The Attending 2010 NFL Training Camp Debate… Where the Steel is No Longer Stainless

July 19, 2010

Read the opposing arguments from Loyal Homer and Sports Geek.

Last year at this time spirits could not have been higher in and around the city of Pittsburgh.

The beloved Steelers were coming into training camp as the reigning Super Bowl champions. They were returning many of the stars that helped them one season earlier. The team appeared as likely as any other team in the NFL to be right on course for another playoff-caliber season (with the hopes of successfully defending a championship at another Super Bowl well within reach).

What a difference a year makes!

As the 2009-2010 NFL season (and offseason) wore on, the Steelers were on the short end of many sticks, both on AND off the field. The result today is a sense of frustration, and perhaps desperation, replacing that previous feeling of jubilation as the Steelers commence with preparation for a season loaded with trepidation (I feel like a boxing promoter!).

The past 12 months have been one long series of disappointments for the Pittsburgh Steelers. After riding into opening weekend with the highest of expectations, the team stumbled out of the gates, needing overtime to win its first game, then falling to Chicago and Cincinnati in the next two. Later in the season the Steelers would suffer a five-game losing streak – three of which embarrassingly came at the hands of Kansas City, Oakland, and Cleveland, who last season COMBINED for only 14 wins.

Players began attacking and criticizing each other and the phrase “Steelers Stink” was heard for the first time in many years around Pittsburgh. It became very clear that the Steelers organization was in trouble. When the curtain fell on the 2009 regular season the Steelers became only the 13th team in NFL history to fail in its attempt to reach the playoffs as reigning champions.

Off the field the Steelers had a fair share of issues as well, highlighted by the legal troubles of wide receiver Santonio Holmes and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

This was not the first time either player had been involved in off-field scandal. The result for the Steelers is to be without both offensive stars as the 2010 season commences.

Despite the fact that Holmes was a Super Bowl MVP, and was the team’s leading receiver, the Steelers traded him away to the New York Jets for nothing more than a fifth-round draft pick. Meanwhile, Roethlisberger will serve a six-game ban to kick off the new season as punishment for his indiscretions. Add to those issues the very impressive performances by the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals last season, and the Steelers begin to look like a franchise on the verge of self-destruction.

Now the Steelers must face the prospect of a new season with many more questions than answers.

Perhaps the largest question looming over the Steelers as camp opens is how to handle Ben Roethlisberger’s involvement in preparation for the upcoming season. Will he practice with the first team, or will the backups be spending most of their time lining up with the starting crew? Also (and perhaps most importantly), what if the Steelers find success behind a backup quarterback during the weeks that Roethlisberger is suspended? Should the team stick with what is working or go back to the guy getting paid more than $100M to play that position? Do not forget that the Steelers were actively soliciting trade offers for the former Pro Bowler around draft time. They have clearly been disappointed in Big Ben’s off-field antics, and could be looking for any excuse to relegate his status on the field.

If you could only attend one training camp all year long, Pittsburgh is the place to be. The Steelers are one of the league’s best franchises in recent history wins two out of the last five Super Bowls, but all signs currently point toward a continued collapse. Will Byron Leftwich and the return of Antwaan Randle El be enough to keep the Steelers competitive through the first half of the season, or should fans in Pittsburgh already start looking ahead to the 2011 season… when the franchise can truly start anew?

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Posted by Bleacher Fan

The 2010 Attending an NFL Training Camp Debate… Music City Madness

July 19, 2010

Read the opposing arguments from Sports Geek and Bleacher Fan.

Late July is coming, folks. For me that means two things, and one of those things is NOT the end of the Tour de France. One thing is the MLB trading deadline, which is July 31. The other is the beginning of NFL training camps.

NFL training camps are a topic The Sports Debates will address in earnest all of next week, as that content will be devoted to football – and let me tell you, we are excited. But as a teaser, we are going to give a little sneak peak today. As a member of the media I would want to attend several training camps, as many have interesting storylines. Teams with good story lines include Washington, Seattle, and Pittsburgh. But I would really love to attend the training camp of the Tennessee Titans, which is set to begin on July 31.

First, the Titans really aren’t a bad team. While it’s true the team missed the playoffs last season (finishing the season 8-8 after starting the season 0-6), many of the same pieces from the team that went 13-3 two seasons ago are still in place. As someone with credentials, though, that would not be why I would show up at Titans camp. I bet you can guess the very first person I want to go talk to!!

Here’s how it would go.

“Vince… Loyal Homer with The Sports Debates… do you have a second? Thanks! Guess you really did bomb the Wonderlic test right out of college, huh? What were you thinking, Vince? Was it really necessary to get in a fight at a strip club? Didn’t you think there would be cameras in every room there? Is it that easy to provoke you?”

Okay, maybe I wouldn’t say all that, but you get the drift.

Seriously, this guy messed up again, and while it appears he’s once again going to get a free pass from the league… for now… you have to wonder how many chances he’ll get on and off the field. He is an incredible talent on the field, however, and he’s supposedly worked on his accuracy a lot during the off-season. The Atlanta Falcons used to say that about Michael Vick, too, but apparently they weren’t talking about football when referring to him.

Second, I want to see how this Chris Johnson contract saga plays out. Mr. Johnson has been an absolute stud on my fantasy team the past two seasons, and I would want to thank him for that (if he actually shows up at camp). Look at his numbers. Johnson is not happy with his rookie contract (in which he is set to make $550,000 this season), and I really can’t blame him for that. But, depending on how you feel about holdouts, he is under contract, as head coach Jeff Fisher so appropriately put it. Contract holdouts are the kind of stories that linger over training camp and give media members something to write about. Those stories drive coaches and players insane, so all parties involved are hoping the situation resolves itself.

These are two stories that have nothing to do with anything on the field. But if I had credentials for NFL training camps, that is why I’d want to be at the Titans camp.

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Posted by Loyal Homer

The Biggest NBA Free Agency Mistake Debate… Solid and Quiet is Not Worth the Max

July 16, 2010

Read the opposing arguments from Loyal Homer and Bleacher Fan.

Seldom do the writers here at TSD get to approach a topic where it is difficult to narrow the choices down to just three. With so much free agent activity in the NBA, and so many questionable decisions, it is tough to pick the only three of the biggest free agency mistakes.

And, we have to limit selections to the 2010. Hindsight is 20-20, but the issues from last off-season with the Pistons signing Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva are obvious. Neither player performed to even half of the expectations upon them this season. Last off-season these two were two of the most highly sought after players. Then both players were at or below career averages in points per game and field goal percentage. There is no question that the Detroit Pistons are worse than before the players came to the team.

But, that was last off-season. The 2010 offseason has been a wild ride.

Before I launch into my argument it is only fair to point that some teams were held hostage by the furtive tampering of the cowardly LeBron James. Teams that may have made a good decision on day one of free agency were unable to make any moves until James announced his decision. I am specifically referring to a team like the Cleveland Cavaliers, though the New York Knicks also fall under this category as well. While the Knicks chose to mortgage the future years ago in hopes of landing James, the Cavaliers were the most hamstrung. Nevertheless, several teams were unable to make moves early, which means fewer players were there for the taking as the NBA free agency period begins to wane. Decisions that would normally fall under scrutiny should be withheld from too much criticism.

Of course, the signing of guard Joe Johnson by the Atlanta Hawks, right as free agency opened, falls outside of the forgivable scenario I just outlined.

It is no mystery that Joe Johnson is a scorer. Ever since he first began to gain notoriety with the Phoenix Suns it was clear where his skill set was the sharpest. As a young 22-year old he averaged over 16 points a game, and then added another point to that total at the age of 23. At 24 Johnson proved that his abilities were being limited by the impressive depth of the Suns’ scoring offense by reaching 20 points per game. Age 25 was Johnson’s best with a fitting 25 points per game.

But that was three seasons ago. Johnson is now in his late 20s, and his points per game have steadily declined each season, though he is still getting over 18 field goal attempts per game. Johnson’s assists have also dropped by an entire assist per game – to under five – since his peak at age 25.

More, Johnson is not the type of clutch scorer that teams are able to build successful post-season runs around. Johnson does not have Kobe Bryant’s reliable shot, Paul Pierce’s penchant for tough game winners, or even Dwayne Wade’s never-say-die-attitude. Johnson is a good player, but he does not have the personality of a leader. When it comes to big contracts, personality has to matter because teams are buying an entire package. Johnson has basketball skills, but he does not have the leadership qualities and personality befitting of the massive six year $124M contract.

The Hawks are now saddled with Joe Johnson’s contract for six additional seasons – until the declining, albeit still talented Johnson is 34.

I like Joe Johnson. He seems like a really nice person, a quiet and strong player, and a valued teammate. But, does he have the complete game – offense and defense – and the offensive firepower to warrant the massive contract reward from the Atlanta Hawks? No way. Worse, the Hawks are now in a poor position financially, and will have difficulty ridding the books of the Johnson-contract albatross in coming seasons… especially under the mystery of a new collective bargaining agreement.

Johnson is familiar with the Hawks, and the Hawks are familiar with him. The negotiations were short, and Johnson never seriously flirted with leaving Atlanta. But the Hawks really botched the negotiations, or have seriously misdiagnosed his value over the next six seasons. Max contracts are not automatic based on tenure or familiarity. They are earned by the truly elite players in the NBA, both in skill and leadership. Joe Johnson is not one of those players, and the Atlanta Hawks will be paying the price for missing that reality for the next six years.

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Posted by Sports Geek

The Biggest NBA Free Agency Mistake Debate… “King” Leaves His Court in Disgrace

July 16, 2010

Read the opposing arguments from Loyal Homer and Sports Geek.

The biggest mistake of the NBA free agency period had nothing to do with the signing of a player, the loss of a player, or a contract given to a player.

Instead, the biggest mistake was the decision of LeBron James to announce the decision of LeBron James to the whole world on a televised hour-long special that became the worst decision of them all.

When Mark Cuban is the person calling you out for poor media relations you KNOW you screwed up!

Perhaps if LeBron James had taken his two words of advice and undergone some “media training” he would not have seen his celebrity stock drop as much as it has. And don’t let yourself be fooled by the things that LeBron says, he cares MUCH more about being a celebrity than his words may lead us to believe.

If he DIDN’T care about being a celebrity he would have never scheduled the hour-long “Decision” on ESPN in the first place. Likewise, he would not have made such a spectacle out of his free agent status for the past two years.

Ironically, it is that one thing that he had hoped to boost the most through this whole fiasco that is the one thing to suffer the greatest.

While LeBron’s stock as a basketball player may remain exceptionally high, his stock as a celebrity superstar has PLUMMETTED since his foolish announcement into a prime-time special. The announcement of this prime-time special drew immediate backlash from fans and the media alike, and people who were already growing tired of the overblown coverage and obsessive scrutiny of LeBron James’ every action were finally pushed fully into the realm of disgust.

Where He Went Wrong

LeBron’s FIRST mistake was to entrust his larger-than-life persona wholly to a group of buddies rather than to consult with trained professionals who have been involved in exactly this type of situation HUNDREDS of times. This is not an episode of Entourage we are talking about, after all. This is the NBA, and as Mark Cuban implies, there are certain people who are more qualified to navigate this situation than others.

As much as Richard Paul, Maverick Carter, and Randy Mims (the “R”, “M” and “R” of LRMR Marketing) may have LeBron James’ best interests at heart, this was one time where friendship should NOT have superseded the need to make a sound BUSINESS decision.

There is a reason that no athlete before LeBron had ever tried to pull of the publicity stunt that he did – it is a TERRIBLE idea. Perhaps if he had employed some people with the actual experience of having been in this situation more than once in their lives – or had at least solicited their advice – he could have avoided one of the biggest publicity screw-ups of all time.

LeBron and his own versions of Turtle, E, and Johnny Drama allowed their egos to cloud their judgment. They believed they knew better than everyone else. Which, after all, is why LeBron fired his “professional” agent. He wanted to entrust his most important asset – his brand – to people whose only qualification was that they sat next to LeBron in algebra class.

What he and his pals failed to recognize is that it is a bad idea to string six different professional franchises (and MAJOR markets) along for two years so that you can then break almost ALL of their hearts via a self-aggrandizing television “event” that serves only the purpose of self-service and self-promotion.

It is simple common sense -if you must upset more people than you will make happy, you should do so DISCREETLY.

Honestly, what did he EXPECT to happen? That folks in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Cleveland (his own home town) would actually stand up and CHEER?!

And the reaction that he received following “The Decision” should not have been a surprise. The almost IMMEDIATE public backlash to the announcement of his upcoming announcement (it sounds stupid to even DESCRIBE it) was a clear indication that this was going to be a bad idea. But instead of reading the writing on the wall and changing his mind to possibly salvage the situation, he tried to cover up the mistake by hiding behind a charity.

Perhaps he thought the token gesture of allowing all the proceeds to go to the Boys and Girls Club would make up for (or COVER up) all the pomposity he had demonstrated up to that point.

He was wrong.

The Cost

LeBron James went ahead as scheduled. Hidden in a room many miles away from the millions of hearts he was about to break, cowering behind the cover of a room full of children, he announced his decision with a statement that matched the arrogance he demonstrated all along.

The result became the biggest media blunder to take place since Howard Dean’s infamous scream cost him his candidacy for President of the United States.

While he will almost certainly get his beloved championship, it will come at many costs, including his celebrity status and his legacy as a basketball player.

Once considered the darling of the NBA this prized athlete, who had the potential for limitless success on AND off the court, now finds himself viewed as a pariah. The public has soured so much towards LeBron James that he even chose not to attend the ESPY awards earlier this week – which turned out to be his first wise decision in a while. At the awards ceremony, a chorus of “BOOs” followed nearly every mention of his name. The subject of his “Decision” was the focal point of much parody throughout the evening, also.

If that was his reception at a sports-related event in Los Angeles, just imagine the perception in Cleveland.

As far as his basketball legacy is concerned he can forget about ever being considered the “Greatest Player of All Time.” How can he catch up with Michael Jordan’s legacy when he will now always be trailing Dwayne Wade’s?

Think about it: If LeBron James goes on to surpass Jordan by winning seven championships, that means that Wade will have won eight.

LeBron James will never be considered “the man” in basketball again. He is now going to be forever remembered as being on “the team.” His singular accomplishments will always be overshadowed by the fact that he required the assistance of other All-Stars to get the job done.

I hope the championship is worth it, because it cost LeBron his home, his reputation, and his legacy.

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Posted by Bleacher Fan

The Biggest NBA Free Agency Mistake Debate… Amar’e Is a New York Sized Mistake

July 16, 2010

Read the opposing arguments from Sports Geek and Bleacher Fan.

For the past two years it was told to anyone that would listen that the summer of 2010 would be the summer that the state of the New York Knicks would change. The Knicks had been largely irrelevant since the end of the Patrick Ewing era, but pieces were put in place and moves were made to clear enough room to make room at MULTIPLE maximum contract free agents this off-season. Much of that centered on acquiring the most coveted prize of all, LeBron James. There’s a reason Madison Square Garden was abuzz every time the Cavs came to town. Cleveland featured the player who was going to save their franchise. Well, a funny thing happened on the way to Spike Lee becoming a face we have to see a lot.

First, the Knicks signed Amar’e Stoudemire to a max contract for five years for roughly $100M. Stoudemire is an extremely talented player. We can all agree on that. He has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career with the Phoenix Suns. The Suns were actually interested in bringing him back, but they were reluctant to go five years due to the expected wear and tear on Amar’e. Keep in mind that he entered the NBA straight out of high school. We’ve seen guys like Jermaine O’Neal and Kevin Garnett (other guys who have entered the league straight out of high school) hit that wall a little sooner than others.

The Knicks obviously signed Stoudemire because he is a good player, but it was hoped that signing him would be a key to bringing James to the big apple. That never happened. James decided to chase the sunlight instead of the spotlight. Thus, the Knicks had to settle for Stoudemire as the big prize.

The entire off-season has to be a big letdown for the Knicks. If I am a Knicks fan, I’m a little disappointed in how this summer has played out. I certainly wouldn’t mind having Stoudemire on my team. But I have doubts about whether or not he can carry the load. Not to mention he has a history of injuries. I think I would want him as a complementary player. That’s essentially what he was in Phoenix. He really wasn’t even the best player out in the desert with his former team. It’ll be interesting to see how he player with Raymond Felton as opposed to Steve Nash. No offense to Tar Heel fans, but that’s quite a difference.

Likewise, Stoudemire has to be a tad disappointed himself. I don’t feel sorry for him at all because he is going to be quite the wealthy man. But career-wise, this is a risky move. He moves from the Valley of the Sun where he played with a two-time NBA MVP, to a team where he is expected to be “The Guy.” He was playing for a consistent contender in Phoenix, and now he goes to a team that hasn’t won more than 33 games the past six seasons.

It’s a risky move on both ends. Perhaps it works out, and Amar’e is able to make the Knicks relevant again. But from how it looks now, it just looks like this move could be a disaster on both sides.

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Posted by Loyal Homer

The 2010 MLB Second Half Team to Watch Debate… A Ray of Sunshine in the AL East

July 15, 2010

Read the opposing arguments from Babe Ruthless and Loyal Homer.

Four months ago I started my own personal Carl Crawford watch.

The Tampa Bay Rays were entering the 2010 campaign with a great deal of pressure. Because this is a contract year for Crawford, and if the Rays were unable to find any magic during the first half of the season (something I did not expect to happen), then the left fielder would have become the main attraction in a Ray fire sale.

What a difference four months can make.

Instead of being in a position to sell at the upcoming trade deadline the Rays have played some outstanding ball through the first half of the season. The team sits only two games behind the New York Yankees in the AL East, and currently holds a three game lead for the AL Wild Card over the other division rival, the Boston Red Sox.

Now, with the trade deadline fast approaching, the Rays could become one of the aggressive teams looking to buy in the hopes of getting a missing piece that will help them maintain momentum into the postseason.

The core of the roster is as solid as any in the Majors today. For his part, Crawford is making sure his value remains high, whether he stays in Tampa after this season or moves on to greener (pun intended) pastures. Through the first half of the season he is batting .321 and is among the league’s leaders in stolen bases (31) and triples (6). His performance was enough to earn him a starting nod on the American League All-Star roster, and he did not make that trek alone.

In addition to Crawford, the Rays boast two other All-Stars in third baseman Evan Longoria and pitcher David Price.

Longoria made his third career All-Star appearance on Tuesday, thanks to a .300 batting average combined with an on-base percentage of .381 and a slugging percentage of .513. As for Price, he boasts the third most wins in the American League, as he is the proud owner of a 12-4 record through the first half of 2010. Price is also one of only nine starting pitchers in the league with an ERA below 2.50.

As the tread deadline looms ever closer, Rays owner Stuart Sternberg has made the commitment to his teams and his fans that he will do everything in his power to ensure that his team will be playing October baseball, even promising that “money won’t be an object.”

And as ESPN.com writer Jerry Crasnick points out, even if the Rays fail to land a blockbuster trade deal, the team still has some amazing young prospects waiting in the wings… the type that could be called up and make an immediate contribution.

Conditions are perfect for a very exciting second half from the Tampa Bay Rays. The combination of first half success and All-Star talent, along with the indication that the team will be among the most aggressive teams at the trade deadline, makes for some very entertaining baseball during its closing months.

The Tampa Bay Rays reached the World Series in 2008, but lost to the Philadelphia Phillies. Will 2010 be the year to finish the job? Rest assured that no other team will try harder than the Rays to make it back to the Fall Classic. In a division that has been dominated by the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox, it is the Rays who are contributing the most exciting baseball of the season.

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The 2010 MLB Second Half Team to Watch Debate… California Love

July 15, 2010

Read the opposing arguments from Bleacher Fan and Loyal Homer.

With the All-Star game in the rearview mirror, baseball is about to catch its second wind. Deadline deals, rested players, and renewed spirits are about to breathe new life into the old ball game. It is an exciting time for baseball, especially for fans of the National League. For the first time since 1996 the N.L. has won the All-Star game. This, in itself, is a huge accomplishment for the National League. But it carries even greater importance now because the N.L. has secured home field advantage during the World Series for the first time since the All-Star game started determining the matter. No team should be more excited about this than the L.A. Dodgers, because in my not so humble opinion, the Dodgers are a good bet to win the National League.

Now this may seem a bold prediction to some, but it is just common sense to me. The Dodgers are a great team that has struggled early. Now the Dodgers are in a good position to make a move during the second half. The Dodgers have been held back by a tough schedule thus far, although the team’s record does not really reflect it. The Dodgers are ten games above .500 with the third best win-loss record in the N.L., 49-39. Yet, amazingly, the team remains in third place in the division, trailing the San Diego Padres and Colorado Rockies.

The Dodgers’ dominance of division rivals has kept them competitive throughout the season, and figures to be a deciding factor in getting them to the post season. L.A. has absolutely destroyed teams within its division, posting a record off 22-6. Where the team has really struggled is interleague play. The A.L. owned L.A. during the first half, taking 11 victories from in just 15 games. I would like to point out, however, that these games were played against tough opponents like the Angels, Red Sox, and baseball’s current best, the Yankees.

The second half should be a different story for the Dodgers as they will face division opponents in more than half of the last 74 games… to say nothing of the added comfort of playing more games in the Pacific Time Zone.

The Dodgers also look to get back more than a few key starters on the way to the postseason. Injuries have hurt the Dodgers both at the plate and on the mound. When Andre Either went out early in the season because of an injury to his fingers, he was leading the N.L. in triple crown categories. That’s an enormous loss for the team’s run production. Should he return to early season form the N.L. should watch out for this hot young hitter. Either has had to take up the power hitting role that Manny Ramirez played upon arriving in Los Angeles. More recently fans watched the free spirited slugger change from a power threat to more of a line drive hitter. But, thanks in no small part to two stints on the disabled list; the Dodgers haven’t even received the full benefit out of ManRam’s bat. Throw in injuries to guys like Rafael Furcal and Matt Kemp, and it is clear that the line up has been seriously banged up. If the bats can stay healthy the Dodgers can get back in the swing of things in no time.

The pitching staff has been hit unusually hard as well. During the first half L.A. had 19 different starters toe the rubber. That’s more than three full five man rotations. The fact that the Dodgers have remained near the top of the N.L., and their division, speaks volumes about depth and scrappiness.

They have also battled the injury bug, which seems to have swarmed the team throughout the first half. If all the team stays healthy, and the boys in blue play up to their collective potential, it should be no problem to win the N.L. Wild Card. But I certainly wouldn’t doubt the team’s ability to win the N.L. West outright.

I also think the Boys in Blue have some special motivation moving forward. Manny Ramirez would surely like to prove he’s valuable as he enters the final year on his contract. Or does he? You never really know with Manny. Probably more compelling is the fact that this could be the last season for skipper Joe Torre, and I’m sure there is nothing the team would like more than for them to send him off on a high note.

The Dodgers are in great shape to win a bunch of games down the stretch and figure to be a very exciting team to watch. I would even peg them to challenge the Yankees in October for the World Series. Sure there are a lot of games left, but don’t count the Dodgers out yet. Any team with Manny Ramirez, and a terrific manager like Joe Torre, is sure to surprise.

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The 2010 MLB Second Half Team to Watch Debate… Phillies Gear Up For A Second Half Charge

July 15, 2010

Read the opposing arguments from Bleacher Fan and Babe Ruthless.

The second half of the MLB season kicks off tonight, and there are going to be some exciting pennant races. The biggest division lead at the break is just 4.5 games, and that is in the A.L. West. Looking over the standings I see a handful of teams outside of first place that may make a charge in the second half. One team stands out – and while it kills me to say this as a Braves fan (please, Braves fans, don’t go all Mel Gibson on me) – I think the Philadelphia Phillies aren’t going away quietly. I think they are set up for a second half charge.

As it stands now the Phillies currently sit in third place in the N.L. East, 4.5 games behind the division leading Atlanta Braves. They are also just 1.5 games back of the Dodgers and Rockies in the N.L. Wild Card chase. Many expected the Phillies to once again win the N.L. East and challenge for the pennant. That expectation was amplified by the offseason acquisition by Roy Halladay. But, injuries have complicated the quest.

The two most glaring injuries belong to perennial All-Stars Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley. Rollins, who has sat at the top of the lineup for the high-flying Phillies, is the spark that has been missing for the offense. To this point Rollins has only played in 31 games, as he has been on the disabled list two separate times. Even when he has been in the lineup his effectiveness has been minimal. For proof, please refer to his .254 batting average. Chase Utley, meanwhile, was placed on the disabled list on June 29 with a torn ligament in his right thumb. He is expected to be out at least another month. But he, too, was having a bit of a down season by the standard he set for himself. Those aren’t the only Phillies who have spent time on the disabled list at some point this season. Other guys that have missed time include Placido Polanco, Carlos Ruiz, J.A. Happ, Chad Durbin, Brad Lidge, and others. Seemingly, the only guys who haven’t missed any time are Halladay and Ryan Howard.

Once the team gets fully healthy I expect them to make a run at the Braves. This team is too good not to be in contention. Believe it or not, the everyday lineup has played together only SEVEN times this entire season! This is essentially the same team, plus Halladay, that has made the World Series the past two seasons. The guys that have had down years to this point, Rollins and Utley to name a few, surely will get things going down the stretch. And the pitching staff, behind Halladay, has shown signs of life. Jamie Moyer, who has gotten a lot of editorial conversation between the writers here at The Sports Debates, quietly has nine wins. Cole Hamels is still seeking to return to his 2008 form.

The Phillies did close the first half with a sweep of the Reds. That gives the team a little bit of momentum coming into the second half. And the Phillies are due for some momentum.

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Posted by Loyal Homer

The Dan Gilbert Tirade Debate Verdict

July 15, 2010

Read the opposing arguments from Bleacher Fan and Babe Ruthless.

As a sports fan, if you didn’t recognize the name Dan Gilbert a week ago, then you certainly do now. I knew who he was, and knew he owned the Cleveland Cavaliers. But until a few days ago I didn’t know he was the owner of Fathead, and that he is sometimes generous enough to offer Fatheads for as low as $17.41! The main focus of this debate, however, revolves around the letter Gilbert posted for his fans regarding LeBron James’ departure, and whether or not the letter was good for his investment in the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Bleacher Fan, being an avid Cavs fan for his entire life, was pleased with Cavs letter. In fact, he fired off an email to Babe Ruthless, Sports Geek, and me the minute he read the letter. Bleacher Fan loved it, and that’s pretty clear when reading his argument. The point was made that Dan Gilbert ultimately has to answer to the fans of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and it’s his job as owner to please those fans. It was an absolutely devastating turn of events for the city of Cleveland. That was obvious by watching footage of the jersey burning of the old #23 Cavs jerseys, and by all of the security that was placed throughout the streets of the city. He scored major kudos with Cavs nation, as evident by the fact that many Cavs fans have offered to help Gilbert pay the $100,000 fine assessed to him by NBA commissioner David Stern.

In contrast, Babe Ruthless writes that Gilbert’s letter gives Cleveland fans unrealistic expectations. In the letter he promised that Cleveland would win a championship before LeBron would, and I think all of us can agree that may be a little farfetched. The letter, according to Babe, is a “cowardly attempt to focus the blame on someone else.” Babe Ruthless does write that Jesse Jackson’s comments have no bearing whatsoever, and that they border on lunacy. That’s something I definitely agree with, as I have doubts as to how much this “friend and ally” of the NBA actually follows the NBA with all the other people he advises. Shouldn’t he be advising Michael Vick to have toy guns at his birthday party instead of real guns?

Here’s the deal. This is something Dan Gilbert had to do, and that’s why I am rewarding the victory to Bleacher Fan.

Even if the letter is nothing more than a Band-Aid on the situation, it is a Band-Aid that had to be placed on the wound. Around 9:30p last Thursday night fans were devastated, even as word had leaked out earlier in the day that James was likely “taking his talents to South Beach.” Words like “betrayal” and “Benedict Arnold” and “traitor” were just some of the clean words used to describe the situation by fans. They needed something positive to go to bed with that night. Dan Gilbert gave them that. As owner, obviously, he wants to turn a profit and that’s going to be a lot tougher without the former hometown hero. But he’s no idiot. He didn’t become a multi-millionaire by being passive with his investments. He wants to protect his investment. He needs the support of Cleveland. He got that support by saying what every Cavs fan wanted to hear, and was probably thinking. He certainly didn’t steal LeBron’s “glory’ that night, but he became a big part of the story. He has brought hope, at least temporarily, to the franchise. For right now, that is enough to build on.

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2 Comments | The Dan Gilbert Tirade Debate | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Loyal Homer

The Dan Gilbert Tirade Debate

July 14, 2010

Read the opposing arguments from Bleacher Fan and Babe Ruthless.

Here we are, days after Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert wrote an open letter to Cavs fans, and it’s still making news. It’s just too good to pass up, so we’ve decided to address it.

Yesterday, NBA commissioner David Stern fined Gilbert $100,000 for his “inappropriate” comments in the letter. Jesse Jackson, who apparently is a “friend and ally” of the league, called Gilbert’s feelings a “betrayal [that] personifies a slave master mentality.”

There are some high profile names coming out against Gilbert. But Bleacher Fan and Babe Ruthless also are high profile names (in TSD circles), and they are going to debate the issue today. Please look at the question closely.

Was it a good thing for his investment for Dan Gilbert to send the anger-filled message to the fans of the Cleveland Cavaliers?

Bleacher Fan will argue that he has no problem with the move and that it was the right thing to do as an owner. Babe Ruthless will argue that this was not a smart move by Gilbert.

Fire away! I promise I won’t fine anyone $100,000 for anything you say in this debate!

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Posted by Loyal Homer

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