FOOTBALL: THE INTERIM ALTERNATIVE
December 30, 2010
There is no question about it, I am not a true football fan, but that isn't a sin. The problem is listening to the experts as well as watching the game on TV.
A week ago, I tuned in on the Minnesota game against the Chicago Bears, and partially enjoyed it. At the SAME time that the game was underway, Turner Classic Movies was showing the brilliantly written film, Baby Doll. What was I to do? I figured it out. Watch BOTH. Every time there was a commercial, even the time-outs, I switched the channel to catch the movie. Would you believe that I was able to watch more than ENOUGH of the movie to thoroughly understand it? How about that? No split screen. I found this remarkable.
Another football observation. No matter what the sport, predictions for each game are made. One major writer of the New York Post favored the Jets to beat the Patriots. What's wrong with that? Well, he said that the Jets would EASILY conquer the Patriots and he gave every detailed reason for such a runaway victory. Result: Patriots: 45 Jets: 3. How could this happen? I figured it would be a close game.......but 45 to 3?
Wait.............I've got another story. In the same NY Post, dated 12/28, the SAME writer made this comment: "If the Giants don't beat the wretched Redskins Sunday, Tom Coughlin should be fired....but, if they win and still don't make the playoffs, the embattled coach should be brought back for the final year of his contract." W H A T ?
Coughlin
Does this make sense to anybody out there? Think about it. If Coughlin's Giants lose the game.......fire him! If the writer had commented that Coughlin should be fired for the way he coaches.....OK. But would it be Coughlin's fault if the Giants lose by one lousy point? Suppose a receiver drops a touchdown pass? Would this be Coughlin's fault? Why should ONE play decide Coughlin's fate? Is Coughlin's reputation dependent upon ONE damn play? If he stinks, why bring him back next year? But the Post clearly comments that Coughlin should be allowed to coach in 2011 if the Giants win that game.
Let's apply all this to a crucial baseball game at the end of the season.
YANKEES vs. RED SOX. Boston is ahead 10-9 with two out in the bottom of the 9th. Derek Jeter is batting with the bases loaded with a full count. He gets a single, knocking in two runs. Yankees win!
WHAT A MANAGER!!! JOE GIRARDI IS A GENIUS!!!
Same situation. Jeter up. He lines a shot that is miraculously caught at second. Game over. Yankees lose.
IT'S TIME TO FIRE GiRARDI!!! HE’S HORRIBLE!
Get my point how illogical the Coughlin story is?
Last week, at least 3 stories mentioned, in large articles, that pitcher Zack Greinke was being sought after. Not ONE mention was made of his stats, which happens to be a logical requirement. Well, here's his stats:
Greinke
He's 27 and had a 10-14 record with a 4.17 ERA this past season.
Star pitcher Pedro Martinez must hold a record for retirement. To him, it's a REST every other season. When he comes back, he always sensational. In 2010, he decided to sit it out again. In 2009, he was 5-1 with a 3.63 ERA. Therefore, in 2011, he will RE-ACTIVATE himself and win a job somewhere. At least he tells you of his intentions and doesn't play the game that Andy Pettitte is engaged in.
Pettitte, his indecision quite childish, is driving Yankees' management crazy. In fact, it's disgraceful.
The Yankees should just come out and say, "Don't bother."
Zambrano
While the Yankees are sort of losing control of the market, they are making inquiries as to the Cubs' Carlos Zambrano. If they can't control themselves, how will they be able to tame the occasional anger pattern of Zambrano?
Well.........it happened last week. Regardless of the money, Cliff Lee's wife, Kristen, has decided that her husband had to re-join the Philadelphia Phillies.
Political writer, Mike Lupica, took time out for a baseball piece, and came up with an interesting observation for the Yankees to seriously think about. He said that the Yankees must finally revert to signing players from their OWN farm system. Gee!!! Brian Cashman didn't know that? Where's the big news, except perhaps to invent something to write about?
Happy New Year!
Graphics by Eddie Resner
Eddie Resner for the Allied Investment Group