Angelo Solomita

Making Sense of the B-C-Mess

noreply@blogger.com (Angelo Solomita) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:37:00 +0000

So what does a 45-14 beatdown on the heels of an embarrassing loss to Stanford get you? Well, thanks to the wonderful BCS, it gets you a rematch. After dropping to 0-2, an upset over USC has put Oregon State in line for a rematch with Penn State in the Rose Bowl. I’ll pass.

Then there is the FedEx Orange Bowl: Cincinnati against whatever ACC team can manage to finish the season with ONLY three losses. I’ll pass.

Then there is Utah. I have to feel for the Utes (and so do the computers ranking them ahead of Florida and USC). Two quality wins over TCU and BYU, a win over potentially Rose Bowl-bound Oregon State, and how many teams can say they beat the storied Michigan program.

Still, tell me if you’ve heard this story before. Undefeated non-BCS team crushed by superior SEC powerhouse. Opening line Florida v. Alabama loser giving two touchdowns to Utah in the Sugar Bowl. I’ll pass.

Now that we’ve covered the three bowl games that will make even the networks hate the BCS, we get to the real fun part.

The BCS has to be pulling hard for Alabama. If Alabama can beat Florida in the SEC title game, no one could challenge their spot in the BCS Championship Game. Unfortunately, that is the only win out and be in without a gripe scenario.

That leaves us with the rest of the one-loss BCS crowd hoping to get in: Texas (No. 2), Oklahoma (No. 3), Florida (No. 4), USC (No. 5) and Texas Tech (No. 7).

USC's hopes totally lie in the balance of other teams. If the Big 12 can decide a clear winner and Florida doesn’t end up losing to Florida St. and then beating Alabama, the most likely scenario will pit some form of Big 12 and SEC. Pete Carroll is the biggest Chase Daniel fan at this point.

While Texas Tech might be the lowest ranked currently in the BCS, they are an Oklahoma St. win at home against Oklahoma from winning the Big 12 South via their win over Texas. Still, a win over Missouri would not guarantee them jumping over Texas in the BCS.

If Florida wins the SEC, they will likely lock up a berth in the big game, but maybe not rightfully so. Florida’s one loss is clearly the worst of the bunch, at home to Ole Miss. The Big 12 teams have only beaten up each other, and USC lost to Rose Bowl-bound Oregon State.

The problem is the human polls have a “what have you done lately mentality,” and with Florida’s loss coming early, they seemed to have been forgiven. The computers, on the other hand, have all three Big 12 South teams ranked above the Gators.

Now for the fun—Oklahoma and Texas. So long as the rest of the Big Three win out this weekend, the three-way tie by rule would be broken by the BCS Standings. A win over Oklahoma State will likely be enough to push Oklahoma over Texas, but again, the pollsters and the computers have left us baffled before.

For better or worse, the team who wins the BCS tiebreaker would likely lock in a BCS title berth with a win over Missouri.

If Missouri wins the Big 12, all bets are off. Could a one-loss Alabama hold on to the No. 2 spot and force a Florida-Alabama rematch? Would a team like USC, Utah, or Penn St sneak in? Would a Big 12 team who found themselves on the outside of a tiebreaker make it in despite not even playing in the conference title game?

Finally, one last BCS scenario to ponder. Say Florida loses to Florida State and beats Alabama, Oklahoma State loses to Oklahoma, and Texas Tech subsequently loses to Missouri.

Somehow Charlie Weis pulls it together and beats USC, and voters unwilling to put a non-champion Texas in the BCS championship game give us a glorious, drum roll please, Penn St. v. Utah BCS Title Game.

I can see President-Elect Obama licking his chops now.

NYU Graduation at Yankee Stadium

noreply@blogger.com (Angelo Solomita) — Thu, 15 May 2008 16:12:00 +0000

Getting booed at your own graduation usually isn’t something to smile about, but for me a self proclaimed member of Chirs “Mad Dog” Russo Anti-Yankee Crack Committee, it was a moment I’ll never forget. What a way to celebrate the first and last college commencement at Yankee Stadium than to get to speak on Diamond Vision—in a Red Sox hat.

With Washington Square Park, the traditional site for New York University’s Commencement, under constructions NYU was forced to move the 176th Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2008, out of Washington Square Park and into Yankee Stadium. While it was said to be a neutral decision because the Mets were at home, many were hesitant at the idea at graduating in the home of the “Evil Empire”.

For a school like NYU that has had an undefeated football team for some 50 years now (since they last played a game), sports is rarely at the forefront. That wasn’t the case on Wednesday, when even President Sexton replaced the traditional Cap with a Yankees Cap. As Michael Strahan, who would receive the Lewis Rudin Exemplary Service Award for his contributions to New York City first began to walk in from the outfield; no one seemed to notice him hidden in a purple gown. That was until he reached the Sports Management section. As he passed by our section right behind Third Base, we began to shower Strahan with “One More Year” chants.

One of the more embarrassing moments of the ceremony came when Strahan came up to accept his award. After an introduction that brought memories of the Super Bowl run back to Giants fans minds, President Sexton introduced the Super Bowl Champion as Michael “Stray-hawn.” Ouch.

As Strahan addressed the graduated he called on them to look to the Giants season as inspiration. "Live your life. If there's ever a story to learn, it's my story, and the story of the New York Giants …That perseverance and all those things will carry you through life, and you’ll never know where you’ll end up. Do you think I ever thought I would end up talking to you? Absolutely not!”

Strahan wasn’t the only sports recognition of the Day. Ironically two of the other speakers selected were both Red Sox fans, again to the dismay of the crowd. One of those Red Sox fans Laurence Tribe, recounted some of the great moments in Yankee stadium from Lou Gehrig to the recent visit from the Pope, bringing some significance to this the only commencement that has or will ever take place in Yankee Stadium. One student even had his own interactive sports moment as he removed his pants under his gown and began to round the bases on the field. Drowned out by cheers he made his way around third, heading for home, until he was speared by a security guard and quickly cuffed and removed.

Still my crowning moment was appearing on the diamond vision getting booed by the Pro-Yankee Crowd. A few weeks prior to Commencement I had been approached to be part of a video tribute to the class of 2008. When I saw that one of the questions would be to explain a favorite experience at NYU, the master plan began unfolding in my mind. Once before I had been booed loudly in Yankee Stadium, wearing a Giants jersey on the day Barry Bonds hit that moon shot into the Upper Deck. Still, as the video began to play on Wednesday I began to embrace myself for a stadium full of boos.

“My favorite experience at NYU was to intern for a baseball group that represents someone Yankee Fans know well ‘Big Papi’ David Ortiz.” As I threw on the Red Sox Cap the fans showed their dismay for my allegiance and some began to turn around and point me out in the crowd.

Even President Sexton, maybe trying to recover from his misstep, ended his congratulatory remarks with baseball. He explained how baseball was God’s Game and offered one final test for the graduates of 2008. He explained how Barry Bonds in 1992 became the 10th person to win back to back MVP awards. He explained the significance that Bonds became the final outfielder to win back to back awards filling out all the 10 positions including a pitcher. As the final test he challenged the graduates to name the other 9. For a student body whose Basketball teams nickname is the Violets, it’s a good thing all of them had already received their diplomas.

As the ceremony ended and the platform party began to file out NYU offered me on last memorable experience. As Strahan walked back toward the outfield, we caught his attention again as he made his was over to our sections. I was able to exchange a handshake with Strahan. He congratulated me on graduating, but more importantly, I was able to thank him for bringing me my first ever Super Bowl Championship. What more could you ask for?

Barry Bonds' Agent for a Day

noreply@blogger.com (Angelo Solomita) — Wed, 07 May 2008 17:04:00 +0000

I’ll Preface this by admitting my bias. As a life long Giants fan, I’m still bitter that he won’t be in black and orange this season. I’ve put my neck on the line for Bonds before, carrying a Bonds is my Hero sign while sitting in left field in Philly, by far the nastiest experience in my following of Bonds.

With Bonds still searching for work I’ll admit the collusion ideas are becoming more plausible. It has always been my dream job to represent Barry Bonds. Today I pretend to live that dream. Here is my pitch to teams on why they want the Home Run King.

Barry can play

I don’t think many would argue with the fact that Bonds would have a tremendous impact in any lineup. Consider his numbers last year, in what was limited action because of being in the National League, multiplied by the fact that he could DH every day in the American League. Even if Bonds doesn’t hit as many home runs, the sheer fear factor of Bonds in the lineup mixed with his incredible patience and eye at the plate would guarantee a .400+ OBP.

Butts in Seats

While people are quick to point to the media circus that follows Bonds, they rarely point to what those crowds really mean—Ticket Sales. People will come out to see Bonds play, whether to boo or cheer is irrelevant to the bottom line. Bonds also relieves the pressure from any other player on the team. Barry Zito was terrible last year, but was able to hide in the shadow as Barry 2. This year without Bonds the media has all but crucified him.

Bonds can be a Role Model … Hitter

While even I won’t argue Bonds being a role model citizen, he may be the most disciplined hitter of his time, if not ever. Recently, ESPN ran a piece explaining how Bonds had sat down with Albert Pujols and given him some great advice on handling being walked at least once a game and still keeping that discipline. Bonds has a mental notebook logging tendencies off every pitcher he’s faced, something younger players could learn from. If Bonds is given a chance (and wants to be) that veteran voice in a clubhouse I honestly think he can bring good to the rest of the team. Even the books that are written criticizing Barry do explain his knowledge for the game being far superior. Bonds will occasionally visit ASU (where he played college baseball) and give hitting tips to the players.

The Man Wants to Win

Barry has all the records, and while he still may be looking toward 3,000 hits or moving up the All-time runs and RBI list, Bonds’ reason for coming back is to win. It is the one thing that has eluded him until now. And Bonds will deliver. Just look back to his only World Series appearance. He hit .471 over 7 games with 4 HRs 8 R and 6 RBI … and he was walked 13 times for a whopping .700 OBP. I’d say he wants to win—bad.

Save your prospects

Its simple Business of Baseball. If you are forced to acquire a big bat midseason it is going to cost you prospects. For a guy who could potentially hit 3,4 or 5 in your lineup and slug 20 HRs in the second half of the season, say goodbye to your Baseball American #1 or #2. Bonds on the other hand would come for half a year’s salary (which you wouldn’t escape via trade anyway). It will be hard for a GM to explain mortgaging the farm with Barry there for the taking.

Kentucky Derby : Looking for Long Shots

noreply@blogger.com (Angelo Solomita) — Sat, 03 May 2008 03:13:00 +0000

What exactly does a 20 horse field mean? Anything can happen. A favorite like Big Brown who draws the 20 post may never be able to recover if he gets a bad break. A horse on placed on the rail might push to the front of the pack and fail to pace themselves for the long run. A horse in the the middle of the pack can easily be boxed inside a few horse and regardless of their pace be unable to break free from the pack.

One thing is for sure though, a 20 horse field equals a great payout. With a favorite at morning line 3-1 and only 3 horses in the single digit odds, any trifecta combination is sure to make for a nice payout.

Here are some horses to consider for your exotics that all come in at double digit morning line odds.

14 Monba (15-1) : Coming off an impressive win at the Blue Grass, Monba is hitting stride at just the right time. After struggling in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth, Monba responded to with a third win in five races. Monba also won his only other showing at Churchill. One concern would be that Edgar Prado, who was the jockey for Monba in the previous two races is riding Adriano for the derby. Still at 15-1 I'm able to look past the Fountain of Youth showing hoping at 15-1 Monba can at least show in the Derby. Never doubt Ramon Dominguez.

19 Gayego (15-1) If you are looking for consistency Gayego could be your choice. Finishing in the Top 2 in all of his 5 starts this year. Gayego proved in winning the Arkansas Derby that he can win off of the Synthetic Surface. Gayego has improved as the distance has improved pointed him well for the two turns. The Arkansas Derby was also a deeper field of 13 which should bode well as preparation for what will be a crowded derby field.

4 Court Vision (20-1) Despite two bad trips in the Wood Memorial and the Fountain of Youth, Court Vision found a way to make it into the money. The distance and the two turns should favor this closer, who could be benefit from a grueling pace up front. Another horse who is one for one at Churchill, look for the third time to be a charm for Garrett Go Go Gomez and Court Vision.

Fallen Giants : The Sad Demise of San Francisco Baseball by Angelo Solomita

noreply@blogger.com (Angelo Solomita) — Thu, 01 May 2008 07:41:00 +0000

October 26, 2002. Game 6 of the World Series up 5-0 with Eight outs to go. On one hand it feels like yesterday that the Giants were that close to their first World Series since their move to San Francisco-- and than Dusty Baker removed Russ Ortiz in the middle of pitching a shut out and the rest is history.

On the other hand a quick look at the 2008 roster and there is very little remnants of that 2002 team. You do have Rich Aurilia, but older and out of position. The Giants Front Office got exactly what they wanted when they cut ties with Barry Bonds, a new image, one that nobody can relate to.

It's sad when your opening day roster contains players not even listed on MLB.com like Brian Bocock. Its worse when he is still getting playing time and batting nearly 30 points below his weight. Don't worry Giants fans, it is only temporary until our stud resigning Omar Vizquel makes it back into the line up at the tender age of 67, so much for getting younger. It is one thing to stand behind a youth movement, but can you call it that when you have guys like Ray Durham and Dave Roberts eating up playing time.

The Giants big off season acquisition this year Aaron Rowand is playing out to what he truly is, a hard working average outfielder. Rowand benefited from playing in a sand box in Philly and cashed that career year in on the Giants.

And talk about cashing in on the Giants, there is Barry Zito.

0-6. Wow.

It is sad to think that outside his starts, the Giants would be 13-10. It will be interesting to see how he reacts physically out of the bullpen though I'm guessing worse isn't much of an option. I just worry for a guy so focused on routine that it might not be the best place for him-- can you have a player in the minors making $126 million?

If there is one thing good that might come of this it is an opportunity for Merkin Valdez. At 6-5 the righty had all the makings off a dominant pitcher throughout the minors until he was slowed down by injury. He has thrived in the bullpen with a 1.26 ERA and 13 Ks in just over 14 IP. I'd like to see the Giants take a shot at transitioning him back into the starters role.

On the bright side there are the rest of arms in the bullpen. Tim "Lights Out" Lincecum is the real deal. You worry a little about his pitch count and his related lack of efficiency forcing him to hand over games to the bullpen early, but with the K rate he's put up early, you can't complain too much. He's even making the case for the Giants to have a deserving All-Star.

While the young pitching might be a bright spot so far this year, the lack of production from the hitting is sure to make it another long season by the Bay for Giants. I wonder if Barry Bonds is sitting somewhere laughing right now at the Giants lineup thinking, "Wow Matt Cain must wish I was back." But hey, what better way to celebrate the 50th season in the Bay than finishing it just like the last 49, without a World Series.

In Egypt, Women's Soccer Carries Cultural Kick

noreply@blogger.com (Angelo Solomita) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 21:37:00 +0000

Sports management scholars traveled to Egypt over spring break to study women's sports in Muslim society.When you think of Egypt, what comes to mind? Probably not sports. The same can be said about NYU, where sports take a back seat compared to most colleges. So it made for an interesting experience when the Tisch Center for Sports Management, Hospitality and Tourism Scholars Program embarked on a journey to Egypt to study sports. Of the three potential destinations for the juniors in the program, Egypt was like Davidson - a long shot at best. Switzerland was set to host the 2008 European Championships and was home to the headquarters of FIFA. Brazil had just earned a bid to the 2014 World Cup. The Egypt proposal was slightly more abstract: study the effect of football (soccer) on women in breaking down traditional barriers in a Muslim culture. As a member of the Scholars Program, I was initially disappointed when Egypt was chosen. But after learning more about the situation there, I quickly warmed up to the idea.

On the plane ride, I read a book called "How Soccer Explains the World: An Unlikely Theory on Globalization," hoping it would give me some insight into our area of study. In it, author Franklin Foer explained the situation in another Muslim culture, Iran. Just 10 years ago, women in Iran were forbidden from attending football games. What's happened since then has been considered a football revolution, and in 2003 roughly 3,000 women were allowed to step inside the international stadium to celebrate a World Cup Qualifier win.

As soon as I met women's soccer pioneer Madame Sahar El Hawari, I realized that Egypt was no Iran. Dr. Hawari entered the room dressed in jeans and a jacket, a stark contrast from the more conservatively dressed women we had been exposed to in Cairo. Dr. Hawari's story was a truly amazing one that culminated with her becoming the first Arab woman named the International Olympic Committee's Woman of the Year in Sports in 2003.

Dr. Hawari was brought up on football. Her father was a famous FIFA referee and an integral part of the Egyptian Football Association. Still, he tried to explain to his daughter that women and football in Egypt just didn't go together. Sahar wouldn't have it. She made it her life's work to foster a women's football league in Egypt and was undeterred by those who insisted it was purely "a man's game." Her task was not an easy one. Simply due to the way women were expected to dress, football was fundamentally at odds with their culture. She started recruiting at a grassroots level, pursuing every lead from upper to lower Egypt. She told us a story about how she recruited one of her strongest players, a peasant from Lower Egypt who spent her days collecting crops and played football against the boys in her free time.

Dr. Hawari's proposal to the players was unique. She would take them into her home and support them with everything from food to clothes. The girls spent the next five years with Dr. Hawari and trained vigorously. To increase awareness for the club, she took her players across the country as entertainment at various festivals. They played a looser style of five-on-five football as a way of introducing the country to the idea of women playing football. And she didn't stop at Egypt."If I'm only building in my country, how will they play competitions?" Hawari said. "My mission started here and spread to the Middle East and then the rest of the African countries."

On our trip we got to see the fruits of Dr. Hawari's labor, as her youth team prepared for an international showdown in the Women's Youth World Cup Qualifier. The entire trip was an eye-opening experience. Seeing how women's football was able to persevere through tremendous resistance makes you regret the struggles of women's soccer in this country, where it faces fewer inherent societal hurdles. Despite a successful national team, the last women's soccer league (WUSA) was forced to fold in 2003 after only three seasons. When it officially returns in the spring of 2009 under the name Women's Professional Soccer, I'll keep in mind the efforts of Dr. Hawari.

http://media.www.nyunews.com/media/storage/paper869/news/2008/03/27/Sports/In.Egypt.Womens.Soccer.Carries.A.Cultural.Kick-3286743.shtml