If you were like me, and watched the Joe Mauer press conference yesterday, I'm sure you had that same feeling of happiness and joy that I had. This 26 year old just signed a deal making him one of the richest Minnesotans, and definitely the richest sports contract in state history, but there was no resentment or animosity towards him at all. Joe Mauer is a true Minnesotan. Kirby Puckett was a transplant so it was different, Kent Hrbek wasn't on the same level so it ws different. Joe Mauer is a Minnesotan.
We live in a state that is very modest, very polite, and very competitive. Those same characteristic's can describe Joe Mauer. This guy has got it all now, looks, money, talent, and fame. I'm guessing it won't be long until we see him popping up on some magazines 50 most eligible bachelor list. He does a great job representing us, and we should be proud of him. He's doesn't come across as a businessman like A-Rod. His business is baseball, and he's damn good at it.
Growing up most kids want to be a professional athlete at some point. And most parents over the last 20 years have probably had a hard time identifying athletes that their kids should emulate and idolize. Look at the top players from most sports and they've been tied to some sort of controversy, Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Mark McGuire, Ben Roethlisberger, Kobe Byant, and even Tiger Woods. I'm not saying Joe Mauer is perfect, he might have a few skeletons in his closet but I doubt it. The reason I say that is because I think we all feel like we know him. I myself played football against him, and I have a guy at work who is best friends with his roommate, and they all went to high school and played baseball growing up. So you hear first and second hand stories about him, and they're always good. So as a parent now I think he would be the perfect person for my son to idolize. In fact after watching the press conference yesterday, I went and bought my 5 month old son a Mauer jersey and poster for his room.
Joe Mauer isn't the second coming, but when you open the sports page and read Tiger's text messages, or Roethlisbergers alleged assaults, Joe Mauer is a welcome relief and reminder of what can happen to the good guys. One of the news crews went to a homeless shelter yesterday after the press conference and asked the homeless what they thought about Mauer's contract and everyone that they showed was happy, and said he deserved it. I'm guessing that wouldn't happen with every athlete.
So going forward Mauer will continue to represent his family, friends, company, and community the Minnesotan way, the same way we would all like to do it. When asked what was the first thing he wanted to buy when getting a 184 million dollar contract, he said, "I'm going to take Justin Morneau out to dinner."
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Sex Addict
So Tiger Woods is a sex addict. My question for you is who isn't? Is there such thing as sex addiction? Probably, but I'm assuming that is a problem a lot of us would like to have. I've heard of drug addicts, alcoholics, and people addicted to smoking. But from afar it didn't seem like Tiger was out of control like many of the people suffering from those types of problems.
Now I'm not a doctor, so it's not like I'm an expert on these types of things. But it sure seems like Tiger was in control of his so called addiction. He seemed to function all right in his work place. He had enough drive and focus to put together a decent golf career thus far. He seemed to handle his financials and business dealings all right. So I struggle with the term addiction for Tiger. Can't we call it like it was? Tiger got busted cheating on his wife, and this was a excuse/reason for it. Does Elin believe it? Every kid that gets busted drinking, always tells their parents that it was their first time. I hope no one believes that, and I hope no one believes this sex addiction farce.
All right let's look more at "sex addiction." I'm sure they're people out there that actually have an addiction and can't function in society. They can't get through the every day routine without a romp or two. But let's define sex addiction like Tiger defines it. Wouldn't everyone be a sex addict then? Every 13-18 year old kid would want to grow up to be a sex addict. I tried being a sex addict, I was just too ugly. I think most people worked on being a sex addict, but lacked the looks, or the money, and then in turn lacked the partners. If Tiger is a sex addict, what is Wilt Chamberlain who is rumored to have slept with more than 10,000 women? What about rock stars, like Tommy Lee or other 80's hair band rockers.
So while Tiger may be an actual sex addict, I think the term "sex addiction" might get thrown around a little too often. I think a sleazebag cheater is more appropriate. So Tiger shouldn't ruin the good name of sex addiction because I think we are all aspiring sex addicts.
Now I'm not a doctor, so it's not like I'm an expert on these types of things. But it sure seems like Tiger was in control of his so called addiction. He seemed to function all right in his work place. He had enough drive and focus to put together a decent golf career thus far. He seemed to handle his financials and business dealings all right. So I struggle with the term addiction for Tiger. Can't we call it like it was? Tiger got busted cheating on his wife, and this was a excuse/reason for it. Does Elin believe it? Every kid that gets busted drinking, always tells their parents that it was their first time. I hope no one believes that, and I hope no one believes this sex addiction farce.
All right let's look more at "sex addiction." I'm sure they're people out there that actually have an addiction and can't function in society. They can't get through the every day routine without a romp or two. But let's define sex addiction like Tiger defines it. Wouldn't everyone be a sex addict then? Every 13-18 year old kid would want to grow up to be a sex addict. I tried being a sex addict, I was just too ugly. I think most people worked on being a sex addict, but lacked the looks, or the money, and then in turn lacked the partners. If Tiger is a sex addict, what is Wilt Chamberlain who is rumored to have slept with more than 10,000 women? What about rock stars, like Tommy Lee or other 80's hair band rockers.
So while Tiger may be an actual sex addict, I think the term "sex addiction" might get thrown around a little too often. I think a sleazebag cheater is more appropriate. So Tiger shouldn't ruin the good name of sex addiction because I think we are all aspiring sex addicts.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Cake Eater Classic
The tournament is over, and I've taken three things away from it. First of all Breck grow some balls and move up to AA. Secondly Hill Murray was the best team in the tournament. And lastly Minnetonka and they're three Division I defensemen were extremely overrated.
The high school tournament is divided into the big schools in AA and the small schools in A. Most private schools fall into the A category. It's kind of misleading since they can recruit they're players. So there are a handful of teams that play in AA because they have pride in the program and want to compete with the best teams. So kudos to Hill Murray, Cretin Derham Hall, Benilde St. Margerat, and Holy Angels. Add in Roseau who plays in AA even though it only has 350 kids in they're school. So give those schools credit for playing up a class, because they feel like they can belong there. Any one of those schools could move down and play in class A and dominate every year. Just like Breck, St. Thomas Acadamey, Blake, and often times Totino Grace. These private schools are able to recruit they're players, and take players away from some of the leagues top schools. They are smaller in attendance, so are able to play in the A tournament. They take pride in winning year after year. Since 2000 out of the twenty teams that have played in the class A state championship, 12 of them have been small private schools, and 8 of the 10 champions have been again, small private school with Breck winning four of those. The reason that high school hockey split into two classes was to give the smaller schools who don't pull from the same size groups as the bigger schools, and don't have the resources the bigger schools have. But these private schools can pull from all over, they aren't restricted by boundaries like the bigger public schools are. And they have resources and money, unlike most public schools. So my question is does the High School League really think they're accomplishing there goal? That is fine if you want to have two tournaments, but keep the A tournament open to those smaller schools. Make these private schools move up and play with the big boys.
I watched every game from the AA tournament this past week, and there is no question that Hill Murray was the best team. Unfortunately they weren't able to get past a hot Minnetonka goalie, and wore down through the four overtime periods. The funny thing about a tournament like this is the fact that three different teams finish 2-1. But depending upon when they lose, they finish 5th, 3rd, or 2nd.
Lastly for those of us who follow high school hockey, all we heard about all year was Minnetonka, and they're 5 division I recruits. There is often times bias in the metro for the southern teams, even though only two of the last 10 state champions would be considered southern metro. But beyond that Minnetonka was billed as one of the all time teams. They went through the season with only one loss. But after watching them play the last three games, I do not see where the hype came from. Max Gardiner looked ordinary, and they're three DI defensemen wouldn't play on Hill Murrays first two defensive lines, and made big mistakes that took them out of the championship game.
All in all the tournament was pretty bland. The big name players didn't live up to their names. Other than a great Friday night game between Hill Murray and Minnetonka, the tournament lacked close games. That doesn't mean any changes need to be made, but it wouldn't hurt for some of these "champions of class A to come play in front of the big crowds."
The high school tournament is divided into the big schools in AA and the small schools in A. Most private schools fall into the A category. It's kind of misleading since they can recruit they're players. So there are a handful of teams that play in AA because they have pride in the program and want to compete with the best teams. So kudos to Hill Murray, Cretin Derham Hall, Benilde St. Margerat, and Holy Angels. Add in Roseau who plays in AA even though it only has 350 kids in they're school. So give those schools credit for playing up a class, because they feel like they can belong there. Any one of those schools could move down and play in class A and dominate every year. Just like Breck, St. Thomas Acadamey, Blake, and often times Totino Grace. These private schools are able to recruit they're players, and take players away from some of the leagues top schools. They are smaller in attendance, so are able to play in the A tournament. They take pride in winning year after year. Since 2000 out of the twenty teams that have played in the class A state championship, 12 of them have been small private schools, and 8 of the 10 champions have been again, small private school with Breck winning four of those. The reason that high school hockey split into two classes was to give the smaller schools who don't pull from the same size groups as the bigger schools, and don't have the resources the bigger schools have. But these private schools can pull from all over, they aren't restricted by boundaries like the bigger public schools are. And they have resources and money, unlike most public schools. So my question is does the High School League really think they're accomplishing there goal? That is fine if you want to have two tournaments, but keep the A tournament open to those smaller schools. Make these private schools move up and play with the big boys.
I watched every game from the AA tournament this past week, and there is no question that Hill Murray was the best team. Unfortunately they weren't able to get past a hot Minnetonka goalie, and wore down through the four overtime periods. The funny thing about a tournament like this is the fact that three different teams finish 2-1. But depending upon when they lose, they finish 5th, 3rd, or 2nd.
Lastly for those of us who follow high school hockey, all we heard about all year was Minnetonka, and they're 5 division I recruits. There is often times bias in the metro for the southern teams, even though only two of the last 10 state champions would be considered southern metro. But beyond that Minnetonka was billed as one of the all time teams. They went through the season with only one loss. But after watching them play the last three games, I do not see where the hype came from. Max Gardiner looked ordinary, and they're three DI defensemen wouldn't play on Hill Murrays first two defensive lines, and made big mistakes that took them out of the championship game.
All in all the tournament was pretty bland. The big name players didn't live up to their names. Other than a great Friday night game between Hill Murray and Minnetonka, the tournament lacked close games. That doesn't mean any changes need to be made, but it wouldn't hurt for some of these "champions of class A to come play in front of the big crowds."
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
High School Hockey
It's high school hockey tournament time. And this years field is really strong. I would say that five maybe 6 of the teams have a legitimate chance at winning this years tournament. The obvious favorites are the top 4 seeds with Minnetonka, Edina, Blaine, and Hill Murray. But it wouldn't shock me to see Duluth East or even Roseau put together three strong games. I have seen/announced 5 of the 8 teams in the tournament, and I would rank them in this order from how they impressed me. Minnetonka, Edina, Hill Murray, Blaine, and Duluth East. Duluth East has never impressed me much, but they've won each game I've seen convincingly. So I guess I'm missing something. Blaine is another team that hasn't looked that great this year, but with Bjugstad, they have a chance to win every game they play. So I invite you to make your predictions on the comments page. This is just for fun and bragging rights.
Friday, March 5, 2010
New Blog
I was recently asked to post blogs on an additional site. The sites domain is http://twinsmix.com/, my blog is 2010 Twins Preview. It would be great if you would go on there, and help build my following a little.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Retiring MJ's #
Recently Lebron James has filed paperwork to have his jersey number changed from #23 to #6 in honor of Michael Jordan. He has also asked that any player in the league that is wearing the #23 consider doing the same. He want's MJ's number untouchable, and the league to retire the number.
OK as far as I know the only other league to do something like this was the NHL. They retired Wayne Gretzky's number. Wayne Gretzky was traded from Edmonton to LA. And basically brought hockey to the places it had never been, and with his help the NHL is now scattered all over the Western and Southern United States. Wayne Gretzky also is the all time leader in goals, assists, and points. In fact he has more assists than any other player has points. He held 61 NHL records when he retired, he still holds 60 of those same records. And the record that got beat was for all star game assists. He won the NHL MVP 9 times, included 8 in a row. As far as championships goes, he won 4 stanley cups. So I can understand why the NHL wanted to preserve his history. Without him, the NHL would not be where it is today.
Some people including Lebron James want Michael Jordan to receive the same honor. If you asked 100 Basketball fans who the greatest player of all time is, you might get five or 6 answers. You'd get Jordan, Bird, Johnson, Russell, Chamberlain, or Kareem. And if you talk to a crazy drunk bastard you might even get a Bob Cousy. So are we going to retire all of those numbers? Jordan is 3rd all time in points, 2nd in steals, and 35th in assists, 94th in blocks, and 60th in rebounds. So he isn't the all time leader in any of the five main statistical categories. John Stockton is the all time leader in steals, and assists, are we going to retire his number? Michael Jordan won 6 NBA championships which is a huge number, but is tiny stacked up against Bill Russells 11 NBA championships.
Michael Jordan is the greatest player in NBA history in my opinion, and was as clutch and athlete as there has ever been. But to today's players he's more of a marketing icon than a basketball icon. He was the first to have his own shoes, he is a walking talking trademark. He was the king of endorsements. He should have his jersey retired in the shoe, marketing, and endorsement world, but not in the NBA. The NBA was big before him, and it is still big today. He absolutely played a role in making it what it is today, but not like Gretzky did. So let the bulls retire his number, and if players want to honor him by not wearing #23 that is great, but doing it league wide is crazy.
OK as far as I know the only other league to do something like this was the NHL. They retired Wayne Gretzky's number. Wayne Gretzky was traded from Edmonton to LA. And basically brought hockey to the places it had never been, and with his help the NHL is now scattered all over the Western and Southern United States. Wayne Gretzky also is the all time leader in goals, assists, and points. In fact he has more assists than any other player has points. He held 61 NHL records when he retired, he still holds 60 of those same records. And the record that got beat was for all star game assists. He won the NHL MVP 9 times, included 8 in a row. As far as championships goes, he won 4 stanley cups. So I can understand why the NHL wanted to preserve his history. Without him, the NHL would not be where it is today.
Some people including Lebron James want Michael Jordan to receive the same honor. If you asked 100 Basketball fans who the greatest player of all time is, you might get five or 6 answers. You'd get Jordan, Bird, Johnson, Russell, Chamberlain, or Kareem. And if you talk to a crazy drunk bastard you might even get a Bob Cousy. So are we going to retire all of those numbers? Jordan is 3rd all time in points, 2nd in steals, and 35th in assists, 94th in blocks, and 60th in rebounds. So he isn't the all time leader in any of the five main statistical categories. John Stockton is the all time leader in steals, and assists, are we going to retire his number? Michael Jordan won 6 NBA championships which is a huge number, but is tiny stacked up against Bill Russells 11 NBA championships.
Michael Jordan is the greatest player in NBA history in my opinion, and was as clutch and athlete as there has ever been. But to today's players he's more of a marketing icon than a basketball icon. He was the first to have his own shoes, he is a walking talking trademark. He was the king of endorsements. He should have his jersey retired in the shoe, marketing, and endorsement world, but not in the NBA. The NBA was big before him, and it is still big today. He absolutely played a role in making it what it is today, but not like Gretzky did. So let the bulls retire his number, and if players want to honor him by not wearing #23 that is great, but doing it league wide is crazy.
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