Alex Rodriguez has taken a lot of heat since he came to New York, much of it deserved, some of it not. He came to the Yankees as the best and highest-paid player in the game, and until Game 4 of the 2004 ALCS, there was not a whole lot to complain about.
Then the Red Sox won 4 in a row. Then they won the World Series. The Yankees have not come close since, and Alex Rodriguez's image has taken many hits along the way.
Even though he has earned two MVPs (2005 & 2007) while with the Yankees, the constant pressure on him to perform in the clutch and attention to his personal life have obviously affected him.
After that 2004 postseason, Rodriguez hit .159 with 1 RBI and 2 extra base hits in three consecutive playoff losses, culminating in the Yankees missing the postseason for the first time in 13 years in 2008.
In his defense, Rodriguez has an argument to back up his performance during the regular season. He has averaged a .300 batting average with 40 home runs and 119 RBI as a Yankee so there is little to complain about there. Additionally, postseason performance is placed under a different microscope, and depending on who you talk to, unrealistic expectations are placed on the highest paid player in the game. Before 2005 Rodriguez was a career .330 playoff hitter in 103 at bats.
Then it all came crashing down.
Sandwiched between playoff disappointments and missing the playoffs altogether in 2008, Rodriguez was photographed with a former Playboy model heading out of a Toronto strip club a month before his wife filed for divorce. This created an all new set of problems for Rodriguez, forever changing the image he worked so hard to maintain.
The photos and divorce led to more stories of Rodriguez's infidelities while married, further damaging this image. Then came 2009, and an admission to steroid use, and a tainted career for the man many believed would bring legitimacy to the all time home run record.
The man who spent so much time developing an image as the face of baseball now was public enemy number one, this generation's Barry Bonds. Only two things were different:
He actually admitted to using, and he cares about his image.
No matter how or why he admitted, he did actually admit to 'some' using. Personally, I would not be surprised if he used outside of the 2001 - 2003 range that he admitted to, but that is another story. His admission put him in the club with Giambi, Pettite, and others who admitted some form of use. While they may not have shared the whole story, the fact that they said they used lifted a weight off of their shoulders. A-Rod is proving it with every swing of the bat.
People don't really care about it anymore. They have moved on. And I can't help but be transfixed every time he is at bat in this postseason. He is confident, he is loose, and he is undoubtedly the best player on the field.
Call me crazy, but I find myself rooting for the guy. Is he a diva? Yes. Self-Centered? You bet. Phony? Sure, but since when do you have to be Ghandi to earn a rooting interest? Rodriguez's past two years have actually made him look human, and added drama to a vanilla image that led Dustin Pedroia to refer to him as a 'Dork' last year.
His failings have made him interesting, and his reaction to it has been pure entertainment. If Hollywood was to make a movie about A-Rod how fun would it have been before he got to New York? Brief synopsis:
High School kid...better than everybody...first pick in draft...big leagues before 20...All Star...MVP...Married with kids...going to break all major records in baseball history.
Amazing, but where's the drama? You go to the theater to see the drama, the struggle, the human condition on display. That is what Rodriguez has inadvertently done by exposing himself to all of this criticism, and by becoming human in my eyes, I have reason to root for him. I also want him to do well because he is so talented, and what is more fun then watching a the best player in baseball perform at his highest level? As much as everyone spewed vitriol at Barry Bonds, you made sure to watch when he hit. It is the human reaction to watching such an impressive feat of athleticism and strength, no matter who the person is. At its core baseball is entertainment, and who better to entertain us than the best player in baseball?
Rodriguez has redefined his image unknowingly by not being afraid to be hated, and moving on with his life. He is not a saint by any means, but the gorillas that get thrown off of his back with each playoff home run not only endear him to the fickle New York media, but the fans and most importantly, his teammates. He may not be the favored son in that dugout, but the whole culture of the Yankees is changing before our eyes, as A-Rod is the proverbial straw that stirs the proverbial drink. It is funny how a confession to steroid use and getting exposed personally can change a man for the better, and I am having a great time watching it.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Golf in the 2016 Olympics?
A great idea.
I am not sure what circumstances prevented this truly worldwide game from being an Olympic sport since 1904, but it needs to be back in the mix.
As I have heard today while watching coverage of the PGA Championship (Tiger is playing well...watch out), golf has made the necessary strides to be up for a vote in October for inclusion to the 2016 games. There is one reason I can think of that would make this date extremely important:
Tiger Woods.
Tiger will be 40 years old when these Olympics roll around. He is the main driving force behind getting golf in the Olympics and getting him to play while he is still at the height of his game is key to drive interest. The way he keeps in shape, he could play well into his 40's, but there is also the fact that he has had multiple knee surgeries and is only 33 now. He could very well develop arthritis in his knees and be on his way out before we know it. As much as I hate to think that, it could be the case. All the more reason to get him out there sooner than later with the best in the world on Sport's grandest stage.
The idea of having one tournament in which you play for your country every four years should add some terrific drama not only to the Olympics, but the game of golf. The Ryder Cup is a terrific event held every two years, but it involves only the U.S. and Europe. In the years they don't have that it is the President's Cup that pits the U.S. versus the World. However, both are team competitions, which makes them unique and intense in their own right, but not like a worldwide tournament held every four years for a Gold Medal. This could truly be a fifth major, yet the most coveted in that you only get an opportunity to win it every four years. The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to the hype, importance, and exposure for this event. Now the IOC just has to vote this thing through.
As much as I hate the idea of taking baseball and to a lesser extent, softball out of the games, I could understand why they were removed. While each is growing in global participation, they are still far from being worldwide sports. Golf is already worldwide.
One of the ideas I heard today was that they would take the Top 15 players in the world and after that they would take no more than two players from each country to fill remaining spots. With that system, if it were to be used today, over 30 countries would be represented in the Olympic Tournament. Golf is truly a worldwide game that is covered across six continents.
In addition to this I heard Jim Gray (who I am not a fan of BTW) speak to the effect that the 1992 Dream Team had not only on the Olympics, but International Basketball as a whole along with the NBA. Look at NBA rosters now as compared to 1992. The foreign influence has been dramatic, and the game has grown worldwide. Going back to '92, who was the most recognizable athlete in the world? Michael Jordan, who was at the forefront of the Dream Team.
Fast forward to today. Who is the most recognizable athlete in the world? Tiger Woods. Put him at the forefront of what could be a fantastic event and watch golf explode even more.
I can't wait to see it.
I am not sure what circumstances prevented this truly worldwide game from being an Olympic sport since 1904, but it needs to be back in the mix.
As I have heard today while watching coverage of the PGA Championship (Tiger is playing well...watch out), golf has made the necessary strides to be up for a vote in October for inclusion to the 2016 games. There is one reason I can think of that would make this date extremely important:
Tiger Woods.
Tiger will be 40 years old when these Olympics roll around. He is the main driving force behind getting golf in the Olympics and getting him to play while he is still at the height of his game is key to drive interest. The way he keeps in shape, he could play well into his 40's, but there is also the fact that he has had multiple knee surgeries and is only 33 now. He could very well develop arthritis in his knees and be on his way out before we know it. As much as I hate to think that, it could be the case. All the more reason to get him out there sooner than later with the best in the world on Sport's grandest stage.
The idea of having one tournament in which you play for your country every four years should add some terrific drama not only to the Olympics, but the game of golf. The Ryder Cup is a terrific event held every two years, but it involves only the U.S. and Europe. In the years they don't have that it is the President's Cup that pits the U.S. versus the World. However, both are team competitions, which makes them unique and intense in their own right, but not like a worldwide tournament held every four years for a Gold Medal. This could truly be a fifth major, yet the most coveted in that you only get an opportunity to win it every four years. The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to the hype, importance, and exposure for this event. Now the IOC just has to vote this thing through.
As much as I hate the idea of taking baseball and to a lesser extent, softball out of the games, I could understand why they were removed. While each is growing in global participation, they are still far from being worldwide sports. Golf is already worldwide.
One of the ideas I heard today was that they would take the Top 15 players in the world and after that they would take no more than two players from each country to fill remaining spots. With that system, if it were to be used today, over 30 countries would be represented in the Olympic Tournament. Golf is truly a worldwide game that is covered across six continents.
In addition to this I heard Jim Gray (who I am not a fan of BTW) speak to the effect that the 1992 Dream Team had not only on the Olympics, but International Basketball as a whole along with the NBA. Look at NBA rosters now as compared to 1992. The foreign influence has been dramatic, and the game has grown worldwide. Going back to '92, who was the most recognizable athlete in the world? Michael Jordan, who was at the forefront of the Dream Team.
Fast forward to today. Who is the most recognizable athlete in the world? Tiger Woods. Put him at the forefront of what could be a fantastic event and watch golf explode even more.
I can't wait to see it.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Roger and Tiger
I'd say it is a pretty good Sports Sunday when you can see Roger Federer win his first French Open and Tiger Woods come from 4 down to with the Memorial with a 65. My two favorite athletes at the top of their game...nothing like it.
Over the last few years I have gained more respect and admiration for Federer through watching him play and conduct himself. He epitomizes class as well as excellence on ad off the court. I am fully aware of how fans often percieve athletes as something they are not, but I can't help but think that Roger is a genuine individual who is worth rooting for.
As for Tiger, what else can I say? I am extremely excited about his prospects for the U.S. Open, and who wouldn't be (other than every other tour pro)? When the best player in the world does not miss a fairway on the last day of the tournament before the U.S. Open, I'd say that is bad news for the rest of the players.
Congrats to the best I have ever seen, and hopefully there is a lot more to come...
Over the last few years I have gained more respect and admiration for Federer through watching him play and conduct himself. He epitomizes class as well as excellence on ad off the court. I am fully aware of how fans often percieve athletes as something they are not, but I can't help but think that Roger is a genuine individual who is worth rooting for.
As for Tiger, what else can I say? I am extremely excited about his prospects for the U.S. Open, and who wouldn't be (other than every other tour pro)? When the best player in the world does not miss a fairway on the last day of the tournament before the U.S. Open, I'd say that is bad news for the rest of the players.
Congrats to the best I have ever seen, and hopefully there is a lot more to come...
Friday, May 15, 2009
Random Question of the Day...
For some reason this just popped into my head:
We see MLB managers get thrown out of a game, sometimes NBA coaches as well. But has anyone ever seen an NFL Head Coach get tossed?
We see MLB managers get thrown out of a game, sometimes NBA coaches as well. But has anyone ever seen an NFL Head Coach get tossed?
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Manny: Another Sad Story
With today's news that Manny Ramirez tested positive for a PED, baseball was hit with another uppercut to its credibility, further proving that the 'steroid era' is by no means over.
Of course he has already come out with the 'My doctor prescribed it' story, but I don't care. Even if that story has a shred of truth to it (which I doubt), Manny needs to own up and leave his 'doctor' out of this. Everyone affiliated with Major League Baseball has the means to look up what substances are banned and which are not. I know of at least 83 banned substances that baseball tests for. 7 of them are drugs of abuse, 46 are steroids, and 30 are stimulants. If you are looking at taking something which you are not sure about, MLB is very clear as to what is not allowed. Furthermore, if Manny were to have any questions about this 'prescription,' there are dozens of sources at his disposal that he could double-check with first. If he took the opportunity to check first, take second, this would not have happened if you base this off of his story.
That being said, I believe that Manny, like A-Rod, knew exactly what he was taking, how long he has taken it, and what it has helped him achieve on the field. Now that may sound presumptuous, but do you blame me for thinking that? Have any of these stories, be it A-Rod, Bonds, Canseco, Clemens, Giambi, etc. led you to believe anything otherwise?
For those of you who are not so sure if Manny did something on purpose, I'll let you in on a little secret: Nobody takes PED's by accident. The next one that does will be the first. All of the pro athletes that do it know they are doing it and why they are doing it. It is a culture that starts with a few and spreads like wildfire once others realize that they may be costing themselves millions by not doing it.
The bottom line is this; I do not care what story Manny comes up with, he was cheating and got caught, period. In a way I try to view it as a good thing in that we have one less player to wonder if they are clean or not. However, it is sad for baseball because the more these names come out, the more it hurts the game.
There is no end in sight for stopping this short of allowing PED use, which will never happen. How does MLB stop this?
Of course he has already come out with the 'My doctor prescribed it' story, but I don't care. Even if that story has a shred of truth to it (which I doubt), Manny needs to own up and leave his 'doctor' out of this. Everyone affiliated with Major League Baseball has the means to look up what substances are banned and which are not. I know of at least 83 banned substances that baseball tests for. 7 of them are drugs of abuse, 46 are steroids, and 30 are stimulants. If you are looking at taking something which you are not sure about, MLB is very clear as to what is not allowed. Furthermore, if Manny were to have any questions about this 'prescription,' there are dozens of sources at his disposal that he could double-check with first. If he took the opportunity to check first, take second, this would not have happened if you base this off of his story.
That being said, I believe that Manny, like A-Rod, knew exactly what he was taking, how long he has taken it, and what it has helped him achieve on the field. Now that may sound presumptuous, but do you blame me for thinking that? Have any of these stories, be it A-Rod, Bonds, Canseco, Clemens, Giambi, etc. led you to believe anything otherwise?
For those of you who are not so sure if Manny did something on purpose, I'll let you in on a little secret: Nobody takes PED's by accident. The next one that does will be the first. All of the pro athletes that do it know they are doing it and why they are doing it. It is a culture that starts with a few and spreads like wildfire once others realize that they may be costing themselves millions by not doing it.
The bottom line is this; I do not care what story Manny comes up with, he was cheating and got caught, period. In a way I try to view it as a good thing in that we have one less player to wonder if they are clean or not. However, it is sad for baseball because the more these names come out, the more it hurts the game.
There is no end in sight for stopping this short of allowing PED use, which will never happen. How does MLB stop this?
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Brett Favre - Why?
Since the NFL Draft is over and teams are trying to set their rosters for training camp, it must be time to talk about Brett Favre...NOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Seriously though, here is my take:
If you are going to consider coming back, again, why say in an interview that you are not planning on coming back? I would be fine if he said 'Hey, I may still come back, but I want to let the Jets (or whoever he has/will/might play for) move forward as if I am not going to be a member of their team.'
To his credit, he let the Jets do that, but he didn't let the Packers always do that. He drug out the process over the last two or three years he spent by waffling on his decision, which really tainted his image. I always loved Brett Favre. I loved watching him play and respected the way he conducted himself, (especially after getting help for a painkiller problem), but the latest news from Favre is tired. I cannot keep cutting him slack. It seems as if he is addicted to having his name come up on ESPN around this time of year with talk of 'will he or won't he return,' and I'm sure I speak for a lot of people when I say enough is enough.
Why can't you just stay retired?
With this new talk of returning to the NFL with the Vikings, I can't help but speculate that this is to spite the Packers, who I guess after loving him for two decades have wronged him in some way. Could you imagine if Tommy Lasorda went to manage the Giants after he left the Dodgers? Or if Derek Jeter left the Yankees to sign with the Red Sox? How about Magic Johnson and Larry Bird switching teams straight up? It would feel dirty, and this is what this playing out to be.
I can respect someone wanting to still play. And as much as I respect a guy for leaving on a good note (Elway, Jordan (the first and second time), Billy Chapel :) ) I can't say that a guy shouldn't play if he feels like he has something to give. But to drag things out and make false statements only hurts your image and makes people dislike you more.
I guess it doesn't matter to Farve, but I wish it did.
Seriously though, here is my take:
If you are going to consider coming back, again, why say in an interview that you are not planning on coming back? I would be fine if he said 'Hey, I may still come back, but I want to let the Jets (or whoever he has/will/might play for) move forward as if I am not going to be a member of their team.'
To his credit, he let the Jets do that, but he didn't let the Packers always do that. He drug out the process over the last two or three years he spent by waffling on his decision, which really tainted his image. I always loved Brett Favre. I loved watching him play and respected the way he conducted himself, (especially after getting help for a painkiller problem), but the latest news from Favre is tired. I cannot keep cutting him slack. It seems as if he is addicted to having his name come up on ESPN around this time of year with talk of 'will he or won't he return,' and I'm sure I speak for a lot of people when I say enough is enough.
Why can't you just stay retired?
With this new talk of returning to the NFL with the Vikings, I can't help but speculate that this is to spite the Packers, who I guess after loving him for two decades have wronged him in some way. Could you imagine if Tommy Lasorda went to manage the Giants after he left the Dodgers? Or if Derek Jeter left the Yankees to sign with the Red Sox? How about Magic Johnson and Larry Bird switching teams straight up? It would feel dirty, and this is what this playing out to be.
I can respect someone wanting to still play. And as much as I respect a guy for leaving on a good note (Elway, Jordan (the first and second time), Billy Chapel :) ) I can't say that a guy shouldn't play if he feels like he has something to give. But to drag things out and make false statements only hurts your image and makes people dislike you more.
I guess it doesn't matter to Farve, but I wish it did.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Slumdog Millionaire: Best Picture?
This blog has been mostly sports related, but I love movies as well, so here ya go...
I know I am a little late to the party on this, but I just watched Slumdog Millionaire last night. After seeing some of 2008's most well reviewed films, I feel that the Academy got it wrong. Of course, I felt that way when the nominations came out, but this only solidified my opinion.
Don't get me wrong, Slumdog is a fine film. I am all for something that opens the eyes of everyone, American's especially. The film depicts the slums of Mumbai unlike anything I have ever seen, and it is important for those of us who have it so good to realize how good we in fact have it.
That being said, Slumdog was not the best film of 2008. The film that stood out for me more than any other was The Dark Knight. First of all, how many times does a movie exceed expectation, especially a film with the anticipation of TDK? Christopher Nolan is on the short lists for best filmmakers today, having penned and directed TDK, Batman Begins, The Prestige, Insomnia, and Memento. The fact that he recieved no love from the Academy for TDK really bothers me.
The Dark Knight was so superbly paced, written, acted, and filmed it was almost scary. Heath Ledger (who did get the love he deserved from the Academy) was amazing, as was the entire cast. Not to mention the film grossed over half a billion dollars here in America. Movies don't do that every year. You have to have the perfect combination of popularity, buzz, and quality to accomplish that. TDK did.
Again, I know it is a little late, but the Academy really tripped up by not even nomination TDK or Chris Nolan. It is time for voters to recognize that mainstream films (even superhero ones) can and should recieve serious consideration, especially when they are done as well as The Dark Knight. It was not only the most popular movie of the year, it was the best.
I know I am a little late to the party on this, but I just watched Slumdog Millionaire last night. After seeing some of 2008's most well reviewed films, I feel that the Academy got it wrong. Of course, I felt that way when the nominations came out, but this only solidified my opinion.
Don't get me wrong, Slumdog is a fine film. I am all for something that opens the eyes of everyone, American's especially. The film depicts the slums of Mumbai unlike anything I have ever seen, and it is important for those of us who have it so good to realize how good we in fact have it.
That being said, Slumdog was not the best film of 2008. The film that stood out for me more than any other was The Dark Knight. First of all, how many times does a movie exceed expectation, especially a film with the anticipation of TDK? Christopher Nolan is on the short lists for best filmmakers today, having penned and directed TDK, Batman Begins, The Prestige, Insomnia, and Memento. The fact that he recieved no love from the Academy for TDK really bothers me.
The Dark Knight was so superbly paced, written, acted, and filmed it was almost scary. Heath Ledger (who did get the love he deserved from the Academy) was amazing, as was the entire cast. Not to mention the film grossed over half a billion dollars here in America. Movies don't do that every year. You have to have the perfect combination of popularity, buzz, and quality to accomplish that. TDK did.
Again, I know it is a little late, but the Academy really tripped up by not even nomination TDK or Chris Nolan. It is time for voters to recognize that mainstream films (even superhero ones) can and should recieve serious consideration, especially when they are done as well as The Dark Knight. It was not only the most popular movie of the year, it was the best.
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