The 2010 Heisman Hopeful Debate… First Noel For Heisman

August 30, 2010

Read the opposing arguments from Sports Geek and Loyal Homer.

Before I launch into my Heisman Trophy hopeful nominee, here’s an indictment of the whole “whittle down the Heisman list in August” movement, despite the fact that we here at TSD are proudly contributing to the problem.

When I was younger I used to think the Heisman Trophy was truly the award for the best player in college football. As I’ve gotten older, the award seems to have morphed into the trophy generally given to the best player who was on national TV a lot, had a highlight reel play, and was mercilessly promoted by ESPN’s studio personnel. Given all that, if I’m going to add to the commentary and noise surrounding a trophy awarded four months from now, I’m going to submit a deserving underdog candidate to all of our loyal readers.

Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce Noel Devine, senior running back from West Virginia University.

Serious college football fans are aware of Devine’s talent, but he has yet to achieve national notoriety despite his aggressive, highlight-creating running style and speed. Part of this may be intentional on Devine’s part given the distinct lack of publicity surrounding his recruitment. While recruiting analysts waxed poetic about his talents and a wide variety of YouTube videos displayed his jaw-dropping abilities for the denizens, Devine and those around him were generally people of few (or no) words. In my view, this is refreshing given the publicity hounds that seem to populate the high school football recruiting world. Unfortunately, this lack of self-promotion makes it difficult to mount a Heisman campaign. That is why I would like to help him out. I’m sure that the power of this post will be worth dozens of Heisman votes when all is said and done, in the same way that I would handily defeat Mr. Devine in a foot race. Hey, maybe I’ll at least win the poll for this debate!

Now that I’ve given you the personal reasons why I think he should win, let’s get to his statistics. His statistics alone make him deserving of a trip to New York this December. First, Devine had a dazzling 2009 season that largely flew under the radar. He rushed for 1,465 yards on 241 carries, an average of 6.1 yards per carry. He also racked up 13 touchdowns on the ground. Beyond his notable rushing production, Devine took care of the football. He did not lose a fumble during the 2009 season despite those 241 carries. In fact, Devine has not lost a fumble during this three-year career at West Virginia. Noel, I hope I didn’t jinx you for this year by mentioning that statistic!

The good news for Devine is that there are high hopes for the Mountaineers this season. If they achieve the predicted level of success there will be plenty of national opportunities for Devine to make his case to the Heisman voters. Additionally, he is expected to be the featured component of the customarily potent West Virginia offense.

If Devine stays healthy this season I sincerely hope the voters recognize a player who lets his production do his talking rather than his sideline antics or his grace in front of the cameras. If that is the case, no couch may be safe in Morgantown this December.

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Posted by Optimist Prime

The Managing the Marlins Debate… Reeling In A Winner In Miami

July 1, 2010

Read the opposing argument from Loyal Homer.

It seems that the best laid plans of Marlins and men often go awry, and that is exactly what happened to the Miami baseball club during its search for a new manager.

Once again the Florida Marlins have a made a spectacle of themselves, this time through a very public firing of team manager Fredi Gonzalez, and an even more publicized courtship of potential manager Bobby Valentine. Valentine, a longtime friend of team owner Jeffrey Loria, seemed like a lock for the job, so much so that he withdrew from consideration for the Baltimore Orioles managerial position. Ultimately, the team did not land Valentine, and now the Marlins are left with a coaching staff lacking major league experience and a public perception of being a disorganized ball club.

But the saga of Valentine’s interview process is not the focus of today’s debate as much as the question, “Is the Florida Marlins job even worth taking if YOU are Bobby Valentine?”

Does a fish breathe water? (Well, actually, it sort of derives oxygen while passing water through its gills, but you get where I’m going with this…)

Of course the job is worth taking. If it were not an enviable position the Marlins would not have a list of ten candidates to interview, nor would the team feel comfortable passing on a guy like Valentine, which they did.

Five years after entering the league the Marlins won the World Series in 1997. Just six years later the team did it again, in 2003. I am certainly no Nostradamus, but even I can see a pattern here with 2010 being seven years since the last championship. Even if the Marlins do not win it all this season, this talented team is due, and it has the potential to be among the best clubs in baseball.

If you don’t believe me, perhaps you should ask my competitor in this debate, Loyal Homer, who highlighted the team as his pick for the 2010 MLB Sleeper earlier this season. Or perhaps you prefer a more statistical and data driven argument to persuade you that the Marlins are the real deal. Then I would suggest you take the word of Sport Geek, who declared the fish the “best rotation for the money.” So, in the immortal words of LeVar Burton, “You don’t have to take my word for it!” (I bet you are humming the Reading Rainbow theme right now.)

Obviously, the Marlins have a fair share of drawbacks – most notably a thrifty payroll and a dwindling fan base set against the backdrop of stadium transition drama. But, are these really even obstacles to success?

The Marlins have been able to do terrific things with a small payroll in the past, and the amount the team spends on salaries has been steadily increasing over the years. In 2010 the Marlins rank 26th in the majors in total team salary, with a payroll of approximately $55,641,500. While that number may seem paltry compared with the Yankees more than $206M roster, it still affords the Fish a roster of talented players. Guys like Hanley Ramirez, Josh Johnson, Dan Uggla, and Jorge Cantu are leading the charge in 2010 and keeping the Marlins competitive.

The standings don’t lie. At this writing the Marlins are 7.5 games out of first place in the NL East. Compare that with the opportunities that Valentine, and other managers seeking a position in the big leagues, have… and it starts to look like a great opportunity. The Baltimore Orioles were 24 games out of first and ranked dead last in the AL East. The Marlins are in a better position than many, trailing the division leader by a smaller margin than 12 other MLB teams. The Marlins are no doubt a competitive team. Pair that with the fact that Valentine could use his friendship to leverage Loria to acquire a couple of difference making players via trade or free agency, and we are talking about a seriously dangerous team that could compete for the division title. Or even the Wild Card.

Similarly, the fact that the Marlins are not drawing the biggest gate receipts, in baseball is a blessing in disguise. It allows them a bit of anonymity in an otherwise big market city. It seems that the Marlins don’t get near the media exposure that other large East Coast cities get, or even as much as the Miami Dolphins seem to draw. That allows the team to fly under the radar. Players can actually focus on baseball without the distractions of a TMZ reporter asking them who they are dating or how their dinner was. The Marlins have snuck up on the league twice before and a manager would be a fool not to think they can do it again. The fans and the exposure will come. The new stadium in Little Havana alone promises that, but there is no better way to put butts in seats than bringing home some postseason hardware. The low profile of the Marlins gives them a good chance to do that in an otherwise high exposure division.

Even if the Marlins passed on Valentine, the position definitely has worth. It has a lot of advantages to coaching in some of the cities that have vacancies (yes, I mean you Baltimore), and even some places that aren’t searching for a new manager. But who knows the door may not be closed on old Bobby yet. He could always try again later, with a pair of shades and a mustache (if you don’t know what I’m talking about you HAVE to click this link). The point is, regardless of its perception, the job has value. Most candidates would be a fool not to take it.

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Posted by Babe Ruthless

The Phil versus Red Debate Verdict

June 30, 2010

Read the opposing arguments from Sports Geek and Loyal Homer.

Comparing the legacies of Phil Jackson and Red Auerbach proved to be an extremely difficult task. Both men established dominant dynasties, which in turn escalated the level of play – even for the NBA itself – to new heights. But which one was greater?

Attempting to quantify their greatness purely objectively is an exercise in futility, considering each man coached very different players during different eras. It would be like trying to determine which is more exciting, a monster slam dunk or a buzzer beating half court shot. Both feats leave fans in breathless amazement, but these feats utilize completely different set of skills. The same can be said of the legacies of Jackson and Auerbach, but that did not stop Sports Geek and Loyal Homer from producing mightily persuasive arguments for which coach was the greatest.

Sports Geek defined the impact of Auerbach’s coaching career as multifaceted. Without diminishing the achievements of Phil Jackson, he explained how Auerbach built a championship team from the bottom up, and how he did this without the benefit of league-leading scorers or an extensive entourage of coaches. He additionally highlighted that Auerbach’s leadership contributed to the development of several great coaches who reached the highest levels of success in the NBA. Sports Geek made a compelling case that Auerbach’s involvement with the integration of the NBA was another significant achievement that cannot easily be measured by statistics. But the most significant aspect of his argument was the description of how Auerbach’s legacy could not be limited to the role of coach.

Sports Geek explained how the famed coach also experienced great success in the roles of general manager and team president. He even suggested that the nine additional championships Boston achieved while Auerbach was serving in these capacities should be taken into account with his overall success in the sport, a logic I cannot deny.

Loyal Homer’s argument focused on the amazing and inarguable success that Phil Jackson experienced. He explained that Jackson’s unprecedented and record shattering accomplishments with both the Chicago Bulls and L.A. Lakers were more his doing than not. He overcame the prevalent criticism that Jackson’s success is more a reflection of his player’s talent than his coaching. Loyal Homer pointed out that other coaches were unable to help players like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant reach the pinnacles of their success, something Phil was able to do immediately with each team.

Both Sports Geek and Loyal Homer were able to meet the challenges which I laid out for them. Sports Geek was able to explain how the contributions of Red Auerbach transcended records in the win-loss column and fundamentally altered the history of basketball. Loyal Homer provided a more than adequate defense of Phil Jackson’s actual contribution to coaching champions rather than riding their coattails into the record books.

While I agree with, and practically live by, Loyal Homer’s central assertion – that championships define greatness – Sports Geek points out that considering all Auerbach’s roles, Red actually accumulated the most championships. Equally as important to my determination was the fact that Loyal Homer was unable to cite one clear example of how Jackson made a lasting impact on the sport the way Auerbach did, another telltale sign of greatness. That’s why I am awarding this debate victory to Sports Geek. He unquestionably proved that Red transcended impressive records and shaped the future of a sport. While Auerbach may not be the contemporary name that Jackson is, he proves to be the greatest of all time.

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Posted by Babe Ruthless

The Biggest Winner of the Super Bowl Debate – Peyton Manning: The Greatest Player Who Ever Lived

February 5, 2010

Read the arguments by Bleacher Fan and Loyal Homer.

 

If children dream of being NFL players, then what do NFL players dream of being? I’ll tell you. They dream of being Peyton Manning.  This year’s Super Bowl only further cements his legacy as the greatest NFL player of all time.

For those who doubt my assertion that Peyton Manning is the best football player ever, I suggest you take a look at his credentials. Most of Manning’s detractors point to his lack of Super Bowl championships as their entire case against his greatness (“Rings? Rings!? He don’t need no stinking rings!”), even though Peyton Manning already has one Super Bowl ring from 2007. He is ranked among the top in every quarterback statistic that matters (passing yards, touchdowns, wins, etc.) and has an unprecedented four league MVP awards as well. While even the biggest Manning-haters will at least admit he is among the best quarterbacks today, I say that he is making a campaign for the greatest player of all time, and I’m not alone. Sports Illustrated writer Ross Tucker points out that Peyton’s accomplishments exceed those of Dan Marino, John Elway, Brett Farve,  Joe Montana, and Tom Brady…and I could not agree with him more. Marino never won a Super Bowl - This Sunday Manning attempts to win his second. Two Super Bowl victories would tie those of Elway, and would surpass Farve.

Tucker also makes the argument that Montana played for a stacked 49ers team that preceded the days of free agency, and that Brady benefited from the genius of Bill Billichick’s defenses and strategies. On top of all this, Tucker points out something I covered here on TSD last month, Peyton Manning’s success this year came without the assistance of his usual all-star supporting cast. Manning carried his team to the Super Bowl and he did it without Tony Dungy’s brilliant leadership, or Marvin Harrison’s seemingly ageless hands. Few would doubt the fact that Manning is the brains behind his own success, because his tireless hours of film breakdown and an ability to read defenses and play call at the line of scrimmage are unparalleled. While each of aforementioned quarterbacks are legends in their own right, Manning’s resume boasts superior accolades.  

This year’s Super Bowl puts him Over The Top like Lincoln Hawk (don’t tell me you don’t remember the 1980s arm wrestling movie staring Sylvester Stallone, who played a trucker competing for a new big rig and his son’s love).

 His greatness transcends the game. Some celebrities’ fame makes them the national face of their city, but Mr. Manning’s relationship the city of Indianapolis even exceeds the wildest of expectations. Like a benevolent Mussolini he controls the education system and makes the buses run on time. Seriously! Peyton Manning controls the opening and closing of schools Indianapolis, a power usually reserved for the weather and natural disasters. Want proof? In 2007 the Indianapolis Public School system actually had to cancel school because of the celebrations of Peyton’s first Super Bowl ring. Apparently the raucous celebrations left the bus drivers so wiped out they could not even drive their routes that day. This year the school district is on a two hour delay. I think all the elementary school students should have to write thank you cards for their extra two hours of Manning Break. 

His celebrity is not embraced just regionally, but around the country. As Rod Tidwell might say, “he is an Ambassador of Quan”. He has the love, respect, community, and the dollars too…the Quan. Manning continues to become a cultural icon, but better. He is like Ellen DeGeneres - He makes us laugh and cry, but instead of giving away free stuff he gives away unforgettable moments. The next memorable gift is scheduled for delivery this Sunday during the Super Bowl.

This game holds exceptional meaning and value for the legacy of Peyton Manning. New Orleans is in many respects Manning’s home, and it holds special meaning to the Manning family.

The Manning family, which appears to pass on a genetically enhanced football gene (some have even suggest that Archie Manning be cryogenically frozen in order to produce enhanced players in the future…true story) continue to have a profound connection to New Orleans. It was the stomping grounds for Peyton’s father, Archie Manning, when he played for the Saints. Peyton and his brother Eli have stayed invested in the area as evidence by their assistance with Hurricane Katrina relief. Now so many years later, New Orleans seeks to defeat one of its favorite sons, and in the Super Bowl no less. This is sure to be a big, emotionally charged game for Peyton Manning, to which he usually responds with big outings. Who can forget his decimation of the Saints at the Superdome in 2003 where he put up 6 scores in just 3 quarters, just one shy of the NFL record. He was certainly motivated then by all the attention of a nationally televised game against his father’s old team in his old home town. I think this year’s Super Bowl will just be another benchmark in the storied history of the greatest player the game has ever known.

This debate is supposed to be about the Super Bowl’s biggest winner, and it is abundantly clear that the marquee story is Peyton Manning. Peyton Manning’s legacy will shine that much brighter, not if, but when he leads his Colts to a victory over his father’s Saints in Super Bowl XLIV.

But I think at least on some level, the Super Bowl itself wins because it can feature the greatest player the NFL has to offer—Peyton Manning.

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Posted by Babe Ruthless

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