Stoops Out: Early Thoughts on a Not So Normal Monday

I hope that you have never been fired. It is a sinking, burning, wretched pain that refuses to leave your body, making a mess out of your thoughts, emotions, tingling all the way down to you're fingers and toes. There aren't too many more empty, lonely yet crushing feelings than being removed from a post you have grown to call your own. So while it didn't necessarily shock me that the head football couch at my beloved University of Arizona had been walked, my heart still sank.

For all of his flaws, this was a guy who poured everything that he had into the football program. Whether it was the tearful post-game scene with his assistants and respective wives after beating number 6 Cal in 2006 (sorry no links or photos) or a heartfelt conversation with the man at Rincon market, coach was the type of guy you wanted to succeed. However, as much as personal feelings resonate among all sports fans, results matter. Direction matters. It is painfully clear, when looking at the duration of the Stoops era, that this was a guy who was simply in over his head as the chief of an entire organization, one that includes hundreds of moving parts.

The fact is, the University of Arizona is a special place. Ask any alum. There are not too many schools that have game viewing parties in New York and Washington DC with hundreds of fans in attendance. There is a U of A bar in Hong Kong. A large, passionate alumni base, vibrant Greek community, and one story after another or people meeting best friends, wives, and business partners. It's about time that this University and the immediate surrounding community act like the elite and prestigious institution that it is.

If you want to read into what has happened today, know this. Greg Byrne, our athletic director and one of my favorite Sun Devils, is committed to making Tucson into an athletic powerhouse. This isn't a move that is made without supreme confidence that the money, resources, and intangible capital is in place to get a winner in the north end zone offices in a few weeks. Please treat coach Stoops with some class and respect, avoid the "thanks for nothing Stoops" garbage that has been flooding my newsfeed, and have some faith in Greg Byrne. It's always something in Tucson isn't it...




Thoughts on coaching candidates coming soon

Feast or Famine; a look at the state of Wildcat football

The college football season is officially in full swing. In some ways, hard to believe we are this deep into the season already. If you're an Arizona fan, however, it feels like the season has been going on for 3 years now. After facing an impossible gauntlet of what looks to be elite competition, it's time to take a look at the state of the program in what is now coach Mike Stoops' 8th season at the helm.

I'm not going to bombard you with "fire Stoops" or "all is well", what I would like you to do over the next several weeks is evaluate things that may go a little bit further than simple wins and losses, and make the decision for yourself whether you like the return my alma mater is getting from its investment. This will be part 1 of a series examining the football program as a whole, its validity,its outlook, its potential, and its limitations.


PART 1: Culture

The culture of a football program, whether at the high school level or at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, can oftentimes go further towards success than talent level. The University of Arizona historically, is known for cagey, scrappy overachievers, nasty dudes who hit guys in the mouth, play all the way to the whistle, and stand up and bring it against more 'talented' oppositions.

In more recent years, it seems this reputations has taken a hit. While much of that has been attributed to a poisonous atmosphere in the early stages of the previous decade, the burning dumpster in the middle of the train wreck that was John Mackovic occurred nearly ten years ago. At this point, ideals and attitude should be in place to guide players, from the moment they get on campus for Summer II to the pro day workout that all athletes covet.

Here are a few things that I look for in a program culture. First, is simple roster turnover. How many players start what they finished when they sign their LOI. Excluding career ending injuries, this one is a little disappointing. Whether it's a highly decorated linebacker deciding he would rather become a firefighter, a sleeper defensive end deciding that eating chic-fil-a and sleeping until noon as a GDI is better than putting in the work needed to compete at a BCS conference level, or a highly coveted defensive tackle prospect quitting after three semesters, it seems like there is a disconnect between finding the athletes coveted by the staff to develop, and the person (not a good or bad person, remember they are selecting from a pool of 17 year old kids) who ends up on campus. In addition, there is in-game discipline. Using my high school coach and the rules we were guided by as a reference. Athletes should not be interacting with students in the bleachers at any point during the game. The first 5 seconds of this clip really irk me. The fact that at one point nonsuits were not allowed on the sidelines under Coach Stoops doesn't help this argument.

Look closely on Saturday. The past few games I have noticed an uptick in untucked jerseys. Remember when you played a team that dressed sloppy in high school? Generally, they were good for multiple untimely penalties, finger pointing, blown assignments, and lazy efforts blocking and route running. Sound familiar?

Not all is doom and gloom. There are currently 18 kids who have committed to join the program next summer. In an era of early commitments, this number manages to stand out, and if the season begins to take shape will result in more coveted and decorated kids pledging to live in Colonia de la Paz and play in Tucson. This coaching staff is committed to running a clean, honest program. Upperclassmen who have been looked at as breakout stars and key performers have been sent packing for transactions that get you a slap on the wrist other places (cough Oregon Kiko Alonso cough). I will always admire the willingness to keep these players truly accountable and responsible in the community.

While there are glaring issues in the Wildcat football world, there are things to feel pretty good about. Take note, be open minded, and let me know what you think.


Part II comes as soon as I can, and will discuss roster management.

PROGRAMMING NOTE: Congrats to by buddy Jordan Durlester and the future Ms. Gurlester. Way to be. I better be invited.

Football is back!!!

As I watch today's opening round of games, which leave just a little bit to be desired, it got me thinking. What do I want to see this year ? Over the past few seasons, as an Arizona Wildcat homer fan, I have learned how to manage one's expectations so as to enjoy the season as much as possible. Today you are getting a 'rundown' of what I would like to see to enjoy this season.

1) 60 minutes from Arizona
Being a Wildcats fan certainly has it's ups and downs. Not just from week to week, but often one series feels like its being played, mentally, at a different venue than the one before it. Lets take a look at some memorable Arizona victories: ASU in 2008, Oregon in 2007, Cal in 2008, Iowa last season, (take a look at the student section, those school colors, and that field. The college I graduated from is better than yours.) and the Last Vegas bowl to close out the 2008 season. All of these 'signature wins' felt great, and were instrumental not only in improving the culture that is Arizona football, but making the collegiate experience that much more memorable. However, even in Arizona's finest hour one of the hallmarks of all great football teams is completely missing: slamming the door and playing a complete football game. Credit Coach Stoops for making awesome halftime adjustments in most of these games, or having the defense completely dialed in as he did against Iowa last September. But inevitably, there is a complete lull in intensity, where corners get caught peaking, lineman move early, and the Delashaun Deans of the world drop balls and whiff on blocks. For the Cats to ever become the program that we would like to see in Tucson, this seasons outfit needs to not only rise to the occasion, but slam the door shut on opponents.

2. Accountability
I'm taking this one national. While I won't sit here and tell you that Arizona is a spotless program, players have repeatedly been accountable for their actions. How many times is Kiko Alonso going to be suspended indefinitely up in Eugene. (Counting a redshirt year, Oregon has been paying this clown's tuition for 4 calendar years now, and only in one have his services been available to his coaches and teammates.) I much prefer the Stoops method: sully the jersey you wear and you're out. Ask Bug Wright, Jonathan Turner, or Adrian McCovy how their senior seasons went.

This goes beyond the individual level, and to me is even more important at the institutional level. I want the death penalty in effect. By placing this weapon on the table, the NCAA can show programs that no one is bulletproof, and that if you are blatantly, in the face of the rules set forth, committing violations then you will answer for them. The days of pandering to established powers should end right now.

3. Juron Criner
Mr. President is better than your favorite player.

4. ASU in a bowl game
Can you believe I just said that? Here's the deal: I love Dennis Erickson, just as much as I think Herb Sendek and his creepy jokes and forgettable zone are a perfect fit for Tempe. It's the kind of thing where keeping these guys around ensures that the big commuter school located near an outstanding burger joint stays the way it should: mediocre.


"Having Dennis Erickson as coach was like having a substitute teacher come in. When a substitute teacher comes in, everyone is rowdy."- Former Miami star Robert Bailey

5. A redshirt for Matt Scott
It's a funny deal. Myself and many other fans were ready to say good riddance after current star Nick Foles grabbed the reins two seasons ago. Scott, a high school All-American, had a rough outing against Iowa, and we all needed a savior. He has looked great in spot duty ever since, and frankly I think the staff owes it to a kid who has hung around when 90% of kids in his situation would have hi-tailed it to the WAC. Matt was just 18 on that fateful day, and the further we get from that weekend the more I realize you should never write off a quarterback who doesn't play that great in his first start on the road against a defense where all 11 starters would end up on NFL rosters. The coaching staff has said they would do everything they can to get Scott a senior year all to himself (if you are wondering, he played as a true freshman in mop up duty against Idaho, Toledo, and a rudderless Washington Huskies team), provided that incumbent (and possible first day draft pick) Nick Foles remains healthy. Obviously, with an inexperienced offensive line, as well as the most brutal stretch of any team in the country the first half of the season, people like myself are cautiously optimistic at best.

6. Brent Musberger
No better phrase in sports.


It's late, you've either got work in the morning or a pitcher of Coors on deck at the back bar, so while I realize 6 is a goofy number, I promise that I will have more for you this weekend.


Enjoy the games and let's all have a great long weekend!

Protestors and Looters: I'm putting you on notice

I swore to myself that I would try and play it as neutral as I could on here; that I wouldn't blatantly reveal my political and philosophical leanings to you, the valued reader. This could be an issue tonight. There have been some wild events going on with our quirky, smelly neighbors about 6 hours east and I just happen to have some opinions about them.

To the rioters: Shut up and go home. Take off your nasty hipster sweatshirts, get back on the Xbox controller, and chill out (read that as if I was yelling, all caps doesn't appeal to the naked eye). I have no idea what kind of person Mr. Mark Duggan was, and I doubt 95% of you (you the reader as well as you the weirdo ruffian across the pond) even care. This has been an incident that has 'almost' happened on numerous occasions within England; as times get tough people get ornery.

I get that you're upset, and I understand that you're scared. I've been young, unemployed, and to an extent lacking direction in my life, and its certainly horrifying. But here's a little secret I'd like to instill upon you, Johnny Redcoat: quit complaining and make yourself marketable. It's not like there aren't jobs out there. According to an article that I am going to cite heavily, there are currently over 2,000 entry level jobs available in London. I understand that isn't the California gold rush (in fact it's probably a list of much better jobs) but the opportunity is there is you show any desire to not be a waste of space.

(Read that whole article. I have no idea if the Daily Mail is a reputable source, but I've seen some of the garbage people post on facebook and twitter so you can't hold this against me.)

Where does one get off burning down local businesses? I wouldn't agree with it, but if this was something aimed at "multinationals" or "big business" or whatever then at least it would make sense ideologically. But seriously, burning down a 150 year old family run furniture store? You all suck.

And by the way, while it isn't Brentwood, the neighborhoods of Tottenham, Croydon and Hackney are not exactly the Coney Island housing projects or slums of Mumbai. Get over yourselves. I don't think anything is necessarily "to blame" (and I try my best to ward off the 'blameitis' that all Americans are born with) but one has to wonder how long the dead weight of England has been strung along. Again, this is a bunch of disenfranchised adolescents with no direction or respect for the world order. When you allow these people to receive handouts, it just sort of masks an underlying problem. Most of these kids, much like a lot of kids you and I went to school with (AND LET ME JUST SAY THAT THIS IS NOT A RACIAL ISSUE, TAKE A LOOK AT THE PHOTOS AND YOU WILL SEE THAT PRETTY CLEARLY) were probably lost in about 5th grade, and that's really all she wrote as far as having an easy go of it in life.

Unfortunately, just like what we are facing, the United Kingdom can't afford to keep these people on it's tab any more. The poor always deserve chances, and it needs to be instilled in those who aren't as fortunate from the get go that you have a chance to make something of this thing. I don't think there is any easy way to solve this problem, but giving people a handout and just enough so that they don't have to take any initiative sets a dangerous precedent.

This is the same deal in Tel Aviv; I don't know what people expect. Dear morons, what do you think happens when a neighborhood becomes desirable? Prices go up, the value of land multiplies, and landowners can get more bang for their buck. Can you blame them? (The answer is no btw.) Just because you want to live somewhere doesn't mean you can. I would love to post up on Camelback Mountain or on a pretty lot in Newport Beach, but guess what, I'm (not for long if you tell your buddies to read my posts) not of the means to do so, so I can't. I'm really sorry, but that's the way it works. And for the record, I love the 51st state, and I would vote for Netanyahu in 2012 if I could. Israel is legit.

What I have been trying to hammer towards, and I will now just say directly, is that you can't just grab things you want and have them because your mad. We aren't owed anything. This life is about earning things, and busting your butt to do the best you can. Stop dressing like a bad Tilly's mannequin and buy yourself an interview suit. I was once skeptical, but I'm sure the local Joseph A. Bank is having a 4 for 1 one time sale. (And once you put that first suit on, you'll never be the same.) If you aren't willing to give 100% to maximize the potential you have, then I don't care for you at all, and I hope the Scotland Yard has a field day with you.


There was a soccer game tonight. It will be interesting to see the USA roster sort itself out, but man Klinsmann is a breath of fresh air. As long as he keeps dialing in these young ambitious dudes I feel very good about the direction of what has secretly become one of my favorite sports to follow.

College football is coming soon. I know I linked it, but take a look at this video my boy Jay-Bama and enjoy.

Goodnight.

What a Week! Looking at the Lockout

It has been kind of a crazy week, hasn't it.

I was going to write up a long soliloquy about how great college football was, and how I really wouldn't miss the NFL that much if it canceled the season. How, in fact, it would have been a great thing for the NCAA after a pretty rough offseason. How the fact is, there are a ton of football fans who have never gotten into the manna from heaven that is BCS, big time college football. How a season without the NFL would wake a lot of people up (and keep Berman and Jaws in a soundproof room aka not on my television blurting NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE as loud as they can), who maybe didn't go to a big college, or attended Arizona State, or live in a major market, to what is in my opinion a damn good product, without all of the hyperbole and production that gets in the way of pro football. (If your scoring at home, and you know who you are, that is essentially a summary of what I had planned)

Something beautiful happened instead.


The lockout ended, and with the lockout ending a very accelerated yet abbreviated free agency period began. Honestly, this is how the NFL should do it. Deprive us of any real news for months, and then throw all these wild transactions at us in a matter of days. Fellas, (and by fellas I mean men and women) this is awesome. I can't get enough of this.

As a football fan in general, I have always taken at least some interest in watching athletes progress through the system. It's kind of a sidebar activity during games, remembering local kids when they appear on TV at various colleges, and then the next step, when they are either drafted or picked up as rookie free agents by pro clubs. When the lists started forming this week, I was overjoyed. I am a big fan of the underdog getting a shot, and nowhere in pro sports is this opportunity greater than it is for the undrafted free agent. Take a look at Arizona's own Nic Grigsby, an overachiever who played through a lot of pain in college (that he probably shouldn't have) and probably sacrificed a fair amount of draft stock in the process. Now he has a chance to not only make a roster, but possibly get himself carries in Miami.

(BTW congrats to a former teammate. Big Will Yeatman was a member of the famed 2004 Rancho Bernardo Broncos, who helped me pave the way to our school's first every undefeated conference championship {#holdtherope}. I know college didn't quite go the way you planned, but your a beast and you get to learn from the best in New England. The Pats don't look half bad, either. Also this run on wouldn't be complete without a congrats to Minneapolis' own David Gilreath, a kid who made it out of Armstrong High alive, and who made a lot of athletes from Cal Poly to Ohio State look foolish chasing him the past 4 seasons. You guys have awesome opportunities, work hard and enjoy the ride.)

Aside from dozens of names you are vaguely familiar with, how about all of these trades and signings happening in the last 72 hours? Based on the powers of Real Talk, twitter, and facebook, it appears that football fans are riding an all-time high of excitement. Heres my take: The NFL accidentally gave itself the best shot in the arm a professional league could hope for. Football fans everywhere, fresh off an amazing NBA playoffs, and facing a neverending baseball season with no fantasy drafts, tailgates, or sundays on the couch with wings to look forward to suddenly have the Batman signal staring at them at the end of the tunnel. The country is rarin' to go, and I think in August 2011 this country has an unprecedented amount of football optimism heading into the fall.

It's a real shame Hideki Irabu had to go. Honestly, I hate suicide. I hate the concept, and the hurt it causes so many people disgusts me. I can't imagine the pain that Hideki was going through, and like all suicides I wish he could have gotten the help he needed to face his demons before it was too late. We only get one of these, folks. If your sad, and in a ton of pain, please find an outlet. Whether its exercise, or confiding in a friend, or hell it could be eating contests, but please do not bottle it up. There is something and more importantly, some people out there to help you get through it. (Sorry for turning into an after school special quick, but sometimes the nasty side of life needs addressing too.)

(And for the record, I really wanted to link the Seinfeld clip, but this isn't my last blog ever so don't worry it's coming. Just struck me as possibly poor taste.)


One last thing, props to my buddy Alex for a great landing today. Scary stuff. You're a hell of an instinctive pilot buddy. Kudos indeed.

Stay tuned, I am working on some big things, including possibly a new and improved website! As always, If you have any suggestions or topics that you would like my .2 on don't hesitate to drop a line.


Hartman OUT

Dear Alex Morgan

So we lost today, that kind of sucks. Here is the kind of guy I am. I not only believe in, but really I live by, the idea of American Exceptionalism. It's just a fact, this country is better than yours and there isn't any room to debate this with me. In fact, if you disagree with me, Hugo Chavez has a clown shoes blog of his own, which I will not be linking. Just go ahead and click the red X button any time.


Regardless of the sport, or event, or subject, I want America to come out on top, and I am going to be pretty disappointed when we don't achieve victory. Look, hats off to Japan, they were great on the ball and played an honest, wide open style. By no means am I a sore loser; I have to imagine that this doesn't sting as much as losing to 11 Eurosnobs would. Lets focus on the positives.

By positives I am referring to Ms. America, or as you know her, Alex Morgan. I don't even care that she is a Cal Golden Lady Bear. (Is that what the female sports teams are called in Berkeley? Am I making a jump that it's similar to UConn's Lady Huskies?) Heck, I don't even care that she had a goal and an assist against the land of the rising sun.

(Editors Note: This is written based on the assumption that #13 in your roster but #1 in our hearts is in fact a loyal reader.)


Here is the deal Alex,


You know, if you're into it, and I'm just throwin it out there, and if your not into it send it right on back, but I would be willing to take you out to a nice, moderately priced dinner. You could even pick the movie as long as its "Horrible Bosses" and not that awful looking Zookeeper Movie. Well, who am I kidding; we can watch "Pearl Harbor" followed by "Caddyshack 2" if that is what you're in to. And hey, if you play your cards right, I might even call you back to watch me play FIFA try a lunch date or something, who knows. I'm just saying, if you're in the valley, I'm available at the moment.




Oh, and good game today boo.

Juron Criner situation

I have no idea what is going on with Arizona's star player, but it would not be the worst thing in the world if you prayed for him. If your an atheist, send some "vibes" his way. Regardless of what you're into, just hope for the best for one of the more quality people in college sports.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WSAMN_k5gM

USA-Mexico:Gameday

Let me again remind you that if you're not into soccer, which by the way is what the English called it until the 80s, I'll have something for you later. As happy as I am that my boy Derrick is a Timberwolf and that the Twins are playing so well, these are the dog days and the Gold Cup is really the only sporting event piquing my interest. Here are some thoughts.

How about Jermaine Jones. What a pickup. His fiery personality really meshes with this team. It is very obvious that Jones plays at his best when his back is against the wall. His passes have been good, hes been making runs everywhere, and the center of the field has, for the most part, been off limits to opposition in this tournament. A key point to watch tonight: Jermaine completely shut down Mexico's star, Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez, in the English Premier League this past season. Look for at least some man marking, and ball denial, and hope to god that nobody tries the offsides trap.

It was great seeing Freddy Adu contributing. I don't envy anything about his life. Having the weight of an entire sport on your shoulders at 14, signing an ill-advised contract with a team that hasn't shown a ton of interest in developing his strength, and hitting rock bottom for the last 6 months of 2010, being a 20-something winger without a job. I don't expect him to turn into Ryan Giggs, however he has the best touch on the team. Maybe he won't meet those impossible expectations, but being a key supersub for the 2014 cycle seems reasonable.

Folks, the El Tri is simply playing at another level right now. The manager, whose name frankly doesn't matter (and I am not looking it up) seems to make the perfect adjustments and substitutions throughout the game. Giovanni dos Santos, the half-Brazilian wunderkind, is incredibly dangerous on the flanks and he has looked oh-so close to turning this tournament open every game. I just have a sinking feeling that his slashing runs will cause a backline that isn't the quickest in the world a lot of trouble.

Here is how I see this game going down: The USA midfield is clicking, providing steel and completely dictating the flow of the game. The issue is that final third. The Yanks just don't have enough patience or creativity to take or make enough good chances at goal. I see the Mexican side hanging around, threatening every 15 minutes or so, and taking the lead just before the half. Coach Bradley will bring on subs, hopefully not Chris Wondolowski (better known as 'random MLS striker we will never hear from again') and the US will steal a goal, likely from Juan Agudelo or Clint Dempsey, two guys with enough heart to keep the states in the match. Towards injury time I think Mexico's speed and touch will take over, and I think this is the end of the line for us. I see Chicharito scoring a goal that looks just enough borderline that I will yell at the TV, and Giovanni adding another one moments later when the game has completely opened up.

3-1, but closer than the score.


Here is a video that I really enjoy. I think Jermaine is an awesome player, he seems like a pretty cool dude, and anyone who likes Pizza Hut is a friend of mine.

And you wonder why I watch???

One year ago today...time flies...this is what it's all about.

Team USA: Thats right its time for a soccer blog

Its pretty well established that I am something of a soccer nerd. There's a pretty good chance you've steered me away from a conversation about England finding the right compliment to Wayne Rooney, or who should play for what country internationally; heck you may have even heard me name drop some prospects in the U.S. system who I am (probably correctly) tipping as stars of tomorrow.

It's not a boring sport.

The United States announced their Gold Cup roster today. The Gold Cup is a tournament for the right to be called champion of North America. This tournament generally comes down to holding off scrappy central American clubs and proving to the El Tri (that's Mexico) that elbows and bad hair don''t win championships. While it isn't the World Cup, this tournament serves as a great measuring stick for learning where the 'Yanks are at.

The roster includes several shocking additions, and at least one glaring omission that has me going into doomsday mode. I will break it down position by position to let you know the deal.

Keeper: No real surprises here. Tim Howard is probably still the most consistent American player in the world, and leads a solid, scrappy English club called Everton during the season. Howard minds the net, Marcus Hahnemann backs him up. Know more in my neck of the woods for a mediocre flavor saver, big Marcus also starts in England. While he isn't going to be a big part of the future, it's hard to leave a guy with this much savvy off the roster. Rounding out the unit is Nick Rimando, a solid MLS veteran who can play in a pinch.

Defense: Lots of familiar faces here. My dude Gooch Onyewu returns, after a solid season in Belgium. He's not a popular guy in Mexico and should knock some of their goons around. Eric Lichaj, Carlos Bocanegra and Jonathan Spector provide the versatility coach Bradley loves. Old reliable Steve Cherundolo returns for what could be the final stages of a solid international career. Clarence Goodson is another big guy who provides an upgrade over the scrappy Jay Demerit, who has probably run his course. And then there is the inexplicable inclusion of Jonathan Bornstein. Guy is TURRABLE. Whether its advancing too far forward, mediocre crosses, a horrible first touch, constantly being out of position, or untimely cards, I guess you can say he "does it all". I'd rather have a revolving door of people from the Sam's Army getting run than this clown.



What bugs me about this position is the lack of Timmy Chandler. For one thing, according to my own doctrine, he should be playing for Germany. As he isn't officially cap-tied to the states, there is still a chance that the Nuremburg winger could ply his trade for die Mannshaft. (I can't make fun of the German national team's choice of name enough. Maybe it means something in German, but I speak, and more importantly tell jokes, in English) Plus Timmy is a big time talent, I think he has a chance to be team USA's cornerstone on defense for the next 10 years. Why waste time with a retread like Bornstein?


Midfield: Strongest part of the team. Landon Donovan. You know his name, dude is everywhere, without a doubt the best outfield American player on a counterrattack, and maybe our finest offensive weapon ever. Texas boy Clint Dempsey will probably start on the other wing, although neither of these guys really has a position. Landon and Deuce cover a lot of ground on defense, and make runs from all over the field. Both of these guys love making diagonal runs and setting up real chances. Look for Dempsey up top by the end of the game. There's a steaming pile of mediocrity in Robbie Rogers, Sacha Klestjan, and the awful selection of Freddy Adu. You've probably heard of Freddy Adu, and you probably thought Mo Edu was him last summer. Young Freddy has partied himself into the doghouse, bouncing from team to team and failing to endear himself to a single manager. The 21 year old has been tearing up a minor league in Turkey, and still has a lot of 'magic' that the rest of this roster doesn't have. I still don't see it, and I'd rather he develop in peace and return to the Nats as a finished product. German import Jermaine Jones, whose father was a G.I., as well as Michael Bradley start in the center. Two solid players, Jones is an end to end stud and Bradley is equally dangerous on his game. Edu provides depth, and some versatility, as he has some experience on the backline as well.

(By the way, between Jones, Chandler, Fabian Hurzeler, Jerome Kieswetter, Shawne Parker, and Fredo Morales, lets keep up the work in Germany. With the rules being the way they are, and the German's having probably the deepest talent pool this side of Brazil {The Turks start 9 German natives and a Brit, Ghana and Cameroon start multiple Germans, and the Swiss and Austrians wouldn't even compete without getting a fair share.} we may as well reap the benefits!) All of those names, btw are German nationals with either a father who is American or prospects who happened to be born on our turf and moved across the water. It's a game of absolutes and I will take what I can get while our product continues to improve.

Forwards: Jozy Altidore is a mainstay here, despite slumming it in Turkey, where he is currently on loan from Spanish side Villareal. I'm sure the brass of the Yellow Submarine (remember what I said about team names) are thrilled that they are spending 2.2 mil a season so Jozy can play for other teams. He seems to turn it up for the states, is 21 years old, 6'2 210, and the kind of athlete only America can produce. (BTW how much better are American games with British announcers?) So I am optimistic. Juan Agudelo is the next big thing, a teenager learning from French legend and BAMF Thierry Henry for the New York Red Bulls. Kid has played 3 games for team USA and has notched two goals and drawn a penalty. Juan moved to the 'States from one of my favorite countries, Columbia (shout out to Uribe) as an 8 year old, and brings the flair and aforementioned magic to the game. My only hope is he doesn't follow Freddy and Jozy on the first plane to Europe. Stay here, score goals. The MLS is a better league than people realize and rotting on the bench on a crappy bankrupt team in Portugal or England won't make you better. Rounding out the forward pool is Chris "Wondo" Wondolowski. I'm not even going to get into talking about Wondo, but I know my college buddies are snickering (and to a certain reader it's nothing personal but these are the things that make me laugh). With young guns like Minneapolis' own Teal Bunbury, as well as the continued return to form of Robbie Findley and Charlie Davies rise from the ashes, I feel very good about America taking the worlds sport over.


Overall, a solid bunch with a few warts. As long as Bornstein doesn't ____ ___ ___ (rhymes with hit the lead) against Chicharito I think we can come out of this ok.


(How annoying are youtube ads? Goodnight.

May 22, 2011

Courtesy of a Friend...





Have a great week!

Momo Thoughts

By now you have heard, and if not her is the deal: On monday Arizona announced that Lamont Jones, known both in my apartment and to the world as "Momo", would be leaving school. This was a somewhat sudden, and surprising development given the relationship Momo had developed with the University community over his two seasons in the desert. Reactions have been interesting, as the Harlem native was a divisive figure among the faithful. Here's the thing: Everyone wins, except me.

(Here is a breakdown of how parties involved are "winners")

Brendon Lavender: The much maligned, albeit talented senior gets to keep his ride. Lav has always been an intriguing talent, with the highest vertical leap on the team, a commitment to defense, and a very solid jumper. There's no reason on paper that he shouldn't reach the professional ranks (note: this doesn't mean the NBA. Basketball players are second only to soccer stars in professional opportunities. You can make a very comfortable living in at least 30 countries). However, something has always held Brendon back. Dude plays on eggshells. With one year to take it all in, and cement his role, the proverbial hope that Lav can make the jump from sporadic appearances to key contributor is once again in play for the Wildcats.

Sean Miller: Coach Miller is the man. You can't have him, Maryland (I HATE the Terrapins and always have. Remember, I wasn't raised a Wildcat fan, I contracted that. In Will Hartman's world, as a Duke fan, there was nothing more annoying than "Backsweat" Gary Williams. Whether it was his ruined closet of Men's Wearhouse blazers, or his incessant recruitment of players like Sarunas Jasikaereairfjasdf {it doesn't matter, but this is what his real name is} or Nik Caner-Medley, the Terps managed to surpass the vaunted Tar Heels as public enemy number one. ASU, I'd like you to meet your similarly-mediocre-uniformed counterpart) Anyway, Coach had himself a numbers crunch, courtesy of some old trouble the previous regime had gotten into. He was facing having to jettison a player who had worked hard, wished to remain in Tucson, or was possibly a key contributor. Previously mentioned Lav and European import Kyryl Natyazhko seemed likely candidates. With Momo leaving on his own, 'Zona falls under the 12 rides cap.

Momo: While it may come out that there is much more to the story, lets just trust the information we have. Following his father's brutal murder when he was very young, Jones was raised primarily by his grandmother . Momo is a heady, emotional kid, and really a throwback in my opinion. National Honor Society, engaged to be married, by all accounts the heart and soul of the program. Family comes first, and seeing as how his grandmother has fallen very ill, this is the right thing to do. A couple years ago, a kid named Garland Judkins left Arizona at midseason. Garland was a nothing player, and frankly didn't fit what the program was looking for at all. However, he got to spend 6 months with his terminally ill father, which to me is much more important than solidifying a rotation at a college. Momo is making a smart decision here from an off the court standpoint. On the court I will get to in a bit, but for now just pray for the kid.

Jordin Mayes, Josiah Turner, Kyle Fogg: With Jones out of the picture, the backcourt picture makes a lot more sense. On the court, Momo was a solid hooper without a true position. With the arrival of a heralded, potentially program changing talent like Turner, minutes were going to be harder and harder to come by. Fogg is a 3 year starter at shooting guard who was probably facing starting senior night on the bench. While I don't buy the message board sentiment that Jordin had already passed Momo on the totem pole, roles have now been solidified, and if nothing else we can see what the sophomore is made out of in more extensive action. The days of 4 minute runouts have ended for Jordin. These guys now have 5 months to develop a rapport together and create a cohesive and deadly backcourt.

(*I didn't include Nick Johnson because I think this kid is going to turn Tucson on its head in the best way possible. I see "Bunnies" as the wild card in the mix, using his raw athletic ability to embarrass the Chanse Creekmur's of the conference while his body builds up to the collegiate level. Did I mention he owns the rivalry already?)

And now for the one loser.


Myself: While all the information above is fantastic, and I have faith that Arizona is going to be an outstanding club, this irks me. As I stated earlier, I saw Momo as the glue that held the Wildcats together the past to season. Keep in mind that he hosted Josiah, Jordin, and several other prospects who shared his position during his four semesters. I look at the 19 year old kid who was so thankful that his backup had bailed him out, who got himself immortality in "one shining moment" videos, and who led the team through the Zona Zoo after the Washington game, and I really want to see an all-time great. Maybe not as a player in the Steve Kerr/Jason Gardner mold, but the kind of guy who never has to buy lunch in Arizona again (still doesn't if I run into him fwiw), who gets a heroes send off on Senior Day at McKale, and who gets an embrace from Assistant Coach Richardson (btw Momo's godfather) after he cuts down the last of the net in two years. I really wanted this kid to come full circle.

The bottom line is that I hope you all appreciate a kid who put everything he had into making my school, the greatest college/institution not named the United States of America, a brand name again. Momo will continue to be a Wildcat, and I hope he gets the understanding, prayers, and perspective from Wildcat faithful that he has rightfully earned. I'm rooting for you bud.



In other news, I managed to go this entire season without watching a Timberwolves game. That trend will continue indefinitely if Derrick Williams isn't on the roster next season. Between the Vikings, Twins, and Wolves, lets just say I have watched a lot of soccer. SOCCER, folks, and as great of a soccer writer as I may be I'd rather not wake up at 6am on weekends to listen to 19 year old kids break FCC regulations across the pond. Step your game up, homestate teams.

The Aftermath; What Does It All Mean?

Alright, I wanted to wait a while before I took a look at this topic. As most of you know, I went to school in Tucson (along with the bulk of my readers). Many friends and colleagues of mine grew up there, still call it home, or at the least have very fond memories of the place. Some of them even worked for Congresswoman Giffords over the past few years. Needless to say, this one hit pretty close to home for me.

Right from the get-go a big part of me wanted to see how people reacted. That same part of me is what has kept me from bringing this up any earlier; The fiery reactions, vitriol, and political saber-rattling were all things that I wanted to steer clear of when tackling such an emotional current event.

I am not going to rehash events, what I am going to do is look at the media coverage, the twitter/facebook reaction, and the general mood of people near and far in the hangover of the tragedy. I will say this. I hope Loughner gets whats coming. Read between the lines, and draw whatever conclusions you may, but I want justice.

The knee jerk reactions were not surprising, I would prefer to use the term disappointing. Immediately, moments after shots had been fired, the facebook status updates and tweets coming from all over the world provided an array of predictable finger-pointing, taunting, and incoherent ranting. It seemed that some members of the political spectrum were taking advantage of the state of Arizona being the epicenter of a big, evil Right Wing-fueled disaster. Here's a tip folks: Nothing is going to get done in this country unless the blame game ends. There is a pretty good chance that you and I disagree, possibly on every subject imaginable. It takes a lot for me to get offended, but if somebody I don't see eye to eye with is going to insist that my beliefs are the root of all evil, I am probably not so apt to compromise with said person. Meet in the middle, accept dialogue, and create solutions. That goes for righties too. As much as hipsters and Alec Baldwin suck, they really aren't the bane of civilization. Lets pull our heads out and fix things. (And, for the record, this needs to happen regardless; I can't emphasize enough how much I don't want this incident to become some sort of martyr or symbol. It shouldn't take disasters to solve problems.)


What actually disgusted me was the media's handling of January 8th. First it was the reports that Gabby had died. Does anyone confirm anything anymore? One of the biggest reasons why I dropped out of journalism was an underlying emphasis on finishing first, rather than writing the best story. Editors and managers spend a lot more time hustling writers, scurrying over details, and spitting things out on the air in order to 'win' than to make a well crafted, finished product. Increased competition often is criticized for diluting the talent pool; take a look at Major League pitching, and you have a compelling argument for that hypothesis. I guess it is just disheartening to me that the Walter Cronkite's don't really come around anymore. The more I watch the major news networks, the more I long for real, hard hitting, honest, wholesome reporting.


Ultimately, the final thing I would like to touch on, is the framing of Arizona as some racist, lawless, cowboy and Indian shootout. We have real problems, sure, but I don't think that's exclusive to my adopted state; most of my Midwestern readers would jump at the chance to live out here. I read a lot of things depicting Tucson as a city with a firm white/hispanic dividing line, like there was a major cultural clash and it was some sort of Balochistan. Look, I'm sure some parts of town are whiter than others, but what city in the country isn't like that? Any city with a million people is going to have a city core, and suburbs, and if you don't think those places (as well as the type of personality that resides in one quarter or another) are different from one another you are out of your mind. This is nothing new, and grasping at thin air. I would say that all factions of Tucson blend together pretty organically (the nonexistent freeway system notwithstanding) and the de facto segregation isn't nearly as pronounced as places like Detroit, Hartford, Boston, or any host of other cities nationwide. Those of us out here live in a great state, with nice people, plenty of culture, oh and did I mention that we don't have to wear gloves to work???


If you get anything out of my opinions, take this: Do your homework. Jumping to conclusions is unhealthy and doesn't do anything besides incite people's insecurities, and cause nasty ideological arguments. (People believe what they believe by the way. CHILL OUT) Unless your a creep that likes to stir the pot, take time to formulate opinions, and things will get much more civil, both in Washington and out here in the 'wild west'.

BCS Thoughts

As everyone and you're mother now knows, the BCS National Championship Game will be played here in the Phoenix valley tomorrow night. While the game may be played in faraway Glendale, my own adopted home 'dale has also gotten in on the party. It has been a zoo of ducks fans, Tiger faithful, and the people watching in Scottsdale's Old Town quarter has been nothing short of spectacular. Everything you have heard about SEC football fans is true, these people are dressed to the nines at all times; American Junkie probably will never see this many tucked-in Oxfords again. I even saw multiple Augusta National floppy hats. Oregon fans, meanwhile, find their own clever ways to combine obnoxious with creepy. It's been an interesting week, and I hope everyone get an opportunity to take in an event of this magnitude, whether its a Final 4, Super Bowl, World Cup (where the cultural differences between competing factions are probably not as pronounced) or whatever. Its not every year (in Arizona's case, its every 4) that sporting events of this magnitude get to happen in my backyard, so short of spending a months wage on tickets, I am doing everything I can to embrace it. Here are a few thoughts on my rooting interests, as well as who I pick to win.


Southern belles > Pasty hipsters
*Retort with Oregon's cheerleaders all you like, but I really don't think they actually attend school up there. They just can't
Old Southern Money = Trust Fund Babies
Paying your quarterback > Running backs who hit girls
Red State > Blue State
War Eagle > That stupid O hand gesture
A quiet, unassuming coach > A sarcastic, smug jerk (I held back so much here Chip)
My opinion > Anything Ted Miller writes

Look, Oregon to me is right there with Arizona State. I'm not a PAC-10 guy. Based on the meltdown in Arizona's season, and our recruits looking elsewhere, we don't need our rivals to look good on TV. We need the opposite. All things considered, I would rather the PAC resemble the late 90s in hoops, where it was Arizona, and a bunch of little brothers chasing after them. Sorry I'm not sorry.

Here is the thing though. Oregon is winning this game. You can feel it in the air. For as much as I don't like coach Chip, keeping your players focused in the hotel with a curfew, and treating the game like a business trip is a much better formula for winning an actual game. Just ask coach Stoops, who let his players party before last years Holiday Bowl; Cam Newton running the show at Axis Radius or wherever doesn't win you titles.

Besides, the Ducks offense is just sick. People forget that Darron Thomas had beaten Jeremiah Masoli for the starting job in 2008 before a car accident. Two seasons later, one of which was a redshirt year, we are seeing a savvy veteran who knows a tricky offense inside and out. Look for Lamichael to show Heisman voters that awarding the trophy before the season is over is just foolish. And watch Jeff Maehl. I swallow my pride on this one- Maehl is one of my favorite players. Hands like glue, makes big plays, loves to block, and suffered through a heartbreaking, life-changing event a few summers back, which he has overcome and then some. I look for the senior to end his Ducks career on a high note, and propel himself into the upper rounds of the NFL draft.

I promise I will start writing more. Giffords stuff coming soon. Keep fighting Gabs, we need you.