Hamilton’s Anger Wrongly Directed

Constant turmoil is spreading around the Detroit Pistons like wild fire.  Front and center is the cause of the controversy: long time veteran guard Richard Hamilton.  Throughout the year, the fading star has continually battled with head coach, John Kuester in areas that includes playing philosophies and team direction.  While such actions are not unheard of and would usually be non-newsworthy, it is the matter through which his unhappiness is displayed.  During this lackluster and unfulfilled season for the Pistons, Hamilton has not only confronted his bench boss with his perceived shortcomings in front of teammates, but in order to strengthen his point he also tried to coordinate a morning shoot around boycott.  Upon the first incident, Kuester  had no other choice but to permanently bench Hamilton, which only added fuel to the ever building, raging inferno.

Hamilton has tried in fervor to proclaim himself as the victim in this situation.  The “whoa is me” persona has overtook not only the player, but has become a mantra to the impressionable team.  Yet, Hamilton could have escaped the black hole that has consumed him.  Before the trade deadline, the Pistons tried to alleviate themselves of Hamilton by sending him, along with a first round pick in the upcoming draft, to Cleveland.  Essentially, the Cavaliers would be compensated for taking a $12 million trade exception with the draft choice caveat.  While the prospect of spending the remainder of the season in the Siberia of the NBA (which Cleveland now draws comparison) is certainly not enticing, Hamilton would instead have a silver lining.  Rather than adding him to their roster, the Cavaliers would have bought out the contract of the embattled player, who could then move on to a team of his choosing.  Clubs such as the Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls were kept aloft in the prospective deal, chomping at the bit to add a veteran presence to their respective playoff aspirations.  Further, with the current state of the Bulls, Hamilton may have even found himself in the starting five.  All Hamilton would have to do is say yes.  

With all the elements that have plagued him this season, the potential trade would seem to be a no brainer for Hamilton in waving his no trade clause.  However, in one more act of deviance, he unbelievably decided to maintain his roots in Detroit.  His plane ticket out of “hell” was there for him, but he instead chose to stay in the bed he has made.  In review of Rip Hamilton’s past year, the problem lies not with the Pistons lack of player personnel, or lack of coaching, but Hamilton himself.  As a veteran, he knows better than to lash out at authority in front of his peers.  How can younger players have any sort of desire to play for a man that an elder statesman has absolutely no respect for and publicly makes his transgressions well known?  A player should develop his own relationship with his coach and should not have a teammate’s voice detract from that bond.  As a veteran, Hamilton needs to conquer obstacles that he stumbles across, not cause them. 

While staying in Detroit was ultimately his decision, it is now time for Hamilton to reassess himself and to use all his energy to patch up the destruction and frustration that he has caused his teammates and coach.  He still can illustrate to his teammates and the Detroit community that he has opened his eyes and has decided to face his self made confrontations like a man.  Can you imagine what it must be like for a member of the Pistons to go to work everyday?  By simply entering the doors of the Detroit locker room, one would walk through a cloud of tension that feeds on the growing level of negativity.  The situation draws a close comparison to the basis of the movie Ghostbusters, as negative karma fueled the god Gozer’s return to power, eventually resulting in the confrontation of good versus evil.  The Pistons are nearing that exact breaking point.  A disgruntled superstar can create despair and distress that cannot be overcome easily and often takes a considerable amount of time.  Even though it is human nature to point the finger at someone else, it takes a true leader to admit fault and establish solutions for the betterment of the team.  For the Pistons, the team is vitally relying on Hamilton to reassume that vacant role, which needs to be accomplished before the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man comes to town possibly signaling the point of no return.

Cuban Makes Cents

As usual, the Dallas Mavericks owner, Mark Cuban, has a gripe. While making that statement is old hat, the fact that his remarks are justified offer something that in itself should be analyzed.  Throughout his tenure as the boss of the Texas based franchise, Cuban is notoriously known for his antics, whether they occur on the sideline right next to his team’s bench, or on SportsCenter, freely offering his opinion to all comers.  NBA Commissioner David Stern is of particular interest to Cuban, as he continually bashes heads with the leader of the league.  Most of the comments are brushed aside by sports aficionados due to the well known fact that he will often times wear his emotions on his sleeve.  Yet, to the thankfulness of the media, Cuban lashes about anything and everything.

Such was the case on Thursday, as Cuban stressed his displeasure with the ongoings at the NBA trade deadline.  While not so much upset about the Mavericks lack of making any moves to better their chances of capturing NBA glory, Cuban was once again challenging David Stern.  Due to financial issues, the struggling New Orleans Hornets  are under league control, which also means the other 29 teams have a vested interest in the operations of the team.  Thus, when the Hornets (who were rescued by the NBA for $300 million) were active at the deadline, it ruffled Cuban’s feathers.  

The minor deal sent forward Carl Landry to New Orleans in exchange for guard Marcus Thornton and cash considerations.  At first, it sounds like a classic situation of Cuban being Cuban, where his motive for being angry would stem from the fact that the New Orleans would likely face his Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs.  However, digging a little deeper, one sees his true reason for the tirade: the financially strapped club also took on more salary.  Who is flipping the bill for that?  You guessed it, the other owners of the league.  In his rampage, Cuban remarked, “There's so few teams in the league that can afford to do that and yet we're allowing a team that's owned by the league to do that?”  He also added, “I don't need to be competing economically with the league and myself."  

To me, if the New Orleans Hornets are expected by the league to be supported and kept alive by the other owners, those members should have some say in operational dealings, especially when its their money that is ultimately being spent.  While I am a proponent for the Hornets in trying to better their chances for success and survival, it cannot be thrown into the faces of the rest of the NBA.  This lack of respect shown to the owners by its leader, David Stern, could come to haunt the league, as the Collective Bargaining Agreement is set to expire soon.  Unfortunately for the NBA and the other struggling franchises, people tend to have long memories, especially when money is involved.

Bumbling Idiots Serve Vital Roles

The sporting world needs personalities to keep its entertainment ball rolling.  People such as Rex Ryan and Hank Steinbrenner often fill the void with their moxie, for which they are often referred to as bumbling idiots throughout the media.  On one side, reporters sharpen their pencils and ready their microphones as these personas utter anything resembling a word, while the public sits in anticipation to argue its point of view in conjunction with the matter at hand.  Experts and naysayers may view these type “A” personas as ludicrous and self-absorbed, but in essence they produce an interesting element for their respective sport and franchise: people are always paying attention no matter what time of year it is.

Recently, Hank Steinbrenner questioned his team’s direction and desire by indicating that the failure of last season may be linked with players “building their mansions.”  Obviously trying to spark a fire in his ball club during spring training, the media took it as him attacking the team’s most worshipped current figure, Derek Jeter.  Perhaps he should have thought this through prior to speaking or maybe he should not try so hard to be his old man, George.  Still, he was able to capture a spot in the headlines for his franchise, even with other New York teams (big trades for Knicks and Nets) controlling the back pages of the newspaper.

Not to be outdone, Rex Ryan talked about the upcoming labor lockout and still guaranteed that his New York Jets will capture next season’s Super Bowl, even though next season is not a certainty.  Ryan fully understands the fact that he has as close to “job security” as anyone in professional sports due to his recent success.  The Jets fans love him for his attitude, which they perceive as their own and the swagger he conveys is evident as the team lashes out against championship caliber opponents.  Ryan successfully reached the root for why fans love their teams so much, they have a need to believe that this is the year the championship comes “home.”

Perhaps most importantly, it offers fuel for sports rivalries to flourish.  People in Boston are chomping at the bit, desperately anticipating the Patriots to steamroll the Jets and prove Ryan wrong.  How dare Rex Ryan declare such a creed with the unflappable Bill Belichick residing in New England?  By the same token, Steinbrenner has now challenged the Yankees to overtake the (better team on paper) Red Sox in the American League East.  Despite the fact that their respective sports are not quite “in season” fans are already looking forward to seeing their heroes return to the playing field.  While marketing campaigns develop around a tremendous amount of research, design, money, and implementation time, sometimes all it takes is one person with a microphone directly in front of him to achieve the desire effect.  For owners the message is quite simple, freedom of speech costs them absolutely nothing, but still puts fannies in the seats.

Privacy For Sale?

      For Carl Crawford, signing his contract with the Boston Red Sox was a simple equation: the money was right, the club was a contender, and his home park would be under the lights at Fenway Park.  For the Boston Red Sox, the deal was processed after due diligence and careful studying.  Please emphasize the words diligence and studying.  Theo Epstein indicated to Crawford and the media on Tuesday that the Boston Red Sox conducted an in-depth back round check on the All-Star, which included both on the field game play and off the field personal activity.

While most employers today engage in following up on potential workers by looking into their past, the Red Sox may have crossed the line with having someone tail Crawford as he went about his business.  I do not blame the Red Sox brain trust for needing reassurance before it pulled the trigger in signing Crawford to a lucrative contract, bringing his services to Boston.  But personal privacy is the issue at hand.  At what point do employers stop themselves from prying into someone’s life without their knowledge or consent?  While back round reports are black and white and often contain information such as criminal records, employment and financial histories, having a “private investigator” delve deep into one’s everyday life is as gray an action as its notion suggests.  

While a player earns millions of dollars a year in salary, does that total make it perfectly justifiable for a team to override the rights of that individual?  It is certainly understandable for a franchise to protect an investment or investigate a potential deal to its fullest, it must be perfectly known that the club does not own this player.  Rather, they simply employ his services, which pertain strictly to the baseball diamond.  

Management in professional sports have a unique relationship with one another which allows them to often converse about personnel and the dealings pertaining to those individuals.  Having that knowledge at their disposal paves the way for inside information to be passed along through the proper channels.  This old school way of thinking also serves as reassurance and offers the opportunity for general managers and owners to compare notes from their meetings with the player.  With such a weapon in their hat full of tricks, it is surprising that Theo Epstein negated that practice and upped the ante.  I surely hope that other teams do not follow suit and institute this new, radical tactic, for it takes away one of the most imperative elements of an individual’s life that does not have a price: privacy.  

Flyers Land Versteeg Due to Self-Sacrifice

Ville Leino is patiently waiting for his turn.  Leino has carried his inspired play over to the regular season after becoming one of the Flyers playoff heroes in their march to the Stanley Cup Finals last spring.*  Since being “stolen” from the Detroit Redwings just prior to the trading deadline last year, Leino has established himself as a fixture in the Flyers lineup. Often skating alongside Danny Briere and Scott Hartnell, the trio combines a unique blend of speed, puck handling abilities, and grit that constantly causes headaches for opposing teams as they try to slow a balanced Flyers attack.  

After seeing fellow teammates Jeff Carter and Claude Giroux sign their own contract extensions, respectively, Ville Leino has sat back and let his play do his negotiating.  Yet, the NHL is stringent in regards to franchise payroll capabilities.  “Tagging” players in terms of future seasons is regulated in the fact that teams cannot already commit to player salaries that are higher than the current salary cap maximum.  Due to the fact that the Flyers are amongst the select group of teams in the NHL that continually spend as close to the ceiling of the salary cap as humanly possible, the club found itself facing a decision.  The team could work out a new deal with Leino now or acquire a player to help in a playoff run. In essence, the Flyers would have to wait until the offseason to conduct business with Leino, for the NHL determines next season’s salary cap after analyzing all the figures from the previous season to determine expected growth in profits.  (The number has risen every year since the salary cap was instituted during the 2004-05 lockout.)

Despite the collection of players that General Manager Paul Holmgren had assembled on his roster, management felt that this is a Flyers team that can not only compete, but could contend for the Stanley Cup.  With that in mind, it should come as no surprise that as the trade deadline fast approached, the club would scour the league looking to add a piece or two that will solve the playoff puzzle that the franchise was so close to conquering last spring.  After finding what he hopes is the missing element in Toronto Maple Leafs Kris Versteeg, GM Paul Holmgren took it upon himself to do the unthinkable: he sat down and consulted with Ville Leino about the prospect of acquiring the forward.  While management usually does not inquire about personnel moves with current players on the roster, Holmgren found it imperative to seek out Leino’s thoughts.  In doing so, Holmgren was able to complete several bullet points on his checklist. First and foremost, discussing with Leino the Flyers wish to resign him to a long term contract at salary that is in line with his production and worth to the franchise.  In addition, with the possible acquisition of Kris Versteeg, the window would essentially close on achieving any new deal until the offseason, for the cap hit of Versteeg would prevent the Flyers in “tagging” Leino.

Through taking the time and conversing with Ville Leino and obtaining his blessing, Paul Holmgren was able to complete the trade for Kris Versteeg that not only improved the Flyers depth for their upcoming run at the Stanley Cup, but may also have prevented any misunderstandings in the offseason negotiations with one of his key players.   Kudos go out to Paul Holmgren for executing a simple, yet well thought out scheme and to Ville Leino who put his own personal gain on the back burner to add Kris Versteeg to the Flyers roster.  Realizing what is at stake for both parties, both men put the team first and made it known that the offseason would have to be the time for a new contract to come to fruition.  When the sit opposite each other at the bargaining table this summer, both hope they will be signing the contract with a shiny, diamond encrusted Stanley Cup ring on their fingers.

*In 19 playoff games, Leino registered 7 goals and 14 assists for 21 points.

NBA On the Move?

In the current operation format of the NBA, the league should consider contracting to 10 teams and have a deep minor league system.   With the Carmelo Anthony saga officially coming to a close last night with his trade to the New York Knicks, the NBA is facing a new trend: young superstar players are collaborating with one another to team up and play together.  While this certainly is their prerogative, does it make the league truly better?  Looking at the current standings, realistically there are 8 clubs that have a shot at claiming the NBA Title.  Even though there are several clubs that are on the bubble, these teams are head and shoulders above the rest of the field: Celtics, Heat, Bulls, Magic, Spurs, Mavericks, Lakers, and Thunder. (I cannot add the Knicks to the upper echelon, for they have not played together yet with their new acquisition.)   While I might have generously added the Magic and Thunder to the list, it does prove a point that gap between the “Elite” 8 and the other 22 teams is quite extensive and expanding at a rapid rate.  While the big market teams are able to attract the superstars to their cities, the franchise that drafted the player in the hopes that he would lead them to postseason glory are left in the aftermath pondering its next move.

Could you imagine Larry Bird leaving Boston and joining forces with Magic Johnson in Los Angeles?  Or Patrick Ewing heading to Chicago to play alongside Michael Jordan?  While those questions seem outlandish and absurd, that is exactly the scenario in today’s NBA.  While dominant teams always come to fruition, the fashion through which they are being assembled has changed dramatically.  The NBA is turning into MLB, with the big market teams pillaging their small market counterparts when their young talent enters its prime.  So in essence, teams such as the Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, and now the Cleveland Cavaliers will serve as developmental camps for young superstars, as the Knicks, Celtics, Heat, and Lakers play the waiting game, salivating over their respective futures.  

That sure sounds familiar.  The Yankees, Red Sox, Phillies, and Angels view the Royals, Pirates, and Mariners as “AAAA” franchises who offer youngsters on the job training in order to reach their full potential with a deep pocket franchise.  While it is a way of life if you are a fan of a big market team, how do you get excited for an upcoming season if you reside in Cleveland or Sacramento?  Even if you get a high draft selection, you realistically know deep down that as soon as that player’s initial contract concludes, his bags are packed and he will be hosting an hour long television special on ESPN letting the world know his “decision” as to where he will continue his career.  In the case of Carmelo Anthony, the Denver Nuggets are in the midst of the Western Conference playoff picture.  Obviously losing its most vital piece at the most inopportune time transitions the mindset of a franchise.  While Anthony gave fans something to cheer about, the end game is on display clearly.  For Carmelo to reach his true goal, he would have to leave the Nuggets, all the while turning down the same contract extension from Denver as he will sign with the Knicks.  The optimistic outlook that the Nugget faithful held close to their hearts has been replaced with the all too familiar morbid feeling it was accustomed to prior to Anthony’s arrival.

However, the NBA does have the opportunity to close the loop hole and force smart business to once again take control.  The Collective Bargaining Agreement expires this summer and while a hard salary cap is going to be a tough sell on the Player’s Association, it does level the playing field and give hope to all fans in every city a franchise is located.  One does not have to look outside the sports industry for concrete evidence that controlled and regulated budget restraints will prove advantageous for all members.  The NFL historically has caused more prosperity and league stability with the introduction of the the salary cap.  Teams are able to build a team around its most successful players, which makes the supporting cast the reason championships are captured or lost.  More importantly, all the franchises are profitable, unlike the teams that reside in the NBA.

Naysayers would argue that dynasties are eliminated with the “watering down” effect, yet teams such as the Patriots and Steelers illustrate that business savvy and budget management lead to sustained success.  It also allows the franchises to build through the draft and smart free agent additions.  Thus, all eligible playoff teams have a true chance to win the championship.  Don’t think that is possible?  Look no farther than the team that most recently hoisted the Lombardi Trophy.  The Green Bay Packers, entered the playoffs as the sixth seed in the NFC, yet it did not let it stand in their way as they marched to the Super Bowl.  In the existing state of the NBA, there is zero chance that a lower seed will bring the O’Brien Championship Trophy home to its fans.  Through analyzing the pros and cons of other sports Collective Bargaining Agreements, the NBA can create a hybrid version all its own and develop a successful model its league counterparts will envy.  It will also enable the hope and dreams of fans in all 30 cities to flourish, rather than have the heartbreak it receives as its prized superstars leave town bound for big city lights.

NFL Better Use Its Noggin While It Still Functions

         Andre Waters, Kenny McKinley, and Tom McHale, please welcome another comrade to your club.  On Thursday, Dave Duerson, a four time NFL Pro Bowl safety was found dead in his Sunny Isles Beach, Florida residence.  Upon the discovery of his body, it was clearly apparent that Duerson had died from a self-inflicted gun shot wound to his chest.  In grim foresight, he texted his family one last wish to have his brain analyzed for chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a condition linked to more than a dozen deceased NFL players, The New York Times has reported.  The degenerative disease has been associated with depression, dementia, and occasionally suicidal tendencies.  To appease Duerson’s desire, family members will donate his brain to Boston University Medical School, hoping that others may benefit from this tragic loss.  Already given a $1 million grant from the NFL, the institution’s research includes “the cause, progression, and characteristics” of the disease.

With all the on-field concussions garnering all the press headlines, the NFL, its players, and even long time amateur athletes, must take note of the future implications that current injuries cause.  Obviously, there is direct correlation between suffering brain trauma and the decreased mental stability in later life.  In an ironic twist, Duerson had been among three union representatives of a six person panel that weighs disability claims from retired players.  According to The Times, the committee has faced harsh criticism for the denial of claims related to diminished mental capacities stemming from football.

While current studies are being administered to figure out the extent of these injuries, it is the responsibility of the NFL to protect its employees by improving its healthcare.  If the NFL refuses to examine this growing epidemic that is plaguing its players, it will illustrate that it only cares about one thing: the value of the all-mighty dollar.  This is an issue that just will not go away by turning a blind eye to it.  Just because the studying of head related injuries is relatively new, it does not mean its existence is in its infancy.  Modern medical advances have shed new light on severe head trauma and it is no longer acceptable for a player to “shake it off” when they see stars.  With the Collective Bargaining Agreement now close to its expiration date, the NFL has the most opportunistic time to show its dedication to its current and retired players.  Through not only supporting, but financing studies that are strictly focused on the effects of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, the league can puts its money where its mouth is.  While superstars are being paid millions of dollars to play a child’s game, no amount of money can ever replace health.  The untimely deaths of Dave Duerson and the others before him, have driven a void that their families and friends with have to contend with for the rest of their lives; hopefully their suffering will ultimately have not gone for not.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this editorial.

The Upside of Pro Athletes' Downfalls

        We all have had “one of those days.”  Unfortunately, for Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers, it is tragically becoming the norm.  On Wednesday night, in Fort Pierce, Florida, Cabrera was spotted by a deputy as he was parked in his car along the side of a road with the engine smoking.  Obviously, the deputy stopped and noticed that Cabrera smelled of alcohol, had slurred speech, and even took a swig from a bottle of scotch.  Being uncooperative, more deputies were called to the scene. Before being placed in handcuffs, Cabrera was wandering in the road and mentioning to the deputies, “Do you know who I am?  You don’t know anything about my problems.”  Cabrera also was cursing at the deputies as he was being placed in the patrol car.   While some people may snicker at the details of his arrest, because it is human nature to laugh at someone else’s expense, it serves as a glaring warning that Cabrera needs some help.  Someone needs to step in and make sure he seeks the counseling to address his demons.  

If this was a first offense for Miguel Cabrera, one could shrug it off and chalk it up to an unfortunate mistake and hope that he learns from his error.  However, this is much more than that for Cabrera.  In 2009, he was arrested for getting into an altercation with his wife, after a night of drinking.  During last year’s offseason, Cabrera indicated he was finished with alcohol and spent time receiving counseling.  Wednesday night was more than just a terrible decision; instead, the choice of not to commit the act may not have even crossed his mind.

Charles Barkley famously or infamously (depending on your outlook) quipped in 1993 that athletes should not be considered role models.  Instead, he made it a point to suggest that parents are the true standard for which children should follow.  The message was seen as controversial at the time, with different organizations claiming that people in the public eye are, in fact, role models.  By digging a bit deeper into those thoughts years later, one can fully understand what Barkley was trying to accomplish.  When famous personalities, in this case Cabrera, falters or shows inadequacies, it allows parents to step in and communicate with their children.  Even though we wrongly place said individuals on pedestals, instances such as this remind us that even the highest regarded people are human and will confront the same challenges as everyone else.  It is imperative for parents to utilize times like these, for children, especially adolescents, do not often leave a door open for a parent to enter and discuss life’s lessons.  While these discussions may be difficult to muster, it paves the way for a child to grasp the shortcomings that we all have.  Hopefully parents will have a positive ending with this unfortunate story.  Maybe their children will listen and open their eyes to life in the real world.  Just as important, hopefully at age 27, Miguel Cabrera will join them in doing so.

King Albert's Ransom

        With the self imposed contract window closing for Albert Pujols at noon time Wednesday, the St. Louis Cardinals still find themselves at the mercy of its star player.  The team is at an unprecedented decision: pay the high ransom and maintain the best player in the game, or risk the embarrassment of losing said person to the free agent market at the end of the season.  How could the Cardinals even fathom allowing its most renowned position player since Stan Musial to just walk out of Busch Stadium without putting up a fight?  Why not just pay the man what he wants to ensure he fulfills his entire career with St. Louis?

If only it was that easy for the Cardinals.  If only they could find that money tree to make it all better.  Albert Pujols is looking to become the highest paid player in Major League Baseball’s long history.  That is certainly understandable, as he has achieved these impressive statistics so far in his 10 year career: .331 BA, 408 HR, 1230 RBI, and 1.050 OPS.  His current negotiating stance rotated on a 10 year, $300 million platform, which he dropped on the laps of the Cardinals’ brass.  Before the ownership runs to the bank and swaps its funds to accommodate Pujols’ lucrative demands, three elements must be thoroughly weighed.  

First, Albert Pujols is currently 31 years of age.  While players tend to have longer careers than past generations, can the team justify paying a player 30 million dollars when he is over the age of 40?  How many of his Pujols-like years does he have left in him?  With the arrival of stricter enforcement of steroids and other drug enhancements, players tend to break down once they reach their mid-30’s.  Pujols may not even make it to the end of the deal, which will further hinder the Cardinals purse strings.  In the aftermath of the steroid era, players are peaking in their late twenties until their mid thirties.  Even a player of Pujols’ magnitude and the assumption of perfect health will lose some of his offensive output.

The closest comparison to the offer proposed by Albert Pujols is that of Alex Rodriguez, when he signed his current deal with the New York Yankees in 2008.  The terms are $252 million over 10 years, which if completely carried out, would make Rodriguez 42 years old at its conclusion.  With A-Rod already showing signs of slowing down, the Yankees may be regretting signing the deal well before they write the final check.  The Cardinals cannot afford to take a similar mistake on the chin, for their pockets are not nearly as deep as their counterparts from the Bronx.  Having the Rodriguez contract as a source of debate is a double edged sword for the Cardinals in their negotiations with Pujols.  They can justify to an angry fan base for letting the face of the franchise leave town by pointing to the injury riddled seasons that have plagued Rodriguez in the past few years.  Or the team can use the deal as a stepping stone in finding an agreement that works best for budget concerns and keeps Pujols manning first base as a Cardinal for the remainder of his career.

Lastly, if the Cardinals mortgage its future and sign Pujols to this deal or one very similar to it, the team may have a difficult time rostering competitive personnel.  Being that it is not mentioned in the same breath as the richest in the majors, the Cardinals dollar does not go as far as some teams such as the Yankees, Red Sox, or Phillies.  While they do not want to let “Mr. Cardinal” leave St. Louis, there may be not enough smiles to compensate for the lack of funds available.  Certainly Albert Pujols knows the restrictions that the Cardinals must obey to be a successful franchise, both on and off the field.  In short time we will see if its St. Louis immortality or free agency glory that Albert Pujols views as his ransom payment.

Fighting For a Safety Check

The NHL has done everything it possibly could to put teams such as the Broad Street Bullies and the Big Bad Bruins of the 1970’s into the rearview mirror.  Both teams and the style of play from that time period has often been seen as ugly and goon ridden.  But the era definitely put its stamp on the game.  Players knew that if they crossed the line at any point during a game there would be retribution.  Star players such as Bobby Orr, Stan Mikita, Bobby Clarke, and Bobby Hull were well protected.  Although all could easily tend to their own disputes, their teammates often jumped in to keep their best players where they were most deadly: on the ice.  It was not uncommon to see full scale brawls erupt in arenas throughout the NHL, especially when that style led to victories.  Having a psychological edge was seen as a distinct advantage that carried to not only the players, but to the fans as well.  The hard nose atmosphere led to a blue collar fan base in cities such as Philadelphia and Boston.  Crowds appreciated the all out effort and applauded the sense of camaraderie that surfaced during the fighting frenzies.  In order to curtail the bench clearing brawls that haunted the league, the NHL created the “3rd Man In” rule in 1977,which ejected the first player who joined a fight that was already in progress. 

As players’ skill levels continued to develop, the NHL saw fighting change in the 1980’s.  In order to compete with teams such as the high flying Edmonton Oilers and New York Islanders, rivals employed on its roster a distinct employee classification: the enforcer.  Players such as Bob Probert, Dave Brown, Tie Domi, and Dave Semenko used their fists and machoism to deliver peace of mind to the stars on their respective clubs.  In doing so, the game was able to omit the all out brawls that plagued its previous generations, but also adopted a new role that protected its code of ethics.

As 1992 came into focus, the NHL was growing tired of the enforcers and the need for their place in the game.  To combat the usage and need for these select players, the NHL instituted the instigator rule.  This penalty gave the player who started a fight an additional 2 minutes that would force his respective team to be shorthanded. While the rule served its sole purpose to a tee, it has also taken the policing out of players’ hands and has given complete control to referees.  On paper, the new policy seemed ideal and its effect would help clean the game of “unnecessary” fights.  Unfortunately, the game is played on ice and not in a nice, cozy office.  National Hockey League referees have one of the toughest jobs in sports.  With the game play as fast and furious as ever, officials cannot be expected to be able to decipher and translate all the action in a matter of seconds.  Add to the fact that a player has a variety of ways to inflict a cheap shot on an opponent and the action only take a split second to be enacted. 

Since the 1990’s, the ever improving on ice product has attracted new fans to its arenas and has kept the traditionalists sufficiently happy throughout the years by respecting its roots.  However, this past weekend’s contest between the Penguins and Islanders illustrates the NHL has more work on its agenda.  The last time these two teams met, on February 2nd, two instances upset the New Yorkers.  The first occurred when goaltender Rick DiPietro was knocked out by his Pittsburgh counterpart, Brent Johnson by one left hook during their altercation in the 3rd period. Second, the hit that Max Talbot laid on Blake Comeau was viewed as one of those now common head shots, even though a penalty was not called. Many of the Islanders were waiting for Friday night’s tilt, fully hoping to enact revenge.  The game did offer many skirmishes which led to a combined 65 penalties that totaled 346 minutes, including 10 ejections. There were 15 fighting majors and 20 misconducts in the game that set records for both teams for most combined penalty minutes and left few players around to finish it.  The most troubling incidents were that of Islander, Matt Martin who sucker punched Max Talbot at center ice and when Trevor Gillies elbowed Eric Tangradi into the boards and then proceeded to throw several punches as the Penguin lay on the ice, holding his face.  To make matters even worse, Gillies stood by the tunnel to the locker room, yelling at Tangradi, who was still on the ice being checked by the team’s trainer.

    

The league prides it self as being on the cutting edge and willing to alter its image and stance for the betterment of its future.  It is an evolving conglomerate that blows the other major sports out of the water in that aspect. Now they have another major decision looming on the horizon.  The recent scenarios go well past the obvious debate of whether fighting and the overall physicality of the game needs to be addressed.  They instead prove that players’ safety is now in question and injuries may continue to elevate at alarming rates if nothing is rectified. The NHL is forced to promptly confront this.  How can they police the “unwritten” rules that lie in the players’ bible?  That code of conduct is what has traditionally kept players safe.  These elements are not taken lightly by the players and actually do exist.  The lore of the game has mystified fans by projecting the “code” to almost legendary status. The NHL is at a crossroads.  It can either go with its fighting pedigree past, or adopt ways creatively to protect its players and the integrity of the game.

As evident its history, the NHL has analyzed itself and adopted ways to improve the safety of players while still making its fans wanting more.  The league needs to adopt stricter penalties, longer suspensions, and more stringent fines to correct the problems that have currently surfaced.  It must be done now and it must come from the top, the Commissioner’s office.  With these rules properly in place, management, officials, and players all will fully understand the repercussions associated with game play actions.  By continuing to allow players the ability to enforce themselves, the league keeps its heritage fully intact.  With the addition of new sanctions in respect to its recent problems, the NHL once again illustrates its commitment to the well being of its players.

The Amazin' Mess

The New York Mets find themselves in disarray.  That statement has proven true since the team last made the World Series way back in 2000.  Often times it was due to a lack of management’s capabilities to field a competitive product.  Other reasons included player deficiencies or a late season collapse, which always seemed inevitable.  However, with the Wilpon family being looped in with the Bernie Madoff scandal, the club may face an uncertain future.  Who would have thought that the Mets would be strapped financially?  Known for over spending on lackluster free agents, the staggering amount of bad contracts are now crippling the franchise more than ever.  During this offseason, the Mets remained quiet as the pursuit of high profile players seemed to elude them.  This was not because they have a team of superstars with no apparent holes to fill.  Instead it was due to the Wilpon family putting up 25 percent of the team up for sale, trying to create some liquidity as they face economic uncertainty.

For players, it is impossible not to feel the pinch that has trickled down from the owner’s box.  David Wright talked about the discomfort, indicating that it absolutely will affect the future of the franchise.  Failure to procure assets to address the team’s pitfalls will come to light as the 2011 Mets take the field during spring training.  As division rivals continue to better themselves, the team braces for an epic transition.  Even though pitchers and catchers have not yet reported to camp, the only question facing the franchise is whether the Washington Nationals will pass them in the standings.  Consistently playing second fiddle to the Yankees in the press, the Mets may find themselves becoming a distant memory in terms of relevance.

As the judicial system does it due diligence in determining the ultimate result in all the Madoff and Wilpon legal troubles, the Mets wait in the wings.  As those bad contracts come off the books following the conclusion of this season, players such as Luis Castillo and Oliver Perez will no longer haunt the Metropolitans.  However, the piling lawsuits may again prevent potential free agents from viewing the Mets as a viable option if they are not rectified.  Fans will once again be left in disbelief.  Years of mismanagement was to blame for the team’s recent struggles and lack of prospects.  For fans, ridding the front office of the Minaya regime was a step in the right direction and offered some solace knowing that past failures would not be acceptable anymore.  Now it is the ownership that is stunting the growth of the franchise it controls.  When the smoke clears and the lawsuits have been settled, will the Mets be licking their chops, or will they instead be licking their wounds?

Watch Out For the Rascal

        Being expected to replace a legend causes fear in not only the heir apparent, but also the fan base who religiously follows his/her beloved team.  Often times teams will suggest a young and unproven player will be more than capable of such a challenge.  However, as we all have seen throughout the years, not many of the so called “saviors” fulfill their destiny.  A wide array of variables, such as the player’s lack of ability, injuries suffered, a severe deficiency of supporting cast, or management issues, affect the athlete’s career significantly.  For a player to reach his/her desired execution levels, everything must fall perfectly into place.  For Aaron Rodgers, the weight of expectations placed on his shoulders by the Green Bay Packers and its rabid fan base could have easily caused him to crumble.  In winning Super Bowl XLV, Rodgers displayed that his perceived potential was far less in comparison to his actual ability.

Make no mistake; Brett Favre earned his place in NFL lore.  His gunslinging ways and incredible fortitude to take the field no matter the state of his physical stature have been duly noted.  However, knowing that no one can play forever, with the 24th overall selection in the 2005 entry draft, the Green Bay Packers chose Aaron Rodgers.  Not expected to take the helm immediately, Rodgers was not thrown into the fire like other young quarterbacks who have fallen on their faces and failed miserably.  That infamous list is littered with names that we have either have surely forgotten, or who haunt us to this very day.  If you get queazy knowing your team’s draft bust may be listed next, I invite you to skip the next few lines.  I do not want to cause the nightmares to reoccur; the need to revisit the psychiatrist to appear; or be forced to wear a funny white jacket while seated in a padded room.  We all have made tremendous strides in our recoveries and to shatter that would serve no purpose whatsoever.  In order to keep the chances of us slipping into panic mode at bay, I will only refer to only a selected few round one draft day busts: Ryan Leaf, Heath Shuler, Akili Smith, and most recently, JaMarcus Russell.  For those brave enough to go back down memory lane, I think it is safe to agree that the quarterbacks selected in the first round have a relatively equal chance of success and failure.

In today’s sporting world, it is unusual for a player to wait and bide his time sitting on the sidelines without causing a stir.  While Aaron Rodgers had to wait until the 2008 season to be anointed the starting quarterback of the Green Bay Packers, his patience was extraordinary.  Every year, Brett Favre would tease not only the fan base, but the entire sports world with his “retirement” decision.  Constantly switching his stance and changing his mind was a mainstay on SportsCenter and littered all over media outlets.  Despite his uncertainty, Brett Favre was given a long leash by society, for he was a throw back type of player, who achieved tremendous individual statistics through his “only wanting to play” attitude.  So every year Rodgers had to sit and wait and see how the offseason would play out.  Would he ever get his chance?  Would he be eventually traded?  The reigns were eventually passed to Rodgers due to Favre selfishly waiting too long in announcing his “un”retirement.  The Green Bay Packers faithful held their collective breath and tied the noose around their necks just in case of catastrophe.

It is funny how things work out in the end.  Armageddon did not happen in the wake of Brett Favre’s departure.  All is well in Green Bay, Wisconsin this fine Monday morning.  The demise of the world did not come to fruition last night.  Finally, the rascal driven by Brett Favre no longer casts a shadow on the organization.  In winning Super Bowl XLV, Aaron Rodgers slayed the beast.  By leading the team to the ultimate goal, he will no doubt create large shoes for his successor to fill.  Years from now Packers management may be faced asking the following question, “Who can replace a man who led his team to glory?”  The fan base will scream, “Aaron Rodgers is a legend!  It cannot happen!”  After climbing to their respective rooftops, pondering whether to jump, the Cheeseheads will whisper in a sigh of relief, “Oh wait, it has already happened before.”

The Cup Cometh.....to Boston?

                With the season back in full swing after the All-Star break, teams gear up for another exciting finish as the playoffs loom closely on the horizon.  While most teams will fight to have the honor to play for Lord Stanley’s Cup, only a handful is currently viewed as top contenders.  You often hear about teams such as Vancouver, Philadelphia, Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Dallas when this discussion comes to light.  Why not Boston?  They are currently 3^rd in the Eastern Conference, 1^st place in the Northeast Division, yet the Bruins are left out in the cold by industry insiders.  When looking at the team as a whole and not based on individual accolades, the Bruins have every right to be listed among the favorites.  The club flourishes when working as a unit, which becomes deadly for opponents when the playoffs roll around.  While the above mentioned teams have had their success analyzes and glorified, the Bruins demonstrate their own reasons for a long playoff drive.  Here are five reasons why the Cup could be making its way to Beantown:

1.       Balanced attack.  The Bruins offer four forward lines that can all score.  With 8 players with 10 or more goals, the team does not rely on one or two superstars to carry the offensive burden.  With 161 goals accounted for by the attack, the Bruins rank tied for 6^th in league for offensive output.  By having such a wide array of capable scoring, teams will have a difficult time matching lines, which is imperative in the playoffs.

2.       Team defense.  It is one thing to be able to light the lamp on a consistent basis, but as the old saying goes, “Offense sells tickets; defense wins championships.”  The Bruins have the luxury of both entities and pride themselves at keeping the puck out of their net.  The team’s defense is more prolific than its offense, as evidenced in ranking tied for 1^st in both goals against with 117 and team goal differential at +44 (goals scored minus goals against.)  The penalty killing unit works at an impressive 85% clip, good enough for the 4^th best in the NHL.  Being able to keep their defensive zone in check allows the Bruins to further enhance its offensive chances.

3.       Tremendous goaltending.  The Bruins showcase the NHL’s premier goaltending tandem of Tim Thomas and Tuuka Rask.  Each has a won a Vezina Trophy* and Thomas is the front runner for the award this year.  Thomas has posted a ridiculous 1.82 Goals Against Average, .945 Save Percentage, and 7 shutouts in 37 games played.  After a slow start, Rask has solidified his game, showing a 2.69 GAA, .922 SV%, and 1 shutout in 17 games of action.  Their level of play gives the Bruins confidence that mistakes will be erased rather than end up in the back of the net.  It also serves as frustration to opponents who constantly look up to the heavens in disbelief of not scoring what they deem a “sure” goal.  By having two top-tier goaltenders in its arsenal, the Bruins can ride either one to the Cup should the other falter.

4.       Team consistency.  The longest Bruins losing streak this season is 3 games, which they have only done once.  This shows that the team does not get down on itself after a loss and allow defeats to pile up.  With the largest margin of defeat being 3 goals (occurring twice), the Bruins are always a threat to win each and every game.  Frustration is born when you think you have a team beaten, but they keep coming after you.  The Bruins will cause fits for their postseason foes with their relentless style of play.

5.       Coaching and veteran leadership.  Since his arrival in 2008, Claude Julien has preached the concept of team to the Boston Bruins.  His record of 163 wins, 105 losses, and 42 overtime losses is proof that the players have bought into his strategy.  Not having to worry about the headaches that individual superstars sometime bring to a team, the Bruins play for each other and a common cause.  The team’s leadership of Zdeno Chara, Patrice Bergeron, and the ageless Mark Recchi should hold their heads high, for they are the preachers of Julien’s teachings. 

The ingredients are all there for sustained postseason success: team first attitude, tenacity, fortitude and veteran leadership.  Through continued keen focus and consistent effort, the Boston Bruins may be something they have not been since 1972: Stanley Cup Champions.

*The Vezina Trophy is awarded to the NHL’s best goaltender each year. It is named in honor of Georges Vezina, who played for the Montreal Canadiens from 1910-1925 and died from tuberculosis in 1926.  It has been awarded annually since 1927.

2004 NHL Lockout Revisited

       Prior to the 2004-2005 regular season, the NHL was facing extreme tensions. The collective bargaining agreement had expired; a lock out would soon ensue.  That work stoppage would change the game forever.  Despite shutting its doors and losing millions in revenue, ownership knew the problems facing the league stemmed deeper than the Players’ Association.  Franchise financial disarray and a declining on-ice product forced the NHL to close its doors for the entire season.  When it came out from its hibernation, it not only solved the traditional ownership versus players bickering that always exists in labor disputes, but had also endured many rule changes that would affect the game tremendously.  As we move into 2011, it is safe to look back at those alterations and discuss their ramifications.  I have chosen five rule changes that have proved more critical than others.

1)      The NHL adopted a salary cap.  With many teams in dire straits, the league knew it had to curb the segregation that had taken place between big and small market teams.  The larger markets could do one of two things: spend the extra cash that they were able to pull in or simply pad their wallets.  Clubs such as New York (Rangers), Philadelphia, and Detroit were constantly able to spend at will to improve their rosters.  Even though they were in this loop, the Boston Bruins ownership would repeatedly sit on their hands and allow the revenue to fall into their pockets.  The small market teams were constantly losing their best free agents to the bigger fish and simply had to retool their rosters. 

As a fan of a big market team, this was a tough pill to swallow.  However, I could not fathom being a supporter of a team such as the New York Islanders.  Seeing all your players leave and sign with bigger clubs is devastating to a fan base.  It is hard for ownership to sell the “rebuilding phase” that seems to never end.  Currently, the league has a good cash flow with teams being able to spend a minimum and maximum dollar value.  While some loop holes exist, players are now signed in correlation to the cap.  Successful teams such as the Philadelphia Flyers and Boston Bruins now have rosters mixed with skilled young players and grizzly veterans.

2)      In accordance to officiating, the league passed a zero tolerance stance.  While the league showcased the world’s best stars, all the interference and the holding impeded their skills to fully shine.  If you go back and watch a game just prior to the lockout, you will be amazed at how many times a player would get mugged skating up and down the ice.  It even did not matter if you had possession of the puck or not!

While I must admit that some of the penalty calls in today’s NHL are absurd, I believe that overall this implementation has been a true success.  Teams know what is going to be called as an infraction and what is not, with the pendulum swinging in the penalty direction.  Cracking down on interference, holding, slashing, tripping, and cross checking continues to be a league initiative. (If I ever played in today’s world, Dave Schultz’s single season penalty minute record* may be in jeopardy.)

3)      A shoot-out will take place at the end of overtime, thus eliminating ties.   Although most diehards did not seem to mind tie games, the casual fan could not seem to understand the purpose.  To generate interest in games and hopefully transform the laid-back fan into a lover of hockey, the shoot-out was born.  After the four on four**, five minute overtime period ends and the game is still deadlocked, three players from each team alternate taking a penalty shot, with the team who scores the most winning.  If the teams are still tied, it then becomes a one on one sudden death until a victor is decided.

Although tied games did not faze me, I do understand that most people would rather have a winner of the game.  While it is certainly exciting, I think it again needs to be tweaked to satisfy the old school fans, as well as keep the newbies interested.

4)      To increase scoring chances, the NHL eliminated the two-line pass.  One traditional rule that was a constant in the NHL was the two-line pass.  It did not allow the puck possessing team the chance to make a pass to another player that was more than two lines a part on the ice.  For instance, if a defenseman had the puck in his own defensive zone, the farthest he could pass would be on his defensive side of the red line.  If the player was over the red line and received control of the puck, the play would be ruled offside.  To help open up the game and increase the amount of scoring chances, the league abolished the rule.

I never fully understood the purpose of the two-line pass.  While it definitely made the game play a “zone to zone” feel, it hindered the overall flow.  The two-line pass allowed teams to institute a “trap” defense, which was the beginning the NHL’s product decline.  Getting rid of this rule was long overdue and I have not come across anyone who misses it.

5)      Goaltender equipment will be regulated in size.  Goaltenders ruled the NHL.  The position had transformed itself into an unbelievable dynamic.  Over the years the skill level that climbed in goaltending was astonishing; as was the size of the equipment they wore.  (They seemed to resemble the “Stay Puft Marshmallow Man.”)  To further increase scoring, the NHL had two options when it came to goaltenders: to regulate the size of equipment or increase the net dimensions.  The latter seemed to be the easiest, so goaltenders had to compromise.  Leg pads, chest protectors, blockers, and gloves all had to meet new specifications.

I remember seeing Garth Snow play goalie for the Flyers prior to the lockout.  His father was a roofer so they added some shingles to the shoulders of his chest protector to make it even bigger.  While he definitely gets an “A” for ingenuity, it proved something had to be done.  Goaltenders such as Martin Brodeur embraced the ruling, for it evened the playing field.

       By analyzing today’s game, I have three ideas on possible league rule changes.  With players sustaining tremendous head injuries, the first two scenarios cater to curb that upswing.  The last addresses solely with the shoot-out.

1)      Icing puck possession shall be determined by the first player to pass the defensive zone face off dot, thus eliminating the current touch icing.  With players getting checked constantly while racing to touch the puck for icing, this rule change will accomplish two things.  It will eliminate the full speed contact but also keep alive the race for the puck. 

2)      Player equipment should be regulated.  With players being bigger, faster, and stronger than in previous generations, the NHL needs to address player safety, particularly concussions.  In accordance to the goaltending ruling after the lockout, the next alternative is the reduction of player equipment. 

3)      Change the point structure given to the winning team.  This ruling is quite simple:  If your team wins in regulation or overtime, you receive 2 points.  If you win in the shoot-out, you only receive 1 point total.  If you lose the game, whether it is in regulation, overtime, or shoot-out, you receive 0 points.  I believe this will push teams to win the game in regulation and overtime and make for exciting hockey near the end of tied games.  Teams will not settle for a shootout victory any longer and will reduce the impact it has on games.  By adopting this point structure, the NHL will appease it die hard fan base and draw interest from casual spectators.

*During the 1974-75 season, Dave “The Hammer” Schultz set the all-time single season penalty minutes record with 472.

**Prior to the 2004 lockout, the five minute overtime consisted of 5 players on the ice per side.  The lockout rule changed that figure to 4 per side.