1. Field of Dreams

"If you build it, he will come."

"Ease his pain"

"Go the distance"

I would think I was going crazy too if I started hearing these voices in the middle of a corn field.  A wonderful story with likable characters, "Field of Dreams" is just like the title says.  A field where one man gets a chance to hit against major league pitching.  Another man gets his chance to relive his days of watching baseball games at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn, New York.  And another man, well, I don't want to give that away.

Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner) hears these voices.  Builds a baseball field for "Shoeless" Joe Jackson (Ray Liotta).  A player that was banned from baseball who was on the famous 1919 Chicago White Sox team.  Him and seven others were banned for throwing the 1919 World Series.  Ray then travels to Boston to bring a writer, Terence Mann (James Earl Jones) into the mix to help "ease his pain."  They both see that their next stop is to Chisholm, Minnesota to seek Archibald "Moonlight" Graham.  

All three have baseball as their common thread that binds them together in this well played plot.  It will hit you at your very core.  Anyone who remembers being a kid and either playing catch with your dad or going to the ball game.  You remember almost every detail about it.  The smells, the sounds, the feeling you got when you caught the ball in your glove.  The sound of the bat hitting the ball in just the perfect spot.  The smell of the freshly cut grass and the dirt flying into the air. 

This is my favorite sports movie simply because of the father son connection.  I'm not going to give anything away if you haven't seen it, but if you have, you know exactly what I'm talking about.  You remember that time you played catch with your dad.  You remember dreaming of playing in the big league and having your dad watching you play.  I have since chosen a different career path, but I will never forget that feeling I get when I recall those days.  

It was recently re-kindled this past year.  I took my father to an Angels game this past May, just a month after he was released from the hospital.  He was at UCI medical center for the last month of his two month hospital stay.  UCI is just down the street from Angel Stadium.  Suffice it to say the view was much better in May as me and him were two rows behind the Angels dugout.  Watching "Field of Dreams" brings that feeling back to me every time I watch it.

The quote by Terence Mann towards the end of the movie really optimizes the meaning of baseball for almost all of its fans.  I'll leave you with that quote and I thank you for reading each and every post of my top 10 sports movies that I've seen.  The list will be left on the main page of this website.

"The one constant through all the years Ray, has been baseball.  America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers.  It's been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt, and erased again.  But baseball has marked the time.  This field, this game, is part of our past.  It reminds us of all that once was good, and that could be again."

Week 16 Review of the NFL

What to do with the 49ers?

They have decided to start over and begin to clean house for 2011.  Mike Singletary was fired less than 24 hours after losing to the St. Louis Rams and missing out on the playoffs for the eighth consecutive year.  This year was supposed to be different.  After all they by all accounts had the most talented roster in the division.  The Rams had a rookie quarterback leading them.  Seattle had a new coach in Pete Carroll.  Arizona lost one of their best receivers (Anquan Boldin) and Kurt Warner decided to retire.  What happened to what was supposed to be a successful season?
Their general manager, Scott McCloughlan resigned before the 2010 draft.  That was the first sign of trouble when the 49ers scrambled and had vice president of player personnel Trent Baalke take over the football operations.  The draft went well for the Niners and they had everything in place to succeed.  Unfortunately they were thumped by Seattle in the first game.  It started a tail spin of losing and they were 2-6 going into their bye week. 
The main problem was what cost Singletary his job.  His inexperience as a head coach and making adjustments on offense.  The team lost confidence in quarterback Alex Smith before Singletary did.  Their other quarterback Troy Smith was seen arguing with Singletary during their loss to the Rams this past week.  When pressured to make a move earlier in the season, he decided to let his offensive coordinator, Jimmy Raye, go after hiring him last season.  Clearly Singletary seemed to be out of his element as the season went on, but he does still have a future as a coach, just not a head coach anytime soon.  Tight end Vernon Davis' turnaround to his career is credited to Singletary getting tough with him in 2008 when he was named interim coach.
Now team CEO Jed York has announced that he will hire a GM first who will then hire the head coach.  The wise move, but Jed has to be careful.  There are many qualified candidates out there, but he has to look for examples of a quick turnaround in other franchises.  Kansas City's is the current example where Scott Pioli was hired away from New England and then hired Todd Haley as the head coach.  A rough first year in 2009 led the Chiefs to bring in established coordinators on offense (Charlie Weis) and defense (Romeo Crennel) that has led to a division title in 2010.
San Francisco won't get the big name GM, but they will need someone who has experience in evaluating talent and knows what it takes to win in this league.  That GM will then need to hire someone who has the same attributes, but would also need to have an inkling for the bay area.  Jon Gruden's name comes to mind.  As does Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh.  Gruden would be perfect, but he seems pretty comfy in the broadcast booth.  Harbaugh probably likes college too much and won't want to risk coming to the NFL just yet with labor issues looming.  The franchise has a long storied history and they need to get back to that very soon or they will be left behind once again.

Is this the best we've seen of Tom Brady?

He is without a doubt the MVP this year.  Yes, Michael Vick has been nothing short of amazing for the Philadelphia Eagles, but he hasn't done what Brady has after they traded away their best receiver (Randy Moss).  Had New England not traded for their former Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch, I think it would have been different.  Branch and Brady play like they haven't been apart for four years.  Brady's stats say it all: 34 TD, 4 INT and 3,701 yards passing.  Once again there are only two quarterbacks right now who are their own offensive coordinator.  Brady is one and the other is Peyton Manning.  We're already trying to look for the new king of the pass, but you have to look no further than those two.  Tom Brady broke records the last time he won the MVP award (2007).  This season is even better with the talent around him and the season the Patriots are having.

New Orleans wants to defend their title

Everyone, including myself, were wondering if the New Orleans Saints were going to be able to defend their title.  They will after an important win over their division rival Atlanta Falcons on Monday night.  Drew Brees had two crucial interceptions late in the fourth quarter, but the Saints rallied and were able to win by a field goal.  They are healthy and they are determined to not have a Super Bowl layoff like most teams have in the past decade.   It's not impossible for them to repeat, but they are being overlooked and that will be a mistake when the playoffs are underway.  With that win over Atlanta, they are in position to win the division if Atlanta should lose their final game.  New Orleans is primed for another run and the rest of the league should take notice that the defending champs are ready to go.

2. The Sandlot

"You're killin' me Smalls."

Not having a care in the world.  Living life and playing the game of baseball.  This movie sums up a lot of your parents and grandparents childhood.  That is if their childhood revolved around baseball.  

One kid named Scott Smalls was having a rough start to his summer.  He just moved to a new place, had no friends and hadn't a clue about playing baseball.  Thankfully for him there was one kid in town who was willing to bring him along.  Benjamin Franklin Rodriguez.  

Benny was considered the best baseball player not just at the Sandlot, but in the whole town.  He flew like a jet around the base paths.  He could hit the skin off a baseball.  There wasn't anything that Benny couldn't do on a baseball diamond. 

The Sandlot they played at was located next to the lair of "the beast" as they called it.  Anything that went over the fence, was now the property of this beast.  It was a mutual understanding that is until Smalls took an autographed baseball signed by "the great bambino" Babe Ruth.  That same ball was hit over the fence to which they all had to save it and Smalls' life.  Or he would be grounded most severely. 

There wasn't any sandlots for me growing up, but playing baseball was always welcomed and still is.  Not as many people to play with, but I don't hesitate at the chance to even play some catch.  I'm sure for my parents and grandparents generation this movie brought back some great memories of playing baseball or even watching the sport.

There is one scene I want to share with you.  The sandlot team was just wrapping up a game when the town's little league team came by to talk some trash.  There was a lot of back and forth banter, but it ended with some epic smack.

Phillips: It's easy when you play with rejects and a fat kid, Rodriguez.

Benny: Shut your mouth, Phillips!

Ham Porter: What'd you say, crap face?

Phillips: You shouldn't be allowed to touch a baseball.  Except for Rodriguez, you're all an insult to the game.

Ham Porter: Come on! We'll take you on, right here! Right now! Come on! 

Sandlot Kids: Yeah! 

Phillips: We play on a real diamond, Porter. You ain't good enough to lick the dirt off our cleats. 

Ham Porter: Watch it, jerk!

Philips: Shut up, idiot!

Ham Porter: Moron!

Phillips: Scab eater!

Ham Porter: Butt sniffer!

Phillips: Pus licker!

Ham Porter: Fart smeller!

Bertram: [sniffs] Ahh. 

Phillips: You eat dog crap for breakfast, geek!

Ham Porter: You mix you Wheaties with your mama's toe jam!

Sandlot Kids: Yeah!

Phillips: You bob for apples in the toilet!  And you like it!

Ham Porter: You play ball like a giiirrrrrrrrl! 

[entire group stands in shocked silence]  

Phillips: What did you say?

Ham Porter: You heard me.

Phillips: Tomorrow.  Noon, at our field.  Be there, buffalo-butt breath.

Ham Porter: Count on it, pee-drinking crap face!

That's one reason that I believe this movie has stood the test of time.  It brings back good memories and it tells a great story of kids being kids and perhaps embellishing on certain details of "the beast" that lurks over the fence.  If you haven't seen this movie yet, I strongly recommend that you watch it with your parents or even your grandparents so they can restart those memories of their childhood playing at their own sandlot.

This top 10 list is sports movies that I've seen.  Not what others recommend, but only what my eyes have seen and that I truly enjoy.  If you haven't seen this movie, netflix it, pirate the movie, however you go about watching movies, just do it.

Week 15 Review of the NFL

Tim Tebow's debut

So what do we take away from the debut of Mr. Tebow?  Well, for one that it was about time the Broncos played him.  Not that he would help them, but from the standpoint of spending a first round pick on him.  Josh McDaniels is out and the interim coach Eric Studesville has nothing to lose or gain by playing him.  His stat line wasn't bad at all.  It was pretty good.  Eight completions for 138 yards and a touchdown pass.  He also ran for 78 yards and scored a touchdown on the ground.  His last game in college showed me that he was worth a look at quarterback when he threw for over 400 yards against Cincinnati in the Sugar Bowl.  The Broncos still need to work out the kinks in Tebow, but they might have something should they bring in the right coach to help further his career.  He's a proven winner and that's what Denver needs right now is someone who wants to win.  Does Kyle Orton or Brady Quinn do that for them?

So, who wants it?

The question is what's "it"?  A division title?  A conference championship?  Or the Super Bowl title?  This past week has shown that there are a few teams ready for all of the above and some that have fallen flat.  The Giants epic collapse at home against the Eagles has put them on the outside looking in.  The Jaguars had the division title in their grasp, but couldn't finish the job in Indianapolis.  The Jets came back to life on the road in Pittsburgh.  They prefer to play on the road with a 6-1 record this year.  Tampa Bay is still alive for a playoff spot, but allowed the Detroit Lions to end their win less streak on the road in overtime.  Chicago won their division on Monday night.  Atlanta, New England and Pittsburgh already have a playoff spot clinched, but time is running out for them to clinch a first round bye.

The stretch run

Week 16 has a slew of games that have playoff implications.  Don't bother watching the Thursday or Christmas day games.  Lets face it, there's no point in watching anything other than the final score of those two games.

San Francisco (5-9) vs. St. Louis (6-8)
Does anyone want to win the NFC West?  This game will probably decide it once and for all.  Or the Niners will win and insure a team with a losing record makes the playoffs.  Anything can happen.

Baltimore (10-4) vs. Cleveland (5-9)
The Browns hate the Ravens and this would make their season if they prevent the Ravens from winning the AFC North.  Baltimore needs to keep pace with Pittsburgh who will be hosting Carolina on Thursday night.

NY Jets (10-4) vs. Chicago (10-4)
The Bears had an easy win against the Minnesota Vikings.  The Jets regained some lost confidence with a win at Pittsburgh.  Chicago has nothing to play for, except seeding, but the Jets have a better road record (6-1) than Chicago's home record (4-3).

Washington (5-9) vs. Jacksonville (8-6)
The Jaguars failed to win the AFC South once already and will need to avoid a letdown.  The Redskins nearly beat the Cowboys with Rex Grossman and might be primed for an upset victory against a playoff hopeful.

Tennessee (6-8) vs. Kansas City (9-5)
The Chiefs are sporting a perfect record at home this year.  With a big road victory over St. Louis last week they want to clinch the AFC West as soon as possible.  The Titans played up to par against division rival Houston.  They want to finish the season 8-8 to salvage a disappointing year.

Indianapolis (8-6) vs. Oakland (7-7)
What looked to be an easy win for the Colts at the beginning of the year, it now looks like a Oakland win if they can run the ball more effectively than Jacksonville did last week.  The Colts need to be perfect on defense and Oakland will need to keep the ball out of Peyton's hands.

NY Giants (9-5) vs. Green Bay (8-6)
If Aaron Rodgers plays, the Packers should be in good shape.  If not, the Giants should be more at ease.  They need this game more than Green Bay, but both are fighting for a playoff spot.  This is the number two game to watch this week.

Seattle (6-8) vs. Tampa Bay (8-6)
They both still have a chance at a playoff spot.  The Seahawks need to win out and so do the Buccaneers.  It will come down to who wants it more.  I'd say Tampa Bay, but that was the case against Detroit.

New Orleans (10-4) vs. Atlanta (12-2)
The Saints were within one game of the Falcons until their defeat at Baltimore.  The Falcons win and the NFC South is theirs.  The defending champions against the possible NFC champions.  What a way to end Week 16.

3. Major League

It's a classic and really a modern portrayal of baseball.  A team of no-names become contenders for one of the losing franchises in the sport.  The team of no-names is played by an awesome cast led by Tom Berenger, Charlie Sheen, Wesley Snipes, Corbin Bernsen and Bob Uecker.  This movie hits a bit of a personal note for myself as former catcher and 1981 World Series Co-MVP Steve Yeager was cast in the movie as well.

In the summer of 2008, I was hired to be the play-by-play announcer for the Golden Baseball League's Long Beach Armada baseball team.  The manager that year happened to be former Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Steve Yeager.  My first face-to-face meeting with Yeager was epic to say the least.  He's a fun guy to be around, but sometimes it's hard to tell when he's being serious or playful.  Once you've figured it out, it's a blast to be around him.

Suffice it to say that summer was truly one of a kind.  I was doing what I loved to do and at the same time, I was working with former and aspiring big leaguers.  Unfortunately the league was not as forthcoming and we parted ways after 2008.  Yeager did the same and the Long Beach Armada played their last season in the summer of 2009.  That summer and the movie "Major League" to me are similar in so many ways.

The unquestioned leader for the Cleveland Indians in the movie "Major League" was Jake Taylor (Tom Berenger).  Two no-name players Ricky Vaughn (Charlie Sheen) and Willie Mays Hayes (Wesley Snipes) had talent, but didn't know how to utilize it to their full potential.  Roger Dorn (Corbin Bernsen) was "high priced talent" but was a major part of the Indians turn around.  Uecker's character, Harry Doyle was the play-by-play voice of the Indians and had a great comedic charm to his role, which he does in real life as the play-by-play voice of the Milwaukee Brewers.

The Armada didn't have high priced talent, but there were quite a few players that had seen time in the majors.  They didn't hit their peak until the second half of the season, just like the Cleveland Indians did in "Major League."  The Indians had an owner that wanted them to lose so she could move the team to Miami.  The Golden Baseball League owned the Long Beach Armada and they didn't want them to lose, but they sure weren't looking out for the team's best interest.

The Indians were traveling on a crappy plane that became a crappy bus.  The Armada on one road trip had a bus driver that didn't know where he was going and his company gas card wasn't accepted at most gas stations.  The Indians had no hot water or proper materials for their locker room.  The Armada's white pants were washed with dark colors that turned them into pink pants.  You can imagine the reaction of Yeager when that happened.  Priceless.

Very similar incidents, but it didn't affect either team on the field.  The one fact that I will reveal now if you haven't watched "Major League" is that it didn't result in the Cleveland Indians winning the World Series.  They beat the rival New York Yankees, but how did they do in the playoffs?  Long Beach made the playoffs, but were ousted by their rival the Orange County Flyers.  Still, every time I watch this movie, even before I worked for the Long Beach Armada I can always laugh at the antics or one-liners that were uttered.

Steve Yeager's one line in the movie came in Spring Training when he and the manager Lou Brown were wondering why this power hitter, Pedro Cerrano, wasn't picked up by anyone else after crushing some pitches out of the ballpark.  The answer came after Yeager talked to the pitcher.

Lou Brown: [after seeing Cerrano hit a few fastballs out of the park] Jesus, this guy hits a ton, how come no one else picked up on him?

Duke Temple (Yeager): Alrght Eddie, that's enough fastballs throw'em some breaking balls.
[Then, Eddie throws Cerrano a curve ball, which Cerrano swings and misses]

Harry Doyle was saying things that were going through my mind that I wanted to say on-air, but knew better.  The fact is that 99.99 percent of what I wanted to say was to be directed at the Golden Baseball League.  I will give you one example.  There was a double header one day and the first game was being delayed by 45 minutes.  Why?  The league didn't have enough baseballs for both games.  They only had one case for two games.  So naturally as the play-by-play announcer, I came on the air and told the truth.  I said something to the effect of,
"the first game of the double-header today is being delayed due to the lack of baseballs for both games today here at Blair Field."
I wasn't going to lie.  I felt it was the right thing to do, plus it was funny as hell that you can forget to have enough baseballs for a double-header. 

Bob Uecker did a phenomenal job with his character.  Here are a few of my personal favorite one-liners.

Harry Doyle: [after Vaughn was tossed from the game] So, an eerie start for the Erie warriors as they drop a heartbreaker to the Yankees, nine to nothing. The post game show is brought to you by...
[Rifles through papers]
Christ I can't find it, the hell with it.

Doyle: [Vaughn is coming out to pitch] So, here is Rick Vaughn, the one they call the "Wild Thing". So, he sets and deals.
[Vaughn throws a wild pitch]
Just a bit outside, he tried for the corner and missed.
[Vaughn throws another wild pitch]
Ball 4.
[Vaughn throws another wild pitch]
Ball 8.
[Vaughn throws another wild pitch]
Low, and he walks the bases loaded on 12 straight pitches. How can these guys lay off pitches that close?

Doyle: [an Indians pitcher is removed from the game] Well, you can close the book on Kellner.
[under his breath]
Thank God!

Doyle: In case you haven't noticed, and judging by the attendance you haven't, the Indians have managed to win a few here and there, and are threatening to climb out of the cellar.

Doyle: Just a reminder, fans, comin' up is our "Die-hard Night" here at the stadium. Free admission to anyone who was actually alive the last time the Indians won a pennant.

There is another one, but I challenge to find it and let me know.  This movie as you can see hits me on a personal note in my life.  The players, the manager, Yeager and Uecker.  Baseball is by far my favorite sport to cover, even though it might not show.  I guess it's because of the amount of great movies that have been made over the past couple decades.  This is a must see movie.  Yes, I believe it's better than Rocky, Rudy and Caddyshack.  Numbers 6, 5, and 4 respectively on my list.  It's partly because of the personal connection, but I just love watching great baseball movies.

This top 10 list is sports movies that I've seen.  Not what others recommend, but only what my eyes have seen and that I truly enjoy.  If you haven't seen this movie, netflix it, pirate the movie, however you go about watching movies, just do it.

Week 14 Review of the NFL

The NFC West deserves a playoff team

Yes, it's a sad division when the leaders have a record of 6-7 and one team is a game behind them with a record of 5-8.  There has been a lot of talk once again about not letting a team that finishes with a record under .500 into the playoffs.  Regardless of winning their division.  I don't like it, but what's the point of having divisions?  It creates rivalries and you know that I like rivalries.  Those die hard fans of those teams won't have anything to cheer for if they know their team has no shot at the playoffs.  The best idea to help offset the problem is to re-seed the playoff teams.  Yes, you win the division you're in, but you don't get to host a playoff game.  That seems a bit harsh, but who's to say you can't make it to the Super Bowl or even win it by playing all your playoff games on the road?  It's been done before.  Does the NFC West deserve to have a representative in the playoffs this year?  Absolutely.  I'm not saying that because I'm a 49ers fan.  I'm saying it for the Rams and Seahawks fans as well.  Do away with the divisions if you want to exclude them.  That's the only I see that working going forward.

The flaw with the NY Jets

What it boils down to is one word for the Jets, leadership.  Who is the leader?  Rex Ryan?  The head coach is supposed to be the head coach, not the leader.  I hope it wasn't supposed to be Mark Sanchez.  That's not working.  I haven't heard a peep out of anyone on the defense since the season started.  Darrelle Revis talking trash to Randy Moss doesn't count.  LaDainian Tomlinson is staying low key like his days in San Diego.  Braylon Edwards is making things worse by talking to the media.  I don't see a leader.  Burying a football after getting blown out on national television by the arch rival New England Patriots?  Being frank, what the hell was the point of that?  It didn't work against the Miami Dolphins.  The answer became apparent after that Jets strength and conditioning coach stuck his knee out tripping a Miami Dolphins player.  Where ever their leadership was had disappeared during that game and the week before too.  Talking a lot works when you have the right players to push the right buttons when you go into a losing trend.  Where are those players for the Jets?  The coaches are supposed to coach the players, not trip...err...ugh...play for them.  Unfortunately it might be too late for them.  The AFC is a lot better then they thought it would be.

Brett Favre's streak ends

So now that it's over, I'm supposed to ramble on about how impressive the streak is and how it will go down as one of the most hallowed and difficult accomplishments in sports.  I'm not going to do that, but I will admit that it's an impressive streak.  How can you not say that it is?  297 consecutive starts as a quarterback in the NFL.  Pretty damn impressive.  I can't say that I have as much respect for the man behind the streak as I did when he retired the first time as a Green Bay Packer.  It was strange to see him playing one year for the New York Jets.  He got his wish playing for the Minnesota Vikings and stuck it to the Green Bay Packers last year in both games.  He nearly made it to the Super Bowl, but he reverted back to the "Ol' Gunslinger" mentality and his last pass was to be an interception.  The streak has now freed him and really the NFL too.  Why even bother covering the Vikings anymore?  Their season is over.  Favre's career is over (we hope).  What else does he have to play for?  No one will probably come close to that 297 number.  Peyton Manning still has a ways to go and I don't see him playing til his hair color changes.  Favre should have gone out last year on a high note, but his pride was too big and the Vikings too desperate to let him walk.  It was a disaster in the making and his reputation took a hit with a "sexting" scandal.  The streak has ended and maybe, just maybe, so will the Brett Favre coverage.

MLB Winter Meetings Recap

It's been a while since I discussed baseball.  I figured now is the best time.  The Winter Meetings are done, but the wheeling and dealing for the most part isn't.  Time to see who helped themselves and who decided to stand pat going into the new year.

Boston Red Sox
When they lost C/1B Victor Martinez and 3B Adrian Beltre early in the free agency period, you just knew that GM Theo Epstein was going to have a plan or already had one before the off-season began.  They were in constant talks with the San Diego Padres about 1B Adrian Gonzalez.  The deal was struck before the winter meetings and they didn't give up all of their top tier prospects to get him.  Then Boston fills another need by signing LF Carl Crawford to a 7 year deal worth 142 million dollars during the winter meetings.  They overpaid for Crawford and will for Gonzalez, but their lineup is set for the next decade with those two bats.

Chicago White Sox
Signing 1B/DH Adam Dunn was a sleek move by GM Ken Williams.  He didn't have to give him a massive contract and that gave the White Sox enough room to re-sign 1B Paul Konerko and C A.J. Pierzynski.  They still have some work to do with their bullpen, but keeping their potent lineup intact and adding Dunn will help them compete with the Minnesota Twins for the AL Central title.

Baltimore Orioles
They went after a new third baseman and shortstop, via the trade rather than free agency.  Arizona Diamondbacks 3B Mark Reynolds has tremendous power, but strikes out way too much.  His .198 batting average scared away most teams, but Baltimore should have enough patience to wait for that to come around.  J.J. Hardy hasn't live up to his potential and this is probably his last chance of being an everyday shortstop.  The Orioles acquired Hardy with utility infielder Brendan Harris from the Twins.  Baltimore didn't have to give Minnesota or Arizona top prospects for their new left side of the infield.

New York Yankees
Derek Jeter says that he was "angered" by how the contract negotiations were handled.  Now the Yankees took a hit, but Jeter's agent to my knowledge said that he was perplexed by the Yankees stance.  They were able to bring back their captain and are still in the running for starter Cliff Lee.  However, that's the problem.  If the Yankees are the number spot for Lee, why hasn't he signed yet?  Biding his time I'm sure.  Or it could be that the Texas Rangers might have a chance of signing him after all.  That can't be the case of course.

Los Angeles Angels
We all presumed that the Angels were going to make a splash in the offseason.  When owner Artie Moreno announced publicly that he was going to open his checkbook to improve the team, everyone assumed that the Angels were going to get their guy(s).  It didn't happen with LF Carl Crawford and it won't with closer Rafael Soriano.  The Angels so far have signed left handed relievers Hisanori Takahashi and Scott Downs.  Will they sign 3B Adrian Beltre?  All signs point to no, but it's a hard lesson learned for Artie Moreno that you don't announce you're going to spend to only come up empty.
 
San Diego Padres
They won't be trading away their closer Heath Bell before the season starts, but it will happen before the 2011 season ends.  Adrian Gonzalez was not going to be in San Diego past the 2011 season and the Padres received maximum value for him.  The Padres are apparently giving up on having back to back winning seasons for the first time since the '06-'07 seasons.  They did make some subtle moves by acquiring CF Cameron Maybin from Florida and SS Jason Bartlett from Tampa Bay.  Those moves and others they make won't sit well with the fan base that would rather go to the beach than watch the Padres without Gonzalez and Bell.

4. Caddyshack

"I'm alright

Nobody worry 'bout me
Why you got to gimme a fight?
Can't you just let it be?"

That's what you'll here when you start watching Caddyshack.  "I'm alright" by Kenny Loggins.  The comedic genius of the four men above is timeless.  From left to right Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, Rodney Dangerfield and Ted Knight not only make this one of the best sports movies ever, but one of the funniest ever.  Chase's character is Ty Webb.  Murray's is Carl Spackler.  Dangerfield's is Al Czervik.  Knight's is Judge Elihu Smails.  

Of course the main part of the movie is centered around a caddy named Danny Noonan played by Michael O'Keefe.  Basically it's the classic tale of a struggling young adult trying to get a break when he does by playing golf.  Judge Smails quickly develops a rivalry with Al Czervik who is building condominiums next to the Bushwood Country Club Golf Course.  Ty Webb is helping Danny along the way with his golf game and Carl Spackler, the assistant greens keeper of Bushwood is charged with killing the gopher who is slowly ruining the golf course.  

Most of you know about the comedic genius I speak of with Chase, Murray, Dangerfield and Knight in other movies or television shows.  Here are some samples of it.  The first is between Ted Knight and Chevy Chase.

Judge Smails: Ty, what did you shoot today? 

Ty Webb: Oh, Judge, I don't keep score. 

Smails: Then how do you measure yourself with other golfers? 

Webb: By height. 

Smails: You know, you should play with Dr. Beeper and myself. I mean, he's been club champion for three years running and I'm no slouch myself. 

Webb: Don't sell yourself short Judge, you're a tremendous slouch. 

The next is between Ted Knight and Rodney Dangerfield.

Al Czervik: What're we, waiting for these guys? Hey Whitey, where's your hat? 

Judge Smails: Do you mind, sir. I'm trying to tee off. 

Al: I'll bet you a hundred bucks you slice it into the woods. 

Smails: Gambling is illegal at Bushwood sir, and I never slice.
[Swings club, slices ball into woods] 

Smails: Damn

Al: OK, you can owe me. 

Smails: I owe you nothing. 

The last I have is between Bill Murray and Chevy Chase

Ty Webb: This your place, Carl?

Carl Spackler: Yeah, whatta ya think? 

Webb: It's really... awful. 

Spackler: Well, I got a lot of stuff on order. You know... credit trouble. 

There's a lot of other wackiness that involves those four, including the gopher.  Bottom line is that you will be laughing your butt off the first time and every other time you watch this movie.  The cast is impeccable and the writing and direction of the movie by Harold Ramis, one of the Ghostbusters and responsible for the movie Stripes, did a great job with what many consider to be a dull sport.  Cheers to this classic comedy and sports movie who has stood the test of time for thirty years.

This top 10 list is sports movies that I've seen.  Not what others recommend, but only what my eyes have seen and that I truly enjoy.  If you haven't seen this movie, netflix it, pirate the movie, however you go about watching movies, just do it.

Week 13 Review of the NFL

Denver has admitted to making a mistake

Now I agree that a season and a half is not nearly a long enough time for a NFL head coach to make his mark.  Josh McDaniels is still at an age (34) where he can be given another chance down the road to be a head coach.  I mean, Denver did start the '09 season with a 6-0 record.  The overwhelming problem with him was not being the coach, but being the general manager.  How many times do we have to say that it's too much to ask of a head coach to watch himself when it comes to personnel decisions?  He royally screwed up the Jay Cutler situation.  Cutler didn't handle himself too well either, but McDaniels had a good quarterback in place and wanted to get his guy, Matt Cassell instead.  It happened again last year with wide receiver Brandon Marshall.  In training camp, Marshall was unhappy about his contract and was dogging it at practice.  There was video evidence of it and he was disciplined for it.  Everything seemed to be all right when the Broncos were winning.  As soon as the losing started, it boiled up and Marshall was suspended for the final game of 2009.  Marshall was then dealt to Miami and Denver left to put the pieces together.  Now this year the glaring need is a running back.  McDaniels traded away Peyton Hillis to Cleveland for quarterback Brady Quinn in the offseason.  I don't believe Hillis would be doing exactly what he's doing now with Denver, but one has to wonder why they needed to acquire Brady Quinn?  How's that working out?  Since that 6-0 start last year the Broncos have lost 17 of their last 22 games under McDaniels.  That's unacceptable, but how about owner Pat Bowlen just take away McDaniels' GM title and have him focus on coaching instead.  This puts Denver back into the spotlight of mediocrity.  Something we haven't said about them for over two decades.  Firing Mike Shanahan is now seen as a mistake and firing McDaniels is too.  The Broncos have panicked at a time when they needed to make an adjustment and look to the future they have instead of taking two steps back.

A season defining play

Troy Polamalu you could say is the biggest playmaker on defense in the NFL.  Bob Sanders, Ray Lewis, Patrick Willis and Brian Urlacher are a few others that come to mind.  However, Polamalu is a unique player.  When the Steelers have needed a big play at an important moment of the game, he's always in the middle of it.  Take the Sunday night game against rival Baltimore.  Pittsburgh's offense has been stagnant all night, yet the Steelers are only down by four.  There's less than four minutes left in the game and the Ravens are in position to either run out the clock or force the Steelers to march down the field to try and win it.  Baltimore, on their own side of the field mind you, decide to pass the ball on 2nd and 5.  Low and behold, Troy Polamalu is free to hit quarterback Joe Flacco from his blind side and cause a fumble.  Pittsburgh now has a short field and plenty of time to score the go ahead touchdown.  They do and the question now is was that a season defining play and for whom?  Well, it was and for both teams.  Baltimore should have continued to run the ball and with that loss they are in a position to lose the division and maybe a playoff spot in the competitive AFC.  Pittsburgh has an edge on Baltimore for the division crown and keeps pace atop the AFC for a first round bye.  Both teams at the end of the year will look back at this game and one will ask what if and the other will say thank you Troy Polamalu.

What's wrong with Peyton?

It's easy to say that injuries to Dallas Clark, Austin Collie and Joseph Addai have hurt the Colts passing game.  It's also easy to say that the offensive line is in shambles.  Yet, no one seems to understand why Peyton Manning is struggling so much in the last six games.  Since their bye week, the Colts are 2-4.  Peyton has thrown 11 TD and 13 INT in that span.  Eleven of those thirteen interceptions have been in the last three games alone.  Now it seems to be too much of a coincidence that in the last six games, Dallas Clark has been out.  Austin Collie suffered a concussion.  Joseph Addai has a nagging shoulder injury and yes, the offensive line has been in shambles.  Gee, I just can't seem to figure out why Peyton has been struggling.  He's Peyton Manning.  A sure first ballot hall of famer.  He can make any receiver look good.  The defense hasn't played up to par and the Colts aren't running the ball as much as they should to take pressure off Manning and the passing game.  Yes, that has to be the reason for Manning's struggles.  If the Colts can change their gameplan and run the ball more and the defense steps their game up, then maybe the Colts will take control of their division.
In all seriousness, when you put pressure on a pro bowl quarterback, he will look like an average quarterback every single game.  Not having Clark, Collie and Addai have affected him tremendously.  Clark isn't there to block and save Peyton when he's under pressure as his check down receiver.  Collie is the possession receiver who plays underneath Reggie Wayne and Pierre Garcon.  Wayne is being constantly double teamed and Garcon is a non-factor.  Addai not only helps the running game, but the passing game as well by blocking and being a check down option.  Stop beating around the bush and trying to create a mystery when there isn't any.  Peyton is still great, but he can't be great all the time.

Week 12 Review of the NFL

Atlanta is one step closer

As a football fan, how can you not like Atlanta?  Their story, not the team per say.  In 2007 they were essentially left for dead.  Michael Vick was going to jail.  Their head coach at the time Bobby Petrino abandoned the team before the season ended.  The consensus was that it would take at least three years for the Atlanta Falcons to become contenders in the NFC.  It turned out to be only one.  Their head coach now Mike Smith has turned it around and it started with the drafting of Matt Ryan.  He is the real deal.  Since he was drafted the Falcons have only lost one home game.  They have made the playoffs once with him and will clinch another playoff berth this year too.  With this win against the Green Bay Packers the Falcons have almost solidified their place atop the NFC.  Obviously winning the rest of their games would, that would put their record at 14-2.  It's actually doable.  They're playing at Tampa Bay, Carolina and Seattle.  They finish at home against New Orleans and Carolina.  A favorable schedule to say the least.  I like seeing a franchise make a quick turnaround under some awful circumstances.  Owner Arthur Blank went about it the right way by bringing in a football guy in Rich McKay who hired a great General Manager in Thomas Dimitroff.  Those three are the main reason the Falcons have made the quick turnaround.  I ask again, as a football fan, how can you not like Atlanta?

The Bears might have something in the Windy City

Jay Cutler might actually be a good quarterback.  I know that pains most of you to hear that, but it's true.  Lets be honest, he wasn't going to be the next John Elway in Denver.  He sure isn't going to be the next Sid Luckman in Chicago or Jim McMahon to be more recent.  He's Jay Cutler.  Anyway when you look back now at the 2006 draft, Jay Cutler is the most accomplished quarterback by far.  Vince Young and Matt Leinart are no longer starting quarterbacks.  Next in line is Bruce Gradkowski.  Tarvaris Jackson would be more accomplished if Brett Favre hadn't been handed the reigns in Minnesota.  The point is that Chicago mortgaging a lot of their future for Cutler might be worth it.  He and the rest of the offense seemed to have bought into the Mike Martz system put in place.  Pretty amazing considering they don't run the ball and can't protect Cutler on a consistent basis.  I'm not putting the Chicago Bears on top of the pedestal, but they are in first place.  Three of their final five games are against playoff contenders (New England, NY Jets and Green Bay).  Their final game is at Green Bay which will probably decide the division title.  Everything is riding on the psyche of Jay Cutler.  If he plays like he did against Philadelphia this past week (14-21, 247 yards & 4 TD).  Oh, and no interceptions.  If that trend continues, you might see the Bears surprise everyone again.

Kansas City vs. San Diego

I expected this to happen next year, not this year.  The Kansas City Chiefs have the best running game in the NFL.  Now they have a pretty efficient Matt Cassell at the helm as well (22 TD to 4 INT).  The defense is still at least a year away, but they can easily compete with the San Diego Chargers.  Now that the calendar has gone into the December, the Chargers are on a four game winning streak, surprise.  For far too long the AFC West has been ruled by the Chargers.  They deserve those four consecutive division titles, but it's about time that either Kansas City, Oakland or Denver step up and challenge them.  San Diego has the NFL's best defense and Philip Rivers is looking like a MVP candidate every week.  Mark your calendars for December 12th, 2010.  That will decide the AFC West between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Diego Chargers.  I can't wait.