constantly on talk radio and seen on the Internet since word of the overturned suspension broke, the fans and media have still convicted Braun in the court of public opinion. If I had a quarter for every sportstalk host and caller who used the phrase, “Got off on a technicality,” I’d have free lunch today, and a good lunch!

What bothers me about this situation is that we, the media and the public, know anything about this situation at all. Protocol in the sample collection was violated, regardless of whose fault it is. At that point the test was invalid. The samples should have been discarded and never tested. And, under no circumstances, should reputation-damaging results have been leaked to the public.

MVP with an asterisk, deserved or not. 2

KISS COOPERSTOWN GOODBYE

Ryan Braun is on track to a Hall of Fame worthy career, on the field. However, the Baseball Writers Association of America have made it very clear that anyone, thus far, associated with performance enhancing drugs, will not sniff the inside of the National Baseball Hall of Fame without paying for admission. To me, should this apply to Braun one day, PED testing, even a bad test, will become baseball’s equivalent of McCarthyism, in which anyone labeled “red” is automatically blackballed.

This is unfortunate and despicable. Rules are in place for a reason. Players aren’t the only ones who are required to follow them. If players’ reputations can be trashed when they violate the rules, Major League Baseball should be prohibited from casting a cloud of suspicion over players when it violates the rules.

Barry Bonds: Welcome to my world, Mr. Braun! 3

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!

Must See Sports - Fourth Week of February 2012

2012-02-23T13:05:00.000-06:00

Last week's advantage/disadvantage record: 4-3

Must See Sports 2012 record: 29-16

Thursday, February 23

NBA

New York Knicks at Miami Heat

It is the last night before the All-Star break and Linsanity takes it show on the road to face the Heatles. This should be good. Unfortunately for Jeremy Lin (15 PPG, 6 APG) and the Knicks, the Heat are healthy and almost impossible to beat at home. I don't see the Knicks being the fly in the ointment.

The Heat have wrestled first place in the East away from the Bulls. The Knicks improved, overnight, with the rise of Lin. Even Carmelo Anthony (22 PPG, 6 RPG) back in the lineup (on a limited basis thus far) I think the King (28 PPG, 8 RPG, 7 APG) will keep his Eastern Conference crown through the weekend.

Advantage: Heat

Yeah right! Maybe the Micheal Jordan who just turned 49 is posing as Jeremy Lin (which would probably still be pretty damn good)! The "Linning" is in jeopardy tonight at the Heatles World Tour. 1

NCAA Men’s Basketball

#4 Duke Blue Devils at #16 Florida State Seminoles

Big ACC matchup. The winner pulls into a tie with #7 North Carolina for first place in the conference. The loser is behind the eight ball in the ACC race.

Duke is the superior team on paper, except for one caveat: Florida State beat Duke earlier this year. In addition, the Seminoles are on fire, winners of 10 of their last 11. FSU limped into conference play and since then has been a force to be reckoned with. the Noles have been winning with defense, defense, defense. Bernard James (10 PPG, 8 RPG), the 27 year old senior forward has brought his maturity and leadership to the forefront, grabbing six rebounds and blocking three or more shots in his last three games.

Duke Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski has his machine rolling. Duke has won seven of eight and its one-two punch of Austin Rivers (15 PPG, 3 RPG), who made the game winning shot at North Carolina, and Seth Curry (14 PPG, 3 RPG) has made the Blue Devils very difficult to keep up with. Still, Florida State had the Blue Devils' number in on-the-floor matchups last month. They're hot and they're at home. I like them in an upset.

Advantage: Florida State

Duke hero of the first North Carolina game, Austin Rivers (son of Boston Celtics Coach Doc Rivers). 2

Saturday, February 25

NCAA Basketball

#3 Missouri Tigers at #5 Kansas Jayhawks

BIG rematch in the Big XII. Kansas let a late lead slip at Missouri, powered by the demonically focused shooting of Mizzou senior Marcus Denmon (17 PPG, 5 RPG). The Jayhawks can ill-afford a relapse. The winner takes over sole possession of first place in the conference and is in the driver's seat to win the regular season Big XII title.

Were it not for teams from the state of Kansas, the Tigers would be only have one loss this season, but not because of the Jayhawks. Kansas State and coach Frank Martin have swept Missouri, beating them, for the second time in this season, last night. Perhaps some of that mojo will travel cross-state from Manhattan to Lawrence. Kansas is riding a five game winning streak. Junior forward Thomas Robinson (18 PPG, 12 RPG) has been a major factor in the hot streak. In fact, Robinson, with one more rebound against Kansas State and two more boards against Texas Tech, would be riding a streak of seven consecutive games with a double-double.

Kansas lost a heartbreaker last time. They are at home. However they are not Kansas State and I can't wrap my mind around Missouri losing back-to-back games. It hasn't happened all year.

Advantage: Missouri

Can recent history repeat itself? 3

Sunday, February 26

NBA

2012 NBA All-Star Game

Western Conference All-Stars at Eastern Conference All-Stars from Orlando, Florida

I enjoy the NBA All Star game. I love watching the best in the game partake in pure, unadulterated offense. Alley oops, trick dunks...everything a basketball fan could want to see and long as that fan does not want to see defense. Whatever the over/under is, bet the "over"!

NCAA Men’s Basketball

#15 Wisconsin Badgers at #9 Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State was as hot as any team could be and, two weeks ago, appeared to be a lock for a number one seed in the NCAA Tournament. A loss to Michigan State and a loss to Michigan later, and a sense over urgency has cast its shadow over Columbus, Ohio.

The Badgers have been a model of consistency against any team without a ranking in front of its name, 18-1 against unranked opponents. Their 2-6 record against ranked opponents, including Ohio State, does not bode well. In addition, their team leader and top scorer, Jordan Taylor (14 PPG, 4 RPG, 4 APG) continues to struggle with shooting. Taylor's field goal percentage is under 40% on the season, including an abysmal, combined 7 for 25 from the field in his last two games.

Wisconsin could propel itself back into the Big Ten regular season race with a win. However, the Buckeyes are at home, where a loss is extremely rare. Unless Taylor has a breakthrough and snaps out of his season long shooting slump, I think the Buckeyes get back on track in this conference matchup.

Advantage: Ohio State

Monday, February 27

NCAA Men’s Basketball

#18 Notre Dame Fighting Irish at #8 Georgetown Hoyas

The Big East isn’t the concentrated powerhouse it was last year. That doesn’t mean they aren’t really good. Nobody is likely to catch Syracuse, but seedings in the Big Dance and Big East tournament are still at stake. An Irish win will keep them in second place with Marquette, holding the regular season tiebreaker. Georgetown, currently 2 games back of Notre Dame and Marquette, can vault itself back into the race for Big East runner up with a win.

The secret to Notre Dame’s success has been good ball movement and taking care of the basketball. Multi-faceted players like sophomore guard Jerian Grant (13 PPG, 5 APG) patiently set up scoring opportunities and don’t turn the ball over very much. The Irish are currently riding a nine game winning streak. During that streak, beginning with the stunning upset over then-#1 Syracuse, Grant has scored in double figures in all of those games, with five or more dimes in seven of those games.

Georgetown is somewhat living off of their name. The Hoyas got off to a red hot start, but appear to have cooled in conference play. They’ve lost two of their last four. The loss in overtime to #2 Syracuse was understandable. The drubbing they took at Seton Hall is not. Want to figure out how the Hoyas’ night will go? Watch Hollis Thompson (13 PPG, 6 RPG). When the junior forward scored 15 or more points, the Hoyas are 8-1. Four of their five losses on the season have come when Thompson does not break that threshold. A big game from the big man will go a long way in helping his team win.

Bottom line? The Irish are hot. The Hoyas are not. Thompson has not exceed that 15 point threshold since February 1st.

Advantage: Notre Dame

Notre Dame's Jerian Grant, left and Pat Connaughton (7 PPG, 5 RPG), right. 5

Tuesday, February 28

NCAA Men’s Basketball

#6 Michigan State Spartans at #24 Indiana Hosiers

Michigan State is playing its best basketball of the season when it counts the most, late in the season. After a head-scratching, low scoring loss to Big Ten bottom feeder Illinois at the hands (almost single handedly) of Illini guard Brandon Paul (15 PPG, 5 RPG), the Spartans have ripped off six straight wins and not looked back.

The streak includes wins over archrival #22 ranked Michigan, a shocker at #3 Ohio State, and #17 Wisconsin. Illinois has not won since upsetting MSU. Michigan senior forward Draymond Green (16 PPG, 10 RPG) has stepped his game up in February, averaging 18 points and 10 rebounds during Michigan State’s undefeated month.

Indiana is an enigma. They are as streak a ranked team and one can find. They have won four of their last five after having lost five of the prior seven, which came on the heels of a 15-1 start to the season. That fast start included wins over (rankings at the time) #1 Kentucky, #2 Ohio State, and #13 Michigan, with the lone loss coming against #17 Michigan State. Since then, the Hosiers have dropped games to unranked Minnesota, Nebraska, and Iowa. Its last win over a ranked opponent was January 5th.

Expect a solid performance from the consistent freshman forward, Cody Zeller (16 PPG, 7 RPG). Expect Michigan State to keep on rolling.

Advantage: Michigan State

Wednesday, February 29

NBA

Chicago Bulls at San Antonio Spurs

Happy Leap Year...Day...I suppose!

The young versus the old…. Vitality versus experience…. It’s Chicago at San Antonio.

The Spurs are doing the same old thing with the same old starters and the same old coach. There’s a good reason. They usually experience the same result: winning!

The second evening back from the All-Star break brings us the blockbuster matchup of the teams with the second best records in their respective conferences. The Spurs had their 11 game winning streak snapped by the Portland Trailblazers on Tuesday. Did I say “snapped”? I meant “vaporized” in a 40 point blasting at The Rose Garden. However, Tim Duncan (14 PPG, 9 RPG, 33 MPG) and Tony Parker (20 PPG, 8 APG) did not play; they rested. They’ll be getting even more rest this weekend. Bulls fans need not get too excited.

While the Spurs, whose starters average age is 29, have to make adjustments for lengthening of the tooth, the Bulls have a stockpile of young guns. Reigning MVP Derrick Rose (22 PPG, 8 APG, age 23) is back from his back injury and appears to be close to his old, dominant form. In spite of Rose’s extended absence, Chicago has still won nine of its last 11 games. On paper, I think the Bulls are a slightly better team, on any given night. However, since the Spurs are at home and will be very well rested, I like San Antonio in this contest.

Advantage: Spurs

San Antonio: WINNING! 6

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!

Greg Oden: Time to Lay It Down?

2012-02-22T14:16:00.000-06:00

Greg Oden was the #1 pick of the Portland Trailblazers in the 2007 NBA Draft. Four seasons have come and gone since then. Greg Oden has played 82 regular season games. There are 82 games in an NBA regular season.

Yesterday, it was announced that Oden had his third microfracture knee surgery of his career, two on the left knee and one on the right. Oden missed the entire 2007-2008 season, last season, and will now miss all of this season due to knee surgeries.

When Oden was a standout in his freshman year at Ohio State, at age 19, it was often lightheartedly pointed out that Oden looked years, possibly decades older than he really was. Now, at age 24, his body is showing the durability of a player advanced in age. He’s breaking down on the outside as well as the inside. The “old before his time” references aren’t funny anymore.

If Oden makes a full recovery from surgery and is ready for the 2012-2013 season, or can minimally play in a significant portion of the season, he will start the year having missed roughly four times as many games as he has played, averaging 9 points, 7 rebounds, and a blocked shot per game for his short career. If he cannot meaningfully participate in the 2012-13 season, it begs the question of whether the top prospect of five years ago will ever realize any level of NBA achievement, if he plays at all.

Greg Oden’s story could turn into one of the greatest comeback stories in the history of American sports, with the aid of his (relative) youth and modern medicine. With each successive setback, his story slides closer to being yet another tale of unrealized, enormous potential.

2007 feels like a long time ago. 1

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!

2012-02-22T09:25:00.002-06:00

Today, we have a contribution from The Daily Hat Trick's old buddy, Tim Handorf of Best Colleges Online. Baseball season gets started next month. In spite of the explosion of social media and exchanges of information via the Internet, baseball cards still continue to be a heavily traded commodity. Some are, literally, treasure to a collector. The original article can be found at their site.

15 Baseball Cards That Could Get You Through College

Posted on Tuesday February 7, 2012

by Staff Writers

There’s no telling how many millions of dollars have been flushed down the drain by moms who threw out their kids’ baseball cards with the trash. And yet, ironically, those very same women deserve the thanks for driving up the value of the rest of the cards in circulation. If you are strapped for cash and looking for a way to pay for college, the answer could be lying in a box in your grandmother’s attic, or on sale for $1 at some garage sale. Most of these cards are quite hard to find, so the odds are against you. Still, there’s always the dream of discovering a rare card like one of these and selling it for the $80,000 you need to get a degree these days. Batter up!

1909 Honus Wagner T206
This is the Holy Grail of sports memorabilia. It has sold for anywhere from $200,000 to $2.35 million. Legend has it Mr. Wagner objected to smoking, and this was a tobacco card, so he had it pulled from production. Less than 60 are believed to exist. There’s no way you own this card. You don’t, right?

1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth
OK, permit us to mention one more ridiculously rare piece of baseball history. This 1914 rookie card of the most famous player to ever take the field is valued around $500,000. Only 10 are known to be out there, but every blue moon one is discovered, so there’s always hope.

1888 G and B Chewing Gum Co. Albert G. Spalding E223
Ah, yes … Albert G. Spalding. OK, we’ve never heard of him either. But he won a mind-boggling 47 games for the Chicago White Stockings in 1876, and apparently he published the first baseball rulebook. This set was the first to be included with a pack of gum, and Spalding’s card maxes out at a worth of $120,000.

1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings Peck & Snyder
You’ve got to think anything that’s nearly 150 years old is going to be worth something. When it comes to this advertising card for the first pro baseball team ever, you’d be right. In 2009, an elderly antique dealer tried briefly to sell this card on eBay for a starting price of $9.99. When she realized what she had and sold it at auction, it brought in $75,000.

1893 Just So Cy Young
This card features a stately-looking Cy Young, and it’s the earliest known card of the pitching legend. Apparently in the old days it was perfectly fine for tobacco companies to introduce products they knew would be collected primarily by children. This rare card made by the Just So Tobacco Company is worth up to the low six figures.

1914 Texas Tommy Ty Cobb E224
Ty Cobb has been called the greatest ball player who ever lived. He played his 10th season in 1914, only entering 98 games. But the season is remarkable because of his baseball card that year, made by the Cardinet Candy Company. It is consistently valued at upwards of $100,000.

1887 Four Base Hits N-Unc. Buck Ewing #4
True baseball fanatics will probably be the only ones who know the name Buck Ewing, but he was a star in his day and proponents call him the greatest catcher of all time. This card that captions Ewing as New York’s team captain also instructs you to “Smoke Four Base Hits.” We’ll pass on that, but we wouldn’t turn down the 100 grand this card is valued at.

1887 Four Base Hits N-Unc. Mike King Kelly
We’re starting to get the urge for a cigarette. Another card from this rare 1887 set, The King’s card is estimated at anywhere from $60,000 to $120,000. He was a utility guy for the Boston Beaneaters, the Cincinnati Kelly’s Killers, and the Pennsylvania Periwinkles (we only made the last one up). If you came into possession of one of these cards, you’d be laughing all the way to the bank.
1910 Old Mill Joe Jackson T210
“Shoeless Joe” was disgraced in the Black Sox scandal and banned from baseball in 1920, but collectors and baseball historians have been kind to him in the ensuing decades. Today he is painted as a true lover of the game who got in over his head. Whatever the truth is, he was a phenomenal player and this card from his third season recently sold for $92,800.

1914 Boston Garter Color Joe Jackson
Now here’s a cool-looking card. It’s got that vintage, old-timey-illustration feel, and it doubles as an advertisement for women’s underwear. A few years ago a collector paid over $86,000 for this card at auction, which would leave you $6,000 to spend on beer, pizza, and other cliché college guy stuff.

1961 Topps Dice Game Mickey Mantle
He may have been the greatest switch hitter ever, but boy did they make him look corny in the photo for this card. No matter; 1961 was the year of The Mick’s legendary home run race with Roger Maris. Couple that with the fact that this card is part of Topps’ bizarre Dice Game series of cards that they ultimately abandoned, and this becomes one drool-worthy item. Typical sale price: $32,000.

1967 Topps Tom Seaver #581
Terrific Tom stormed into the Hall of Fame by the highest vote percentage ever, which is befitting his 20-year career of striking out everyone and their mother. The year 1967 just happens to be his rookie year, and this rookie card from Topps recently pulled in $24,000. With the benefit of hindsight we (and Topps) now know Seaver merited his own card, instead of being coupled with some scrub with a career record of 1-10.

1993 Upper Deck SP Derek Jeter #279
With five World Series championships, including one where he was the MVP, four Golden Gloves, 3,000-plus hits, and a lifetime batting average over .300, Jeter is a sure-fire Hall of Fame first-round inductee. Right now, his ’93 SP rookie card goes for as much as $25,000 in gem mint condition. If you’ve got it and you’ve kept it in good shape, there’s money to be made.

1994 Upper Deck SP Alex Rodriguez #15
Another Yankee star of the current era fetches a pretty penny for his rookie card. Gem mint versions are extremely hard to find because the card is so delicate, but in perfect condition they have been offered for as much as $1.4 million. The poor economy has hurt its sales price, but $5,000 to $15,000 is not out of the bounds of reality. And you might actually own one.

2001 Bowman Chrome Albert Pujols
Bowman Chrome took baseball cards to a new level. Every card felt like a special insert, but buying a pack was a splurge. If you were lucky enough to come across this rookie card of the guy many are already suggesting will go down in history as the greatest slugger in earth history, count yourself fortunate. These things go for a base of $4,000, and the dude’s not even through yet.

Source: Forbes- World’s Most Expensive Baseball Cards

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!

Conversation with Jarell Martin – Gatorade Player of the Year Nominee, Louisiana

2012-02-21T05:30:00.006-06:00

With the Louisiana High School Athletic Association boys basketball playoffs starting today, I thought it would be fitting to discuss some high school hoops action. I have the privilege of covering the athletic program of Madison Prep Academy in Baton Rouge Louisiana. Their boys basketball team is enjoying a very special season, having won its first ever District 8-B championship.

This special team also has a special player, Jarell Martin. Martin, a 6’7” junior is one of ESPNU’s top 20 among their Super 60 of the class of 2013. Martin was recently nominated for Gatorade Player of the Year in Louisiana.

The Gatorade Player of the Year award recognizes athletic excellence, academic achievement, and exemplary character among high school athletes. Gatorade acknowledges an athlete in each category of sport in every state. Ultimately, a National Player of the Year is chosen.

I had a conversation with Jarell Martin about his nomination for this prestigious award. Coincidentally, his nomination was announced on the same day that Madison Prep clinched its district title with a win at home over Centerville High School.

Jarell Martin dunks against Baton Rouge area basketball powerhouse Glen Oaks. 1

The Daily Hat Trick: Jarell, first of all, you had an outstanding game tonight, a double-double (for points and rebounds). (Madison Prepatory High School Boys Basketball Head) Coach (Jeff Jones) informed me before the game that you were nominated for the Gatorade Player of the Year Award. What does that entail?

Jarell Martin: It’s a state thing, (competing with) the top players in the state.

TDHT: I also saw, according to the ESPN rankings for the class of 2013, you are currently ranked number 20. So you are really climbing up the ladder very quickly. Have you found that the interest from recruiters has increased throughout the year?

Martin: Yes, sir. College coaches come in and talk to me (and) talk to my coach. I’m enjoying it right now!

TDHT: Who has called on you so far?

Martin: Louisville, Mississippi State, Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma State…they’re the ones who have been calling lately. There have been plenty more who have been calling my coaches.

TDHT: Can you tell me who is in your top three or four? Who looks most favorable, so far?

Martin: I haven’t really been looking into it this year, really taking the time right now. I’ll wait until next year to start looking at colleges.

TDHT: What are you looking for in a college? What is most important to you?

Martin: Their style of play.

TDHT: Is geography or any part of the country important? Weather...or academic programs offered…do any of those factor in or is it mainly style of play is that the big driver?

Martin: Mainly style of play…the coaching staff. I look into the players they’ve got on their team who play my position.

TDHT: And you are currently listed as a small forward, is that right?

Martin: Yes, sir.

TDHT: Is that where you think you’ll be in college?

Martin: Yes, sir.

TDHT: Alright. Well, keep up the good work. You’re doing everybody proud!

As you can gather from the preceding transcript, Martin is a humble young man who appears to be taking a lot of positive publicity in stride. His grounded demeanor is going to go a long way with college coaches and scouts. It has been a pleasure to watch him and his teammates develop and achieve this season. Hopefully, the run will extend all the way to a championship banner. Regardless, the college that eventually lands Martin will pick up a true asset to any major college program.

Jarell is a quiet kid, but he can play with a little flare when he wants to! 2

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!

Conversation with Coach Rick Pitino

2012-02-20T10:13:00.004-06:00

Last month, the high school whose basketball games I cover, Madison Prep Academy, played a road game at Lafayette, Louisiana against Lafayette Christian Academy (audio from the game can be heard at the Louisiana All American Sports on USTREAM). That evening, Louisville Head Men’s Basketball Coach Rick Pitino was in the audience, scouting Madison Prep center Jarell Martin (ranked in ESPN’s top 20 prospects of the class of 2013). I had the opportunity and privilege to speak with Coach Pitino after the game. The following is a transcript of our interview.

Louisville Head Coach Rick Pitino 1

The Daily Hat Trick (TDHT): We have special guests visit us often, but this is, far and away, the most special guest of my short broadcasting career. I am here with…1996 National Champion, 1997 (NCAA) runner up…2005 Final Four participant and 1992 Elite Eight finalist…future Hall of Fame, Louisville Head Coach Rick Pitino. Coach, thank you for coming down to Louisiana tonight. First of all, how are things up in Louisville?

Coach Rick Pitino: Everything’s great. We’re 17-5. The Big East is a tough league this year. There’s no bottom to it, not as great at the top, but extremely competitive.

TDHT: I see that you have Georgetown, Connecticut, Syracuse, Marquette, everybody looks really tough this year. How are the Cardinals?

Pitino: You know, we’ve been injured this year, but even with that, we started out 12-0, beat some good teams. Vanderbilt was good, Long Beach State was very good. We weren’t as good as the 12-0 record and, certainly, we’ve reached a little bit of a lull, where we lost four out of five. But now we’ve won the last three in a row.

TDHT: Do you think that, this year, that the Big East is so loaded that you can have (a team) like Connecticut, last year, (who) was the ninth place team in the Big East in the regular season and they ran through (the NCAA Tournament). Do you think the Big East has that kind of muscle this year?

Pitino: I don’t. I think Syracuse is the real deal. They could win the National Championship. They’re probably the only team that would give Kentucky, in terms of a style of play with that zone, problems. I don’t see anybody beating Kentucky, unless (Anthony) Davis is on the bench. Now, on a given night, anybody can get beat, but you’re talking about the number one player in the draft and he changes the game with his length.

TDHT: He is a special young man. I actually saw him down here this weekend at LSU and I wanted to ask you, with Kentucky there and that being the long time team you coached…with them being a cross-state rival, you must keep up with them. What do you think about them right now?

Anthony Davis of Kentucky 3

Pitino: They’ve got the best talent in the game. You’re talking about five draft choices of a year ago. This year, they’re probably going to have three go in the lottery. So, they’re always going to be there. That’s the way they recruit. We’re a different program. We like to develop our talent to keep them around for a while. That’s their signature and we’ve got a different type of signature. They’re both successful.

TDHT: It has been an honor and a privilege to chat with you. Thank you every much for your time.

Besides knowing how to dress (check out that suit) Pitino knows how to find talent. He found Dominican born Edgar Sosa (left), who became a standout at Louisville and now plays professionally. 2

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!

1) Image from http://www.time.com/

2, 3) Image from http://www.zimbio.com/

Bringing the Thunder

2012-02-20T09:51:00.000-06:00

I had to take a moment to give big props to the historic performance by the Oklahoma City Thunder in their 124-118 overtime win over the Denver Nuggets. First…the game itself. OKC trailed by nine in the fourth quarter and by two in the final seconds of the game. Kevin Durant drove to the basket to tie the score and send the game into overtime, in which the Thunder would win by six.

So what? Great game…happens all the time. That’s true. But what does not happen all of the time is a triple-double, like Serge Ibaka posted with 14 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 blocked shots. What has never happened, ever, before last night is one team member scoring 50 or more points and a teammate scoring 40 or more points. Kevin Durant scored 51 and Russell Westbrook scored 40 last night.

There were chants of “MVP” in Oklahoma City toward the end of last night’s home win. We’ve all known the Kevin Durant is one of the ten best, I would argue five best, players in the NBA for quite some time. Every MVP needs a signature, standout performance. I think we saw it.

Durant brought the Thunder! 1

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!

The Doug Williams Standard

2012-02-17T12:57:00.001-06:00

Am I going to write about the social significance about historic moments in sports? No. Am I going to write about character and perseverance? No. Am I going to write about giving back to one’s alma mater and the community? No. Today, I am going to write about stupid questions that people ask athletes and sports figures.

In the 1987 NFL season, quarterback Doug Williams of the Washington Redskins led his team to a win over the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship Game, advancing to Super Bowl XXII against the Denver Broncos (which the Redskins would win handily). Williams would be the first, ever, black quarterback to start in a Super Bowl. The gamut of questions that Williams was asked, regarding his skin color, ran from profound to stoic to absolutely ridiculous to just plain stupid.

Urban legend has it that Williams was asked, among other insipid color related questions, “How long have you been a black quarterback?” This would be, possibly, the stupid question of the century, were it true. According to snopes.com and other sources, Williams was actually asked, ''Doug, obviously you've been a black quarterback your whole life. When did race begin to matter to people?'' Snopes suggested that Williams either misunderstood or didn't hear the question because he said, ''How long have I been a black quarterback?''

Regardless, Williams will forever be associated with the stupid question that never was. In the midst of the Jeremy Lin story, which I, myself, have discussed in some manner four times this week, including today, I have heard a handful of stupid statements and questions asked. I heard one whopper, this morning, that made me decide to share a few questions that, like question posed to Lin that I will discuss shortly, met the Doug Williams Standard for stupidity of a question by a sports reporter.

What to ask Doug Williams? About winning a championship? Naw! About a record setting second quarter? No! About engineering the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history, a record never broken and only matched once, 22 years later by the New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl XLIV? No! I KNOW! "How long have you been a black quarterback?" 1

DID YOU APPRECIATE THE HELP?

"I never asked for help with my groceries. You can take that can of corn and SHOVE IT!" 2

Before even diving into the details, has any normal person ever been genuinely helped by another person and not appreciated it? Even if you received help from someone you didn’t like or someone to whom you didn’t want to give credit and downplayed or refused to acknowledge the assistance, you appreciated it! This was they type of question posed to New York Knicks point guard and overnight media sensation Jeremy Lin.

In the midst of all of the (mindless) speculation that injured Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony’s return to the lineup may be detrimental to the newfound chemistry between Lin and his teammates, it was revealed, by Lin, that Anthony urged Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni to insert Lin into the lineup. While being interviewed on the Michael Kay show on ESPN New York 1050, Lin was asked if he appreciated Anthony’s intervention, to which Lin replied, “Of course!”

REALLY? Jeremy Lin was in the midst of a 10 day contract and was likely to be released upon its expiration. In turns out that Anthony, who many fans and media members have attempted to vilify and portray as “selfish” and a detriment to Lin’s career, was partly responsible for Lin getting an opportunity to play. Lin has become the hot sports story of the month and now has a future in the NBA. Did Lin appreciate it? REALLY?

Consider the following….

Executioner: The Court has ordered that you die by beheading for heresy! Do you have any last requests?

Condemned: Yes. Don’t chop my head off?

(Laughter from the witnesses in the audience)

Messenger: I have a message from the king! The king has ordered that the prisoner be freed immediately!

(10 minutes later)

Reporter interviewing the prisoner: Mr. Prisoner, did you appreciate the king’s intervention?

(Smack my head)

"Louis XVI can kiss my ass!" 3

HOW DO YOU FEEL AFTER THE LOWEST POINT OF THE YEAR?

The Duke Blue Devils Women’s Basketball team advanced to the Championship Game against Purdue in the 1999 NCAA Women’s Final Four. The Blue Devils were beaten handily. Immediately after the game, a reporter asked Duke standout Michelle Van Gorp how she felt. Van Gorp’s response? “I’m GLAD we LOST!” followed by Van Gorp rolling her eyes, scoffing, and leaving the press conference.

Duke's Michelle Van Gorp: giving an appropriate answer to a stupid question. 4

Imagine this scenario….

November 1992, Election Night – Bill Clinton wins the election, outing incumbent President George H.W. Bush.

Reporter: Mr. President, how do you feel?

(Sound of White House receptionist booking movers in the background)

Bush: You know; this is a stressful job. I am thrilled to be spending more time at Kennebunkport, playing golf and spending time with the grandchildren. Being the most powerful man in the world is overrated.

What the hell did that Final Four reporter expect Van Gorp to say? 5

WHAT DO FOOTBALL PLAYERS WEAR ON GAMEDAY?

In January of 1993, the resurgent, historic Dallas Cowboys franchise advanced to Super Bowl XVII to take on the three time defending AFC Champion Buffalo Bills. MTV personality “Downtown” Julie Brown was rising to her 15 minutes of fame. According to ESPN.com, she asked (then-future) Hall of Fame Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith (I could not make this up), “What are you going to wear in the game Sunday?”

Hmm…that seems reasonable. The following gets asked all the time; I’m sure.

Reporter (to an astronaut): I am sure you have to be very excited to be going to the moon, a once in a lifetime opportunity. How are you getting there?

Astronaut: Well, we planned a champagne celebration before takeoff, so perhaps I’ll take a cab.

So remember, Hat Trick readers, think before you speak. Of course, if you do, you may not be qualified, at some outlets, to work as a sports reporter!

Maybe it wasn't such a stupid question. 6

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!

Must See Spots – Third Week of February, 2012

2012-02-16T20:29:00.001-06:00

Last week's advantage/disadvantage record: 5-2

Must See Sports 2012 record: 25-13

Thursday, February 16

NBA

Los Angeles Clippers at Portland Trailblazers

One might ask, “The Blazers are in 8th place in the West. What’s so ‘must see’ about them.” While in eighth place, the Trailblazers are only 3.5 games out of first place. Every playoff spot in the Western Conference is up for grabs.

Losing four of your last five games, as Portland has, is not the best way to close that 3.5 game gap. Their only win in that five game stretch was over the Hornets, with the worst record in the West. Last night the Blazers lost to the lowly Washington Wizards. They need a confidence boost.

The Clippers are the kind of opponent that can give that boost, should the Blazers win. The Clippers have won eight out of their last 11 games and are in sole possession of first place in the Pacific division. They are no longer the “other” L.A. team!

The Blazers star player is LaMarcus Aldridge (27 PPG, 8 RPG), but their success would not be possible this season without the defensive contributions of the ageless Marcus Camby (4 PPG, 10 RPG, 2 BlkPG). The 37 year old Camby, however, has averaged less than his season average for rebounds in his last five games and only blocked two shots in that five game stretch. Camby has played 20 minutes or less in three of those five games. The Blazers up tempo offense cannot work against the league’s better teams without Camby’s full defensive contribution.

The Clippers recently learned that guard Chauncey Billups (15 PPG, 4 APG) would be lost for the season with an Achilles injury. Chris Paul (19 PPG, 9 APG) and company have kept on trucking, thus far. However, the loss of key players like Billups is often felt against the better teams in the league. Still, the Clippers have momentum and the Blazers appear to have stumbled. Paul and Blake Griffin (21 PPG, 11 RPG) are not the ideal tandem against which one should try to get his groove back.

Advantage: Clippers

CP3...OH! 1

NCAA Men's Basketball

#17 Wisconsin Badgers at #8 Michigan State Spartans

The Big Ten appears to be this year’s Big East, with a number of tough, ranked teams beating each other up in the race for the conference lead. Last month, I commented that Michigan State appeared to be stumbling with the coming of conference play. They’ve regained their footing, having won five of their last six games.

Draymond Green (15 PPG, 11 RPG) of the Spartans has recorded a double-double in three of his last four games and was one rebound against Ohio State from recording four in his last five. When Green and Keith Appling (12 PPG, 4 APG) are “on”, the Spartans are extremely tough to stop.

The Badgers have been a roller coaster ride. After losing three straight Big Ten games as conference play began to get underway, Wisconsin has recovered to win seven of their last eight games, all in conference play, with their only loss coming to #3 Ohio State. The Badgers go as senior guard Jordan Taylor goes (15 PPG, 4 APG, 4 RPG, 40% FG).

Last month, the Hat Trick noted Taylor struggles shooting from the field. There has not been much improvement as Taylor had shot 40% or less from the field in four consecutive games before their last game, against Minnesota. Taylor can draw fouls in the lane, but jacks up too many three point shots, putting up an average of 5 shots per game from downtown, but only shooing 33%. That is not terrible, except that when he shoots more from behind the arc when the Badgers lose, going 13 for 37 from downtown in the Badgers’ six losses this season.

Advantage: Michigan State

Maybe Taylor needs a little more time in the gym? I'm sure he's there a lot as it is. 2

Friday, February 17

NBA

Dallas Mavericks at Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers have continued to win, showing that their hot start was not fluke. They are winning with great teamwork and smothering defense, allowing 87 points per game, second in the NBA. Forward Andre Iguodala (12 PPG, 7 RPG, 5 APG) has been the straw that stirs the drink for the Sixers, but, make no mistake, Coach Doug Collins gets every player who takes the floor to pull their weight. Need more proof? Sixth man Lou Williams (16 PPG, 4 APG), who plays 26 minutes per game, is the team’s leading scorer.

The Mavericks have recovered from a rocky 1-4 start to the season and have recovered to pull within two games of the San Antonio Spurs in the Southwest Division, in fourth place in the West. Dallas has won four straight, including wins over the playoff contending Clippers, Blazers, and Denver Nuggets. Dirk Nowitski (19 PPG, 6 RPG) also started the season off slowly, but appears to have recovered, scoring 20 or more points in six consecutive games.

Dallas is hot and Dallas is the defending champ. I am not quite ready to buy into Philadelphia’s Rocky Balboa act…yet.

Advantage: Mavericks

Sweet Lou! 3

Saturday, February 18

NCAA Men’s Basketball

#6 Ohio State Buckeyes at #19 Michigan Wolverines

Big game in the Big Ten. Michigan seeks a chance to redeem itself after being blasted in Columbus earlier this year. The problem for the Wolverines is that probably lottery pick Jared Sullinger (18 PPG, 9 RPG) is healthy and senior Will Buford (15 PPG, 5 RPG) is playing at his peak. Tim Hardaway, Jr. (14 PPG, 4 RPG) of Michigan will need to show up against the Buckeyes, unlike his abysmal, four point, 10% shooting performance against UM's last ranked opponent, Michigan State.

A win on Saturday will put Michigan in to a three way tie with OSU and Michigan State for the Big Ten lead. The Wolverines are at home. however, unless Hardaway can perform light years better than he did last in his last big game and freshman point guard Trey Burke (14 PPG, 5 APG) can perform above his season average AND Ohio State's key players, Sullinger and Buford are off of their games, Michigan is in for an uphill battle. Those are too many "ifs".

Advantage: Ohio State

Hardaway's dad, Tim Hardaway, Sr., made it look a lot easier at UTEP than it will be for his son on Saturday at Ohio State. 4

#16 St. Mary’s Gaels at #14 Murray State Racers

Mid-major schools...major matchup. The Murray State Racers of the Ohio Valley Conference were the last of the unbeaten teams in college basketball this season, falling to the Tennessee State Tigers in a head scratcher last Thursday in spite of a 31 point, 77% shooting performance from their top player, junior guard Isaiah Canaan (19 PPG, 4 APG. Canaan's six turnovers did not help, however, nor did his senior backcourt partner, Donte Poole (14 PPG, 39% 3PtFG) and his 3 for 10, four turnover, reboundless, performance in which he fouled out.

Murray State ascended from mid-major conference anonymity to the top of the college ranks with scoring, scoring, and more scoring - using quickness and sharpshooting. The racers average 75 points per game. They don't just impose their will on inferior opponents. They shoot 47% from the field. You can either put the ball in the hold or you can't. Against South Florida, Murray state scored 70 and against Memphis, they scored 76. Teams that can score against anyone can be a problem in the big dance.

St. Mary's has quietly risen into the top 25. The Gaels also put up a lot of points, scoring 76 points per game and shooting 48% from the field. St. Mary's gets their points more from ball movement than transition play and fast breaks, which is more similar to Murray State's scoring recipe. They have their own 1-2 punch in junior point guard Matthew Dellavedova (16 PPG, 6 APG) and fifth year senior power forward Rob Jones (15 PPG, 11 RPG).

Dellavedova will be the key. In all four St. Mary's losses, he turned the ball over three or more times, greater than his per game average.The Gaels have played a tougher schedule, are more physical, and have more quality wins. I like them in this clash of the mid-major titans.

Advantage: St. Mary's

"MURRAY STATE...RAC-ERRS!"...Some things you just have to see to believe. 5

Sunday, February 19

NBA

Dallas Mavericks at New York Knicks

Future Hall of Famer Jason Kidd (4 PPG, 6 APG, 5 RPG, 28 MPG) of the Mavericks gets a taste of Linsanity in this nationally televised Sunday afternoon game. The Knicks have won seven consecutive games, coinciding with the rise of sensational second year point guard Jeremy Lin (13 PPG, 5 APG). Lin, averaging 24 points and 10 assists in the last five games, including a game winning shot in the final second against Toronto, has taken the basketball world by storm and put the Knicks back at the contender's table in the Eastern Conference.

Lin and the Knicks are red hot. So are the defending champion Mavericks, winners of five straight. I expect the Knicks to win on friday against New Orleans, but I expect the Linsanity to stop on Sunday, especially without any certainty of Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony's (22 PPG, 6 RPG) return to the lineup.

Advantage: Mavericks

A brother like me...is going "Lin-sane"! 6

Denver Nuggets at Oklahoma City Thunder

This is an example of a good team, in Denver, facing an excellent team in Oklahoma City, with the best record in the Western Conference (22-7). Nuggets point guard Ty Lawson (15 PPG, 6 APG) has been key in the Nuggets remaining in contention since the Carmelo Anthony trade last year. Lawson is coming off of an abysmal 3 point, 2 assist, 2 turnover night against the Mavericks last night. The Nuggets, losers of seven out of their last nine, are slumping and will need a lot more from Lawson against OKC.

The Thunder have also hit a speed bump, losing three of their last seven, although two of those losses were against the playoff-contending Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs. Kevin Durant (27 PPG, 8 RPG) has played himself back into the race for the scoring title, catching up to Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.Considering Denver's Option Defense (as in, "it is optional whether or not we play defense), which coughs up 100 points per game.

Advantage: Oklahoma City

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!

And…The Linsanity Continues!

2012-02-15T10:40:00.001-06:00

Once is a coincidence. Twice is a pattern. Three times is a trend.

Five times? After five times, expectations begin to form. Jeremy Lin started his fifth career NBA game. For the fifth time in a row, Lin scored 20 or more points. For the fifth time in a row, Lin dished out at least seven assists. For the fifth time in a row, the New York Knicks won, and in doing so have a game and a half lead over the Milwaukee Bucks for eighth place (which would qualify them for the final playoff spot) in the Eastern Conference.

BUT WAIT! THERE’S MORE!

As if Lin’s rapid rise to media stardom (soon to be legitimate NBA stardom if this continues) were not enough, another element of lore was added to the Jeremy Lin story. The Knicks took their act north of the border to Toronto last night. The struggling Raptors led the Knicks by several possessions in the fourth quarter, only to have the Knicks tie the score in the final minute of the game. Prior to the final possession, Lin had a double-double with 24 points and 11 assists, fueling the Linsanity whether the Knicks won or lost. Then…

Lin BURIES the three point shot! Knicks win! The Linsanity continues! 1

SHORT TERM IMPACT

“You got to have a j-o-b!”

Stepping away from this fascinating story, which continues to grow legs of it own and seems to be running away from every other sports related story, what does this mean for the Lin and the Knicks? For Lin, it means he has a JOB. J-O-B!

Lin has been on three NBA rosters since July of 2010. The Golden State Warriors cut him. The Houston Rockets cut him on Christmas Day, albeit more due to roster and salary cap logistics than performance issues. Multiple outlets in the media and people within the Knicks organization itself speculated that Lin was possibly a week away from being cut by the Knicks. A five game run like that of Lin’s, barring a complete regressing and collapse in performance, assures Lin of some employment for the rest of this season and into next season.

For the Knicks, should Lin simply demonstrate competence and, perhaps, above-average play from the point guard position, they are “back in the game”, so to speak. The Knicks spent the bulk of this season in the lower half of the Eastern Conference standings. The Knicks grabbed a spot on the contender’s radar last season when they acquired power forward Amare Stoudemire in free agency and small forward Carmelo Anthony and point guard Chauncey Billups in a mid-season trade with the Denver Nuggets. Billups departed New York for the Los Angeles Clippers during this past offseason and the Knicks acquired injured point guard Baron Davis and center Tyson Chandler before this season began.

Now, Jeremy, the word for today is "job". JAY-OH-BEE! 2

Chemistry

The Knicks were loaded in the front court, but with Billups’ departure and the wait for Davis’ recovery, they were bankrupt in the backcourt in a coaching system that revolves around guard play. The prevailing thought among many speculators – fans, media, or otherwise – was that if the Knicks could stay within striking distance of .500 until Davis could return to the lineup, the Knicks could make a push, get into the playoffs, and try to make a postseason run.

Lin’s rapid ascension had changed all of that. The Knicks are competitive now. If Lin plays as he has for the remainder of this season, Baron Davis goes from potential season savior to trade bait (and a seven figure contract to be potentially unloaded). The media has also speculated about the affect that the injured and frequently-shooting, high scoring Anthony’s return to the lineup will affect Lin. Without a doubt, Lin will pass more and score less. I think, however, that adding one of the NBA’s best players to the lineup will help the Knicks more than hurt. Don’t you?

LONG TERM

Will Melo be Mellow? Is There Heat on the Heat?

The Knicks season was on the verge of becoming a footnote prior to the start of Linsanity. Head Coach Mike D’Antoni was in danger of losing his job. Now, with the addition of a highly productive point guard, the Knicks, on the floor, are right back in the mix in the Eastern Conference with the Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, and the quietly surprising Philadelphia 76ers.

For all of the speculation about how Carmelo Anthony, a forward who shoots a lot and was forced into the point guard role while Davis recovered from injury, I think the bigger personnel clash will be in the backcourt, not from a star in the frontcourt (Anthony) who will have gone from having to pass the ball to having someone pass to him.

Will the Baron Put The Knicks in the Red?

What happens with Baron Davis (13 PPG, 7 APG in 2011)? Is he moved to shooting guard? Does he become a sixth man? Do you trade him? Do you take a wait-and-see approach, observing Lin’s performance once his hot streak cools down some? Let’s be clear: Lin is taking Davis’ job, a job for which Davis never had a chance to demonstrate his merit in New York.

Being from New Orleans and being a Hornets fan, I can tell you, first hand, that when Davis, the Hornets’ former franchise player, is not happy, the rest of the team will not be happy. Davis outwardly voiced his discontent with the situation in New Orleans, in spite of having recently received a max contract. He forced his way into a trade to the Golden State Warriors.

Three seasons after Davis’ final (full) season with the Hornets, the Warriors reached the playoffs for the first time in 13 years and reached the conference semifinals for the first time since 1991. The Hornets, who had reached the playoffs five straight years, would only win 18 games and have nothing but NBA lottery ping pong balls in their future. The Bees were able to draft Chris Paul with the third pick in the 2005 NBA Draft and rebuild the franchise because of the collapse, but would not return to the playoffs until 2008.

No two situations are the same. The moral of the story is that Baron Davis can be toxic when he is unhappy. Jeremy Lin is taking Davis’ job. Do you think he will be happy?

Kobe Bryant: Game killer (as in your game). Baron Davis: Coach killer.... 3

THE STORY CONTINUES

I am just a blogger, not an NBA insider. I cannot begin to speculate on how Lin will impact the answers to some of the complex questions I posed about the future of the Knicks, the Eastern Conference, and the league. I simply hope this story continues because it is interesting, good for basketball, and good for sports.

To be continued tonight at Madison Square Garden against his point guard counterpart Tyreke Evans (17 PPG, 5 APG, 5 RPG) and the Sacramento Kings…. 4

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!

Lin-sanity…So What?

2012-02-14T11:38:00.003-06:00

Jeremy Lin (12 PPG, 4 APG) is the starting point guard for the New York Knicks. He is in his second NBA season. He has started four games in his career. In those four starts, Lin has averaged 27 points per game, shooting 51% from the field, averaging 8 assists and two steals per game. Not bad…in fact…pretty darn good!

Every year there are a few players that have breakouts. Every year they get a few minutes on SportsCenter. Every now and then, they go on to have long and productive, if not great careers. Every year, those who continue to perform gradually get increasing coverage. Those who don’t face back in to NBA anonymity.

So why, after four starts, is Jeremy Lin the hottest story in sports during the past week? How did this “Linsanity” come about? What makes him special?

ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

Let’s put our cards on the table right away and not dance around the subject: Lin’s demographics help feed the Lin-sanity. Lin is of Asian descent. Lin played his college ball at Harvard. Yes, “Haaaa-vard”…that Ivy League place. Lin was not drafted. Lin is on the NBA team in The Big Apple, the nation’s largest television market. All of that augments the heat that Lin’s story has received.

If Jeremy Lin were a black guy named Jeremy Jackson who went to Louisville and played for the Milwaukee Bucks, with the same performances, he would likely be a guy getting props on SportsCenter and TNT’s NBA panel. The sports world would keep a keen eye on him. He would not be a headliner. He would not get 10 or more minutes of coverage on sports highlight shows as he did following his 38 point performance against the Los Angeles Lakers.

I don’t have a problem with that. Sports help unite people. Ordinary strangers start conversations over sports, get to know each other, then become friends in some manner on a daily basis in America. I enjoy sports and I think diversity is great for stimulating wholesale interest in basketball, baseball, tennis, golf, and other sports. The only sport that I think will never need any help in my lifetime is NFL football. Make no doubt about it; Jeremy Lin’s profile is a significant driver in the popularity of his story.

What elephant? That's paper mache! 1

ASIAN-AMERICAN INVASION

“Asian-American invasion? What Asian-American invasion? What are you talking about?” One might ask….

That is precisely my point! There is no Asian-American invasion in the NBA and there never has been. According to an article today at sbnation.com, Lin is only the 4th Asian-American ever to play in the NBA. There have been Asian players from overseas, such as former All-Star Yao Ming of China, but Americans of Asian descent, playing basketball at the highest level, are extremely rare.

Lin isn’t a behemoth standing over 7 feet tall from thousands of miles away. He is a man of above-average height from Northern California. Other than being a little tall he fits the profile of what comes to mind upon reading or hearing the words “Asian-American”.

If we are honest with ourselves about the profile of any type of NBA player – star, role player, big man, sixth man, distributor, dunker…I don’t care what descriptors you use – an Asian-American man is never, ever the image that comes to mind. There is a difference between political correctness, which I define as using verbiage in a manner that will make most people comfortable, and political “over-correction”, which I define as discounting or ignoring reality because discussing a topic with a demographic component could make people uncomfortable (I think many people, incorrectly, define political “correctness” as “over-correction”). Anyone ignoring the racial/ethnic component in the appeal of Lin’s story is over-correcting.

This image is the exception, not the rule. 2

SMART GUY

Harvard University is one of our nation’s greatest assets, responsible for developing many of our nation’s most important research, brilliant minds, and powerful leaders. Like any major university, it also competes in athletics and wants to win. However, Harvard’s uncompromised mission has always been to develop the most brilliant minds in the world.

Harvard graduates are smart. They are extremely competitive (as one would have to be to simply be admitted to Harvard). They don’t send a lot of guys to the NBA. To play any major league pro sport, one must exhibit the acute degree of competitiveness in developing one’s game as a Harvard student must exhibit in developing knowledge and understanding of one’s field of study. There are only 24 hours in a day. Very few people can do both. Lin did.

Lin was no threat to win Most Outstanding Player during March Madness. 3

MR. IRRELEVANT

Jeremy Lin was not drafted. Undrafted players reach the NBA, often via the Developmental League, every year. However, the number of players who try dwarfs the number of players who make it. America loves an underdog and Lin is an underdog, by any definition.

Remember LeBron James’ declaration that the Miami Heat would win, “Not one…not two…not three (and then some)…,” championships? Jeremy Lin’s rights have belonged to not one, not two, but three different NBA teams in the past year and a half (Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, and New York Knicks). This man has suffered hard knocks and paid his dues as much as any player ever to reach the NBA. America loves an underdog and sports media feasts upon them when they arise.

What's worse? Failing to meet high draft day expectations or exceeding low expectations? 4

NEW YORK, NEW YORK!

Jeremy Lin could not have landed in a better place to begin realizing his basketball potential. New York is a basketball Mecca. New York is a media Mecca. New York is a marketing Mecca. New York is a Mecca for the rich and famous. New York is the most populated city in America.

What this means, for any rapidly rising star, is that accomplishments will be amplified and observed by many, possibly more than in any other city. When there is a good basketball story, it is news. When there is a good Knicks story, it is a headline. Sometimes it is better to be lucky than good. Lin could not have had any greater fortune, should he choose to capitalize on his newfound fame, than to land in Gotham.

Only in New York, baby! 5

BALLIN’!!!

As I said, if Jeremy Lin were a black guy named Jeremy Jackson who went to Louisville and played for the Milwaukee Bucks, with the same performances, he would be the highlight of his team’s highlight reels. Conversely, if Jeremy Lin of the Knicks averaged two points, less than one assist, and ten minutes played per game, he could possibly be omitted from the box score. Sports are about winning and individuals receive recognition, ultimately, because of their performances.

Lin’s stat lines for the first four starts of his career are staggering, by any standard. His 38 point performance against the Los Angeles Lakers last Friday is lead-story material on its own merit. Some of his moves to the basket are poster-worthy.

Josh Innes, a personal friend of mine and co-host of the J & R show in Houston, raised the point yesterday that the driver of Linsanity is Lin’s performances, augmented by his off the court profile. Innes went on to point out that the anchor of Lin’s press clippings are in contrast to the mania surrounding NFL quarterback Tim Tebow of the Denver Broncos, which is anchored as much, if not more, by Tebow’s outward expression of his Christian faith as Tebow’s performance on the gridiron and the Broncos’ rapid, unexpected turnaround last season.

I could not agree more. Lin’s Asian ethnicity draws attention to his story. Lin’s unlikely path to the NBA draws attention to his story. Lin’s place of employment amplifies everything about his story. Without the on-court achievement, there would be no story. The story continues tonight at the Air Canada Centre against the Toronto Raptors. To quote a Daily Hat Trick favorite, Bart Scott, “CAN’T WAIT!”

Moves like this are the glory of the story. 6

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!

G.O.A.T. (The first edition in a series about greatness in sports)

2012-02-13T12:22:00.002-06:00

“G.O.A.T.”….Greatest Of All Time. What does it mean, exactly? What standard should be used in each sport to determine greatness? How much do team success like wins and championships factor into greatness? How much should one era of a sport be credited or discounted over a past or later era of a sport? Should different periods of time even be compared?

This topic reached my wheelhouse this past weekend when a group of college buddies, with whom I regularly discuss all manners of sports, began discussing the legacy of Paul Pierce, in light of Pierce surpassing Larry Bird as the Celtics second all-time leading scorer. This mushroomed, as it often does, into a discussion over the greatest player of all time and who was greater than whom.

This chain of discussions among this circle of friends has taken place for as long as we have all been regularly using email (more than 10 years). The basketball topic always starts some time shortly after the Super Bowl and will drag, sometimes (it feels like) in the same email thread, until after the NBA Finals. What never ceases to amaze me is how distinct, yet predictable, personalities emerge in these discussions.

I am not going to sell you my case for Michael Jordan being the G.O.A.T., not today. In fact, I am not even going to suggest reasons a certain standard, blending multiple measures of achievement. Today, I am going to discuss the lighter side of greatness in sports: the types of people (usually guys) you will inevitably encounter when discussing greatness.

“COUNT THE RINGS” GUY

It is impossible to have a discussion about individual greatness with five or more people without one or more pointing to a player’s skins on the wall as a talking point, if not a closing argument. If you don’t see that guy, it might be you! Count the Rings Guy can be a difficult debate opponent if you disagree with the relative accolades of the person he is promoting. After all, the ultimate goal of playing any competitive sport is to win and, ultimately, win a championship.

This guy has his strengths and weaknesses. Counting championship rings in a sports debate is like using salt or pepper: it can make a meal taste better, but you cannot eat it by itself. If the argument is properly framed, even in a team sport, it can be compelling and difficult to rebut.

Too often, however, this guy falls down the rabbit hole of prefacing and hinging his entire case upon the quantity of championships won by an individual player. If you can trap this guy into that argument, simply counter that reserve center Will Perdue of the Chicago Bulls has three championship rings. If “rings” is all this guy has, the discussion is over.

Bill Russell: G.O.A.T.? 1

“RINGS DON’T COUNT” GUY

This is the antithesis of Ring Guy. He will, correctly, point out that team sports are about more than one individual player. What this guy fails (or refuses) to acknowledge is that great players are the anchors on championship team. Championships won are an output of a great player’s career.

This guy has a strong position when discussing the relative greatness of marginal and role players, guys who were “good” or “key” to winning a championship, but not Hall of Fame players. When discussing true all time greats, particularly those with similar skill sets, winning and losing, particularly in the postseason and especially at the end of the postseason, is one of the few differentiators available to separate one great player’s resume from that of another.

When this guy gets on a roll, ask him who he thinks the five greatest players or coaches are in whatever category you are debating. Only a contrarian could name that many people without any championships, in which case you are talking to a brick wall and should not engage this person. When they name people who won championships, simply press this person to eliminate the championship winners and replace them with non-winners. It is always harder to refute a negative (like championships not mattering) than a positive, but it will throw a speed bump in this guy’s path.

Dan Marino: Zero rings, G.O.A.T.? 2

“HE WOULDN’T SURVIVE IN THE MODERN GAME” GUY (OR “HE WOULDN’T HAVE SURVIVED BACK THEN” GUY)

This is the guy who discounts the accomplishments of great players from the past because their physical dimensions, collectively, are smaller, weaker, and slower than their present-day counterparts. This is a person who will frequently use the words “would, could, and should”. This guy sometimes takes the opposite point of view because, for example, sports were less regulated. But often the bias is one toward the present day. He will argue you in circles if you fall into his trap.

This is one of the weakest debaters. He will not engage you in what actually happened on the field of play but, instead, drown you in hypotheticals of what would have happened. Pointing out that, in professional sports, the talent was more concentrated in the past because there were fewer teams in existence (hence the fraternity of pro athletes was more exclusive) is a waste of time. He will discount any groundbreaking achievements of athletes from the past and ignore the relative dominance of that person at that time. Since there is no real world DeLorean with a Flux Capacitor, which makes time travel possible, the comparison holds no merit because a direct, head-to-head competition between the athletes in question is not possible.

If you are in a debate with several people and this guy does not introduce a different angle, stop acknowledging him and address the talking points of the others. If you are debating this person, one-on-one, just cede the discussion to him or pick a similar era player because you will not get this person to budge, ever.

Jim Brown (Hall of Fame): that bum would be a bust in "the modern game"! 3

“HE WOULD HAVE DOMINATED IF HE PLAYED BACK THEN” GUY (OR “HE WOULD HAVE DOMINATED THESE NEW GUYS” GUY)

This is often the same guy as “He Wouldn’t Survive Today” Guy. If so, point out that if said athlete played back then, that his achievements should be discounted because he wouldn’t have been playing in the modern era. End of discussion. If this person’s bias only runs one way, suggesting that modern athletes would have dominated in the past, take the same approach out lined for “He Wouldn’t Survive Today” Guy. You’ll never win.

Bear Bryant: His legacy spawned off generations of this type of guy in Alabama. 4

“I AM SMARTER THAN YOU” GUY

There is always a guy who has been everywhere and seen everything. Because he has, his opinion is worth more than yours and he will tell you so. If you are debating this guy in an online chat room or fan forum, a simple “fuck you,” followed by moving on to another topic will suffice. If you are debating personal friends and acquaintances, more tact is in order.

Complete tool 6

The best way to handle this guy, should you choose to do so, is to keep him on topic. “I am smarter than you,” is a distraction technique. It’s irrelevant. The topic is sports, not who had the better ACT score. Force his hand and make him defend his statement, if he is so smart.

This guy is abrasive, by the very fact he would suggest he knows more than you (often without knowing what you do or don’t know) and you can expect some tense, heated moments with him. But we are MEN. We usually cannot let a guy earn stripes at our expense in a sports discussion!

There's always one. He knows it all, except how to get a girl! 5

“I AM OLDER THAN YOU” GUY

"Joe Louis was 137 years old!" 7

This is the guy who has a few years on you or the group and his method of propelling his argument and discounting yours is the fact that he saw certain players play and certain events when the activity took place. Like a lot of debating styles, this guy has strengths and weaknesses.

When evaluating a cultural or societal response to an athlete, this person’s opinion, in a vacuum, does hold more weight than a person who did not see and experience a certain performance with comprehension and maturity. This guy, however, thinks that “more weight” means his opinion is the only one that counts. Two-hundred-ten pounds is more than 200 pounds, but it is not a monumental difference. A better informed younger person, for example, is more credible than an ignorant person who watched events unfold without seeing the bigger picture.

Likewise, he thinks that because he saw an athlete from a past era play in person or on live television and you didn’t, he knows more than you about the athlete and any topic involving that athlete as a whole. Again, there is some merit to that point, but it does not give Old Guy carte blanche to dominate the discussion with questionable, stretching-reality opinions. Someone who watched Kiki Wandeweghe play in the 1990s can argue with an 18 year old that Kiki was a better player than LeBron James, but nobody is listening, not even Kiki.

Kiki Vandeweghe: last name, "Ever", first name, "Greatest"? 9

STATS GUY

There is always one like this in every discussion. This is often one of the stronger debaters because Stats Guy is backing up his argument with facts. However, there are lies, damned lies, and statistics. This guy, too often, can get caught up in the minutia of numbers while ignoring the eyes test and not analyzing what the numbers are actually telling us.

This guy can be a tough sell. You can talk all day about what “could have” “should have” and “would have” happened until you are blue in the face. The scoreboard is the final arbiter in any athletic contest. This guy, however, often tries to propel a weaker argument by manipulating the numbers and trying to convince the group that the numbers are saying more or less than they really are.

Knowledge is power. The only way to beat this guy is to know some stats of your own and either directly rebut Stats Guy or manipulate some numbers of your own to put him back on his heels. Remember that Daunte Culpepper had the seventh best single season QB rating in NFL history. He will not be fitted for a crème colored jacket or a have a bust in Canton, Ohio one day.

"He whipped Joe Louis' ass!" 8

STATS DON’T COUNT GUY

This is the guy who often doesn’t want to listen to facts or reason if you support your argument with statistics. This is not the antithesis of Stats Guy. Stats Guy goes through analysis paralysis with numbers, but at least is dealing with irrefutable, objective facts. Stats Don’t Count Guy is throwing critical thinking to the wind. His entire position is, often, “That isn’t how I see it.” Try to steer this guy into backing up his claims and comparisons with something of substance. If that does not happen, do not bother engaging this guy. It is his way or the highway.

This guy isn't hearing or seeing your point. 10

“I PLAYED THE GAME” GUY

All Pro? More like, "All JV". 13

This is another example of a person whose life experience does, in fact, add to his credibility. This guy played the sport in question in an organized manner and (presumably) for an extended period of time and (presumably) you did not if he plays the “I played the game,” card. When that card is played, you had better have a strong position, know what you are talking about, and be able to back it up. Because this guy did, in fact, play and you didn’t.

Often, the only weakness this guy exhibits is when he tries to extend his credibility further than he is entitled to. A four year letterman on his high school football team, who did not play in college, probably can spot a flawed fundamental blocking or tackling technique, at any level, that you cannot identify if you never played at that level. He has very little credibility over you in discussing the degree of difficulty of executing a punt return in the NFL. Put this guy in his place when he steps out of place.

The female counterparts to the dudes still reliving their high school glory in sports debates. 11

I’M THAT TYPE OF GUY

I hope you enjoyed this light hearted piece on different kinds of sports debate guys. Chances are you have encountered every last one of these guys and see some of these guy in yourself. Or maybe you said, “Hey…that’s ME he talking about!” The Hat Trick will look into some more angles of evaluating greatness in sports. I hope that this opening salvo lightened the mood before we get into some more meat and potatoes discussion in future editions.

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!

To advertise with The Daily Hat Trick, or to submit a guest column, please contact the editor at eric@thedailyhattrick.info.

The Daily Hat Trick is sponsored by Sports N Stuff. For great deals on jerseys, shirts, cologne, and other guy stuff, visit http://www.sportsnstuff.biz/.

1) Image from http://content.usatoday.com
2, 4) Image from www.bleacherreport.com
3) Image from www.cleveland.com
5) Image from www.motifake.com
6) Image from www.princetontourcompany.com
7) Image from http://kynchsbruinskorner2.blogspot.com
8) Image from http://rss.listal.com
9) Image from www.nysun.com
10) Image from http://80sand90sactioncomedies.blogspot.com
11) Image from www.highfashiongirl.com
12) Image from http://blog.revolutionanalytics.com
13) Image from www.flickr.com

Synonym Does Not Mean “The Same”

2012-02-10T10:32:00.000-06:00

The season may be over, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a little fun with the NFL. During the brief public exchange of barbs between Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning and Colts owner Jim Irsay, Irsay referred to his club as, “The Horseshoe”. While it doesn’t quite have the same ring as, say, “The Shield” (or even “The Golden Arches” for that matter), it did make be think about different words we could use to describe the same teams.

What I have served up for your entertainment today, is what the NFL team names might sound like if different words were used, with essentially the same meaning, in place of the existing team mascots.

NFC North

Chicago Woodland Critters

Detroit Felines

Green Bay Slaughterhouse Workers

Minnesota Scandinavians

Scandinavians...aww yeah!

NFC South

Atlanta Birds

Carolina Cats

New Orleans Catholics

Tampa Bay Thieves

I should be ashamed of myself for the "Catholics" logo. Oh well!

NFC East

Dallas Crap Kickers

New York Obesity

Philadelphia Winged Creatures

Washington Victims of Home Invasion

Not the kind of "Giant" that intimidates opponents.

NFC West

Arizona Car Poopers

St. Louis Horny Heads

San Francisco Gold Diggers

Seattle Fish Gulpers

Now I ain't sayin' she's a gold digga....

AFC North

Baltimore Nevermores

Cincinnati Man Eaters

Cleveland Colors

Pittsburgh Unemployed

Life is tough in the Steel City.

AFC South

Houston Houstonians

Indianapolis Ponies

Jacksonville Cars

Tennessee Deities

Houston: different name...equally redundant.

AFC East

Buffalo Codys

Miami Mammals

New England Tea Partiers

New York Airplanes

Australian pop sensation Cody Simpson, a mammal, a Tea Partier, and a plane...never mind what type of plane.

AFC West

Denver Horses

Kansas City Bosses

Oakland Rapists & Pillagers

San Diego Electrocutioners

Ben Roethlisberger jokes are the gift that keeps on giving.

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!

To advertise with The Daily Hat Trick, or to submit a guest column, please contact the editor at eric@thedailyhattrick.info.

The Daily Hat Trick is sponsored by Sports N Stuff. For great deals on jerseys, shirts, cologne, and other guy stuff, visit http://www.sportsnstuff.biz/.

Images from www.clker.com, www.southparkstudios.com, www.valheart.com, www.veganoutreach.org, http://forum.nationstates.net, www.birds.com, http://cvcl.mit.edu,http://dailysquib.co.uk, www.cheftraveler.com, http://pinkwhiskey.blogspot.com, www.igossip.com, www.layoutsparks.com, http://dannyphanto.deviantart.com,www.critterzone.com, www.populartechnology.net, www.costumestore.com, www.dipity.com, www.metalupdate.com, www.luvandrelationships.com, www.mickeymyers.com, www.success.org, www.photohome.com, www.horsebreedslist.com, www.jaguarcarsite.com, http://guides.wikinut.com, www.j-14.com, http://ucmp.berkely.edu,http://articles.latimes.com, www.instructables.com, www.rockymountainhorserescue.org,www.enrichyou.info, www.bestpicblog.com, www.halloweenforum.com

Must See Sports - Second Weekend of February 2012

2012-02-09T13:46:00.003-06:00

Last week's advantage/disadvantage record: 6-1

Must See Sports 2012 record: 20-11

Well, I was an Austin Rivers overtime buzzer-beat away from being a perfect 7-0 last week. If at first you don't succeed....

Thursday, February 9

NBA

Los Angeles Lakers at Boston Celtics

Similar teams…similar histories…similar records…same conference standing. If the NBA regular season ended today, both the Lakers and Celtics would be the seventh seeds in the Western and Eastern conferences, respectively. Both teams are six games back of the top seed. Both teams need the win.

The Lakers are in the more precarious situation as they are only one game away from being out of the top eight in the West (and hence out of the playoffs altogether). Boston has the best defense in the NBA and the Lakers are ranked 4th. So I would not expect a whole lot of fast breaks and scoring.

Momentum is often the difference maker in games between similar teams and the Celtics have it. They have won nine of their last 10 games and are playing at home. The Lakers only have one win against a team with a winning record since beating the Clippers on January 25th. I like the Celtics in this matchup.

Advantage: Celtics

Paul Pierce: #2 Celtics all time leading scorer. 1

Friday, February 10

NBA

Oklahoma City Thunder at Utah Jazz

The Thunder still have the NBAs best record, winning eight of their last ten. The Jazz have begun to skid, losing four of their last five. Fortunately for Utah, they are far better at home (11-4) than on the road (2-7).

The Thunder are really good everywhere. In addition, Kevin Durant (27 PPG, 8 RPG) is on a roll, scoring 33 or more points in three of his last five games and inching back into the race for the scoring title. I think the Thunder rolls on.

Advantage: Thunder

Saturday, February 11

NBA

Denver Nuggets at Indiana Pacers

It’s been a while since the Pacers were of interest to the NBA’s playoff race, other than as an easy win. At 17-8, however, the Pacers have the fourth best record in the Eastern Conference and are 3.5 games back of the Chicago Bulls in the Central Division.

Indiana has been succeeding with power and defense, particularly from forward Danny Granger (18 PPG, 5 RPG) and center Roy Hibbert (14 PPG, 10 RPG, 2 BlkPG). Hibbert has, somewhat quietly, risen to the higher tiers of NBA centers. It has helped bring some pace back to Pacers’ basketball.

The Nuggets, as usual, are in the Western Conference playoff hunt. Life post-Carmelo Anthony has not been as harsh as some expected. Head Coach George Karl has sold the disciplined, team basketball concept to his troops and his players are buying it. The Nuggets score more points per game than any other team in the NBA, get their leading scorer, Danilo Gallinari (17 PPG, 5 RPG) averages less than 20 points per night. With six players averaging double figure scoring (Gallinari, Ty Lawson, Andre Miller, Nenê, and Aaron Affalo), the Nuggets can spread the ball around and get anyone to step up. It’s resulting in wins.

Advantage: Nuggets

NCAA Men's Basketball

#6 Baylor Bears at #4 Missouri Tigers

BIG game in the Big XII. The winner is in the driver’s seat in the Big XII regular season race. After last weekend’s huge, last minute win over Kansas, the Tigers can ill-afford a letdown. Senior guard Marcus Denmon (18 PPG, 5 RPG) has carried the team and will need to continue to do so if Mizzou is to make a serious run at the Final Four. Denmon has scored 25 or more in his last two games. He’s on fire.

Baylor had its four game winning streak snapped last night by Kansas. Leading scorer Perry Jones, III (14 PPG, 8 RPG) was bottled up and held to five points in that game. Scoring will be key against Missouri, ranked #7 in the nation with 81 points per game and second in field goal percentage at 50%. Missouri is prone to being hammered under the boards, an area in which the Bears have excelled. Still, as well as Baylor is playing, the they appear to hit a wall in the “big games”, with a 1-3 record against in-conference, ranked opponents.

Advantage: Missouri

#10 Michigan State Spartans at #3 Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State appears to be all but invincible at home. They weathered a storm from Purdue on Tuesday night in a thriller. Senior guard Will Buford (16 PPG, 5 RPG) scored 29 points, putting on a clinic in the final minutes, to keep Ohio State’s home winning streak, now at 39 games, alive.

Michigan State is going to bring more heat to Columbus. Coming off of the heels of a big win over Michigan last Sunday and an obliteration of Penn State last night, the Spartans hope to be the first to strike down the Buckeyes at home this season. Leading scorer Draymond Green (15 PPG, 11 RPG, 4 APG) cannot continue his recent “hit or miss” performances. He has scored less than 10 points in three of his last six games, but put up 23 last night against Penn State and 22 against Minnesota two weeks ago.

Michigan State is very good, but OSU is on a tear and still building steam.

Advantage: Ohio State

Buford was a man among boys on Tuesday. 2

Sunday, February 12

Miami Heat at Atlanta Hawks

Your team stinks? Blame LeBron. The Hawks will have that chance on Sunday. The Hawks continue to give the Heat chase in the Southeast division, only two games back. The Hawks continue to employ a balanced approach, embodied by the play of Josh Smith (16 PPG, 9 RPG, 2 BlkPG). Smith is coming off of a big 28 point, 12 rebound, 5 steal performance against the Pacers last night. He and Joe Johnson (19 PPG, 4 RPG, 4 APG) need to continue to step it up to fill the void left by Al Horford’s (12 PPG, 7 RPG) injury. Horford is likely out for the rest of the regular season.

The Heat are hot, pun intended, winning eight of their last 10, in spite of a 102-89 thumping by the Orlando Magic last night. LeBron James (29 PPG, 8RPG, 7 APG) has been in beast mode, with three double-doubles (including last night) in his last seven games and 20 or more points scored in 17 of his last 20 games played. Dwyane Wade’s (22 PPG, 5 APG) return to the lineup hasn’t hurt either. Wade is on a scoring tear, scoring 22 or more points in seven of his eight games following his six game absence due to injury, including 33 last night against Orlando.

The Hawks have a chance to pull off a big win at home. I just don’t see it happening against this Heat team.

Advantage: Heat

The Heat are thrilled to have D-Wade back in the lineup. The Hawks...not so much. 4

Monday, February 13

NCAA Men's Basketball

#2 Syracuse Orange at #23 Louisville Cardinals

Syracuse is one of the five teams most likely to cut down the nets in March (along with Kentucky, Ohio State, North Carolina, and Duke). The Orange pulled off a huge Big East win over #11 Georgetown in overtime. Kris Joseph (14 PPG, 5 RPG) buried the Hoyas with a 29 point performance. He continues to show up in big games, averaging 20 points against ranked opponents.

Louisville was ranked as high as #4 this season, then hit the skids. The Cardinals lost five of seven after starting the season 12-0. While the Cards have been bitten by the injury bug, inconsistent play from key players has been equally to blame. Sophomore guard Russ Smith (12 PPG) needs to be on “reappear” if his recent “disappear and reappear” act is to continue. In Louisville’s five losses, Smith has shot 39% from the field, including a paltry three point performance against Notre Dame and a two point game in a blowout loss to Providence.

Louisville is back on track with a five game winning streak. Best of luck with that in the Carrier Dome….

Advantage: Syracuse

Kris Joseph 3

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!

Are Student Athletes Exploited?

2012-02-08T16:14:00.000-06:00

I am sure you have heard the expression, "If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself." Phooey! This blog would not be possible without others: you, the readers, the people at Blogger (a Google service) that power this blog, and other writers, who give me content against which I can compare and contrast the content here.

Tim Handorf of Best Colleges Online has been a regular and invaluable guest contributor to the Daily Hat Trick. Because, let's be honest, you you really want an unconcentrated dose of me five times per week? With March Madness about a month away, I thought this was as good a time as any to introduce a guest opinion on student athletes. The original article can be found at the blog section of bestcollegesonline.com.

Are Student Athletes Exploited?

Posted on Monday December 5, 2011

by Staff Writers

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!

Hall of Fame Review – Class of 2012

2012-02-07T01:26:00.006-06:00

On Saturday, the six Hall of Fame inductees for 2012 were announced. They were selected from a field of 17 finalists – 15 players from the modern era and two senior nominees (careers ending prior to 1987). Last year the Hat Trick threw in its two cents on who should or should not be selected. Due to time constraints, I was unable to do so before Saturday afternoon.

Still, that won’t stop me from opining on the selections. Today, I will offer my evaluation of the Hall of Fame Committee’s choices and offer my votes, in hindsight, for the Hall.

Keep in mind that the committee’s ground rules call for four to seven people to be inducted each year, with a limit of five modern era players considered for a final vote for induction. Inductees must receive a minimum of 80% affirmative votes for induction.

Jerome Bettis, RB, 1993-2005: Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers

Year of Eligibility: 2^nd

Inducted: No

Daily Hat Trick Vote, current ballot: No

Daily Hat Trick Vote for future finalist consideration: Yes

Jerome Bettis is the NFL’s 6^th all time leading rusher. After Saturday’s announcement, The Bus is now the only retired player among the NFL’s top 10 all time leading rushers not to have been notified of induction into the Hall. I have no doubt that he will receive induction eventually. However, there can only be five modern era inductees and I do think that there were five players more worthy of induction prior to Bettis.

The Bus 1

Tim Brown, WR, 1988-2004: Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Year of Eligibility: 3^rd

Inducted: No

Daily Hat Trick Vote, current ballot: No

Daily Hat Trick Vote for future finalist consideration: Yes

Longevity and productivity are the two key drivers for a player to receive induction into the Hall. Brown had plenty of both. Brown’s 17 years in the NFL and 1,094 career receptions, making him the NFL’s fifth all time leading receiver, are very Hall of Fame worthy. Like Bettis, though, the last two classes of finalists are simply loaded with far more than five of the greatest players ever to play the game. I think Brown will eventually be inducted. I am just not sure when.

Jack Butler, CB, 1951-1959: Pittsburgh Steelers

Year of Eligibility: 48^th

Inducted: Yes

Daily Hat Trick Vote, current ballot: Yes

I did not pay much attention to senior nominees until I wrote my columns on the Hall of Fame Class of 2011. Les Richter and Chris Hanburger were the seniors from last year. When I did a little research on their careers, I found myself scratching my head and wondering how they had not been inducted sooner.

Jack Butler continued that trend for me. Butler had 52 career interceptions, second all time at the time of his retirement and still, 52 years after he played his last game, in the top 30 all time, ahead of Hall of Famers like Ken Houston, Herb Adderly, and Mike Haynes, also ahead of possible future Hall of Famers (and all but certain nominees) Champ Bailey, Asante Samuel, and Ronde Barber .

What makes his career tally of 52 picks even more impressive is that he played in an era in which the forward pass was considered a high risk-high reward play, and therefore used much less often in a game than it is today. Butler played in four Pro Bowls and was a member of the 1950s All Decade Team. Jack Butler is 84 years old.

Cris Carter, WR, 1987-2002: Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, Miami Dolphins

Year of Eligibility: 5^th

Inducted: No

Daily Hat Trick Vote, current ballot: Yes

Daily Hat Trick Vote for future finalist consideration: Yes

I said the following last year and I will say it again. I think it is outlandish that Cris Carter has not been inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Carter is the NFL’s fourth all time leading receiver, with 1,101 receptions. He is the all time leading receiver among Hall of Fame eligible receivers. He is fourth all time for touchdown receptions and eighth all time for receiving yards.

Carter went to eight Pro Bowls and was a two time Associated Press First Team All Pro. The notion that he has been told, five times, that he is not Hall of Fame worthy is absolutely ridiculous.

Carter hasn't been inducted yet? C'MON MAN!!! 16

Dermontti Dawson, C, 1988-2000: Pittsburgh Steelers

Year of Eligibility: 7^th

Inducted: Yes

Daily Hat Trick Vote, current ballot: Yes

Productivity is a necessity for any inductee to the Hall of Fame. Longevity helps amplify productivity, though some players, such as Jim Brown and Gayle Sayers, lacked longevity, but had once-in-a-lifetime degrees of productivity over shorter careers than most inductees. For offensive linemen, however, longevity is all but an absolute prerequisite for Hall of Fame consideration. Those whose career lengths in years were numbered in single digits need not apply.

Dawson played for 13 years and had a streak of 170 games played. He played in seven Pro Bowls and was named to six AP First All Pro teams, an incredible feat at a position that receives few close-ups from the camera. Dawson was a part of five division championship teams and played in one Super Bowl. Four times during his career, Dawson was the “quarterback” of an offensive line on an often conservative, run oriented offense that finished in the top 10 in total offense and points scored.

Eddie DeBartolo, Owner, 1977-2000: San Francisco 49ers

Year of Eligibility: N/A
Inducted: No
Daily Hat Trick Vote, current ballot: No
Daily Hat Trick Vote for future finalist consideration: No

DeBartolo took over a struggling 49ers franchise in the late 1970s. DeBartolo hired the late Bill Walsh as his Head Coach in 1979. In his fifth year as an owner, in the 1981 season, the 49ers won their first of five world championships in 14 years.

Walsh is often credited with changing the way offense was executed in the NFL, with screen passes and short passes taking the place of some of the running plays called in traditional running situations. I think DeBartolo was instrumental in putting together one of the greatest dynasties in NFL history.

However, unlike players, whose careers, according to Hall of Fame guidelines, are measured strictly based upon their on-field performances, owners contribute to the game through the business decisions they make that benefit the NFL. While his building of the 49ers dynasty was a model for other teams to follow, his alleged dealings with former Louisiana Governor and convicted racketeer Edwin Edwards place a stain on DeBartolo’s business resume. He could not have represented the league any worse than he did. For that reason, I could not give DeBartolo my vote for the Hall of Fame if I had one.

Crime doesn't pay. 4

Chris Doleman, DE, 1985-1998: Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers

Year of Eligibility: 9th
Inducted: Yes
Daily Hat Trick Vote, current ballot: No

There is no doubt that Doleman’s resume is Hall of Fame worthy. I simply think that there are five modern era players who deserved to go before him. Nonetheless, Doleman was one of the most feared and ferocious pass rushers in the game during his 14 NFL seasons. Doleman is the NFL’s fourth all-time leader for sacks recorded with 150.5 sacks (sacks were not an official statistic until 1982). Doleman went to eight Pro Bowls and was a two time AP First Team All Pro.

No wonder Jim Everett was known for "happy feet". 6

Kevin Greene, LB, 1985-1997: Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers, Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers

Year of Eligibility: 10th
Inducted: No
Daily Hat Trick Vote, current ballot: No
Daily Hat Trick Vote for future finalist consideration: Yes

You could almost take my opinion on Chris Doleman’s induction and write “ditto” for Greene. Greene is the NFL’s third all-time sack leader with 160 sacks. Greene played in five Pro Bowls and was a two time AP First Team All Pro. Greene was a member of five division championship teams, played in six conference championship games, and one Super Bowl.

Charles Haley, DE, 1986-1999: San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys

Year of Eligibility: 8th
Inducted: No
Daily Hat Trick Vote, current ballot: No
Daily Hat Trick Vote for future finalist consideration: Yes

While I would not have voted for Charles Haley for the class of 2012, I definitely think that he should be inducted into the Hall sooner than later. Haley had 100.5 career sacks, forced 26 fumbles, played in and won five Super Bowls, played in five Pro Bowls and is a two time A.P. First Team All Pro. Haley played in 21 playoff games, including seven NFC Championship Games.

Cortez Kennedy, DT, 1990-2000: Seattle Seahawks

Year of Eligibility: 7th
Inducted: Yes
Daily Hat Trick Vote, current ballot: No

I found this selection to be interesting. Speaking from my own point of view, I would not have voted for Kennedy myself. And as high of an impact player as Kennedy was during his 11 NFL seasons, I am undecided on whether or not Kennedy is Hall of Fame worthy at all. It makes no difference, though, because Kennedy received word of his induction on Saturday.

Kennedy was a feared run stopper who could help open holes in the offensive line for linebackers and defensive ends to pressure the quarterback. Kennedy recorded 58 career sacks, including 14 sacks in 1992. Both tallies are very high for a defensive tackle. I am not sure that his 1992 total is not a single season record for the position. He is an eight time Pro Bowler and three time A.P. First Team All Pro.

Curtis Martin, RB, 1995-2005: New England Patriots, New York Jets

Year of Eligibility: 2nd
Inducted: Yes
Daily Hat Trick Vote, current ballot: Yes

Last year, I thought Martin should have been inducted. So, of course, this year I think his induction is well deserved. Martin started the first 10 consecutive seasons of his career with 1,000 or more yards rushing. He is the NFL’s fourth all time leading rusher, behind Emmitt Smith, the late Walter Payton, and Barry Sanders. He is one of only 20 players in NFL history with 100 career touchdowns.

Martin played in five Pro Bowls and was an A.P. First Team All Pro in 2004, at age 31, when he led the league in rushing with nearly 1,700 yards. Let me repeat: Curtis Martin led the NFL in rushing at age 31 with nearly 1,700 yards rushing. It is amazing that he had to wait a year. Then again, the Class of 2011 was made up of some of the top five, all time at their respective positions…tough competition. Martin played in two AFC Championship Games and one Super Bowl.

Bill Parcells, Head Coach, 1983-1990, 1993-1999, 2003-2006: New York Giants, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys

Year of Eligibility: 1st
Inducted: No
Daily Hat Trick Vote, current ballot: Yes
Daily Hat Trick Vote for future finalist consideration: Yes

I won’t use the word “outlandish” to describe Parcells’ exclusion from the Hall on the first ballot. I am just a little surprised. I would think he would be a no-brainer. That said, I think the three time conference champion, two-time Super Bowl champion coach will be inducted sooner than later.

Parcells took over operations with struggling New York Giants, New England Patriots, New York Jets, and Dallas Cowboys teams. The Big Tuna had all of those teams in the playoffs within two years or less. He brought all but the Cowboys to their respective conference championship games, and went to the Super Bowl with the New England Patriots in the 1996 NFL season. Parcells won Super Bowls XXI and XXV with the New York Giants in the 1986 and 1990 seasons, respectively.

Andre Reed, WR, 1985-2000: Buffalo Bills, Washington Redskins

Year of Eligibility: 7th
Inducted: No
Daily Hat Trick Vote, current ballot: No
Daily Hat Trick Vote for future finalist consideration: Yes

Andre Reed is one of those players who had a great career, is Hall of Fame worthy, but has come up for induction, year-after-year, with more worthy players. I think Reed should get in one day; I think he will get in one day.

Eleven years after he played his last game, Reed is still the 12th or better NFL all time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown receptions. Reed played in seven Pro Bowls and was A.P. Second Team All Pro in 1989 and 1990. He played in four consecutive Super Bowls in the 1990 through 1993 seasons.

Willie Roaf, T, 1993-2005: New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs

Year of Eligibility: 2nd
Inducted: Yes
Daily Hat Trick Vote, current ballot: Yes

As a Saints fan, I am personally thrilled to see Hall of Fame linebacker Rickey Jackson have some company in Canton with another player, who was also a former teammate, who spent the majority of his career with the New Orleans Saints. Roaf was an easy choice for the Hall of Fame. A smothering, dominant offensive tackle who spent nearly all of his career protecting the quarterback’s blindside, Roaf was selected to the Pro Bowl in 11 out of the 13 years of his career. Roaf was a three time A.P. First Team All Pro.

Will Shields, G, 1993-2006: Kansas City Chiefs

Year of Eligibility: 1st
Inducted: No
Daily Hat Trick Vote, current ballot: No
Daily Hat Trick Vote for future finalist consideration: Yes

This is a slam dunk under "guys who will get in one day". As I said, the class of NFL retirees between 2005 and 2010 consisted of players who were not only among the best to play pro football, but many were among the top 10 or top five ever to play their positions. With a maximum of five modern era payers being inducted every year, some truly great players, including Shields, will have to wait.

Shields was as rock solid as a guard could have been. From the moment Shields played his first down, he never missed a game - 224 consecutive games played, 223 consecutive starts. Shields was part of a line that protected Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana and only yielded 19 sacks in 1994. He helped open holes for Priest Holmes during a 27 rushing touchdown season and for Larry Johnson during back-to-back 1,700 yard seasons in 2005 and 2006. Shields played in 12 consecutive Pro Bowls and was a two time A.P. First Team All Pro. Shields is a member of the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team.

Dick Stanfel, G, 1952-1958: Detroit Lions, Washington Redskins

Year of Eligibility: 49th
Inducted: No
Daily Hat Trick Vote, current ballot: No
Daily Hat Trick Vote for future finalist consideration: No

As I stated earlier, offensive linemen must have high levels of longevity and productivity to merit induction into the Hall of Fame. Dick Stanfel is one of the very few offensive linemen that I had actually heard of who played in the 1950s. However, only playing seven seasons at a non-skill position, even if they were dominant seasons that helped his team contend for championships, is not enough, in my opinion, to reach the Hall of Fame from the guard position.

While Stanfel’s career was short, it was dominant. Stanfel was the key player on the Lions’ offensive line in their two championship seasons of 1952 and 1953. Stanfel was named by his teammates as the Most Valuable Player in the 1953 season. He was a five time Pro Bowler and five time Associated Press All Pro and a member of the NFL’s 1950s All-Decade Team.

Stanfel was also a long time coach in the NFL. He was the Interim Head Coach of the 1980 New Orleans Saints (also known as the “Aints”), guiding them to their only win in that season after the late Dick Nolan was fired following an 0-12 start. He also spent 12 years as the Chicago Bears’ Offensive Line Coach. Stanfel is 84 years old.

Aeneas Williams, DB, 1991-2004: Phoenix/Arizona Cardinals, St. Louis Rams

Year of Eligibility: 3rd
Inducted: No
Daily Hat Trick Vote, current ballot: No

Daily Hat Trick Vote for future finalist consideration: Yes

This is another great player who simply came up for enshrinement during a year in which a lot of great modern era players were eligible. The eight time Pro Bowler and three time A.P. First Team All Pro had 55 interceptions in his career, nine returned for touchdowns. His nine pick-sixes are fourth all-time and his 13 non-offensive touchdowns are also fourth all-time in NFL history. Williams is a member of the 1990s NFL All-Decade Team. I think it is only a matter of time before he is enshrined.

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!

To advertise with The Daily Hat Trick, or to submit a guest column, please contact the editor at eric@thedailyhattrick.info.

The Daily Hat Trick is sponsored by Sports N Stuff. For great deals on jerseys, shirts, cologne, and other guy stuff, visit http://www.sportsnstuff.biz/.

1) Image from http://www.conversations.com/
2) Image from http://www.raiderscentral.net/
3) Image from http://www.steelworldorder.com/
4) Image from http://www.nola.com/
5) Image from http://www.footballspeakers.com/
6) Image from http://www.tchuddle.com/
7, 8, 12, 17) Image from Getty Images via http://www.bleacherreport.com/
9) Image from http://www.seahawks.com/
10) Image from http://www.sikids.com/
11) Image from http://www.nypost.com/
13) Image from http://www.sportsnola.com/
14) Image from www.nearmintcards.com
15) Image from www.usatoday.com
16) Image from www.instntrply.com

Super Déjà Vu

2012-02-06T06:12:00.001-06:00

New York Giants 21

New England Patriots 17

FINAL

With the conclusion of Super Bowl XLVI, the 2011 NFL season is in the books. One of the more interesting NFL seasons has drawn to a close. I find it fitting, at least from a poetic/literary standpoint, that the Giants emerged as the champions of this season.

Throughout the playoffs, I have mentioned parallels between these playoffs and the playoffs of past years. The Giants win over the Packers at Lambeau, there win at Candlestick Park in the NFC Championship Game, and the matchup with the Patriots in the Super Bowl all drew comparisons to past playoff scenarios. I should have expected that the Super Bowl would be no different.

Super Bowl XLVI 4

Four years ago, the Patriots held a slim lead in the final minutes of the game. Yesterday, the Patriots led by two points with less four minutes remaining.

Super Bowl XLII 5

Four years ago, the Giants were catapulted from being deep in their own territory to the Patriots end of the field by a clutch, accurate bomb by Eli Manning and a spectacular catch by a Giants wide receiver, David Tyree, upheld by instant replay. Yesterday, the same thing happened, costing the Patriots a precious timeout by unsuccessfully challenging Mario Manningham’s tightrope catch.

Super Bowl XLVI 3

Four years ago, the Giants scored the game winning touchdown in the final minute of the game. Yesterday, the Giants, reluctantly, score the game winning touchdown in the final minute of the game.

Super Bowl XLII 2

Once again, Eli Manning earned a Super Bowl championship ring and Super Bowl MVP award. Once again, Tom Brady was denied a fourth Super Bowl championship, matching Hall of Fame quarterbacks Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw. Once again, Eli Manning opened up a previously closed conversation among fans, writers, and broadcasters comparing his achievements and stature to his older brother, one-time Super Bowl champion and future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning. The list of similarities between this Giants playoff run and runs of the past is quite long.

Super Bowl XLII 6

This season told a story of the cementing of some legacies and the ascension of others. Some questions remain unanswered. And whether or not some career stories have drawn to a close is unclear. Still, the comparisons and contrasts of present seasons to seasons past is a compelling element that attracts us to NFL football.

Super Bowl XLVI 7

Next year will offer us another story. The upcoming offseason will offer us a preamble. Perhaps the 2012 season will expand on existing storylines or offer us a new volume with original chapters in the annals of NFL football. We will all have to wait. We will all have to watch.

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!

1) Image from http://en.wikipedia.org

2) Image from www.bobrosato.com

3) Image from www.timesunion.com

4) Image from www.midwestsportsfans.com

5) Image from http://msn.foxsports.com

6) Image from www.ihavenet.com

7) Image from www.masslive.com

Must See Sports – First Weekend of February 2012

2012-02-03T09:31:00.005-06:00

Last week's advantage/disdvantage record: 4-1

Must See Sports 2012 record: 14-10

It is Super Bowl weekend, but there is a TON of basketball action worth seeing!

Friday, February 3

NBA

Los Angeles Lakers at Denver Nuggets

A lot of gloom and doom was predicted for the Nuggets after the trade of Carmelo Anthony to the Knicks last season. The Nuggets have failed to meet expectations. The Nuggets are just 2.5 games back of the Oklahoma City Thunder (who own the league's best record) in the Northwest Division race.

Denver also has the best offense in the NBA, averaging 105 points per game. Yet their leading scorer, Danilo Gallinari (17 PPG, 5 RPG) averages less than 20 points per night. This tells me that the Nuggets are playing solid team basketball, getting everyone - starters, bench players, and otherwise - in on the action.

The Lakers are a game back of their in-town rivals, the Clippers, in the Pacific Division. The Lakers have played balanced basketball and smart defense, but they have struggled away from the Staples Center, only 2-7 this year. The Nuggets were riding a six game winning streak before losing a four point game to the Clippers and to the Memphis Grizzlies in overtime.

Denver is hotter and Denver is at home. I like them, every so slightly, in this matchup.

Advantage: Nuggets

Gallinari puts one over The Big Ticket. Yep, Denver got over like Rover in that trade. 1

Saturday, February 4

NCAA Men’s Basketball

#8 Kansas Jayhawks at #4 Missouri Tigers

Last year, the Big East was the 800 pound gorilla of major college basketball conferences. While the Big East has certainly not vanished from the NCAA's battlefields, the Big XII is the alpha conference in 2012. With three schools ranked in the top 10 (Baylor is ranked #6) and five schools that have already crossed the 15 win threshold, the conference is sure to be well represented and menacing in the Big Dance in March.

Kansas does everything well. They are difficult to defend, shooting 48% from the field as a team. The Jayhawks would likely be ranked in the top five were it not for inexplicable losses to Davidson in December and Iowa State last Saturday. The Jayhawks 1-2 punch of Thomas Robinson (18 PPG, 12 RPG) and Tyshawn Taylor (17 PPG, 5 APG) has been an unsolvable puzzle for most of their opponents this season.

Missouri has quietly stormed into the top five. They have their own 1-2 punch in senior forward Ricardo Ratliffe (15 PPG, 7 RPG), who is having a breakout year, and senior guard Marcus Denmon (17 PPG, 5 RPG), who is averaging career highs for points, rebounds, and free throw percentage. Denmon's leadership and consistency has helped put this Missouri team in a position to finish what it started in last year's NCAA Tournament, when the Tigers exited earlier than expected.

The Tigers are unbeaten at home. Kansas has shown chinks in the armor at times, particularly against ranked opponents. I like Missouri.

Advantage: Missouri

Denmon is closing his college career with a bang. 2

Sunday, February 5

NCAA Men’s Basketball

#22 Michigan Wolverines at #10 Michigan State Spartans

If the all-day pre-game hype of Super Bowl XLVI is more than you can stand, this intrastate rivalry could offer an entertaining change of pace. Tim Hardaway, Jr. (15 PPG, 4 RPG) continues to do his old man proud and has helped put the Wolverines in position to challenge for the Big Ten crown. Michigan is only 5-4 in their last nine games. While that includes a win against the Spartans, the Wolverines need to complete the season sweep to stay near the top of their tightly contested conference.

MSU coach Tom Izzo, once again, has the Spartans in a favorable position in February, ranked in the top 10 and one game back of Ohio State in the Big Ten. After having a 15 game winning streak snapped in January, the Spartans have since lost three of their last five, most recently against upset-inclined Illinois is a low scoring affair. The Spartans will need big contributions from senior Draymond Green (15 PPG, 10 RPG, 4 APG) and sophomore point guard Keith Appling (12 PPG, 4 APG) to snap out of their slump.

Advantage: Michigan State

NFL

Super Bowl XLVI

New York Giants vs. New England Patriots

This is the big game! Vegas has the Pats -3 over the Giants. The talking heads seem to favor the Giants. I share that gut feeling, but, on the other hand, Las Vegas is not in the habit of losing money.

I could tell you how, being a fellow New Orleans native, I want to see Eli Manning succeed. I could tell you how I have found Belichick, Brady, and the Patriots loathsome since The Tuck Rule Game. I could tell you how the Giants have always been a sentimental favorite franchise of mine that I generally root for if they don't conflict with one of my favorite teams, players, or coaches.

Rather than bore you with some diatribe about Brady and his model wife or karma for cheaters, I thought a more objective approach would be fitting.

Super Bowl XLVI: revenge or deja vu? 3

Passing Offense - Advantage: Patriots

Slight advantage. Eli manning is having, far and away, the best season of his career. He passed for over 4,900 yards in the regular season and willed his team to many of their nine regular season wins en route to the NFC East division championship. Manning has silenced any silence-able critics of him.

Tom Brady, however, is still Tom Terrific. While surpassing Dan Marino's 27 year old single season passing record and finishing second in the league, this season, in total passing yards (Drew Brees), he did more with less than any other quarterback in the playoffs. The defense struggled for much of the year. Wide receiver Chad Ochocinco, who arrived with high expectations, produced next to nothing this season. Yet, the Patriots continued to score points on the shoulders of their future Hall of Fame quarterback.

The Giants have more threats downfield and outside with wide receivers Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks. The Patriots carve opponents up underneath and in the middle with wide receiver Wes Welker and tight ends Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski. Gronkowski, however, will not be 100% due to a high ankle sprain.

Eli is getting there, but Tom has been there. Brady is lean and hungry. Don't think for a moment that Brady has forgotten how Eli and company robbed him of perfection in the 2007 season.

Rushing Offense - Advantage: Giants

Slight advantage. Neither team was overwhelming in running the ball this season. In fact, prior to December, the Giants were downright awful. However, the G-Men currently have a healthy Ahmad Bradshaw and a confident Brandon Jacobs. They are running the ball with authority and appear to have snapped out of their near-year long rushing slump.

Benjarvis Green-Ellis is what he is: a competent starting NFL running back with above average moments. Brady only needs so much help from his rushing attack and The Law Firm delivers it. During the playoffs however, the Giants' running game has made a significant impact on the outcome of games while Green-Ellis has simply been an effective role player.

Pass Defense - Advantage: Giants

Moderate advantage. The Patriots give up yards through the air in bunches, but they also take the ball away and take advantage of mental errors by opposing offenses. The Giants have gradually gotten better throughout the year in firming up against the pass. Their defensive line, particularly later in the season, has forced opposing quarterbacks to make hurried decisions and have been invaluable to the secondary.

Neither the Patriots nor Giants offensive lines have been particularly susceptible opposing pass rushes. Still, the Giants have the ability to take a second or two off of Brady's decision making time while the Patriots have yet to show that this season.

Run Defense - Advantage: Giants

Slight advantage. Very slight.... When Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork is on his game, like he was in the AFC Championship game against the Ravens, it can be next to impossible to run the ball through the "A" gap. On the other hand, if the gap is penetrated, the Patriots have a very mediocre crew of linebackers to offer support to the defensive line.

The Giants front four woefully underachieved for the first three quarters of the season against the run. Then they turned it on. Assuming the Giants continue the consistency they demonstrated in the playoffs, the Patriots running game could be reduced to serving to keep the Giants' defense honest.

Special Teams - Advantage: Patriots

Moderate advantage. Placekickers Lawrence Tynes of the Giants and Stephen Gostkowski of the Patriots. Punter Steve Weatherford of the Giants is solid. However, Patriots punter Zoltan Mesko has been a real difference maker in pinning opponents into bad field position. Averaging a net of 42 yards per punt, Mesko pinned opponents inside their 20 yard line on 42% of his punts in the regular season.

Intangibles - Advantage: Patriots

Slight advantage. The Giants are hotter. Eli Manning is beginning to peak. The Giants are a more complete team.

However, many of the Patriots have wait for four years to pay the Giants back for the last minute defeat the Giants handed to them in Super Bowl XLII. Included in those Patriots eager to dish out revenge is Tom Brady. Brady and Head Coach Bill Belichick also have the advantage of a lot of Super Bowl experience, in spite of the loss following the 2007 season.

Overall Advantage: Giants

Brady: on a mission. 4

Monday, February 6

NBA

Oklahoma City Thunder at Portland Trailblazers

The Blazers have been in every game this year with solid team work and every player knowing his role. LaMarcus Aldridge (23 PPG, 9 RPG) continues to be the strong link on the team. In addition, 37 year old Marcus Camby (10 RPG, 2 BLKPG) continues to drink from the defensive Fountain of Youth. And point guard Raymond Felton (10 PPG, 7 APG) continues to make the Knicks front office periodically second guess the decision to include him in the Carmelo Anthony trade last season instead of extending his contract. The Blazers are in the top 10 in the NBA in offense, defense, assists and rebounds.

Oklahoma City, however, his hot as hell. I seldom use that expression in the Hat Trick, but it applies. The Thunder have the best record in the NBA. The Thunder have won 12 of their last 14 games and I simply don't think the Blazers, in spite of playing well and being at home, can stop them.

Advantage: Thunder

Tuesday, February 7

NCAA Men’s Basketball

#11 Florida Gators at #1 Kentucky Wildcats

If I have said it once, I have said it a thousand times. Florida is great until they face great teams. This should make for a very entertaining post Super Bowl sporting program. However, I expect #1 Kentucky to have no cause for concern to not be #1 after this game.

Simply put, the trio of Kentucky's Anthony Davis (13.5 PPG 10 RPG), Terrence Jones (12 PPG, 6 RPG), and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (13 PPG, 8 RPG) are too much for anyone to stop when they are in sync. Fortunately for the Gators and the rest of the SEC, all three of them will probably be in the NBA next year; I am surprised Jones did not declare last season and join fellow then-freshman Brandon Knight in the pros. Unfortunately for the Gators and the SEC, Kentucky Head Coach John Calipari does not rebuild; he reloads.

Advantage: Kentucky

Wednesday, February 8

NCAA Men’s Basketball

#5 Duke Blue Devils at #6 North Carolina Tar Heels

This is as good as it gets in college basketball. This rivalry between two of college basketball's biggest traditional powers is usually a hum dinger. It is even better when they are both having powerful seasons.

Were it not for head scratching losses to Temple and Florida State earlier in the season, the Blue Devils may be ranked #1. Junior Mason Plumlee (12 PPG, 10 RPG) is having a breakout season, with career highs for points, rebounds, assists, minutes played and field goal percentage (62%) while freshman sensation Austin Rivers (14 PPG) provides a tough 1-2 punch in the back court with Seth Curry (12 PPG, 3 APG).

North Carolina could also win the National Championship this season. They too have a couple of hard to explain losses (UNLV, Florida State), but also lead the nation in scoring, averaging 84 points per game. They also hammer opponents under the boards, leading the nation in rebounding (46 per game) and are shooting 47% from the field. Harrison Barnes (17 PPG, 5 RPG), to the joy of Tar Heels fans, returned for his sophomore season and it is paying dividends for him and UNC. He and senior Tyler Zeller (15 PPG, 10 RPG) have overwhelmed opponents and helped the Heels coast to victories most nights.

This game is too close. Both teams are excellent. I am going to take the cop out route and pick the home team.

Advantage: North Carolina

The must see of Must See! 5

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!

NFL Logo Mojo

2012-02-02T16:18:00.000-06:00

On Monday, the Carolina Panthers announced their first, ever logo change. The old logo, in place since the franchise was established in 1993 (first season: 1995), does not look very different from the new one. The new logo is slightly sleeker with some touch ups, but, for the most part, incorporates the same basic design principles as the original logo.

Pick out three differences in three seconds. Go for it! 1

Not all logo changes are so subtle and not all of them are improvements. All logos are in chronological order.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The old Bucco Bruce reminds me of Antonio Banderas...and Puss in Boots. 2

Washington Redskins

From moderately offensive to almost tolerable to borderline minstrel. WOW! 3

New York Jets

Plane, ball, plane, ball...the Jets are not just indecisive on the field. 4

Buffalo Bills

The buffalo is sleeker. It is still beef, too. And it's what's for dinner! Not very different from the football team, itself.... 5

New England Patriots

The Patriots did not start winning Super Bowls until the minuteman was no longer bent over. Coincidence? 6

Cincinnati Bengals

Just because it is a “change” does not mean it is “progress”. 7

Jacksonville Jaguars

The original Jags logo (left) had to be changed to the current Jag (right) because the Jaguar automaker claimed it resembled the car logo too closely. Would anyone REALLY confuse this athletic logo with that of an American-acquired British automaker? 8

Some changes are for the better. A few are for the worse. I think we can all agree that the logo is little more than decoration unless your team looks like this:

The old Memphis Tams unis...GROSS! 9

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!

10 Sports Dynasties That Might Have Been

2012-02-01T09:50:00.000-06:00

My friend over at Online Certificate Programs, Jena Ellis, came through, again, with perfect timing. With the New England Patriots and New York Giants seeking to earn multiple championships withing the last decade, the word "dynasty" is inevitably going to be tossed around in sports media. Jena contributed a piece about would-be dynasties in sports that never were. ENJOY!

10 Sports Dynasties That Might Have Been

Now that the 2011-12 NBA season will happen, sports prognosticators will return to projecting how many championships the Miami Heat will win. Forget about the disappointment of last season — this team has more than enough talent to bring home at least a few Larry O'Brien Trophies, right? That's what people were saying about the Lakers in the '60s, Mets in the '80s, and Mariners in the '90s (different trophies for the latter two, of course), yet they wound up with just two championships between them when all was said and done. The following would-be dynasties failed to meet expectations for a multitude of reasons — including injuries, team chemistry problems, free agency, drugs, and even a strike — leaving fans wondering what might have been had things gone a little differently.

1940s and '50s Brooklyn Dodgers
Even if the Dodgers had won multiple World Series titles during this era, the franchise would've been more remembered for its role in integrating baseball by signing and promoting Jackie Robinson. More than just an inspiring figure in the Civil Rights Movement, Robinson was an ideal second baseman with tremendous speed, excellent contact ability, and exemplary defense. He played alongside Hall of Famers Roy Campanella, Duke Snider, Pee Wee Reese, Don Drysdale, and Sandy Koufax, one of the most talent-rich rosters in baseball history. From 1947 to 1956, the team won six NL pennants and the 1955 World Series, a resume worthy of NL dynasty status, but not MLB dynasty status.
1960s and '70s Los Angeles Lakers
Before the Buffalo Bills, there were the Lakers. Sure, they had already won four of the first 10 NBA championships, but, with seven Finals losses in nine seasons during the 1960s and '70s, they were the original poster child for second best. The primary culprit for their failures was the Celtics, who reeled off a remarkable 11 championships in 13 seasons. The Lakers also faced a 76ers team with perhaps the most dominant player off all time, Wilt Chamberlain, and a hungry Knicks team led by Willis Reid and Walt Frazier. When management figured out the mere presence of Jerry West and Elgin Baylor wasn't enough, it added an older but still effective Chamberlain. The team finally got over the hump in 1973, after Baylor retired and Gail Goodrich had been added to the roster.
1970s Oakland Raiders
Without question, John Madden is historically one of the NFL's elite head coaches. In just 10 seasons, he tallied seven first-place finishes in the AFL Western/AFC West Division and a .763 winning percentage, the best among coaches with 100 or more wins. Because of those accomplishments, along with his accomplishments as a commentator and video game icon, many people have forgotten his squads were on the cusp of achieving so much more. A defensive specialist, Madden coached some stingy units, but his team's prolific offense, led by Daryle Lamonica and eventually Ken Stabler, received the most acclaim. The Dolphins and Steelers, the era's two more memorable teams, however, were its kryptonite, shutting it down in three AFC Championship Games. The one year in which they defeated the Steelers to capture the AFC title, they went on to win Super Bowl XI.
1980s New York Mets
Rarely do teams feature two once-in-a-generation talents at the same time. The Mets had one in the heart of their lineup and one anchoring their rotation. Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden captivated the baseball world in the mid-1980s when they were called up, immediately emerging as two of the best players at their positions. Additional roster moves during the time period from general manager Frank Cashen, such as trades for Keith Hernandez and Gary Carter, enabled the Mets to ascend to the top of the NL standings in 1986, as they won 108 games. Their victories over the Astros in the NLCS and Red Sox in the World Series will forever be remembered by baseball fans. Unfortunately, baseball fans will also forever remember the internal strife that transpired during the ensuing years, ending with the team's ruination.
1980s Houston Rockets
Sports fans were buying Mets and Rockets stock en masse during the mid-1980s. The Rockets, having recently selected 7-foot-4 Ralph Sampson and 7-footer Akeem Olajuwon, The Twin Towers, with the No. 1 overall pick in successive years, grabbed national attention during the 1986 Western Conference Finals, when they stunned the defending champion Lakers in five games. They lost to the Celtics in a hard-fought six games during the Finals, but were expected to build on their success the following year. As it turned out, Sampson would play just 43 games because of a knee injury, and guards Lewis Lloyd and Mitchell Wiggins were suspended for the remainder of the season — and two more seasons — after testing positive for cocaine. Sampson was traded to Golden State 1987-88, and Olajuwon was left to lead a mediocre team until the championship years of the mid-1990s.
1980s and '90s Oakland Athletics
To sustain a dynasty in baseball, a team must be built from the ground up. The A's did just that during the 1980s, and saw the fruits of the labor in 1986, 1987, and 1988, when Jose Conseco, Mark McGwire, and Walt Weiss each won AL Rookie of the Year. In 1988, those three, along with Carney Lansford, Dave Stewart, and Dennis Eckersley, led the A's to their first World Series appearance since the 1974, but they lost to the Kirk Gibson-inspired Dodgers. In 1989, with the return of Rickey Henderson, they swept the Giants, their Bay Area neighbors, in a series overshadowed by the Loma Prieta earthquake. In 1990, they were stunned by the Reds in four games. Their run, which included four division championships and three AL championships, ended with their elimination by the Blue Jays in the 1992 ALCS.
1990s Orlando Magic
A recent expansion franchise, the Magic were bestowed an embarrassment of riches during the early 1990s when they twice won the No. 1 overall draft pick. The first time around, in 1993, they selected Shaquille O'Neal, a strong, athletic center who assuredly would be an all-time great. In 1994, they selected power forward Chris Webber, but traded him to Golden State for guard and No. 3 overall pick Penny Hardaway, who had drawn comparisons to Magic Johnson. It took just two years for Shaq and Penny to reach the Finals. During that time, Shaq began feuding with Penny and coach Brian Hill, eventually ending in his 1996 offseason departure for Los Angeles, where he'd form a dynasty with Kobe Bryant, with whom he also feuded. Penny battled injuries during the rest of his career, preventing him from fulfilling his vast potential.
1990s Montreal Expos
The 1994 strike ruined baseball in Montreal forever. With local support dwindling, the team needed a memorable season to renew interest and secure funding for a new, more appealing stadium. The Expos were arguably the most talented team in baseball, sending five All Stars to the Midsummer Classic — Moises Alou, Marquis Grissom, Darrin Fletcher, Wil Cordero, and Ken Hill — and featuring future All Stars Larry Walker, John Wetteland, and Pedro Martinez. When the strike commenced on August 12, they had the best record in baseball, 74-40, and a six-game lead over the Braves. The team was on pace to draw 2 million fans, a benchmark they hadn’t reached in more than a decade. In the following seasons, players from the team dispersed, as ownership couldn't afford their salaries. A new stadium deal was never struck, and the Expos morphed into the Washington Nationals in 2005.
1990s Seattle Mariners
At one point during the 1990s, the Mariners had arguably the three best players in baseball — Ken Griffey Jr., Alex Rodriguez, and Randy Johnson. Their record-setting offense featured guys such as Tino Martinez, Jay Buhner, and Edgar Martinez, each of whom enjoyed career years in the Kingdome. Their proficiency in that area, though, was often neutralized by their pitching deficiencies. After Johnson, their rotation was substandard, and the bullpen was inconsistent. As a result, they won just two AL West titles and had no pennants or World Series titles to show for it. The trade of Randy Johnson to the Astros during the trade deadline in 1998 began the exodus of the big three. Surprisingly, the Mariners won 116 games, an AL record, without them in 2001, though postseason disappointment again followed.
1990s and 2000s Atlanta Braves
The Braves' incredible rise from worst to first from 1990 to 1991 came with the development of their young talent, launching a period of success matched by few teams in baseball history. From 1991 to 2005, they reeled off 14 consecutive division titles, winning three NL pennants in the process. Yet, few baseball fans can get over the fact the team took home just one World Series title. During most of those years, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz formed the most intimidating trio of starting pitchers in baseball, dominating during the steroid era. Steve Avery and Denny Neagle, also excellent pitchers, rounded out an almost flawless rotation. The lineup wasn't bad either, with MVP winner Chipper Jones and MVP caliber players David Justice, Fred McGriff, and Andres Galarraga driving in a bulk of the team's runs. Of course, the Twins, Blue Jays, and Yankees weren't exactly devoid of talent either.

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!

Prince Fielder Contract - Eating Away at a Tiger Fan

2012-01-30T09:48:00.009-06:00

At The Daily Hat Trick, everyone gets a chance to be in on the action. A reader named George with the Twitter handle @doubleADA submitted an opinion on the Price Fielder signing. While I did not ask, I think George is a Tigers fan. His opinion does bring an interesting point of view to the deal. Thank you, George.
Note: The original opinioon can be found at: benchwarmernews.com.

BITING OFF MORE THAN THEY CAN CHEW
So with less than a month left for pitchers and catchers to report to spring training Johnny Damon, Raul Ibáñez, and Hideki Matsui remain free agents. However, there is some good news for one player at least, Prince finally has a home and it’s with the Tigers.

Yes, you read that correctly Prince is a Tiger; not Prince ate a tiger! That’s not the shocking part by any means. What should come as a surprise is the salary Prince obtained from the Detroit Tigers: nine years for $214 million. I know what you are thinking, was he paid by the pound? No, he was paid panic money (All-Star catcher Victor Martinez is injured and out for the 2012 season).

I don't think Prince was paid by the pound? 1

THE POWERS THAT BE

It appears that the Tigers “powers that be” must have spent their winter with Brian Cashman of the New York Yankees or better yet the Tigers “powers that be” should have spent their winter Google-ing the Alex Rodriguez contract. Either way the “powers that be” and their thoughtless decision simply shows it was money wasted. $214 million is just the sticker price but only if Prince was a luxury SUV that included an inexpensive full coverage car insurance rate along with a 9 year maintenance plan.

No, from this writer/fan perspective this player comes with negative side effects! For example, which Detroit Tiger is now trade bait Cabrera, Victor Martinez or 3rd baseman Brandon Inge? What happens in 2014 when ace pitcher Justin Verlander becomes a free agent? Lastly, why did a team that finished 15 games ahead of the Cleveland Indians, 16 ahead of the Chicago White Sox, 24 ahead of the Kansas City Royals and 32 games ahead of the Minnesota Twins, in a division that’s weaker than a wet piece of one ply toilet paper, go and spend $214 million on one overpriced, overweight player?

Scott Boras: A.K.A. "The Powers that Be"! 2

EVERYTHING IS A TRADE OFF

Here is what $14 to $20 million could have bought Detroit; Raúl Ibáñez, Johnny Damon, and Hideki Matsui and with just enough left over change to ink starting pitcher Edwin Jackson for a similar deal of that of Ryan Madson which mind you was a steal. Frankly this was a choice of want rather than need but I doubt that Detroit “needs” to hear this type of information! Well folks, nine years from now we can only hope the fans from the economic down trodden City of Detroit have at the very least one thing to smile about because, if not, then Prince will not be remembered as a hero, but the guy who took the Motor City's money and made a hero (sandwich) out of Detroit and its wonderful franchise.

Perhaps the Motor City will be cranking these out by the time we can make the final evaluation on the Prince Fielder signing. 3

The Daily Hat Trick is sponsored by Sports N Stuff. For great deals on jerseys, shirts, cologne, and other guy stuff, visit http://www.sportsnstuff.biz/.

1) Image from www.theonion.com
2) Image from www.mlbreports.com
3) Image from www.designeast.eu