RockRaines

Out of those Free Agents, I really only want Putz on the roster. The rest can go.

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Nov 1, 2010 -> 08:52 PM) Taking throws is by far the most important thing a 1B does, and he excels at that. He's also very good with throws, which a lot of 1B's aren't. And usually, he's got a great sense of the field. His only weakness, really, is his range, and he makes up for part of that with good positioning. And thats why he wont win any awards. All of the guys on the list have much better range than Konerko.

I liked seeing the entire infield celebrating last night. Huff, Sanchez, Uribe and Renteria. Who would have thought Uribe would be the most successful player out of the bunch. Freddy Sanchez was basically doomed to a lifetime of failure when he was on the Pirates, and now has a ring. I believe two ex-cubs got rings as well correct? DeRosa and Fontenot?

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Nov 2, 2010 -> 07:33 AM) What a mighty performance by the Bulls. Incredible shooting night by Deng. Thing is...at least from what I saw, a whole lot of his looks were created by the DR1, who had a career high in assists, and by Deng actually moving around, rather than standing around near the 3 point line like he did in previous offensive incarnations. I wonder if that isn't the rule; if Deng moves, he'll have a good game, if he stands around he's ineffective. DR1 has really, really stepped up his passing game. There were a few times on the break that he dumped off to feed Deng or one of the big guys, where in previous years he'd have just taken the contested shot. The ball movement right now is so much more effective than it was. Another solid performance off the bench by Asik. I couldn't really watch the whole game...not because there was other stuff on, but because there were SO many fouls called it made no sense to continue watching. Ugh. Made defense on Aldridge impossible, but the Bulls made up for that on the perimeter. Boozer supposed to have his cast removed today. It wasnt only Rose seeing the open man, but his passes we spot on. He had one play where he was driving down the middle and shot a two handed over the head pass to Deng right into his triple threat position. It allowed Deng to step into the shot and he hit a three. Rose was putting the passes there all night.

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Nov 1, 2010 -> 06:12 PM) It did seem like Paulie had a less than stellar year, at least by his standards. Made a few more mistakes than he typically does. But I'd still consider him above average, looking at the other 1B's in the league, and I'd even say he's had some years where he's been among the best. Defensively he isnt all that great at 1B, where he excels is in saving his fielders from throwing the ball past him. That wont win him any awards though.

QUOTE (ChiSox_Sonix @ Nov 1, 2010 -> 04:00 PM) How'd you come across those? They gave out DVD's to folks on staff at the launch party.

I knew the Always Sunny Episode would go over well, it was hilarious from start to finish. I still have a copy of one more un-aired episode I have to watch.

QUOTE (WilliamTell @ Oct 31, 2010 -> 09:59 PM) I miss Lloyd Carr so much. And Ryan Mallett too. UM fans are pretty universal in those sentiments, and they are right. I'm fairly certain they've already put out feelers to Harbaugh.

QUOTE (T R U @ Oct 31, 2010 -> 11:13 PM) you know Rock, for someone who keeps throwing around the paper tiger phrase you should look at your own team.. Ohio State has had ONE challenge on their schedule so far this year and that was @Wisconsin.. and they lost.. And I dont wanna hear about Miami, they are garbage.. Exactly why they arent ranked in the top 10 in the BCS standings. Otherwise I may have to make a claim that they are as well. OSU's defense is going to be exposed by someone other than Wisco this season, its just a matter of time.

QUOTE (Chisoxfn @ Nov 1, 2010 -> 09:46 AM) I'm confused. This stinks cause we have always had a very clean program. Hopefully this won't hinder us. And it seems like a weak violation but still, any violation worries me. It wont result in anything. Programs all around the country have celebs pushing their programs either on their own or by referral.

QUOTE (Jenksismyb**** @ Oct 31, 2010 -> 12:00 PM) Weber made a mid-major relevant and a scary draw in the tournament for a number of years. Matta's best year he had what, 3 NBA players, including Oden? Gimme a break on that point. Both are awesome coaches, but I do think Weber gets the nod as the X's and O's guy. I look at tough games, like @ Wisconsin, where Weber gets W's. And Deron Williams was the best player than any of them have had. And apparently you missed that Matta had relevant seasons at both Butler and Xavier before he came to OSU. 3 consecutive 26 win seasons at Xavier, 2 A10 tournament championships and 2 regular season titles. 3 NCAA appearances including an Elite Eight appearance. Yes, he clearly only wins with NBA players.

QUOTE (T R U @ Oct 31, 2010 -> 03:14 AM) Honestly I was a little worried that Oregon might lose to USC tonight, but man did they kick the crap out of them in their own backyard, 599 yards and 53 points.. I really don't see how they could lose to any of the 4 teams they have left.. Defensive rankings: Washington 98th Cal 15th AZ 10th Oregon st 119th They have two decent tests with some good defensive teams in Cal and AZ although they are weak offensively. Oregon really wont face any real test until they play in a bowl game just like last year.

QUOTE (T R U @ Oct 31, 2010 -> 02:59 AM) I wonder how hard Portland is kicking themselves for passing on Durant for Oden.. Which was worse.. Darko over Carmelo or Oden over Durant? Darko over Carmelo, but Oden over Durant was a huge miss. They literally chose a good post guy when healthy (not often) over one of the best players if not the best in the game. HUGE fail.

QUOTE (whitesoxfan101 @ Oct 31, 2010 -> 03:05 AM) Auburn/Oregon would be such a fun title game if it happens, but that's still a long ways off obviously. Utah/TCU should be absolutely glorious next week, winner of that game has a better claim to playing for the National Title than Boise State does as far as I'm concerned. I think the title game will be Oregon against the winner of the Iron Bowl (as if that game needs even more to be riding on the line than it usually has, but it does this year) though. i will go on record to say that Both BSU and TCU would beat Oregon in a title game. They are a complete paper tiger. Everyone is saying "wow they beat USC" well USC is 87th in total defense and hasnt been able to stop anyone all year. Sorry if the name confused everyone, but Oregon still hasnt played anyone that actually knows how to play defense. The best team they've played so far has been ASU at 48th defensively and not suprisingly that was their closest game. I will lay down the house again Oregon if they play in the national title game, especially if its against a team that can actually play defense.

QUOTE (GoodAsGould @ Oct 31, 2010 -> 02:46 AM) I think in general people think Weber as a better in game coach and Matta as a far better recruiter. He has brought in some insane talent through that program. Even if you ignore the Big Ten classes of both coaches which have been top notch for both of them which is ridiculous since Weber's best years were with players like Deron Williams, Matta has accomplished more in coaching than Weber has in lesser conferences. Weber has 2 conference titles outside of the Big Ten while Matta has 4. He has been the best coach in 3 separate conferences in 9 years of being a head coach, that is damn impressive. Maybe you dont want to give him credit as a coach because you would rather point towards talent, but Matta has coached successfully at every level since he's been a head coach and as an assistant Matta spent six seasons as a full-time assistant coach at three different universities, helping his squads compile a composite 128–58 (.688) record and make six postseason tournament appearances. He was on the bench in five-consecutive conference tournament championship games and won four league tournament championship rings. He was in the NCAA tournament five times as an assistant under four different head coaches and in the postseason National Invitation Tournament once. He is a legit coach that gets far less credit than he actually deserves. He is also a great recruiter, but his true talent is as an "in game coach."

QUOTE (LittleHurt05 @ Oct 31, 2010 -> 02:13 AM) and coaching wise Weber >>>>> Matta, so the Illini are looking good Yikes. Do you really believe that? I understand you thinking Weber is a good coach, but I get the feeling you know nothing about Thad Matta. Maybe in your opinion you like Weber more, but if I was you I would reconsider not only your viewpoint, but the ridiculous amount of greater than signs that you used. Matta: 258-85 (.753) 156-54 at OSU 6 conference titles in 10 years of being a head coach Championships NIT Championship (2008) Big Ten Tournament Championship (2007, 2010) Big Ten Regular Season Championship (2006, 2007, 2010) Atlantic 10 Tournament Championship (2002, 2004) Atlantic 10 Regular Season Championship (2002, 2003) Horizon League Tournament Championship (2001) Horizon League Regular Season Championship (2001) Awards Horizon League Coach of the Year (2001) A-10 Coach of the Year (2002) Big Ten Coach of the Year (2006, 2010) Weber 276-126 (.687) 173-72 at ILL 4 conference titles in 12 years of being a head coach Championships Big Ten Regular Season Championship (2004, 2005) Big Ten Tournament Championship (2005) MVC Regular Season Championship (2002, 2003) Awards Naismith College Coach of the Year (2005) Associated Press National Coach of the Year (2005) Big Ten Coach of the Year (2005) MVC Coach of the Year (2003)

QUOTE (GoodAsGould @ Oct 31, 2010 -> 02:03 AM) Randle is a no go, but Ive heard the illini are looking strongly at Langford... a 6'6 pg from Alabama. Weber is a dynamic coach. I personally think he is going to get alot out of his guards and wings. I'm not sold on his post play as of yet though. Illinois should continue to be a top team in the conference and the country.

QUOTE (Buehrle>Wood @ Oct 27, 2010 -> 01:34 PM) PG- Tracy Abrams, #80 nationally SG- Chasson Randle, #55 nationally SF- Mychael Henry, #86 nationally PF- Mike Shaw, #66 nationally C- Nnanna Egwu, #82 nationally Could be quite the class. Looks like a Thad Matta class.

I can say with 100 percent confidence that Michigan with Lloyd Carr and Ryan Mallett would be a national title contender this year. Defensively they would be better and offensively they would match up better in conference.

I am familiar with Kemp being a bad defensive CF'er, but not really clear on why he is being called bad in RF.

Always sunny this thursday is hilarious. Its a flash-back type Halloween episode. I watched it last night.

QUOTE (Quinarvy @ Oct 27, 2010 -> 02:42 AM) Hooray for the Celtics. I felt pretty dirty cheering for them.

QUOTE (Rex Hudler @ Oct 27, 2010 -> 07:34 AM) I agree on both points. Boise doesn't have better conference options because neither the Pac 10 nor the Big 12 are extending invitations. Unfortunately that is out of their control. And I can't watch a game on that stupid blue turf. If I was a BCS conference inviting Boise, that would be clause #1. It looks terrible on TV.

QUOTE (Rex Hudler @ Oct 26, 2010 -> 10:50 PM) Which conference would you think they shouldd have joined? Big 12 or Pac 10.

Buckeyes get Trey McDonald. Hopefully this leads to Amir Williams as well.