Grey Area

I don't understand the punishment received by the Ohio State football players who were sanctioned for receiving improper benefits."

"The players are eligible for the bowl game because the NCAA determined they did not receive adequate rules education during the time period the violations occurred, Lennon said."

Quite the non-ruling ruling. On the heels of the Cam Newton ruling, the NCAA continues to arbitrarily dole out punishment, rendering their decisions as laughable. The NCAA couldn't be more transparent that bowl revenues drive their decisions.

As Pryor and his teammates enter the draft, they will escape any punishment.

Luck on Our Side

While I was caught off guard by the benching of Donovan McNabb, I was completely puzzled as to why Mike Shanahan would hand the keys to the Fiero to Rex Grossman. The Redskins thought enough of John Beck to trade for him, and he has a much greater upside than RG.

Then it hit me, and made complete sense.

Shanahan does not want to win. Losses increase draft equity.

The Redskins want Andrew Luck.

John Beck gives the Redskins a greater chance for victory, and if he shows any flash of talent, it will impede instilling Luck as QB from day one. Keeping Beck planted on the bench prevents any chance of an offseason quarterback controversy. The Redskins will show McNabb the door, Rex isn't taken seriously as the starter, and Beck remains an unknown quantity.

Strangely, I fully agree the Redskins need Luck. He is a proven winner, and has the upstanding 'it' quality of a winner. The Redskins won't draft another Auburn dual threat QB (Newton) and may settle for Mallett, but Luck is needed to revive this franchise.

If his career doesn't pan out, he can run for Congressional office.

RIP Bob Feller

Really sad to hear of the passing of Bob Feller. He was the first autograph I ever received (who wasn't a Disney character) at a Prince William Pirates game. I remember him being extremely patient and nice, and I thought, "wow, he's just like my grandfather."

I cannot think of a better compliment to give.

Little did I know of his experience or character, which I've come to learn. I'm glad my first autograph egged me to dig deeper. He was a great individual.

Weekend Chevron Thoughts

- Graeme McDowell makes the most of his talent. His final three holes (ridiculous bogey save on 17, 20 footer for birdies on 18 & P1) at the Chevron World Challenge were magnificent. I don't know how his swing doesn't lead him to hook every shot.

- European golfers putt better than their American counterparts. The (current) best professional putters - McDowell, Poulter, and Kaymer.

- The PGA Tour needs more match play, what better time than the Silly Season? Possibly something similar to Wentworth, but with eight golfers, three round-robin matches, and then a semi-final and final. Possibly invite golfers across different tours (PGA, LPGA, Champions, Nationwide).

- Has anyone heard from Ryo Ishikawa in the last six months?

I'm Embarrassed to Admit...

In the throes of Election Season, I figured there was no better time to watch a Wizards game and provide an outlook on their 2010-2011 prospects.

It will not be pretty. The team is a collection of individual parts, with little cohesion. I don't blame it on newcomers learning the scheme, but the attempt to capitalize on mismatches, to the detriment of development or team cohesion.

The Wizards have a few (two) bright spots.

1.) John Wall - Exciting and talented, and willing to defend and jump passing lanes. Needs to improve shot mechanics and bulk up (while keeping his speed). Beyond speed, he has the ability to fluidly change gears. Unfortunately, hits the floor 10-12 times a game; I hope he has the endurance to last a full NBA season.

2.) Javale McGee - He hustles and has size. Pithy compliments to pay a seven footer making millions, but it passes for praise on the Wizards. He received a standing ovation when he advanced the ball on a fast break.

Middling Wizards:
3.) Andray Blatche - Has size, but refuses to battle in the paint. Content to "operate" from the perimeter and settle for an off-balance contested shot. Not looking to involve his teammates in the offense, marginal defender. Has had two years worth of NBA development in his sixth year in the league. Somehow this constitutes 'middling'.

4.) Nick Young - Spot-up shooter, cannot create his own shot. Had no interest in the outcome of the game.

Horrible Wizards:
4.) Kirk Hinrich - Lost a step since his time in Chicago, which is painful, considering he only started with 3/4 step. Cannot push the ball in transition, or create his own shot. Defensive liability.

And, barely jersey-worthy:
5.) Yi Jianlian - No low post presence. Refuses to work in the paint, and pulled all his rebounds on deflections. Plays like a guard, the worst guard in the NBA. I watched incredulously (and comically) as he hoisted threes. Cannot be in the lineup as the game concludes, as he is a poor FT shooter, and poor defender.

The Wizards need Gilbert Arenas in the lineup (to replace KH), but I worry he'll take shots from Wall. Wall had a great line in last night's Win over Philadelphia (29, 13, 9 steals) but looked exhausted after playing almost 45 minutes.

I'd love to see the Wizards distribute PT to some of the end-of-the-benchers. Cartier Martin has a good shot, appears to hustle, and led to the call of the night ("Cartier playing like a gem!"). They need to dismantle every component of the team not named Wall or McGee and develop size (at any cost). Get something for Arenas while he still has value (any value). I'd take Luke Babbitt for Arenas, who would provide size and an unselfish attitude.

The Wizards are going to have a difficult season. Game 3, at home versus the Sixers, was a must win, which required a buzzer-beating game-tying three to be pushed to overtime. Between a few great nights from Wall and/or Arenas &unexpected wins, I'd guess they win 25 games (25 - 57).

I'd forgotten the pain of the final two minutes of a close NBA game. The half court inbounds after a dead ball won the game for the Wizards, but it was a bore to watch.

Swings and Misses

After Matteo Manassero's European Tour victory, I figured I'd check the progress of my October 2009 Best Golfers Under 25. Updated 2010 rankings below.

10. Tony Finau - Who?

9. Pablo Martin - I remember him being in contention in a few Euro Tour events. Currently 71st on the Euro Tour $ list.

8. Shane Lowry - Saw him on a mid-week Golf Channel Ireland Match with McIlroy, Clarke, and Harrington.

7. Rickie Fowler - Monday Ryder Cup heroics for a team which fell agonizingly short. No PGA wins, but a consistent performer and check casher.

6. Jason Day - PGA Tour winner, had a breakout year.

5. Ryo Ishikawa - Solid year, made cuts in Majors, played sparingly in the US.

4. Matteo Manassero - Great win in Europe, becoming the youngest winner on the European Tour.

3. Jamie Lovemark - Solidly in the Top Five on the Nationwide Tour, will begin career on the PGA Tour in 2011.

2. Anthony Kim - Injury plagued 2010.

1. Rory McIlroy - Win at Quail Hollow right before turning 21. Missed the PGA Championship playoff by a stroke (T3)


2010 Golfers Under 25

10. Seung-yul Noh - Leads the Asian Tour in scoring average.
9. Kevin Chappell - A win on the Nationwide Tour and the game to win on the PGA Tour.
8. Oliver Fisher - Some success on the Euro Tour (2nd, 2010 Madeira Islands Open), still looking for first win.
7. Danny Willett - Finished 2nd at the 2010 Dunhill Championship and has seven Top 10 finishes on the 2010 Euro Tour.
6. Chris Wood - Impressive showings in the Open, needs more consistency on the Euro Tour.
5. Jamie Lovemark
4. Jason Day
3. Matteo Manassero
2. Rickie Fowler
1. Rory McIlroy

At some point, very soon, two or three of these guys will be in contention on Sunday (PGA 2011) vying for their first win at a Major.

Style Blogs

As the list of blogs I follow evolves, I've gained interest in style blogs, which also seem to be proliferating. A few good (great) ones that won't steer your wrong:

A Time To Get - The best, a great place to start, and possibly end. Amazing content (LA based), and Nick is a great guy. I've read from start to finish. Also runs The Get Up and Get Down
A Continuous Lean - One of the bigger style spots, with excellent content
Manifold Destiny - DC based, although you'd be hard pressed to guess.
You Have Broken the Internet - Coming hard out of Chicago.

Pet Sounds

Is Brian Wilson's beard an homage to Brian Wilson's beard?

Ryder Cup - Friday

The US rain suits have already been fired. Ms. Pavin is not available for comments. Honestly, if you ditch the original raingear, why wouldn't you let the team wear their own?

You're getting old when you remember Squeegeegate from 1995 @ Oak Hill, when they weren't squeegeeing through the hole.

2010 Ryder Cup - Fourball

7:45 AM -- Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson (USA) vs. Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer (EUR)
8:00 AM -- Stewart Cink and Matt Kuchar (USA) vs. Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell (EUR)
8:15 AM -- Steve Stricker and Tiger Woods (USA) vs. Ian Poulter and Ross Fisher (EUR)
8:30 AM -- Bubba Watson and Jeff Overton (USA) vs. Luke Donald and Padraig Harrington (EUR)

I give Captain Corey Pavin (CCP) a C+. Furyk would hvae paired well with Cink, Watson, or Overton, as would Zach Johnson, who excels at 8-15 foot putts. I'm not surprised Mahan has a late wake up call, but I think Fowler could have have energized the US team with an early win. Additionally, I'm sure Watson/Fowler have orchestrated some crazy handshakes for post birdie/eagle celebration.

Thankfully, European Captain Montgomerie fared almost as poorly (B-). Kaymer is a must play, as are Westwood, McIlroy, and McDowell, but his final two pairings are short hitting duos, and Harrington's flight should have been scheduled to arrive Saturday evening. Ross Fisher is a wildcard, and Luke Donald is playing well.
Europe's final pairings are too similar in their games.

Expect a short course setup in the morning.

Ryder Cup 2010

Celtic Manor is upon the us. The Ryder Cup is two days away. Corey Pavin, heed my advice, and fist pumping up the fairways carrying the Ryder Cup trophy will be almost as sweet as your Cleveland 4W baton at Shinnecock Hills in 1995.

Friday AM - Fourball

Tiger Woods & Steve Stricker - The dynamic duo from Harding Park, the pairings works, and they should be inseparable during the week.

Phil Mickelson & Dustin Johnson - Practcie round buddies, requested to play together. Grant their request (only in fourball).

Jeff Overton & Jim Furyk - Team USA has a propensity for playing all team members on Day 1, and you don't want JO spraying it in the afternoon foursomes. Pair him with the hot hand and Ryder Cup vet.

Bubba Watson & Rickie Fowler - Again, a pairing of brochachos. Rookie jitters are superseded by ability to bag fowl.


Friday PM - Foursomes

TW & SS - The Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson (or Danny Devito and Rhea Perlman) of the Ryder Cup

PM & Stewart Cink - Both good putters. SC provides length and accuracy.

Zach Johnson & Matt Kuchar - Put them on the range together in the AM, comaring the likenesses between Des Moines and Atlanta. Plus, a hotter hand (ZJ) and the slightly-cooling-off MK.

JF & Hunter Mahan - Both have Ryder Cup experience, and their games (similar length & putting ability) mesh well.

KC Chiefs - 3-0

The title is a bit of a misnomer, as I'm more impressed with Thomas Jones than the Chiefs staying undefeated through Week 3. The guy just wins ballgames. A three time castaway (Cardinals, Bears, Jets), his teams are winners, and he produces, often in the backup RB role. He's a great platoon player, and knows his role.

Jeff George

I was at the beach LDW and wanted to throw around the pigskin. The only option was a relic. Not the contemporary Nerf-y garbage, the football was older than 80% of the people on the beach. If it were to get wet, it would have weighed 93lbs. It was autographed by Knute Rockne.

Man did my arm hurt all week.

Ryder Cup Captain's Picks

I'm guessing Pavin selects (in order of confidence):

Tiger Woods
Zach Johnson
Stewart Cink
Anthony Kim (despite the bad wrist)

I'm shaky on my Kim pick, if not Kim, I'd expect Nick Watney. I'd love to see Rickie Fowler, but I think we'll have to wait until 2012.

Sorry Charlie Hoffman, if one tournament win made you a selection, Greg Kraft (Puerto Rico 2009) should be really upset.

Chambers Bay Postmortem

The 2010 Amateur was the unveiling of Chambers Bay. While the course was a stern test for the field (it can be stretched to 7700 yards) I don't know how it will fare when the US Open is contested at CB in 2015.

I don't see how CB can be groomed to US Open standards. The rough is wispy and doesn't receive irrigation, and bunkers line many of the fairways, in lieu of rough. The bunkers won't be as penal as the deep rough which has become a US Open hallmark.

The greens are severely undulated, requiring novel approaches which take advantages of the bounces to find the right level of the putting surfaces. If the surrounding turf was to be grown to US Open height, it would negate the banking required for shots to approach the hole, and detract from the original intention of the course. Conditions (wind, rain) didn't appear to play much of a factor.

What will make CB difficult? Length? The amateurs were hitting mid-iron approaches on 500+ yard par fours. I guess the course could be stretched (8000+?), but it needs to be configured in reverse. Figure out what club/shots should be hit for approaches, and place tees accordingly.

2010 US Amateur

In the same vein of Whistling Straits, the 2010 US Amateur is at Chambers Bay. Scotland in Washington (state). I'm all for introducing new courses into the 'elite US rota', but is an imported feel a prerequisite for membership in the club?

Great five by David Chung at the 26th hole. Really utilized the slope of the green for the hole-out par. Great individual, as is Peter Uihlein. Two highly ranked amateurs (#4 and #1, respectively) in the midst of great summers. (Chung winning the Western Amateur).

Sleeper Cell

In an effort to get healthy, I've tried to eat/drink better (I no longer drink soda) and exercise daily. To improve my mental health, I may need to give up sports radio.

The "analysis" of the circadian rhythms of Jim Furyk is ridiculous. The situation can be stated in two words.

He overslept.

Hosts/callers have opened Pandora's box regarding the laziness/spoiled nature of athletes ("he's entitled and doesn't have to attend mandatory functions"), which flies past the border of absurd into downright stupidity.

How it is still a story on Friday, I have no idea. There is tournament golf being played (FedEx tournament golf, for what that is worth).

PGA 2010

Great to see Darren Clarke play a good first round, a win would be well deserved.

I don't know what to make of Whistling Straits. Is it links golf, or a cookie cutter Pete Dye. Having played the Pete Dye club in West Virginia, I see many similarities, to include fairways with excessive contours, and severe changes (elevation, angle, lie) from fairway to rough. Large greens which rely on undulations rather than shape, and surrounding mounding and bunkering. Over bunkering in the fairways.

I'm not overly impressed. I guess I'm a sucker for golf history, and a Vijay Singh win doesn't qualify.

Thinking back to the Vijay win, where is Chris DiMarco these days?

Seriously?

In the vein of micromanaging, microreporting from the PGA.

"The first and ninth tees remained shrouded in fog. No player was actively hitting balls on the range. Australians Jason Day and Stuart Appleby were having a conversation, while Day simultaneously bounced a golf ball with his wedge. Appleby finally removed his visor, hooked it on his bag and walked to the locker room."

The Hawk

I've always been a huge fan of Andre Dawson. He'd wield the bat like a flyswatter with a vendetta.