Right Minded Fellow

SORRY!

2012-01-25T18:17:00.000-05:00

Apologies are in order to folks who've enjoyed reading Right Minded Fellow and the topics and issues we've discussed. The unfortunate truth is this site is the work of one individual who simply can only sustain so much effort beating the drum on how totally dysfunctional the American political system has become. Let's be honest, Barack Obama is not simply a political figure with a different point-of-view. he represents a fundamental threat to the United States my father and his generation fought to preserve in World War II, a land of liberty and opportunity where the pursuit of excellence and entrepreneurship (aka "Yankee know-how") prevail. Western Europe is learning the hard lessons of where their socialist governments lead as the dominoes are falling around the northern shore of the Mediterranean, Greece, Italy, and perhaps next, Spain. When European leaders lecture an American President on deficit spending, the implications are terrifying. Obama and his party's push to take over the health care industry, cow-tow to labor, pursue unworkable and unrealistic energy policies, while attempting to divide society into arbitrary class distinctions is beyond hateful and in some applications borders on pure treason. Add to that, the grounding of Obama's approach not only represents Sal Allinksy radicalism but is also a product of the syndicated crime network known as the Chicago Democratic Party machine shows we are not simply trying to elect a more favorable President, but this is the beginning of a civil war between the culture that gives so much and a decadent hopeless culture that the lessons of history assure us of failure.

Meanwhile on the other side, the Republican Party is a joke. Newt Gingerich has proven to be a hate-mongering demagogue who would rather destroy his party than deal with the ups and downs of primary politics. Rich Santorum, Michelle Bachmann, and Rick Perry with their insistence an oppressive and archaic stance on using the state as a vehicle to indoctrinate faith-based stances is contrary to American democracy. The values of rather well-to-do white (mostly male) citizens is far too exclusive for a national party.

Whatever happened to a political party that represents strong free enterprise or Capitalistic economic principles, embraces limited government, strong defense, and person liberties?

No, the so called Libertarian approach is not realistic and while in theory might have much to offer, the American Libertarian movement sure attracts its share of screwballs not the least of whom is Ron Paul whose notion that turning back the clock to the 1830's and all that implies would save the day. Hardly! While having government honor the principles of the US Constitution is a noble cause, closer examination of Paul's statements such as income tax being constitution is a lie on the face of it.

These are just a few ideas that show how futile trying to articulate the current situation in our culture has become and it quite frankly gets overwhelming and depressing to keep banging the drum.

While, the Right Minded Fellow does some serious soul searching and looks for inspiration on broader topics, the 2011 football season was a magic ride up through last weekend when this Ravens' fan's dreams were squashed. There is much to discuss including some serious concerns as the 2012 NASCAR season nears.

NFL 2011, Week 16 -- Now or Never for Playoff Contenders

2011-12-24T03:19:00.000-05:00

No we didn't expect Indy to upset Houston in Thursday night's game. Houston goes limping into the playoffs for their first post season appearance.

Cleveland @ Baltimore (-12 1/2)
The Ravens will work hard to put Sunday night's fiasco behind them, a most embarassing loss balanced off by San Francisco's win over Pittsburgh.

Minnesota @ Washington (-6 1/2)
The Redskins fans should enjoy a rare victory in an otherwise terrible sason.

Arizona @ Cincinnati (-4 1/2)
Cincinnati will fight viciously to keep faint playoff hopes alive.

Denver (-3) @ Buffalo
Tebow magic returns against the vapid Bills.

Miami @ New England (-9 1/2)
New England rolls on guarding their #1 seed.

St. Louis @ Pittsburgh (-14 1/2)
Pittsburgh will rest their chief thug, Roethlisberger but still should beat the week Cardinals.

New York Giants @ New York Jets (-3)
Both New York teams need this win to keep playoff hopes alive essentially having to win out to get a bid. Jets have a very slight edge.

Tampa Bay @ Carolina (-7 1/2)
Panthers should win against a broken Tampa Bay team.

Jacksonville @ Tennessee (-7 1/2)
Tennessee should put up a fight having miserably small playoff hopes.

Oakland @ Kansas City (-2 1/2)
The Chiefs will take care of the chaotic Raiders.

San Diego @ Detroit (-2 1/2)
San Diego is on a roll but face a team that is fighting to lock in a playoff berth. This is going to be an all out brawl.

Philadelphia @ Dallas (-1 1/2)
Who doesn't want to see the Cowboy hoopla take a big hit, but Philadelphia is just too unpredictable this year

San Francisco (2 1/2) @ Seattle
The 49er's march on and plan to turn out the lights in Seattle.

Chicago @ Green Bay (-12)
The world now knows Green Bay is not invinsible, but Chicago's too banged up to take advantage of Green Bay's injuries.

Atlanta @ New Orleans (-6 1/2)
Division rivals meet in an important game for the NFC south. The Saints seem to be doing everything right these days and should take care of Atlanta.

NFL 2011, Week 15: Playoffs, Did Somebody Say Playoffs?

2011-12-15T20:16:00.000-05:00

Week 14 starts tonight with Atlanta hosting Jacksonville as an 11 point favorite to win. They'd better win. With an 8-5 record, they're in as a Wild Card, but Chicago and Dallas stand at 7-6 ready to grab their spot. Given coach Jack Del Rio has been fired and Jacksonville only has their Monday night win over the Ravens as bragging rights, it's hard to imagine they'll have much for Atlanta on the road.

Saturday night, Dallas takes a Florida vacation where they must win against Tampa Bay to keep their post season plans in order. When will the jibber-jabber that they're a GREAT team having a few problems stop? The Cowboys suck and they are NOT America's team. That's an insult to all of us Americans who love our hometown teams.

Sunday's games:
Washington @ New York (-7)
New York must win this game and will against the hopelessly confused Redskins. With the Shannahan regime looking as bad or worse as anything during Daniel Snyder's tenure, one has to wonder if Danny Boy will ever field a winning team and get the organization straightened out. Joe Gibbs short return might have been the best they could have ever hoped for and even Gibbs could to little with the new Herndon culture.

Cincinnati (-6) @ St. Louis
The Bengals must win to keep faint playoff hopes alive

Tennessee (-6 1/2) @ Indianapolis
Tennessee needs a solid win to counter last week's loss to keep pace having lost their berth to the Jets with that loss.

Seattle @ Chicago (-3 1/2)
This is a must win for the Bears and Seattle's showing more punch in the second half of the season.

Green Bay (-14) @ Kansas City
No contest. Green Bay rules.

Miami at Buffalo
Take your pick, but Buffalo mailed in this season while MiAami despite their coach being fired still has some fight left in them.

Carolina at Houston (-6 1/2)
Houston moves on toward a top playoff berth even with a #3 QB.

New Orleans (-7) at Minnesota
Minnesota is on vacation. Sorry, they'll be awakened for an ass-whoopin' at noon on Sunday

Detroit (-1) at Oakland
This game is a must win for both teams. Detroit needs the win to maintain their current wild card berth. Oakland is one of three 7-3 teams hoping to get into the Wild Card, but since Denver is 8-5, they're also looking for the division crown if they can overcome Tebow magic.

Cleveland @ Arizona (-6 1/2)
A totally meaningless game except for Arizona who will win this game.

New York Jets @ Philadelphia (-2 1/2)
What are the odds makers thinking. The Eagles are struggling but Rex Ryan's been more bark than bite in 2011. The Jets must win to keep their playoff berth. They should do so.

New England (-6) @ Denver
Tom Brady versus Tim Tebow and Jesus Christ. All rational thought would say Tebow's reign of magic ends against the mighty New Englander's but their defense is weak and can be exploited. Brady will have to put on a QB clinic to win. He probably will.

Baltimore (-2 1/2) at San Diego
The Ravens need a win to keep their homefield status in tact. They should do so keeping in mind that the last two games which ended a San Diego tumble were against weak opponents - Jacksonville and Buffalo.

Pittsburgh at San Francisco
The Vegas boys want no part in picking a favotite and it remains to be seen how hurt Roethlisberger is -- the most indestructable player since Johnny Unitas. However, thug James Harrison is suspended for head hunting so the filthy dirty Steelers could well meet their match playing San Francisco away from Terrible Towel country. San Francisco should win if their defense can tear up the Steelers early.

NFL 2011: Week 14 -- a Calm Week before the Final Push

2011-12-08T22:14:00.001-05:00

In week 14, there are view key matchups between playoff contenders except for Houston at Cincinnati and the New York Giants at Dallas, so this week is one where the established teams cannot afford a letdown and lose ground. Teams looking to secure the most available playoff spots cannot lose and possibly find themselves out of luck.

Let’s look at the picks.

Tonight:

Cleveland at Pittsburgh (-14)

Pittsburgh’s terrible towels will be wiping up a lot of Brown mess.

Indianapolis at Baltimore (-16)

This would have been a game of great excitement where now the Baltimore fans can only watch in sadistic glee as the Colts will be ground up for glue and dog food.

New England (-8) at Washington

The Patriots will continue their march to the AFC East title.

Tampa Bay at Jacksonville

No odds are posted for this game so flip a coin. We’ll give Tampa the slight edge.

Kansas City at New York Jets (-10 ½)

Rex will be singing his song, but a little humility please. Beating the Chiefs is no major feat at this point in the 2011 season.

Minnesota at Detroit

No odds are published for this game, but even without their mindless beast, Suh, on defense, Detroit should win.

New Orleans (3 ½) at Tennessee

The Saints should use this game as one o start getting in post season shape. They’re truly the top team with little doubt in the NFC South.

Philadelphia at Miami (-3)

This season is over for the Eagles and could mark the end of couch Andy Reid as the Cheesesteak capital of the world will want burnt offerings for such a horrible season.

Oakland at Green Bay (-11)

If Green Bay does not go undefeated, Oakland won’t be the team to stop them.

Atlanta (-2 ½) at Carolina

Atlanta needs to win this game to stay in striking distance of playoff bids

Chicago at Denver (-3 ½)

The bashed up Bears are the next team to get “Tebowed.”

San Francisco (-4) at Arizona

The 49’ers march on in the desert.

Buffalo at San Diego (-7)

Buffalo’s fast start is far behind them while San Diego’s win last week certainly did not reflect them getting back on track. The Chargers will win this game but Norv Turner’s era in San Diego is almost oer.

New York Giants at Dallas (-3 ½)

This is a must win game for the Giants, but as inconsistent as Dallas has been this year, the Giants have been worse. Dallas will win, but that’s not because they’ve become a good team.

St. Louis at Seattle

No odds are posted on this game because both teams stink. The Seahawks seem to have a little more fight in them and their stadium is a tough place to play.

NFL 2011, Week 13: The 3rd Quarter Ends as the Playoff Contenders Step Forward

2011-11-30T23:26:00.001-05:00

The 2012 season ends its third quarter with this weekend’s game with the playoff possibilities clearly in sight. Perhaps the biggest story of the season has nothing to do with victories, but instead, failure. Would anyone have foreseen the Indianapolis Colts being winless with five games to go even without Peyton Manning?

Clearly, there are issues at play on that team that are deeper than the leadership afforded by one key player out of action. The Detroit Lions started off as one of the real happy stories of the year winning their first five games but going 2-4 since with the insane conduct of Ndamukong Suh’s out of control nonsense getting most of the attention including stomping on an opponent’s head and then trying to justify his action on a nationally televised Thanksgiving game. That earned him a two game suspension, a fate that could eliminate Detroit not only from its first shot at the playoffs in ages but they’ll have to step it up to avoid yet another losing season.

Could Rex Ryan and his nonstop bloviating be wearing out his welcome in New York? The Jets are not going to make the playoffs without one of the leaders in the AFC North, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, or Cincinnati self-destructing. Does anyone believe Norv Turner will return to coach San Diego next year? San Diego would be the choke tale of the year were it not for the Colts.

Dallas could win the NFC East, but no one should buy into the hype that they are a great team. They have a light schedule for the rest of the year and have looked terrible at times. Why they continue to maintain the America’s team hype defies imagination.

The NFC battle for the Championship looks clear. It will be San Francisco versus New Orleans to attempt to knock off the Green Bay Packers. The AFC seems pointed to Baltimore, but the Ravens have a funny habit of losing to miserable teams after clobbering the big boys. They must show championship caliber play Sunday versus Cleveland while Pittsburgh plays Cincinnati; otherwise, it will probably be a pick between Pittsburgh and New England for AFC supremacy.

The following teams can only at best tie for their division lead. Jacksonville (AFC South), Miami (AFC East), Carolina (NFC South), Arizona (NFC West). These teams are toast: Indianapolis (AFC South), Minnesota (NFC North), St. Louis (NFC West).

Here are the battles for week 13.

Thursday Night:

Philadelphia (-3) @ Seattle

The Eagles are a mess and face playing cross country on a short schedule. Seattle should prevail.

Sunday Afternoon:

New York Jets (-3) @ Washington

This is a must win for the Jets if they want to stay in the playoff hunt. They should have the edge over the chaotic Redskins.

Oakland @ Miami (-3)

This is the kind of game Oakland needs to win to show themselves a real post season threat not just the lucky team in a bad division.

Denver @ Minnesota (-1 ½)

More Tebow magic? Don’t count the little guy out. They’ll play with enthusiasm something the Vikings sorely lack.

Indianapolis @ New England (-20)

Remember when this matchup of Olympian proportions? Manning versus Brady, but somehow New England at least held their own when they lost Brady for a season. What’s up with the Colts who will be brutalized on Sunday?

Atlanta (-3) @ Houston

This was supposed to be Houston’s break out year and on paper, a 7-3 record looks great, but that doesn’t reveal they’re now down to a 3^rd string quarterback. They won’t beat Atlanta, but should make the first round of the playoffs then be sent home.

Tennessee @ Buffalo (-1 ½)

Buffalo’s lost four straight and are 2-6 since their fast three wins to start the season while Tennessee seeks to stay in the playoff hunt with Houston ahead by two games but damaged. Tennessee should be able to beat Buffalo.

Kansas City @ Chicago (-7)

Chicago should prevail with ease.

Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh (-7)

If Pittsburgh loses, their dreaded rival, the Ravens should be in the driver’s seat to win the division and both Pittsburgh and Cincinnati would be in line as wild cards. If Pittsburgh wins, then Cincinnati is thrown to the pack of other wild card contenders with Baltimore and Houston ahead on their schedule. This game should belong to the Steelers.

Carolina @ Tampa Bay (-3)

There are no guarantees in this match up. If Cam Newton is on top of his game, Carolina can win, but Tampa Bay, a most inconsistent team, should win if they play their “A” game.

Dallas (-4 ½) @ Arizona

Okay, the Cowboys will win this. Don’t draw any grand conclusions about this being any kind of triumph.

Baltimore (-7) @ Cleveland

Baltimore has to win this game and not resort to the pattern of losing to losing teams after big wins against tough opponents. Cleveland is a tough spot. The Cleveland fans HATE the Ravens more than any other team believing in their hearts the team dressed in purple and gold should be their gladiators. Get over it and prepare for the wrath of the Ravens.

Green Bay (-7) @ New York Giants

The Giants looked terrible against New Orleans and now they face another even tougher foe. Although Eli Manning is giving the game a fine effort, the Giants’ defense and special teams are so awful, they’d have to pull the upset versus the Packers to have any hope short of a total Dallas collapse for post season play. The Packers should win with ease. The Giants one saving grace is facing Dallas twice before season’s end.

St. Louis @ San Francisco (-13)

Here’s a game for the Giants to feel good after losing the Brother Bowl Thanksgiving night – a nice win against a division opponent.

Sunday Night:

Detroit @ New Orleans (-9)

This will be a painful realization for Detroit, a team that looked so promising starting 5-0, has gone 2-4 since with Ndamukong Suh’s bully antics getting much of the press. New Orleans looks like a team on the ascent with Drew Brees running the Saints’ offense brilliantly. Detroit faces a tough loss on the Sunday night stage.

Monday Night:

San Diego (-2 ½) @ Jacksonville

Jack Del Rio got the ax fulfilling a rumor that has been festering for over two seasons. Meanwhile, San Diego’s horrible play has Norv Turner a dead man walking who perhaps might not make it to the season’s end given their dreadful 4-7 record with star QB Phillip Rivers looking horrible consistently this year. Who will win this game is truly a toss up. They’ve lost six consecutive games but unless the team has mailed it in entirely, they should prevail on their home field.

NFL 2011, Week 12 - Turkeys Attempt to Avoid Slaughter as Playoff Chase Begins

2011-11-24T04:55:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving:

Green Bay (-6.5) @ Detroit

Finally Detroit plays in a Thanksgiving game, but like back in the 1960’s when they likewise faced the Packers and lost. It’s hard to see them getting beyond Aaron Rodgers.

Miami @ Dallas (-7)

Dallas wins a couple against interior teams requiring overtime to do so last weekend against the folded up Redskins. So beating Miami will get the America’s team hype machine screaming. They are at best a very average team.

San Francisco @ Baltimore ( 3.5)

The big media game of the week, “The Battle of the Brothers,” Jim for the Ravens and John, 15 months younger and a former Raven for San Francisco, this will be one intense game. Big brother wins.

Sunday:

Minnesota @ Atlanta (-9.5)

Atlanta must win games like this to continue to have any post season hopes.

Houston (-3.5) @ Jacksonville

Quarterback Matt Schaub is out for the season but Houston should beat Jacksonville in a weak division. Currently tied with Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and New England at 7-3, it will be hard to maintain first round bye status.

Tampa Bay @ Tennessee (-3)

Either team could win this one. The Titans get the home field plus.

Arizona @ St. Louis (-3)

Not much at stake here other than avoiding the cellar in the NFC’s dog division.

Cleveland @ Cincinnati (-7.5 )

After losing to the Steelers and Ravens, the Bengals will gladly maul the Steelers.

Buffalo @ New York Jets (-8.5)

Remember when Buffalo led the AFC East? Nobody’s figuring much of anything from them now. Rex Ryan’s show is wearing thin. More results and less jabber will keep the Jets in the playoff picture, a must unless Ryan wants the whole Big Apple to turn against him.

Carolina (-3) @ Indianapolis

If rookie QB Cam Newton falters, if Indy’s putting forth any effort any longer, they could gain their first win, but Carolina still earns the nod.

Washington @ Seattle (-4)

The Ravens took the same trip two weeks ago and lost. What would give the Redskins even the slightest chance?

Chicago @ Oakland (-4.5)

Oakland will enjoy widening its lead in the North with a win over the injured Bears.

New England (-3) @ Philadelphia

The Eagles don’t have much working right now and the Patriots swarm like sharks when there’s blood in the water.

Denver @ San Diego (-6.5)

San Diego should finally get a win, one in their division no less. If Tebow wins again, we might conclude his personal relationship with Jesus includes fixing football games.

Pittsburgh (-10.5) @ Kansas City

If the Steelers are a lesser team in 2011, no one will know it this weekend.

Monday Night:

New York Giants @ New Orleans (-7)

The Giants need to pull an upset if they are to remain relevant this year but they won’t and the Saints will keep marching.

Sprint Cup 2011: Race 36: The Grande Finale - Edwards versus Stewart

2011-11-20T02:28:00.001-05:00

In almost showman like precision, the field for the grand finale the race that will determine the 2011 championship is between two racers, Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart. It would be Edwards' first title, but should Stewart win, he'd join the most elite fraternity of drivers with three or more titles -- Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Lee Petty, David Pearson, Lee Petty, Cale Yarborough, and Darrell Waltrip. On the other hand, would Edwards win, it would make Jack Roush a three time champ as owner, a rare feet in its own right. This is a race for the fans, a battle between two of NASCAR's boldest personalities both of whom have huge followings.

All the signs going into the race favor Edwards. He has won this race in the past two seasons, sits on the pole, and dominated second round practice, while Stewart's wins at Homestead were before the track was redesigned and was racing the older generation car. Stewart only managed 28th fastest in 2nd round practice which might suggest to some he could be sandbagging, but if that were the case, his qualifying efforts are rather lackluster, with a starting spot of 15th. Few drivers are able to communicate and make adjustments as effectively as Tony Stewart with Crew Chief, Darien Grubb's assistance. While the numbers are all in Edward's favor at the start of the race, nothing's chiseled in stone.

Some drivers are hoping that the Ford 400 is not their last horrah. Presently, the #6 team does not have sponsorship to continue, as such David Ragan could be without a ride. David Reutimann was fired from Michael Waltrip racing. While Brian Vickers, who ccertainly has not been making friends given his on track behavior recently, is with the Red Bull Team that is closing up shop unless a buyer an be found, but even if one were,there's no guarantee Vickers would be invited back. The NASCAR field continues to contract. The Roush operation could well be three cars as will Richard Childress racing. However, the Camping World Truck and Nationwide Series might have provided a look at who could be joining those teams in the near future. Austin Dillion, Richard Childress's grandson, won the truck championship. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. won the Nationwide title for Roush.

For the first time since 2005, Jimmy Johnson will not be champion. The last champ before him...Tony Stewart. Johnson's five consecutive titles is an unequalled feat in NASCAR blowing away Cale Yarborough's three straight titles. With Johnson's long shadow, it is not obvious that Tony Stewart not only already has hall-of-fame credentials, but a championship tomorrow puts him in the true elite. Edwards, most might think it's about time. He's been one of the sport's most dynamic drivers in the past decade and is one of five who finished second to the Johnson legacy.

NFL 2011: Week 11 -- The Last of the Byes

2011-11-17T19:40:00.001-05:00

For those who want to run Cam Cameron out of town for Baltimore's embarassing loss to Seattle, how does a team commit three turnovers, two on kickoffs giving the opposition the ball in ideal field position and not lose.That te Ravens' defense only held the Seahawks to field goals minimizes the damage, but from this point forward, EVERY game the Ravens play is a vry important game. If they want some playoff action in Baltimore, no more cheap losses to crappy opponents.

Meanwhile, in the topsy turvy world of Mike Shannahan and "Sonny Boy" it's back to Rex Grossman proving once and for all the team hasn't a real QB nor do they have a real offensive coordinator, sorrry Dad.

How fortunate are the banged up Steelers to have the an unusually late bye? Al teams played last week, and now there's one more week of four teams with byes, Pittsburgh, Houston, New Orleans, and Indianapolis who really haven't shown up to play all year.

The Broncos are about to host the Jets with their "unique" QB, Tim Tebow aainst the Jets with their underachieving QB Mark Snachez. This is a great media game. So let's look at all the games and who's going to win in Week 11.

New York Jets (-6 1/2) at Denver
There isn't enough Tebow magic to stand up against the nasty Jets defense...end of story.

Cincinnati at Baltimore (-7)
No excuses, no mistakes, the Ravens must prevail. Cincinnati's glory run starting the season is now over facing the big boys in the division.

Dallas (-7) at Washington
That the Cowboys will clobber the Skins will get the talk going that they are America's team and really good. Baloney, they're playing a team that sucks.

Carolina at Detroit (-7)
The Lions need to show command that they truly have mastered winning against the talented Cam Newton leading the Panthers' attack.

Tampa Bay at Green Bay (-14)
Green Bay wins the battle of the Bays with ease.

Buffalo at Miami (-2)
Buffalo's hot start is over. Miami's out to prove their horrible start is too. Miami has the slight edge.

Jacksonville at Cleveland (-1)
The home crowd and its collective stench should give Cleveland the edge over Jacksonville.

Tennessee at Atlanta (-6)
Atlanta needs wins like this one to get its season back in ontention for the NFC South's crown or perhaps a wild card.

Oakland (-1 1/2) at Minnesota
Oakland has some real punch in their game despite their many shortcomings while the Vikings are more likely to just roll over.

Seattle at St. Louis (-2 1/2)
These games against two weak teams are tough calls. Figure the Seahawks left their fortune at home having upset the Ravens -- they come east and play indoors.

Arizona at San Francisco (-9 1/2)
The Niners with John Harbaugh's leadership is the 2011 up and coming team that should smash the Cardinals.

San Diego at Chicago (-3.5)
Will the Chargers ever show winning form again in 2011? The Bears are coming on srong in mid-season, and with their relentles defense should exploit the struggling San Diego offense.

Philadelphia @ New York Giants (-4)
The Eagles horrible season falling way below expectations combined with QB MIchael Vick nrusing cracked ribs makes this game look like the Giants all the way. This game should have been a hot contest, but the Eagles don't have enough fighters to do the job.

Kansas City at New England (-15)
Wharever problems have dogged New England this year will be well disguised plaing an opponent who should make them look like the might Patriots.

Sprint Cup 2011: Race 35 - Brand New Phoenix Rising

2011-11-12T23:09:00.001-05:00

Four drivers compete for the Sprint Cup with two races remaining in the 2011 Chase. Points leader, Carl Edwards starts 9^th with second place driver, Tony Stewart, three points behind starts in 8^th. Kevin Harvick in 3^rd 33 points back did not help his prospects to leap into the thick of competition with a distant 27^th starting position. Matt Kenseth, in 4^th in the standings, 33 points back, the only other driver within reach of the title improved his prospects winning the pole for tomorrow’s Kobalt Tools 500.

Other drivers of note include both Richard Petty entries with A.J. Allmendinger in the #43 Ford starting 2^nd and Marcos Ambrose starting 3^rd in the #9 Ford. Michael Waltrip racing, an enterprise that has struggled in 2011finds Martin Truex starting his #56 Toyota in 5^th while discarded driver, David Reutimann starts the 00 Toyota in 7^th hoping to catch the attention of an owner with an open seat for a driver for 2012. Disgraced driver, Kyle Busch returns to the track stripped of his M&M sponsorship for the last two races lining u a distant 34^th place after his shameful conduct destroying Ron Hornaday’s KHI Chevrolet during caution last week in Texas.

Looking at past success might not be a good indicator for who will drive well tomorrow since the Phoenix track is not only repaved but also redesigned with new banking and reengineered curves. Some Nationwide series drivers suggested similarities to Iowa, a track where Sprint Cup does not run. The Nationwide race proved the track to be most race worthy providing competitive conditions for great competition.

While a strong case could be made for either Edwards or Stewart to win the championship most fans and pundits agree that their positions should remain very close at the end of competition tomorrow leading for a tight margin going into the series grand finale.

NFL 2011, Week 10 - Add Thursday Nights!!!

2011-11-09T21:18:00.003-05:00

Week 10

Here it is! The start of Thursday Night Football the cash cow for the NFL Network which assures a groggy workforce three mornings a week, Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. Note to employers – make sure most important tasks are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday. Regarding the Ravens dramatic final seconds win Sunday night, fans can continue to celebrate right up through kickoff on Sunday, but the team had better be working as if Sunday in Seattle were the Super Bowl. The Ravens cannot afford to lay another egg after a major victory if they want some playoff action in crab town. The Pittsburgh/Cincinnati game will be hugely interesting and prove if the Bengals are for real this year. Pittsburgh pretty much looks like the Steelers of old except for their two losses to Baltimore, so what do the fellows downstream have for them?

The games:

Thursday:

Oakland @ San Diego (-7)

San Diego cannot continue to putz about and beat division foes. They still should be the top team in the AFC West but must prove it against the Raiders who stand to get stronger as Carson Palmer gets integrated into their game plan.

Sunday:

Washington @ Miami (-4)

This is a game to prove just how bad the Redskins or Dolphins truly are. A smart, conservative game plan and some heads up defense should send the quarterbackless Skins back to DC in tatters.

Jacksonville (-3) @ Indianapolis

Will the Colts play another game that they don’t mail it in this year? They are playing some of the most pathetic football seen by what should be a hurting quality team in ages. It’s impossible to pick the Colts in any game until they show some fight. Suppose they are playing for Luck and little more.

Denver @ Kansas City (-3)

Let’s bet on this game starting up the Tim Tebow jokes again. KC is recovering nicely from a tough start.

Pittsburgh (-3) @ Cincinnati

This is reality check for both teams. If the Bengals are good, this is a game to prove it. They face Pittsburgh and Baltimore in four of their last eight games and have to win two games of the four to be a true contender.

Buffalo @ Dallas (-5 ½)

Picking Dallas to win this game assumes Buffalo’s fast start was a fluke and that playing in the great palace of decadence will be too much for them. Dallas is not a good team that got off to a bad start. They are the most over-hyped team in the game. The real key to the game is Dallas’s defense playing up to par. If they do, the Cowboys win.

New Orleans @ Atlanta

The odds makers want no part of this game and that’s understandable. The Saints have floundered recently. Atlanta has been underachieving this year but is starting to pull things together. The Saints have the extra win since they have not had their bye. We’ll give Atlanta a very slight edge.

St. Louis @ Cleveland (-2 ½)

Here’s what you get when two weak teams collide. Cleveland’s a little more aggressive and has their horde of drunks cheering them on – slight edge.

Houston (-3) @ Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay shows flashes of brilliance but Houston is the stronger team. Houston has no margin for underachievement which has dogged them too often this year to pull this game out.

Tennessee @ Carolina (-3)

Carolina is making strides to once again be a successful team with young QB Cam Newton. Tennessee has lost its early season pop – slight edge to the Panthers.

Arizona @ Philadelphia

Philadelphia is one of the most frustrating teams in the game. They can and should win this game.

Detroit @ Chicago (-2 ½)

This is a great game for either team to prove they are for real. Chicago took care of Philadelphia Monday night, but if Detroit is truly a real winner, this is an important game to win on the road if they are playoff bound.

Baltimore (-6 ½) @ Seattle

It’s noisy, it’s the west coast, the Ravens must be on top of their game against this must lesser team.

New York Giants @ San Francisco (-3 ½)

Here’s another chance for Jim Harbaugh to prove his “Niners” are for real against a team they could well face in the post season.

New England @ New York Jets (-1 ½)

New England handled the Jets in their first meeting in week 5 when the Jets were in their third of a difficult road stretch. Since then, the Jets have pulled things together as the New England Patriots are looking mighty weak on defense. The Jets would appear to have the slight edge here.

Minnesota @ Green Bay (-13 ½)

Send in the clowns, this is Green Bay’s all the way. Minnesota is simply too weak to call this a great rivalry game this year.

Sprint Cup 2011: Race 34 -- Three to Go

2011-11-05T01:47:00.001-04:00

And now there are three, and Texas Motor Speedway is one tough destination for Sunday’s AAA 500. Carl Edwards and especially Tony Stewart (-8) are talking championship trash after Martinsville’s demolition derby. However, they are not the only contenders with three races remaining. Kevin Harvick is only -21 out of first while Brad Keselowski sits back -27. We’re keeping Matt Kenseth in the picture, who’d need to make up 12 points a race to be in the championship picture at the end. Jimmie Johnson has a full field’s worth of points to overcome, -43; however, can we really rule out the defending five consecutive champ.

Here are where our contenders line up.

1- Carl Edwards, #99, Ford, starts 7^th

2- Tony Stewart, #14, Chevrolet, starts 5^th

3- Kevin Harvick, #29, Chevrolet, starts 21^st

4- Brad Keselowski, #2, Dodge, starts 8^th

5- Matt Kenseth, #17, Ford, starts 3^rd

6- Jimmie Johnson, #48, Chevrolet, starts 11^th

Given the top two contenders such elite starting positions adds to the intrigue as they will be fighting hard to maintain track position and execute flawless pit stops as an eight point lead can vanish quickly.

Weather should be ideal with temperatures in the low 70’s under partly cloudy skies.

NFL 2011: Week 9 - Halfway There

2011-11-05T01:25:00.002-04:00

All teams will have reached the halfway point in the 2011 season and aside from the Green Bay Packers, every top team has shown weaknesses having at least one embarassing loss to their credit. Aside from the undefeated Packers, only the surprising San Francisco 49er's under first year coach, John Harbaugh's leadership, has one loss albeit in perhaps the weakest division in the NFL.

Take note of the NFC East where the New York Giants lead with a 5-2 record, the other three teams have a 3-4 record. The Redskins are dropping like a stone. Dallas has proven again they aren't a top tier team and who can still believe Tony Tomo is a capable quarterback. Meanwhile, Philadelphia appears to be the team on the rise after their dreadful start.

Three teams stand at 4-3 in the AFC West, San Diego, Kansas City, and Oakland. San Diego would be the pick but they looked pitiful in Monday's slaughter at the hand of Kansas City as Oakland tries to put things together behind QB Carson Palmer who had been "retired" before last week.

Indianapolis and Miami remain winless. The loss of Peyton Manning must be seen as only one factor in the Colts demise at this point. While Manning is a sure hall-of-fame QB, for a team that has been a consistent winner to flop so badly without him signals bigger problems. It's hard to imagine what that clubhouse will be in December.

The following teams have byes this week: Detroit, Carolina, Jacksonville, Minnesota

The Games:

San Francisco (-4) @ Washington

Landover, MD should be prepared for a slaughter. Since the QB controversy surfaced, it's clear that the Redskins have neither a quarterback or an offensive coordinator who has a clue what's going on. Too bad he's the head coach's little boy.

Miami @ Kansas City (-4)

Kansas City is no place for Miami to gain its first win. A four point spread favoring the Chiefs seems harsh to KC.

Tampa Bay @ New Orleans (-8)

The Saints will be looking to show they are indeed a top NFC team with this home game against an increasingly stronger division rival. The Saints should win, but don't be surprisedif the Bucs beat the spread.

Seattle @ Dallas (-11.5)

Don't let this game fool anybody. The Cowboys will look like a great team this Sunday, but look who they're playing.

New York Jets @ Buffalo (-2.5)

Here's Buffalo's chance to prove they are truly a playoff contender. It would be best for Rex Ryan to concentrate on action not words as they will likely lose in the home of the one NFL team that plays in the State of New York.

Cleveland @ Houston (-10.5)

Houston can make this a blowout if they play on top of their game but they've had lapses they can't afford against the Browns.

Atlanta (-7) @ Indianapolis

Poor Colts ... another loss.

Cincinnati @ Tennessee (-3)

Here are two teams playing better than expected so far this season. We'll give the Titans the choice with a slight home field advantage.

Denver @ Oakland (-7)

Poor Tim Tebow, a nice kid playing a big man's game will be a sad sight as he gets pancaked, pounded, and pasted as the Tebow jokes will keep getting louder. The NFL is not the SEC.

New York Giants @ New England (-9)

Playing at home, the Patriots will surely be ready to lay a whipping on the Giants.

Green Bay (-5.5) @ San Diego

San Diego and QB Phil Rivers just don't seem to be programmed to win. Green Bay is. Norv Turner will be even more reviled after this loss.

St. Louis @ Arizona (-2.5)

This game's a tough call. Both are teams on the rebuild. We give the Cardinals the home team edge.

Baltimore @ Pittsburgh (-3)

The war moves from the shores of the Patapsco to the Three Rivers confluence. Can the Ravens rise up and whack the Stealers again who surely resent what happened in week one. The Ravens just might come home with the win this time in the city that eats french fries on their sandwiches.

Chicago @ Philadelphia (-7.5)

Philadelphia will look like the team they were supposed to be with all the presason bragging. They'll be at the break even point with this win.

Sprint Cup 2011, Race 33

2011-10-30T14:15:00.000-04:00

Rain cancelled practicing in Martinsville for the 7^th stop on the 2011 Sprint Cup Case. Being a half mile flat track poses unique challenges requiring far more specialized driving than succeeding on the larger tracks. Thus Martinsville like Talladega a week ago becomes something of an elimination race where those who fare poorly might loose their chance at the championship.

Here’s the line up.

1- Carl Edwards #99, Ford

2- Matt Kenseth #17, Ford, -14

3- Brad Keselowski #2, Dodge, -18

4- Tony Stewart #14, Chevrolet, -19

5- Kevin Harvick #29, Chevrolet, -26

6- Kyle Busch #18, Toyota, -40

7- Jimmie Johnson, #48, Chevrolet, -50

NFL 2011: Week 8 - Almost Halfway

2011-10-29T00:49:00.003-04:00

Week 8

Teams who have not had their bye week hit the halfway point in the 2011 season as the true competitors for the season continue to emerge. A week ago, the Baltimore Ravens were toasted as the top team in the AFC. They might still well be, but after an embarrassing loss where the team did not gain one first down until the second half raises concerns about the offense particularly the hobbled offensive line who assured a miserable game for QB Joe Flacco. The NFC East presents an interesting picture as the expected leader, Philadelphia, has failed miserably and is just beginning to flex its muscle while the Redskins who surprised fans with their fast start have plunged into the mediocrity that embarrassed the team a year ago. The Dallas Cowboys never live up to the hype that follows them, while the Giants are squarely in the picture. Perhaps the most asked question is: Can anyone stop the Green Bay Packers?

The games:

Arizona @ Baltimore (-13)

The Ravens hopefully got their poor play out of their system and won’t be looking ahead to their trip to Pittsburgh as they should easily handle Arizona.

New Orleans (-13 ½) @ St. Louis

For St. Louis sports fans who are serious Rams fans, Sunday’s game will be a cruel end to their World Series’ celebration.

Jacksonville @ Houston (-9 ½)

This might be one to mark for an upset if Jacksonville gained confidence from Monday’s victory and Houston coughs up probable wins in the second half, but Houston should prevail in this divisional game.

Minnesota @ Carolina (-3 ½)

There’s not much to hope for in Minnesota as a bigger glimpse of Carolina’s future with rookie QB Cam Newton should provide much to cheer in Charlotte.

Indianapolis @ Tennessee (-8)

Okay, the Colts are missing superstar QB Peyton Manning, but their play in 2011 defies explanation. They are a true embarrassment.

Miami @ New York Giants (-9 ½)

Miami’s struggles will continue as the Giants should have little trouble winning one for the home fans.

Detroit (-3) @ Denver

After a brilliant start, the Lions now have a two game losing streak as they attempt to smash Tebow magic in Denver. Injuries are taking a toll.

Washington @ Buffalo (-4 ½)

Buffalo needs a win to live up to early season promise as the Washington QB situation can only yield disaster for the ‘Skins.

Cincinnati (-3) @ Seattle

The Bengals are beginning to work their way into playoff conversations given their record being right there with the mighty Ravens and Steelers. They should win in Seattle and could be in 2^nd place if Pittsburgh loses to the Patriots.

New England (-3) @ Pittsburgh

If Pittsburgh is a championship team, they must prove it against the constantly improving Patriots. Pittsburgh’s season could hinge on their next two games meeting Baltimore at home next week. The Pats just look stronger.

Cleveland @ San Francisco (-9)

Playing Cleveland should be an easy payday for the 49er’s at home.

Dallas @ Philadelphia (-3)

If Dallas is so hot, prove it in Philadelphia. That probably won’t happen as the Eagles are putting things together though a far cry from the super team they were hyped to be in August.

San Diego (-3 ½) @ Kansas City

The Bolts need to play well to show themselves as a top tier team. Their strength is the weakness of their division.

BYES:

Atlanta

Chicago

Green Bay

New York Jets

Oakland

Tampa Bay

NFL 2011, Week 7 -- Some prosper, some rest, some die...

2011-10-22T20:43:00.000-04:00

The bye weeks continue as six more teams recover. Buffalo, Cincinnati, New England, the New York Giants, Philadelphia, and San Francisco enjoy a week off. Only the Green Bay Packers remain undefeated at 6-0 with Detroit, 5-1 in the field of teams with one loss. All the others lead their divisions, Baltimore, New England, San Diego, and San Francisco. Indianapolis, Miami and St. Louis are the two winless teams so far where talk has already sprouted concerning the sweepstakes for the coveted #1 draft choice next spring presumably for Stanford QB, Andrew Luck. Meanwhile, two high visibility teams expected to be contenders are increasingly under pressure to start making a strong showing before the top teams in their division develop more separation, The New York Jets and the Dallas Cowboys. The Jets aren’t as great as their coach boasts them to be while the Cowboys don’t live up to the media’s hype when many see them as a mediocre team led by an overrated quarterback.

Clearly, the Green Bay Packers are the choice of the field so far, but there is much rumbling about the Baltimore Ravens who suddenly are playing the kind of absolutely earth-shaking defense that earned them their Super Bowl victory after the 2000 season. If their game on offense solidifies, they could become unstoppable in the AFC.

Here are our right-minded predictions for week seven.

Washington @ Carolina (-2 ½)

Washington got off to a strong 3-1 start but disassembled last week playing the desperate Philadelphia Eagles at FedEx field last week. The sore spot appeared to be horrible play of QB Ken Grossman who lost control of his game tossing up interceptions as freely as t-shirts from the t-shirt guns. John Beck takes over at QB while Cam Newton is poised for another win as his game improves with Carolina.

San Diego (-1) @ New York Jets

San Diego faces the problem of flying cross country to play in a hostile environment but of all the West Coast teams seems to be the team that’s able to overcome that the best. The Jets have to step up their game on all fronts to beat the toast of the AFC West to keep their playoff hopes alive. San Diego should have the edge.

Seattle @ Cleveland (-3)

Cleveland needs to play mistake free and solid getting a good game from Colt McCoy and if they do, Seattle will be put away and sent home miserably.

Atlanta @ Detroit (-3 ½)

Atlanta would have to find something they’ve not shown in what’s been a very disappointing 2011 season. Detroit will be anxious to push behind their loss to San Francisco last week to demonstrate they are a true contender this year. Too bad for them, they’re in the same division as Green Bay.

Chicago (-1) @ Tampa Bay

While Vegas gives Chicago a one point lead, playing at home and being more intense should give Tampa Bay the win over the hard-to-predict, inconsistent Bears.

Denver at Miami (-1)

Miami is favored by one point largely for the home field markup, but Tim Tebow is starting and no matter how much pundits are quick to point out his limitations, he brings a level of intensity and determination that the erratic and confused Dolphins cannot master. What would make this game the one where Miami finally rallies and tries to salvage something of this season. They’re not there yet.

Houston @ Tennessee (-3)

Houston still cannot pull all parts of their game together and having a lot of aching players further complicated by being flattened in the 2^nd half by the Baltimore Ravens, Tennessee should have enough of an advantage to sustain their lead in the AFC South and drop Houston two games out. Houston will be falling further out of the possible playoff pack without rolling out some victories soon, but tomorrow is not likely.

Pittsburgh (-4) @ Arizona

Pittsburgh is playing in a soft part of their schedule now which masks speculation if the 2011 team simply isn’t up to the championship potential the team has shown for the last several years. Their win tomorrow will still keep the questions open until they play tougher competition like New England next week leading to their home showdown against the Ravens on November 5^th.

Kansas City @ Oakland (-4 ½)

Oakland installs QB Carson Palmer as they attempt to march on and challenge San Diego for the AFC West title. KC must find the magic they had just one year ago that took them to round one of the playoffs.

Green Bay (-9 ½) @ Minnesota

It wasn’t long ago when this match up was a hot rivalry, but this year it marks the doom of another aged quarterback, Donovan McNabb, who will be carrying the clipboard as the Vikings continue their losing ways moving the Packers to 7-0.

St. Louis @ Dallas (-13)

Dallas will look like a brilliant, championship time team, and folks could marvel at what a Hollywood QB Tony Romo is living up to the hype that follows this team through out the media world, but like Hollywood, this victory is all but staged playing the hapless (but improving) Rams.

Indianapolis @ New Orleans (-13 ½)

Even those who hate the Colts almost have to feel sorry for what’s going to happen Sunday night as they go to 0-7 in the noisy Superdome. Drew Brees and company should have a blast branding the hobbled ponies who are little more than dog food without their leader, Peyton Manning.

Baltimore (-8) at Jacksonville

The Ravens take a cheap Monday Night Florida vacation as they face the Jacksonville Jaguars, the least supported team in the NFL. Jack Del Rio, former Ravens coach, fighting to hang on to his job might gaze nostalgically across the field remembering when he helped pilot the wicked purple and gold beasts who should have their way with the Jags.

Sprint Cup 2011: Race 32 -- Talladega, the Big Bad Blender

2011-10-22T20:01:00.003-04:00

Be careful which driver you're in love with, this race is bound to break your heart.

If Sprint Cup fans thought Jimmie Johnson’s collision with the wall and subsequent DNF eliminated him from the Championship Chase, Johnson did exactly what he needed to do to give himself a fighting chance sitting on the outside poll aside teammate Mark Martin for tomorrow’s Good Sam Club 500 at Talladega, and how about that, as fate would have it he has his drafting partner there too. Adding to the strategic possibilities or limitations, Jack Roush mandated that all Roush-Yates powered cars, in other words the entire Ford fleet, must partner with other Fords, giving his two title contenders Carl Edwards and Matt Kenseth a whole lot of buddies on the field including the two Richard Petty rides that have been riding strong recently and Trevor Bayne, the young Daytona 500 star racing for the “legendary” Wood Brothers who starts 4^th. For this week’s consideration of possible championship contenders, the driver must be with one race’s point total to still be considered viable with five races including Talladega in consideration.

Here are the possible contenders in rank order and where they start tomorrow.

1- Carl Edwards, #17, Ford, starts 9^th

2- Kevin Harvick, #29, Chevrolet, starts 13^th (-5)

3- Matt Kenseth, #17, Ford, starts 11^th (-7)

4- Kyle Busch, #18, Toyota, starts 34^th (-18)

5- Tony Stewart, #14, Chevrolet, starts 12^th (-24)

6- Brad Keselowski, #2, Dodge, starts 16^th (-25)

7- Kurt Busch, #22, Dodge, starts 14^th(-27)

8- Jimmie Johnson, #48, Chevrolet, starts 2^nd (-35)

Talladega is what’s considered a blender race as teams can take a tremendous dive in the standings made far worse on a restrictor plate race where a car can run well all day, not wreck, but wind up out of the draft and in the wrong pack at the end of the race. This conversely gives some teams the opportunity to advance, but given we’re discussing the top eight teams, downward mobility is more likely than noteworthy moves upward, however, the top 3 are extremely tight. Kyle Busch begins the next group of competitors between -17 and -25, an nine point spread between 4^th and 7^th. While making up 27 points is not unthinkable for Kurt Busch, overcoming six drivers ahead of him would be the greater challenge. For right now, it would appear three teams are fighting to stay in top contention range while five drivers are fighting to give them some company. It’s worth noting that though Roush has two cars in great shape, they are not strong restrictor plate contenders even though Kenseth has a Daytona 500 win. Of course who knows where Carl Edwards would have finished in spring 2010 if it weren’t for the horrifying homestretch crash that gave Brad Keselowski the Cinderella win.

The scramble continues next week at Martinsville, the diametric opposite of Talladega, but equally a blender race after which the shootout for the trophy will be lined up for the last three dates in the southern latitudes.

Sprint Cup 2011: Race 31 -- the Home Stretch to the Championship is on.

2011-10-15T03:08:00.001-04:00

The Sprint Cup tour comes home to Charlotte marking the halfway point in the 2011 Chase at race’s end. Tony Stewart who burst on the Chase scene winning his first two races, his first two for 2011, but has fallen to 7^th place with bad showings at Dover and Kansas, is positioned to throw himself back in the picture sitting on the poll for the Bank of America 500. Five more chasers reside in the top ten while all but two start in the top 20. The two outside of the top 20 are Jeff Gordon, all but eliminated from the chase when his engine blew in the final laps of last week’s race. Trapped in 10^th place, 47 points out any faint hope Gordon had are surely dashed with tonight’s qualifying spot all but cinching the deal. Kyle Busch who has not shown much punch in the chase 8^th place, 20 points out starts in 25^th. Let’s look at where the championship contenders by rank start in their drive to the Chase. Leader, Carl Edwards, starting 3^rd must be feeling pretty good!

1- Carl Edwards, #99, (#1), starts 3^rd

2- Kevin Harvick, #29, (-1), starts 14^th

3- Jimmie Johnson, #48, (-4), starts 9^th

4- Brad Keselowski, #2, (-11), starts 26^th

5- Matt Kenseth, #17, (-16), starts 2^nd

6- Kurt Busch, #22, (-16), starts 20^th

7- Tony Stewart, #14, (-19), starts 1^st

8- Kyle Busch, #18, (-20), starts 25^th

9- Dale Earnhardt Jr., #88, (-43) starts 15^th

10- Jeff Gordon, #24, (-47), starts 23^rd

11- Ryan Newman, #39, (-54), starts 6^th

12- Denny Hamlin, #11, (-79), starts 17^th

For all practical purposes, positions 9-12 are absolutely eliminated from Chase consideration. At -43 points, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has an entire race’s worth of points to ake make. While positions 4-8 are within 20 points of the lead, they’re also going to depend on other drivers ahead of them to fail to make their move. Perhaps the big question for the race will be if any of those drivers can vault themselves back into serious contention at the close of the race realizing than Charlotte is one of the tracks where Jimmie Johnson is most successful. Carl Edwards needs a win to atone for his sloppy, car destroying burnout, from last spring’s All-Star race at the track!

NFL 2011 - Week 6 - A Big Day for the Teams Unexpectedly Good and Bad

2011-10-15T02:23:00.001-04:00

Week six of the 2011 NFL season provides some teams having unexpectedly strong start a chance to prove themselves and some teams expected to do well who have struggled a chance to regain some positive momentum. Some of this week’s games pit the fast starters against the slow traditional winners.

Philadelphia (-1) @ Washington

Who’d expect the Redskins to be in first place in the 6^th week of the season and perhaps even more astounding to have a three game lead over the Eagles? This is the matchup in Landover Sunday afternoon. Nevertheless, Las Vegas gives Philadelphia a field goal over Washington on hostile turf. While the Redskins don’t look like a miracle team, so far the Eagles have done just about everything wrong imaginable on both sides of the ball showing little team cohesion. Are they looking at last year’s tapes or do they think Philadelphia’s desperate status should have them fired up to avoid yet another in the accumulation of mounting losses, 1-4 at this point. Oh Washington is also coming off a bye week too. So how does a 1-4 team beat a 3-1 team in its own division? It won’t happen!

Carolina @ Atlanta (-4)

Just how great is Cam Newton’s ascent as a rookie QB. Second, just how off track is Atlanta’s season so far? This will be decided in the Georgia Dome. Green Bay slaughtered Atlanta Sunday night while Carolina played strongly against the powerful New Orleans Saints losing by just a field goal. This might be a good choice for an upset giving Newton another advance, but it will take more than Newton’s emerging power to win this one. Give the battle of old Dixie to Atlanta.

St. Louis at Green Bay (-15)

In St. Louis all talk will be about their baseball team. Oddly enough, the match up here mirrors the NLCS pairing since the Cardinals adversaries are cheese heads too from the big city to the south. The Packers will win easily.

Jacksonville @ Pittsburgh (-12)

Here’s a game that should make Pittsburgh’s apparent earlier struggles seem distant memories. Anything less than a two touchdown win will have Steelers’ fans nervous.

Buffalo @ New York Giant (-3 ½)

Here’s one of those match-ups between a team with early season success against a team expected to be strong failing. Considering the Giants got whacked at home by the weak Seattle Seahawks and Buffalo handled the Eagles last week on top of everything else, contrary to the Vegas fellows’ choices, this looks like a win for the one NFL team that actually plays in the state of New York.

Indianapolis @ Cincinnati (-7)

How bad can things look for the Colts minus Peyton Manning? If the game plays out and Cincinnati wins as expected, the Colts remain winless while the Bengels look respectable.

San Francisco @ Detroit (-5)

This game puts two of the surprise successes for 2011 head-to-head. Imagine the Detroit Lions winning and being 6-0. That’s the better choice. If they lose, both these teams will be 5-1, something no one would have expected at the beginning of the season.

Houston @ Baltimore (-7 ½)

Houston was poised to be a strong winner in 2011, but vexing injuries have them teetering in a week division this year. The Ravens will march on to victory in Crab Town.

Cleveland @ Oakland (-6)

This game’s a tough choice between two rather weak teams that can play tough at times. The home field and a little more punch should give the game to the Silver and Black.

New Orleans (-4 ½) @ Tampa Bay

Tampa’s a team on the rise but to ask them to defeat the powerful Saints is still just outside their reach.

Dallas @ New England (-7)

The talk is New England’s not as strong as in past years, but when have teams looked worse losing than the Cowboys who are 2-2 so far? The national media seems to take glory in thinking New England is falling apart but makes excuses for Dallas. Rest assured, Dallas won’t win. It’s just a matter of how ugly they lose.

Minnesota @ Chicago (-3)

Chicago’s banged up but still strong enough to beat the messed up Vikings.

Miami @ New York Jets (-7)

Here’s the Jets chance to begin to heal the hurt of a dreadful three game losing streak. After a Monday night win, they’d better not suddenly get too boastful because their next opponents have tapes on how they lost.

Sprint Cup 2011: Race 30 - Heating up the Heartland (Chase #4)

2011-10-09T03:18:00.000-04:00

Dover did what Dover does and shuffled the field among the twelve “Chase” contenders gunning for the 2011 Sprint Cup Championship. Tony Stewart stood atop the field after two weeks looking like a driver in championship form, but after a poor race, Stewart has slipped to tied for third nine points behind the points leader, Kevin Harvick. Jeff Gordon was the big loser slipping four positions but still in close contention nineteen points off the lead. Dale Earnhardt Jr. lost two positions, now in 10^th, 34 points out of first. For Ryan Newman (41 points back) and especially Denny Hamlin (68 points back), the chances of glory in Homestead at the end of the season would appear to be long shots. The Chase is hotly contended given with nine races to go, nine teams are within nineteen points in the championship contest.

Shown below is how the Chase drivers shown by points position, their starting spot for the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speeway, and how many points out of the lead they need to resolve.

1 – Kevin Harvick, #29, Chevrolet, (14^th), #1

2 – Carl Edwards, #99, Ford, (2^nd), #1

3 – Tony Stewart, #14, Chevrolet, (23^rd), -9

4 – Kurt Busch, #22, Dodge (17^th), -9

5 – Jimmie Johnson, #48, Chevrolet, (19^th), -13

6 – Brad Keselowski, #2 Dodge, (12^th), -14

7 – Matt Kenseth, #17, Ford, (4^th), -14

8 – Kyle Busch, #18, Toyota, (3^rd), -15

9 – Jeff Gordon, #24, Chevrolet, (10^th), -19

10 – Dale Earnhardt, Jr., #88, Chevrolet, (18^th), -34

11 – Ryan Newman, #39, Chevrolet, (11^th), -41

12 – Denny Hamlin, #11, Toyota, (7^th), -68

Richard Childress might have divided loyalties since besides having Kevin Harvick tied for the points lead starting the race along with his three other teams, his grandson, Austin Dillon, current leader in the Camping World Truck Series, makes his Sprint Cup debut. We’ll see how high of a finishing spot the young driver will achieve given it is quite likely at least eight cars will be doing their welfare laps politely called “start and park” teams realistically called a supreme embarrassment to NASCAR and a fraud to NASCAR’s fans.

In today’s Nationwide race NINE cars pulled off the track with nebulous problems, perpetuating the start and park fraud. If teams are having trouble finding sponsors, and there are teams on both Sprint Cup and Nationwide who can’t or won’t compete, then it’s obvious the field needs to be slashed where only teams that are resourced enough to truly buy in and compete would remain. The progressively tiered system of NASCAR series should assure each advancing series represents a higher level of talent, resources, and achievement.

It’s time to revamp the system, minimum team requirements, and smaller starting fields. This charade is cheapening the sport no matter much NASCAR and is media partners attempt to sweep it uner the rug. We’re projecting seven teams will bow out of today’s race.

NFL 2011 - Week 5 -- Byes for some, goodbye for 13 more teams.

2011-10-08T23:32:00.000-04:00

The byes slip in with six teams sitting out the competition this weekend. The following teams do not play:

· Baltimore

· Washington

· Dallas

· Cleveland

· Miami

· St. Louis

AFC

With one quarter of the 2011 season complete, all four division leaders are 3-1, North – Baltimore; South – Houston, Tennessee; East: New England, Buffalo; West – San Diego. Of the 2-2 teams, Pittsburgh and the New York Jets are the ones that most likely have the talent to compete for playoff spots. Oakland, Cleveland, and Cincinnati are more likely to fall. Jacksonville, Denver, and Kansas City at 1-3 must show huge improvement to have any hopes for this season, It’s already #1 draft pick sweepstakes for Indianapolis and Miami.

NFC

The Detroit Lions are 4-0. That’s right; the Lions are 4-0 while their baseball buddies eliminated the Yankees as the Tigers soldier on. The Green Bay Packers, the defending champs, likewise are 4-0 and their big city neighbors to the south, Milwaukee, the cheesiest baseball team moves on in the MLB playoffs. The south and east are both led by two 3-1 teams with New Orleans and the upstart Tampa Bay Bucs leading the south while in what would seem upside down to some, Washington and the New York Giants lead the east. Jim Harbaugh has San Francisco 3-1 in the West. The Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons, and the Dallas Cowboys, all in the playoffs last year are 2-2 with Dallas being the most embarrassing of the field coughing up leads grabbing defeat from the jaws of victory. Why do the national media barkers still make excuses for Dallas and consider Tony Romo a great quarterback. They suck! The biggest disappointment in the NFL this year could well be the Philadelphia Eagles, last in the east sharing that mark with Carolina, Arizona and St. Louis. Minnesota might be making Mike Shannahan’s decision to bench Donovan McNabb late last season not look so brash since the Vikings stand at 0-4 and look terrible on all counts. Seattle, who snuck into the playoffs with a miserable 7-9 rccord then blew up their roster, are also 0-4.

Would it be unreasonable to think the AFC Championship could be Baltimore versus Buffalo and the NFC Detroit versus San Francisco? The Harbaugh brothers will have something to say about their brother’s fate going head to head in Baltimore on Thanksgiving night.

New Orleans (-6 ½) @ Carolina

Panthers QB will take another bold step in his maturation facing the tough division rivals, New Orleans Saints. Considering where things stand with the Panthers, it’s okay to speak of moral victories. That’s the best they can achieve.

Arizona @ Minnesota (-3)

We’ll go against the odd makers ad pick Arizona. There’s something about the Vikings that seems especially blighted this year.

Oakland @ Houston (-4)

This game should be Houston’s all the way. It is worth noting the maverick owner, Al Davis, who has led Oakland since its early days died yesterday. The character of the team will never be the same – for better or worse.

Philadelphia (-3) @ Buffalo

The Eagles should play better than they’ve shown so far this year, and Buffalo isn’t likely as good as the 3-0 team they started with. This game is really in the hands of the Eagles’ defense. If the can stifle Buffalo’s offense, they’ll win.

Seattle @ New York Giants (-9 ½)

This game should be the Giants, no contest.

Cincinnati @ Jacksonville

This is a tough pick. Las Vegas didn’t post. Let’s give the win to Jacksonville, slight home field advantage. Those empty seats can make a lot of noise.

Kansas City @ Indianapolis (-2 ½)

The Colts have played close against the Steelers so perhaps here’s their first win unless they’re sandbagging already for draft pick considerations.

Tennessee @ Pittsburgh (-3)

Playing at home and feeling a sense of urgency, the Steelers are well motivated to beat Tennessee, but the Titans have beaten Baltimore making this a tough game for Pittsburgh. The howling about the Steelers officially being in decline will become very loud if they lose this one and there’s a good chance they will.

Tampa Bay @ San Francisco (-3)

This game features two teams hot on proving themselves. Harbaugh inherited an undisciplined chaotic club house but appears to be getting them focused. Give the Niners the slight edge here.

New York Jets @ New England (-7 ½)

For the Jets and their verbose coach, Rex Ryan, yes it really is that serious. If they lose, as expected to New England, they’d be two games behind their division rivals with a three game losing streak after being mauled on national television by the Baltimore Ravens last week. While the Belehick boys might not be the most potent team New England has ever fielded and their defense I soft compared to Baltimore’s, Tom Brady, Wes Welker and crew are good bets to ground the Jets.

San Diego (-4) @ Denver

Denver’s a mighty unhappy place for Broncos fans whose whimpers will turn into outright violent sobbing with a few chants of “Tebow! Tebow” thrown in as the Bolts blasat them.

Green Bay (-6) @ Atlanta

Hey wasn’t Atlanta supposed o be a contender this year? Tomorrow’s menu – peaches smothered in cheese.

Chicago @ Detroit (-5 ½)

This is a great game for Detroit to show they’re for real and go 5-0. The Bears have only been inconsistent this year. A likely loss puts them two games behind Detroit and probably Green Bay too.

It’s a tough sport, ain’t it?

Sprint Cup 2011: Race 29 -- Dover, It's Monster Mash Time for the Chase

2011-10-01T18:33:00.003-04:00

The 2011 Sprint Cup Chase, the underlying truth drivers know all to well… things can go from good to bad in a matter of seconds, but once things are bad, the road to good might be out of reach. After two races, only Denny Hamlin looks out of the picture, though nothing short of exceptional racing will find other teams deep in the standings from being in fighting shape in Homestead, FL after the 10^th Chase race. Dover is a track that with its unforgiving high banks can destroy a race car with the slightest slip and at Dover, track position is everything. With this in mind, Tony Stewart and Kevin Harvick will have their bands full holding their top two starts with Stewart starting 28^th and Harvick in 22^nd on the grid. Meanwhile, Jeff Gordon, 5^th in points, starts just above the rolling trash heap in 34^th position.

Chase drivers starting position by standings:

1- Tony Stewart, #14, Chevrolet (26^th)

2- Kevin Harvick, #29, Chevrolet (22^nd)

3- Brad Keselowski, #2, Dodge (15^th)

4- Carl Edwards, #99, Ford (4^th)

5- Jeff Gordon, #24, Chevrolet (34^th)

6- Kyle Busch, #18, Toyota (5^th)

7- Matt Kenseth, #17, Ford (18^th)

8- Dale Earnhardt Jr., #88, Chevrolet (21^st)

9- Kurt Busch, #22, Dodge (2^nd)

10- Jimmie Johnson, #48, Chevrolet (6^th)

11- Ryan Newman, #39, Chevrolet (20^th)

12- Denny Hamlin, #11, Toyota (11^th)

If Jimmie Johnson wants to intimidate the field into believing he’s in hot pursuit of his 6^th consecutive championship, Dover could be just the place to prove it. Given an excellent starting position and a win in last year’s September race at the track, this would be a great launching pad for Johnson’s surge forward. Since 2006, the beginning of his championship tenure, Johnson won both 2009 races. Starting 18^th might not be an ideal position for starting at Dover, but Matt Kenseth won the spring race, his first since a spring win in 2006. Kyle Busch who won last year’s spring race, looks poised for success in 5^th starting position. He also tamed the monster in spring, 2008. If consistency is the best measure, Carl Edwards has the highest average finish at Dover at 7.7. With a 4^th starting position and the proven ability to stay out of trouble could find the #99 Ford atop the leaders. Edwards also won the 2007 fall race.

The driver needing the most help at Dover, Denny Hamlin, is also the driver based on past history least likely to take advantage of the track having only two career top fives, four top tens, and an average 20.9. Kurt Busch with five top fives but only seven top tens averages an 18.7 finish, not good for him. Kevin Harvick with no wins and two top fives with an average of 17 and Dale Earnhardt Jr. who has tamed the monster once with seven top tens has been bitten badly too with his 17.7 average.

While Jimmie Johnson is the big winner of the field showing six wins, eight top fives, and thirteen top fives, his 9.6 avearage finish is behind Carl Edwards who shows an average of 7.6 with only one win, six top fives, and ten top tens.

Weather should not be a factor for the race with partly cloudy conditions and temperatures just touching 60^o, conditions are favorable for good racing.

NFL 2011 - Week 3 -- The Season's Real Story Begins to Emerge

2011-09-30T21:20:00.004-04:00

The third week of the NFL season is when some of the real stories for the season start to emerge, the 4^th week confirms it. Believe it or not, the first quarter of the season will be finished at the conclusion of Monday night’s game just as the MLB playoffs hit high gear.

Perhaps the biggest story for the year so far is the Indianapolis Colts losing Peyton Manning due to neck surgery for the season and the team’s total collapse without him. The Colts are projected to lose by 10 points visiting Tampa Bay Monday night.

The incredible success of a team that’s been a bottom dweller since the Jim Kelly days, the Buffalo Bills riding high at 3-0 and their savaging of New England is another “who’d have thought it?” tale. While we’re raving about 3-0 teams, how about the Detroit Lions who until showing much improvement last year had been the laughing stock of the NFL since Barry Sanders days running the ball. The other 3-0 team is the Green Bay Packers, no surprise there for the defending Super Bowl Champs.

The remaining 0-3 teams: Miami, Kansas City, Minnesota, and Seattle weren’t expected to be gangbusters but remember KC and Seattle were weak playoff teams last year.

Perhaps the remaining surprise is how ineffective the Philadelphia Eagles have been thus far. Remember when signing on as a mere backup QB, Vince Young made bold pronouncements about the Eagles as a “dream team?” They’re 1-2 while the rest of the division is 2-1.

Aside from what’s noted above, NFL parity prevails as teams work to break out atop the heap. Eyes will be on Baltimore Sunday night to see if the Ravens or the New York Jets might be one of those teams to do so. One will emerge well positioned to rule the season; the other falls back into the pack and has much work to do especially given the strength of division rivals.

Here’s our picks for week four.

Washington (-1 ½) @ St. Louis

The Redskins defense should be strong enough to keep St. Louis locked down.

Detroit @ Dallas (-1 ½)

Here’s where Detroit can prove they’re for real and keep Dallas as all talk and no walk.

Pittsburgh @ Houston (-4)

Houston can prove they have finally become a true contender beating the perennial powerhouse from Pittsburgh, a team not as strong as expected so far this year.

Tennessee @ Cleveland (-1 ½)

These are the tough picks. Teams not thought to be too strong who have shown flashes of good play so far this year. We’ll give the edge to the Titans.

Buffalo (-3) @ Cincinnati

This is the kind of game Buffalo has to win to prove they are for real. Cincinnati hasn’t shown much in 2011.

New Orleans (=7) @ Jacksonville

Jacksonville has shown nothing so far this year and the Saints are strong. No contest here.

Minnesota (-1 ½) @ Kansas City

If the Vikings have any fight left in them, this would be the gae to show it, but Donovan McNabb looks so old while the rest of the team looks clueless, KC needs its first win and are playing at home.

San Francisco @ Philadelphia (-8 ½)

Jim Harbaugh has much to do to make the 49’ers true competitors. They just don’t have it glued together well enough to beat Philadelphia despite Michael Vick’s injury.

Atlanta (-4.5) at Seattle

It’s time for Atlanta to perk up after a weak start. A trip to the grungy Northwest should do it.

New York Giants (-2 ½) @ Arizona

If the Giants play with a little consistency, this game should be theres.

Denver @ Green Bay (-12 ½)

Playing in Green Bay should show up all the weaknesses Denver has in 2011. Fans back home will be shouting Tebow at their televisions despite the popular QB from Florida is not ready for prime time.

Miami @ San Diego (-7)

Miami’s headed for a terrible 0-4. San Diego at home should win with ease.

New England (-4 ½) @ Oakland

Oakland looks tough in 2011, but the Patriots are the Patriots. Easy call.

New York Jets @ Baltimore (-3 ½)

Call this the trash talk bowl. It will be a brawl in Crab Town as the two powerful defenses attempt to rule the day but the Ravens will prevail.

Indianapolis @ Tampa Bay (-10)

Who’d believe the mighty Colts would be a ten point underdog visiting Central Florida? It’s for real and it won’t be pretty.

2011 Orioles: Grand Finale Masks a Season of Cruel Reality's Truimph Over Glimmers of Preseason Hope

2011-09-29T12:59:00.000-04:00

The arch-rival Red Sox only need three outs in the ninth. Their accomplished closer, Jonathan Papelbon who’d proven to be almost a sure thing to secure the close, took the mound. The Orioles had the bottom of their order coming to the plate, with two out, all that remained was fill-in second baseman, Robert Andino, and the Sox would secure their expected playoff berth. Andino’s hit secured by a smoking hot double to the wall by left-fielder, Nolan Reimold, deep down the depth chart and playing in Norfolk on Opening Day paced the Orioles to a dramatic walk off win, and the Red Sox complete another historic choke – put Nolan Reimold in the book of Boston curses along with Bucky Dent.

This kind of bold ending would have been the perfect end to the Orioles’ 2011 season especially given the expectations behind this team in April, but in truth as the team celebrated as if they were a team play-off bound being the one team with the greatest claims to destroying the 2011 Red Sox, it was but a rare up moment in a season that had to provide a brutal reality check for a team that has not had a winning season since 1997, and saw one of their most beloved long-time members of the organization, MASN broadcaster, former Cy Young and World Champion Orioles pitcher, and head of baseball operations when the Rafael Palmeiro rocked perhaps the most competitive season the Orioles was found dead on his Sparks, Maryland farm from a self-inflicted shotgun blast. There was no escaping the realization that for a man who had been a loyal part of the Orioles organization as a player and after retirement his personal unraveling was strongly influenced by the team’s futility and his inability to help right the team he dearly loved though emerging star catcher, Matt Wieters, was his draft pick. This was the year his front office successor, Andy McPhail, a man with exemplary baseball pedigree and a history of building winners, was supposed to have had the results of his leadership show tangible results, but the 2011 season will be far more remembered for what happened in July than a triumphant finale at the end of September.

Baltimore baseball fans couldn’t help but feeling good to see the Orioles sweep the Red Sox four games in Boston last week and then beat them 2 out of three at home to close the season eliminating the Red Sox bid for the last American League playoff slot. For Orioles’ fans it’s always sweet to beat the Red Sox or Yankees who seem to take deed of the stadium every tie they come to Camden Yard overwhelming the locals with New York tough or Massachusetts arrogance as if Oriole Park were an annex to Yankee Stadium or Fenway park. The Orioles played well in September winning 15 games and losing 13 games. That’s where the cheering ends. They finished the season at 69-93 making it six consecutive years with finishes of 92 or more losses and their fourteenth consecutive losing season.

When the joys of ousting Boston subside and the 2011 is seen in its totality, for those expecting a move toward respectability after their superb performance after Buck Showalter’s hiring as manager winning the most games in the American league during the last two weeks of the season, it looked like after heading for historic calamity early in the season under Dave Trembley’s ineffective stewardship, the rebuilding of the Orioles started in earnest midway through the 2007 season was paying off. With Matt Wieters developing into a top catcher, Adam Jones becoming a team leader in center field, and ever dependable, Nick Markakis in right field supplemented with perennial top performer, Brian Roberts returning from injury, the Orioles were starting to have what would look like a dependable nucleus on offense from players who excelled in the field. The young pitchers: Jake Arrieta, Brian Matusz, Brad Bergesen, and Chris Tillman showed improvement down the stretch suggesting that they were nearing at least quality starter material for the following year.

The vision of a winning team in Baltimore, once such a proud and lively baseball team, was starting to come into focus. Andy McPhail’s strategy was to grow pitching and buy bats. To that end, McPhail signed for free agents and made trades giving up no prominent players to obtain Mark Reynolds, a free swinging power hitting 3^rd baseman; Derrek Lee, a well-rounded superb fielding veteran 1^st baseman who had a substandard 2009 season with a hand injury; J.J. Hardy, a fine fielding shortstop with a strong bat and some power, and Vladmir Guerrero, a veteran superb hitter whose power numbers were showing some decline down the stretch in Texas. Luke Scott then would patrol left field giving what could be a strong lineup top to bottom ready to take on the AL East bullies. Kevin Gregg signed as closer.

With all this promise it didn’t take long; however, for the Orioles to show too many familiar old problems. Unlike the disastrous beginning in 2010, the Orioles weren’t blown out early. In fact, they were only down one game for April at 12-13, but in May, a seven game stretch losing six out of seven games widened the win/loss differential but still they weren’t out of the picture at the end of May. Their May 16^th loss to Boston might very well be the epitaph on the 2011 season. What appeared to be of no major consequence, Brian Roberts shaken up by a head first slide into first base where he finished the game resulted his loss for the season with a concussion and related head wound trauma. Closer Kevin Gregg blew the save and lost the game. A four game losing streak in June pushed the differential wider apart with the month finishing with a three game losing streak to the St. Louis Cardinals at Camden Yards made the visions of hope at the start of the season start to look like another ill-fated scheme, but the losing at the end of June continued into an all out collapse before the All-Star break winning only one game in July before the break, taking a nine game losing streak into midseason. Only a mad idealist would see the 2011 team as not being the 14^th consecutive loser.

The pitching fell apart with starters giving up big leads early and the bullpen being over taxed. After the break they’d go six and eleven and find themselves 21 games under .500. Grumbling of a possible 100 loss season started to become all too real. The Orioles were heading for a worse season than 2010. The promise of the future, the young starters were in Norfolk, Bowie, or on the disabled list more than they were in Baltimore. August started out just as horribly, 5-14 up to August 22 when they began a six game winning streak starting with six game winning streak, four against the Twins and two against the Yankees. No one would see a good September in the works losing five out of six before winning three games September 7-9^th which only gave way to three more losses. Some September, eh?

By now, the team on the field aside from the most obvious names, looked more like the Norfolk Tides than the Baltimore Orioles, but the only team in the remaining season would all be contenders except Toronto. Not only did they help knock the Angels out of contention for the AL West, but the Orioles finished with seven out of eleven games against the Boston Red Sox. They won six and lost one pushing the Sox out of what looked like a sure Wild Card berth.

By now Baltimore’s moved on. The Grand Prix racing in Baltimore over Labor Day weekend gave Baltimore fans an entirely new kind of live sports to fall in love with while the Ravens played brilliantly in two out of their first three games. “The Orioles, oh yeah, them, they suck. What else is new?”

So what to do for next year? There simply cannot be the optimism for the 2012 team there was for 2011, and where does the team go? Would it even be feasible to enter into the Prince Fielder sweepstakes to add a power hitter who’d be spraying homeruns out of cozy Camden Yards? Would a player of his value sign for a team that hasn’t had anything important to show since 1997?

The team can pencil in J.J. Hardy at shortstop, Brad Wieters behind the plate, Adam Jones in center field, and Nick Markakis in right field. Is Brian Roberts still a possibility? If he could return to his level of play through the 2009 season or how he played once healthy last year, that would be a huge relief? Mark Reynolds might be a keeper for his nasty homerun bat, but he’s a terrible third baseman and they’d be likely to add a first baseman. Left field, Luke Scott would likely be the starter but his fielding is horrible, and for a streaky hitter coming off of surgery, what’s his value to the team. The corner infield, left field, and possibly 2^nd base are all questions.

The starting pitching is so full of questions with Jake Arietta if heeled looking like a young starter on the move. Zach Britton is getting better, but Brad Bergesen, Brian Matusz, and Chris Tillman are hugely unpredictable. What to do with the bullpen? Jim Johnson looks strong in any position. Do they really want Kevin Gregg’s self-destruction grabbing losses out of should be wins?

Andy McPhail came to Baltimore with credentials of being a solid GM building two World champs in Minnesota, and helping the Chicago Cubs become contenders amidst shaky ownership. However, his tenure in Baltimore starting in mid 2007 inheriting a team with dreadful expectations winning 40 and losing 53 under his time on the job does not spell success. Since then the records are as follows:

2008: W-68, L-93

2009: W-64, L-98

2010: W-66, L-96

2011: W 69, L-93

So where’s the improvement? The Orioles have finally found a state of the art, modern spring training facility in Sarasota, and minor league operations have been streamlined and more tightly supervised with almost all minor league teams in close orbit to Baltimore: Tides, AAA, Norfolk, VA; Bay Sox, AA, Bowie, MD; Keys, Advanced A, Frederick, MD; Shorebirds, A, Salisbury, MD; and Ironbirds, short season A, Aberdeen, MD. With a stronger infrastructure though, the Orioles are not loaded with can’t miss talent in the minors spare shortstop Manny Machado who is moving right up the levels perhaps ready for Baltimore in 2013.

Some wonder if McPhail, whose contract expires this winter, will remain with the organization. On the criteria fans recognize, his tenure is not successful, while close observers most concede the overall health of the organization was far worse than realized when he joined the club.

What makes the 2011 season hurt so badly for serious fans. This was the year where winning was to be in reach and the move toward being a contender would take off from there. Can anyone look at how the 2011 season played out and see a winning team in the near future much less articulate a clear formula that could see the once proud franchise become a winner again in the toughest division in baseball. To even suggest there might be good signs for 2014 would have to be based on something that’s in the early stages of development now. Who can point out those potential players or resources that will make that so?

Here comes the hot stove season. Fans will be absorbed in the Ravens and if the Ravens play according to plan should be around in post season play until just before pitchers and catchers report.

We await to hear the team’s assessment, but the Baltimore Orioles are firmly established as one of pro sports’ most perennial losers with their great legacy becoming more and more a treasure of generations gone by.

The post season begins with a hollow, empty feeling. Where are the seeds of hope?

A generation of young Baltimore sports fans have never known what used to be such a joyful certainty, winning baseball in Baltimore.

NFL 2011 - Week 3 -- Some teams getting close to wait until next year while Detroit should be 3-0.

2011-09-25T02:30:00.000-04:00

Jacksonville @ Carolina (-3 ½)

Wow, the lowly Carolina Panthers are favored? Cam Newton has looked strong in his first two starts against stronger teams, now is the chance for him to achieve his first NFL win. He has the right heart and spirit to do it. Pick the Panthers.

Houston @ New Orleans (-4)

Houston’s an improving team but not strong enough to beat the well-established Saints.

New England (-7) @ Buffalo

Though this is a battle of two 2-0 teams, not all is created equal and the Bills great start will end with their first loss.

Miami @ Cleveland (-2)

Two pretty lousy teams, Vegas says the Browns. We say the fish.

San Francisco @ Cincinnati (-2 ½)

Here are two hard to predict teams, but the “Niners” should come east and the go home with a win.

New York Giants @ Philadelphia (-8 ½)

This won’t be as easy as it looks for Philadelphia with Michael Vick on the mends, but still, the Giants have more holes than a slice of Swiss cheese.

Detroit (-3) @ Minnesota

Consider this, the once hapless Lions will be 3-0 afer this game.

Denver @ Tennessee (-7)

The Baltimore Ravens learned the hard way Tennessee is no team to look beyond. They should dominate Denver and win convincingly.

Baltimore (-4 ½) @ St. Louis

The Tennessee Titans gave the Ravens a rude wakeup call. They also dealt out numerous injuries. The Ravens cannot take St. Louis lightly or they’ll repeat last week’s fiasco. A properly motivated Ravens team will win.

New York Jets (-3) @ Oakland

The battle of the NFL bad boys, but Rex and the Jets will take care of the Raiders.

Kansas City @ San Diego (-14 ½)

Kansas City was a team getting better last year. They seem to be full speed in reverse a year later, a big win for the Bolts.

Green Bay (-4) @ Chicago

It’s Green Bay all the way.

Pittsburgh (-10) @ Indianapolis

The national TV audience will see a team getting kicked when its down when the Steelers play the Colts in Indianapolis. The horrible feeling of 0-3 will be a tough burden for a team that has enjoyed so much success in the Peyton Manning era.

Washington @ Dallas (-5 ½)

Tony Romo is not healthy. The Skins ave played strong defense this year. Should the Redskins continue how they’ve played this year and not fall back into previous years’ woe’s, they’lll handle the Cowboys.

Sprint Cup 2011: Race 28 -- New Hampshire - Is already a last chance for some chasers?

2011-09-25T01:22:00.000-04:00

With one race down and nine to go, championship hopes have already been dealt a serious blow to some drivers while some dogged by a mediocre season suddenly look hot, but this is only after one race. The setbacks can be irreversible, but success is only as strong as the next race. Adding to the intrigue, Chicago came down to being a fuel mileage race where a number of Chase participants ran short of fuel, and ironically, Tony Stewart, who was in the lead until the last lap in last year’s opener all but ruining his shot for a third championship, turned out to be the victor just seven points behind Kevin Harvick’s lead in the points.

A hot driver going into the Chase, Jeff Gordon set back significantly Gordon with his 24^th place finish dropped to 11th in the standings. Meanwhile, Matt Kenseth also ran out of gas and getting a push from J.J. Yeley disqualified his finish dropping him to the front on of the 1^st lap down, 21^st place. The result, Kenseth stands in 10^th in the standings.

Of course nobody’s in worse shape than Denny Hamlin who squeaked into the chase gaining the 2^nd wild card, but with his 31^st place finish, it’s wait until next year already.

As those drivers were frustrated and Kevin Harvick held his lead with a second place drivers, the two drivers who had to qualify for the Chase in Richmond, are positioned to run for the championship, Tony Stewart couldn’t’ have found a better race for his first win, finally. Meanwhile, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s 3^rd place finish put him in …..

The top of the finishing order was full of Chasers, Carl Edwards, 4^th; Brad Keselowski, 5^th; Kurt Busch, 6^th; Ryan Newman, 8^th; Jimmie Johnson, 10^th. For the rest of the “chasers” it would b more difficult from Johnson’s 10^th, the next chase driver is Matt Kenseth in 21^st, followed by Kyle Busch, 22^nd; Jeff Gordon, 24^th; and Hamlin buried in the desperation spot, 31^st.

The new points system where only one point separates each position in the standings and there is no fonr loading with more points for higher finishes, a couple good runs don’t make the difference they would in years past when the driver who wins the race gets 3 points for being in first place, 1 point for leading a lap, and 43 points for being in 1^st place with each position after that only being reduced by one point, 42 points for 2^nd, 41 for 3^rd, etc. Additionally, the driver with the most points gains a bonus point.

Going into tomorrow’s race, the starting position is shown for each driver in the chase.

1- Kevin Harvick (#29), 2054 pts, starts 6^th.

2- Tony Stewart (#14), 2047 pts, starts 20^th

3- Carl Edwards (#99), 2044 pts, starts 23^rd

4- Kurt Busch (#22), 2043 pts, starts 2^nd

5- Dale Earnhardt Jr. (#88), 2041pts, starts 12^th

6- Brad Keselowski, (#2), 2040 pts, starts 16^th

7- Ryan Newman, (#39), 2040 pts, starts 1^st

8- Jimmie Johnson, (#48), 2038 pts, starts 10^th

9- Kyle Busch (#18), 2035 pts, starts 8^th

10- Matt Kenseth (#17), 2030 pts, starts 27^th

11- Jeff Gordon (#24), 2029 pts, starts 7^th

12- Denny Hamlin (#11), 2013 pts, starts 28^th

How hard is it at this point, consider Denny Hamlin must gain 41 points to tie for first, Jeff Gordon needs 35 points, Mat Kenseth – 34 points, and Kyle Busch is behind 19 points out. The commentators have pointed out, there’s no such thing as a Mulligan in the 2012 chase. With each week, the task becomes tougher. Right now, drivers need to shoot for top 10 or better to continue effectively leading the fight to the following week.

The 2012 Chase will have a different character for sure until or unless Jimmie Johnson moves out in front. From that moment forward, it would seem like business as usual.

;

Sprint Cup 2011: Race 27 -- The Chase is on in Chicago

2011-09-17T20:18:00.000-04:00

The 2011 Chase for the Championship begins tomorrow afternoon as twelve drivers contend to be the 2011 Champ, 11 of them attempting to prevent Jimmie Johnson and the #48 team from gaining their 6th consecutive champsionship, and who'd really want to pick against them?

Who can beat them? Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick have four wins each, but both have also had some terrible finishes. Terrible finishes kill Chase drives. Jeff Gordon, Johnson's team mate has three wins and the championship "know how" having four championships of his own. The #24 team seems to be getting in a good grove when things matter most. Carl Edwards has been one hot performer for most of the season, but is disaster prone. He's perhaps the best Ford hope for a championship. Then how about Brad Keselowski who's been the hottest driver down the stretch with three wins that propelled him into the first wild card slot. The remaining drivers just don't look that strong. The good news for Stewart-Haas is that both Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman made the chase but Ryan Newman has their only win. Quiet Kenseth, Matt Kenseth has two wins, but has had a rather bland season. Dale Earnhardt Jr. is winless and hasn't been too strong through the summer. Kurt Busch has likewise faded deeper into the season. Denny Hamlin has one win and just enough points to be the second wild card contender.

Here is how the chase contenders line up and where they stand in the field.

1- Matt Kenseth, #17, Ford (1st)
2- Kurt Busch, #22, Dodge (3rd)
3- Ryan Newman, #39, Chevrolet (4th)
4- Carl Edwards, #99, Ford (5th)
5- Brad Keselowski, #2, Dodge (6th)
6- Kyle Busch, #18, Toyota (8th)
7- Jimmie Johnson, #48, Chevrolet (12th)
8- Dale Earnhardt, Jr., #88, Chevrolet (19th)
9- Jeff Gordon, #24, Chevrolet (23rd)
10- Tony Stewart, #14, Chevrolet (26th)
11- Denny Hamlin, #11, Toyota, (27th)
12- Kevin Harvick, #29, Chevrolet (30th)

Drivers are awarded three points in the Chase standings for each win. Thus with the top contenders having four wins, they enjoy a 12 point spread over the winless drivers in the chase. The Chase awards are as follows.

Points Standings
1- Kyle Busch, 4 wins, 2012 points
2- Kevin Harvick, 4 wins, 2012 points
3- Jeff Gordon, 3 wins, 2009 points
4- Matt Kenseth, 2 wins, 2006 points
5- Carl Edwards, 1 win, 2003 points
6- Jimmie Johnson, 1 win, 2003 points
7- Kurt Busch, 1 win, 2003 points
8- Ryan Newman, 1 win, 2003 points
9- Tony Stewart, 2000 points
10- Dale Earnhardt Jr., 2000 points

Wild Cards
1- Brad Keselowski, 2 wins, 2000 points
2- Denny Hamlin, 1 win, 2000 points

It will be interesting to see what drivers appear to have something to prove from outside the Chase field. It looks like Clint Bowyer is a lame duck headed to Michael Waltrip with Five Hour Energy sponsorship. Kasey Kahne, of course, will take Kenny Francis to the #5 car with Hendrick Motorsports. Will Mark Martin be able to fill out the rest of the year's schedule with Stewart-Haas racing when Danica Patrick is not racing? No number has been selected for that ride, and Robby Gordon insists he'll be back in some capacity retaining the #7 further insulting the memory of Alan Kulwicki.

It probably won't happen, but it sure would make racing more interesting and competative if NASCAR would seriously reduce the starting field. 43 cars is far too many. Somewhere between 33 to 37 makes more sense.

NFL 2011: Week Two -- NFL Analysts Have Too Much to Say

2011-09-17T18:36:00.000-04:00

Good grief, between the clowns at ESPN, round the clock football on NFL Network, and every lesser or regional sports network trying to get its say in, every week of the NFL season has to be defined in epic proportions, every game must be significant and long range predictions based on one game flow like flood water.

Consider the Baltimore Ravens thumping the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. While the national media hasn't proclaimed the Ravens a Superbowl contender yet, the Steelers have been subjected to all kinds of analysis from the Super Bowl Loser's curse to notions that their defense is suddenly dying of old age. Can't we just state the obvious -- the Ravens handed their arch rival Steelers a good old fashioned ass whoopin'. The Steelers will almost certainly look more like themselves, more than a two touchdown favorite hosting the Seattle Seahawks who miraculously made the playoffs from a dreadful division last year.

Are the Indianapolis Colts absolutely finished until Peyton Manning returns? Okay, Houston clubbed them last week. Houston beat them in last year's season's opener too. They host the Cleveland Browns this week who Vegas has given a 2.5 point edge. The Browns can rescue defeat from the jaws of victory no matter who they play. The Lucas Oil Dome crowd will be all over them.

The Dallas Cowboys apologists are running wild. Hey they got beatten by New York Jets who beat them by a field goal. Tony Romo is so misunderstood. Well can anyone understand why he almost always sucks in the 4th quarter. Dallas could, would, should.... this logic grows old. There's been nothing much to really respect about this team since Aikman-Smith-Irvin wore the star helmets.

Cam Newton is the next Michael Vick, Peyton Manning, or Tom Brady after an impressive but losing performance where the Carolina Panthers lost to Arizona.

After getting thumped by division rival Washington, New York Giants head coach, Tom Coughlin is as good as fired and it looks like Eli Manning will never materialize into a winning NFL quarterback as if he never won a Super Bowl.

Make it official, the New York Jets are going to the Super Bowl, but then Rex Ryan says that every week doesn't he?

So let's look at week two and see what's going to be the big talk tomorrow:

Baltimore Ravens (-6) @ Tennessee Titans
Ray Lewis, Haloti Nagda, Terrell Suggs, and Ed Reed will do some fancy country line dancing all over the Tennessee offense while the fast paced Ravens offense will have Ray Rice running like a moonshiner. A strong effort by the Ravens should equal a big win.

Arizona Cardinals @ Washington Redskins (-4)
The Redskins should win convincingly, but it's way too soon to say Shenanigans and son have he Skins straightened out.

Seattle Seahawks @ Pittsburgh Steelers (-14.5)
Around 4:00 pm tomorrow, the Steelers loss last week to Baltimore will be a distant memory after they win by more than two touchdowns over Coach Geez-Whiz's misfits.

Cleveland Browns (-2.5) @ Indianapolis Colts
Kerry Collins will look like a Quarterback with Super Bowl experience providing enough for the Colts to beat the "Mistake by the Lake."

Kansas City Chiefs @ Detroit Lions (-8)
EGADS, the Lions are favored by 8 points!!! The Lions will start the season 2-0. Look out world and hear the Lions roar!!!

Oakland Raiders @ Buffalo Bills (-3)
Okay a lot of folks jumped on the Buffalo Bills' bandwagon after their total ass kicking dealt the Kansas City Chiefs, a playoff team last year, 41- 7, but then there were those who were convinced Oakland who did beat Denver by a field goal last week as the toast of the NFC West. This game is a close call, but the Bills should defeat Oakland who along with everything else had a short week playing a late Monday night game in Denver before having to regroup and head to western New York.

Tampa Bay @ Minnesota Vikings (-3)
The Vikings are pursuing the same strategy they did a year ago which brought down the roof in Minnesota, hire an over-the-hill quarterback. If there's any shot Donovan McNabb has anything left, he can prove it by beating Tampa, but we're going to pick youth and enthusiasm over a real nice guy with not much left.

Jacksonville Jaguars @ New York Jets (-8.5)
The Jets will look as brilliant as head coach, Rex Ryan, says they are as they beat the NFL's most unknown team.

Chicago Bears @ New Orleans Saints (-7)
It's hard to feel strong about New Orleans given their loss to Green Bay and how impressively the Bears beat Atlanta, a likely contender, so convincingly last week. This game is really a coin flip regardless of what Vegas says, but we'll stick with the Saints. They're just too well balanced to be defeated by "Dah Bears."

Green Bay Packers (-10) @ Carolina Panthers
Welcome to the NFL Mr. Cam Newton. Be careful or else you'll be on your back admiring how Carolina blue the sky is as the Packers defense has a little welcoming reception for you. The Packers will give the young, gifted QB some serious growing pains for sure.

Dallas Cowboys (-3) @ San Francisco 49'ers
This will be a test of how well first year coach, Jim Harbaugh, has brought discipline and drive into a team known for being slackers and underachievers in the past. If they play a solid controlled game and hurt Tony Romo's feelings, they'll win.

Cincinnati Bengals @ Denver Broncos (-4)
It's tough to pick winners when both teams aren't very good. This game could be more a matter of which team doesn't give away the game than does something distinguished to win. Marvin Lewis is among the longest tenured coaches in the game now. Why should such a good man have to suffer so long with such a confused and crappy organizations?

San Diego Chargers @ New England Patriots (-7)
A team that's always supposed to be so good but typically comes up short against one of the most dependable teams in the game, New England should win convincingly.

Houston Texans(-3) @ Miami Dolphins
The Texans need to win and look good doing so to show that they are finally more than an up and coming expansion team. They should have the chance to do so.

Philadelphia (-2.5) @ Atlanta Falcons
What a great game for the Sunday night national TV audience, Michael Vick's first game as a starter in Atlanta. In Vick's absense despite all the fireworks he's brought to Philadelphia replacing a worn out Donovan McNabb, Matt Ryan has earned a spot as a most capable QB in Atlanta. Atlanta looked horrible in game one versus Chicago. The Eagles appear to have everything going for them. The Eagles should win convincingly.

St. Louis Rams @ New York Giants (-6)
Yes, this is probably already a must win game for the New York Giants given how sloppy they looked in week one. The picture of the Giants as a team in disarray will get out of hand without dominating the Rams Monday night.

Sprint Cup 2011: Race 26 -- Select Few Drivers Go Nuts Over Chase Possibilities

2011-09-09T23:19:00.001-04:00

It all comes down to Richmond…..

The starting line up is set as the final positions for the Sprint Cup Chase will be determined when the checkered flag drops at the end of tomorrow night’s Wonderful Pistachios at Richmond International Speedway.

The Chase competition works out as follows. Currently, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is in 9^th with 753 points and Tony Stewart in 10^th with 751 points. They are in the top 10 based on points but have no wins for the season. Denny Hamlin is the second wild card entry and would fall out if another driver in the top 20 with one win could win tomorrow night and gain two victories. Hamlin is only 11 points ahead of A.J. Allmendinger and 12 ahead of Clint Bowyer If either of those drivers would win and amass enough points to go ahead of Hamlin, Hamlin is out.

Dale Earnhardt would have to lose 25 points to Brad Keselowski or Tony Stewart would have to lose 23 points for Brad Keselowski to gain a top 10 berth and then be eligible for Chase bonus points for his 3 wins. Should Keselowski accomplish this, Paul Menard inor Marcos Ambrose could take the second Wild Card berth assuming they maintain enough points to stay in the top 20. Ambrose is currently in 21^st place and would not qualify seven points behind Menard. Following this scenario, David Ragan is in 23^rd twenty points behind Menard but if he won and made up the 20 points gap separating him from Menard, he still has a chance.

If the Chase lineup changes tomorrow, the most likely scenario would be Brad Keselowski moving into the top 10 in points opening up the second wild card slot. Beyond nailing down the open Chase berths, teams that have already wrapped up their spot, will seek to maximize their seeding since the initial standings are based on total wins

Here’s the current Chase lineup.

Kyle Busch – 4 wins
Jeff Gordon – 3 wins
Kevin Harvick – 3 wins
Matt Kenseth – 2 wins
Jimmie Johnson – 1 win
Carl Edwards – 1 win
Kurt Busch – 1 win
Ryan Newman – 1 win
Dale Earnhardt Jr. – 0 wins
Tony Stewart – 0 wins

Wild Cards:

Brad Keselowski – 3 wins
Denny Hamlin – 1 win

The starting lineup features some interesting qualifiers, all of whom have won before and are neither in the Chase nor have any wins to show for 2011. While the Chase possibilities are articulated above, the joy to play spoiler and qualify for next May’s All Star race is a worthy consolation.

David Reutimann, #00, Toyota (0 wins)
Jamie McMurray, #1, Chevrolet (0 wins)
Jimmie Johnson, #48, Chevrolet (1 win, Chase contender)
Mark Martin, #5, Chevrolet (0 wins)
Clint Bowyer, #33, Chevrolet (0 wins, slight chance for Chase)
Jeff Burton, #31, Chevrolet (0 wins)
Kevin Harvick, #29, Chevrolet (3 wins, Chase contender)
Carl Edwards, #99, Ford, (1 win, Chase contender)
A.J. Allmendinger, #43, Ford (0 wins, slight chance for Chase)
Juan Pablo Montoya, #42, Chevrolet (0 wins)
Kurt Busch, #22, Dodge (1 win, Chase contender)
Kasey Kahne, #4, Toyota (0 wins)
Kyle Busch, #18, Toyota (4 wins, top seed in Chase)
Greg Biffle, #16, Ford (0 wins)
Paul Menard, #27, Chevrolet (1 win, slight chance for Wild Card)

To make his advance on the top 10, Brad Keselowski starts 19^th in the #2 Dodge while the two drivers he needs to catch up on to gain a top 10 sport are Dale Earnhardt Jr. in 8^th starting 27^th in the #88 Chevrolet while Tony Stewart in 10^th starts 22^nd in the #14 Chevrolet.

Racing conditions should be good falling into the mid 60’s during the evening with a 20% chance of rain. The Richmond race is one of the few over the air NASCAR races broadcast by ESPN on the ABC network.

NFL 2011: Week One -- Starting Off with a Big Bang and Some Classic Match-Ups!

2011-09-08T18:05:00.002-04:00

The 2011 NFL Season starts tonight as the last two Super Bowl champs, The Green Bay Packers host the New Orleans Saints, two teams to watch for the NFC Championship. While tonight’s match up is significant, much hype is directed at the Philadelphia Eagles as the NFL’s “dream team,” so says back up QB Vince Young.

With a firm salary cap in place and the fallout from the lock out, many teams will look very different from last year moving expensive veterans prioritizing which players are essential for the team’s success. A quick look at the divisions gives the first indication of who the winners and losers will be.

The AFC doesn’t appear to have any up and coming teams, not yet any way, so the biggest surprise will be the fate of Indianapolis where Peyton Manning’s recovery from neck surgery leaves question marks about his return. Can old-timer Kerry Collins keep things in order in the meantime? Houston might be the team o watch for the North champ. The south will be between the Steelers and the Ravens. The AFC champ Steelers return all their starters. The Ravens have changes on both sides of the ball but are they an improvement, a draw or a step back is too early to tell, but the two face each other in Baltimore to start the season. The East will be New England with the Jets nipping at their heels while the west, who knows? Denver is rebuilding. KC could be a team on the rise. San Diego underachieves.

The NFC starts with the south and how much Atlanta will have to contend with New Orleans as Tampa works its way up. The north belongs to Green Bay. Might Detroit finally break .500. Donovan McNabb with the Vikings – they like their quarterbacks old in the Twin Cities don’t they? The Eagles command the east while Dallas will make its usual noise that will jump way up with Rob Ryan their new master of defense. He’ll shake things up and make their defense unpredictable, still does Tony Romo look like fellow who can lead a championship drive? The west was so pathetically weak last year last a losing team could make the playoffs. Which teams can finish around .500? Perhaps Jim Harbaugh will give an edge to the 49’ers. Seattle could at least do as well as last year which says little. Arizona is ready to rebuild as St. Louis is early in the rebuild phase and results till have a ways to go.

The games:

New Orleans at Green Bay (-4)

The pack is back and its cheese over jambalaya on the shores of Lake Michigan.

Pittsburgh at Baltimore (-2.5)

Paybacks are hell and the Ravens with the home faithful fired up will be ready to steal one from the Steelers.

Cincinnati at Ohio (-3)

Cincinnati is weaker. Cleveland is slightly improved, enough so that they will win the first battle for the Buckeye State.

Indianapolis at Houston (-8.5)

Indy without Manning won’t have enough to overcome the surging Texans.

Tennessee at Jacksonville (-2)

What’s going on in Jacksonville? These are two flimsy teams but the pressure’s on Jacksonville.

Buffalo at Kansas City (-6)

The new improved KC will attempt to improve on their playoff berth from last year. Buffalo will be the first step to proving that.

Atlanta (-3) at Chicago

Chicago is a hap-hazard team while Atlanta is a team on the move that will return south with an important win.

Detroit at Tampa Bay (-2)

Playing at home gives Tampa the edge over a team desperate to show it’s finally a serious team once again.

Philadelphia (-5) at St. Louis

This one is one big Philadelphia Cheesesteak that will cause St. Louis blues.

New York Giants (-3) at Washington

Does anyone expect a less chaotic team in DC this year. Mike Shanahan lost his detractors but Grossman or Beck expected to work wonders? The Giants have lots of holes but they’ll conquer the Landover Lackeys.

Carolina at Arizona (-7)

Neither of these teams are very good but the Panthers are all but starting at scratch and will not be a factor in the desert.

Seattle at San Francisco (-5.5)

This is a must win early on for Jim Harbaugh to show he can command the NFC west.

Dallas at New York Jets (-4.5)

It didn’t take long for the schedule makers to bring the brash and boastful Ryan brothers together. It will be Rex over Rod in the Meadowlands.

New England (-7) at Miami

Can Haynesworth and Ochocinco detract from the precision discipline of New England?? Who knows, but New England will still beat Miami. It takes head cases a couple weeks or so before they start showing their hands. Their BS won’t be tolerated in Belichick/Brady land.

Oakland at Denver (-3)

A chronically unpredictable team against a team trying to move forward – but we’ll go with Denver.

Thankfully the NFL Network, for those lucky enough to have it, fans can now get in depth coverage without having to put up with media’s biggest blowhard, Chris Berman on ESPN. We hereby authorize all Americans who work with sports fans who do their Berman impressions, to slap them or douse them with water when those obnoxious clichés start to fly.

Sprint Cup 2011: Race 25 -- Drivers Looking for One More Last Chance for Chase Glory

2011-09-04T16:07:00.000-04:00

Rain could be a factor tonight as the Sprint Cup race in Atlanta’s start has been moved up 20 minutes to 7:30 pm which means little more than the fans will have consumed fewer hot dogs, funnel cakes, and beers and viewers at home will have to endure less ESPN hype and hoopla – here’s hoping weather doesn’t mess up a pivotal race – the next to last before the Chase begins.

Kasey Kahne in the #4 Red Bull Toyota sits on the poll in what is probably too little too late for his chase chances but Kahne whose talent won him a spot in 2012 next year is obvious enough for Rick Hendrick to recruit him to join two multiple champs and Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the sport’s most successful and elite team. More significant is Clint Bowyer in the #33 Richard Childress Chevrolet. He’s outside looking in for the last spot on points in the Chase field. With Tony Stewart starting 20^th and Dale Earnhardt Jr. starting 29^th, Bowyer is in excellent position to improve his chase chances.

The top starters line up as follows:

Kasey Kahne, #4, Toyota
Clint Bowyer, #33, Chevrolet
Kyle Busch, #18, Toyota
Brian Vickers, #83, Toyota
Jeff Gordon, #24, Chevrolet
Matt Kenseth, #17, Ford
Carl Edwards, #99, Ford
Martin Truex, Jr., #56, Toyota
Ryan Newman, #39, Chevrolet
Kurt Busch, #22, Dodge
A.J. Allmendinger, #43, Ford
Juan Montoya, #42, Chevrolet
Denny Hamlin, #11, Toyota
Brad Keselowski, #2, Dodge
Greg Biffle, #16, Ford

Atlanta is the fastest non-restrictor plate race but often comes down to pit strategy and fuel mileage where smarts not speed is often the determining factor in winning. It’s desperation time for drivers attempting to make the chase and panic city for those just barely hanging on. Brad Keselowski is the hottest driver in the series and is surely locked in for the first wild card seed, but could create a panic for Dale Earnhardt Jr. or Tony Stewart if he also moves into the top 10 in points well with in his reach. Keselowski trails Stewart by 21 points and Earnhardt Jr. by 39 – a little wider margin. Meanwhile, Clint Bowyer, with no wins, is one point behind Keselowski. Denny Hamlin, 13^th in points overall, most likely has too much ground to make up to enter the field on points but holds the 2^nd wild card berth. His position would be threatened if Paul Menard gets a second win or David Ragan, 21^st in points, enters the top 20 and gets a second win. Regan is three points behind Menard and five behind Mark Martin if the #6 team is to get in position to be seeded.

There are also way too many junk entries in the field, drivers who will be gone by the first pit stop who should be at home watching the race on television and have no business polluting NASCAR’s top series. Stay tuned for the full damage report when the Chase begins so fans can see just how much drivers like Mike Skinner and Joe Nemechek are robbing the sport in the Brian France era.

Sprint Cup 2011: Race 24: Beatin' and Bangin' at Bristol!

2011-08-27T12:07:00.000-04:00

A famous Charles Dickens line describes the fate of Stewart-Haas racing entering tonight’s 500 lap demolition derby at Bristol Motor Speedway. Ryan Newman sits on the poll while Tony Stewart, who blew his qualifying attempt and enters via owner’s points starts 42 down with the slugs and screwballs. With three races left to go, Newman looks close to certain to make “The Chase” in 7^th place with one win. Tony Stewart is clinging to the top ten in 10^th place just 14 points above Clint Bowyer. Newman is poised to run well tonight while Stewart will have to kiss lady luck and race with reckless abandon to improve his prospects. Drivers don’t generally win from deep, deep in the field when racing in Thunder Valley.

The competition for making “The Chase” has two separate paths. The first is which drivers who will remain winless will make the show. Currently, that would involve Dale Earnhardt Jr. (700 pts.) and his pal, Tony Stewart (694 pts.) in the top 10. With Clint Bowyer (670 pts.), Greg Biffle (636 pts.) or more remotely, A.J. Allmendinger (632 pts), all need strong results or a win to make the field. The second path is for the two Wild Card spots, Brad Keselowski who has suddenly become a serious mature driver not the pain-in-the-ass buck toothed kid is red hot and has two wins. He’s almost certainly in. Denny Hamlin would be the second driver to get in with one win in 14^th place. He’s competing with Paul Menard, 18^th and David Regan, 20^th to make the field with one win. Hamlin (635 pts.) is frustrated and not racing well leads Menard (617 pts.) by only 18 points while David Regan (604 pts.) lurks another 13 points behind. Any of these three drivers could secure their fate by winning a second race.

Few tracks demonstrate better the need to eliminate the absurd start and park entries and reduce the field to a committed, competitive field. Three trash heaps did not make the field. They take their trash home without taking a green flag. Meanwhile, the following drivers conspire to destroy the legitimacy of their sport, showing up, running a few laps, getting in the way of competing drivers who start to lap the field very quickly on the fast high banked half mile short track. The potential trash heaps start with the most flagrant offender who will try to elicit sympathy and nice-guy the sports world to death for his situation, Joe Nemechek starts 28^th. Casey Mears starts 29^th – will he or won’t he? His ride adds a new dimension to start and park foolishness since he has a highly recognized sponsor, GEICO, on his rear quarter panels. David Stremme (#30) occupies 31^st while Michael McDowell the avatar for Phil Parson’s rip-off scheme starts the #66 car in 32^nd. The next trash heaps are entered in 36^th and 37^th, Scott Speed (#46) and David Starr (#95). The travesty continues with Robby Gordon (#7) who may or may not compete. Terry Labonte used the Past Champion’s provisional to make the field in car #32 in 41^st. He’s engaged in defrauding his sport earlier this year. Will he pull off in this race? He should kiss his almost sure shot at entering the NASCAR Hall of Fame as a two time champion for disgracing the sport that so honored him. Meanwhile, the aged whiner, Mike Skinner (#60) starts in dead last. All these drivers will take home a decent paycheck for doing absolutely NOTHING adding to the millions paid to non-competitors. The game NASCAR and its media partners are playing, hoping no one will notice by keeping quiet is a disgusting joke. At a track with limited pit space especially, these teams are trashing up the field diluting true competition. That the sport condones this destroys the integrity of the sport. Such is life in NASCAR since the passing of Bill France Jr.

Here’s how the top of the field lines up:

1- Ryan Newman, #39, Chevrolet

2- Carl Edwards, #99, Ford

3- Matt Kenseth, #17, Ford

4- Jeff Gordon, #24, Chevrolet

5- Mark Martin, #5, Chevrolet

6- Jamie McMurray, #1, Chevrolet

7- Paul Menard, #27, Chevrolet

8- Brad Keselowski, #2, Dodge

9- Joey Logano, #20, Toyota

10- Kurt Busch, #22, Dodge

11- Marcos Ambrose, #9, Ford

12- Regan Smith, #12, Chevrolet

13- Jimmie Johnson, #48, Chevrolet

14- Greg Biffle, #16, Ford

15- Kevin Harvick, #29, Chevrolet

Meanwhile, Kyle Busch who currently leads the points standings and has four victories heading for the top seed in the chase, winner of last night’s Nationwide race, starts 23^rd. Oh by the way, for those who think he’s not been much of a factor so far this year, Jimmie Johnson is in 2^nd place in points, but his Chase seeding would go behind the drivers who have two or more victories, Kevin Harvick with three wins and the following top ten drivers with two: Matt Kenseth and Jeff Gordon. Does anybody think Johnson might just sneak in a win to put himself higher up, possibly 3^rd in the seedings?

Other drivers of note show Clint Bowyer (#33) starting 16^th, Denny Hamlin (#11) starts 20^th and Dale Earnhardt Jr. (#88) starts 22^nd.

While Hurricane Irene hammers folks to the east, the weather should be perfect for racing tonight, clear skies with temperatures in the low 60’s.

Sprint Cup 2011: Race 23 -- Back to Motown

2011-08-21T13:22:00.004-04:00

First, here’s to the “Thunder from Down Under,” Marcos Ambrose, who not only won his first Sprint Cup race last Sunday at Watkins Glen but he also nabbed a Nationwide Trophy for another road course victory at Montreal. Now, like Juan Pablo Montoya, when will he get his first oval win?

The victory is a much needed boost for the fortunes of Richard Petty Motorsports who’ve only seen victory lane with departed driver, Kasey Kahne.

NASCAR security should be checking to see if Boris Said is in the stands at Michigan today or if any of his Said-Heads are armed. The reason, Greg Biffle, the subject of Said’s fury after a run-in on the track last week, sits on the pole. Biffle is generally a strong chase contender in desperate need of some solid performances if he’s going to participate this year.

The top starters have a characteristic heavy Roush presence and other Michigan top performers atop today’s starting field. The one noteworthy exception is Carl Edwards starting in 22^nd perhaps showing the wisdom of racing in both Nationwide and Sprint Cup when the races are at separate venues the same weekend is not a good idea.

Here are today’s top starters:

1- Greg Biffle, #16, Ford

2- Matt Kenseth, #17, Ford

3- Ryan Newman, #39, Chevrolet

4- Denny Hamlin, #11, Toyota

5- Mark Martin, #5, Chevrolet

6- Brad Keselowski, #2, Dodge

7- David Ragan, #6, Ford

8- Dale Earnhardt Jr., #88, Chevrolet

9- Jeff Gordon, #24, Chevrolet

10- Jamie McMurray, #1, Chevrolet

11- Paul Menard, #27, Chevrolet

12- David Reutiman, #00, Toyota

13- Kurt Busch, #22, Dodge

14- Kasey Kahne, #4, Toyota

15- Martin Truex, #56, Toyota

16- Marcos Ambrose, #9, Ford

17- Kyle Busch, #18, Toyota

18- Tony Stewart, #14, Chevrolet

19- Jimmie Johnson, #48, Chevrolet

20- Trevor Bayne, #21, Ford

The pressure is on Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Tony Stewart who are winless so far this season. They must maintain or improve their current position in the points standings at #9 and #10 or lose out for their seed in to fight for the championship. Clint Bowyer is in 11^th, 28 points out but is likewise winless. Denny Hamlin, 12^th in points with one win and Brad Keselowski who gained four positions last week and owns two wins would be the second wild card, 14^th in the standings. Paul Menard is in 15^th win one win. He probably needs another win to get in as a wild card with today’s race, Bristol, Atlanta, and Richmond remaining. Marcos Ambrose and David Ragan in 22^nd and 23^rd each have a win but must move up into the top 20 to be eligible. They have two hurdles to jump for their participation, another win and moving into the top 20 which the points differential should allow with good finishes. If Hamlin moves into the top 10 in points, he’ll open up another wild card spot. He’s 33 points out of the top ten. Keselowski is more likely to remain a wild card given he has more than a 50 point deficit to make up to enter the top 10.

The usual gang of slugs has shown up to accept their NASCAR welfare checks. Among those going home is Erik Darnell who possibly could have been a competitor, but is a marginal team at best. There are at least five sure bets to pull off the track including #60 Mike “the whiner” Skinner; #87 Joe “the wreck” Nemechek; and #66 Todd “the clod” Bodine. We report gladly, that Robby Gordon’s surrogate, Johnny Sauter did not make the field.

2011-08-20T01:48:00.001-04:00

The 2011 Orioles have all but assured the fans of Baltimore they will lose at lease 90 games but after tonight’s loss are now on pace to lose 100. If one were to lay odds on the outcome at the end of the season, the smart money would go on at least 100 losses.

Okay, they’re not the 1988 Orioles that lost 107 games and started the season with a 21 game losing streak. Statistically, it’s hard to imagine a season that bad would be repeated; however, expectations were very low for the team which was clearly in rebuild mode. 1Perhaps the most painful year was 1986. Earl Weaver had been coaxed out of retirement the previous season to attempt to put the fire back in a team that looked complacent. 1986 started off well enough, but with an aging nucleus and having players who clearly were as far from the Oriole Way (an obsolete concept on how players prepared for their game) most notably druggie 2^nd baseman Alan Wiggins. August 6, 1986 will be an eternal dark date in Orioles history. A steamy humid night with thunderstorms in the air, the Orioles hit two grand slams but lost 13-11 against the Texas Rangers. They collapsed from 2^nd place hot in contention to last place. Weaver had never known a losing career nor finishing in last place.

In hindsight, as horrible as those painful seasons in the 1980’s were, nobody had a clue just how bad, bad could be. Last year’s Orioles were dreadful, no question thing, heading toward perhaps a historically bad season playing .278 baseball, 15-39 upon the dismissal of hapless manager, Dave Trembley. In early August, Buck Showalter was hired as skipper. Suddenly, the young team with some firm leadership came together going 34-23 for the last two months, a .596 pct.

Following GM, Andy McPhail’s blue print, raise the pitching buy the bats, with what appeared to be a strong young rotation finding its pace, the team added Derrick Lee at 1B, J.J. Hardy at SS, Mark Reynolds at 3B, and Vladmir Guerrero at DH. None of these players were likely superstars but all were proven offense generators who’d upgrade the team. However, after winning five of their first six games, quickly the promise of a team that was looking like a sure bet to finally have a winning season, familiar frustration get in getting progressively more frustrating as the season progressed. Brian Matusz who showed so much promise was dispatch to the DL. Brian Roberts suffered a concussion against Boston from a head first slide on May 16^th seeming to gut the team of its spark. All young starters spare Jake Arrieta spent substantial time in Norfolk or Bowie. Arrieta struggled more going deeper into the season heading to the DL for season ending elbow surgery. As June passed into July, it was looking clear, the Orioles were heading to their 14^th losing season. Mark Reynolds lived up to his reputation, hitting lots of homeruns but also striking out frequently. J.J. Hardy has proven one of the season’s few bright spots hampered by some nagging injuries, but Derrick Lee was a total bust aside from showing the team how first base is fielded properly. He was traded to Pittsburgh. Vladmir Guerrero gets his hits but his power and RBI bat are gone!

A sickly revelation is setting in throughout Birdland. This is not an up and coming young team right on the verge of being a winner. It’s a team with huge gaps and many unanswered questions. This much is known, the Orioles could claim the following players as a strong nucleus: Shortstop, J.J. Hardy; Centerfielder, Adam Jones; Right fielder, Nick Markakis; and Catcher, Matt Wieters. With no return in sight spending most of the season on the disabled list for the second season in a row, Brian Roberts, once the team’s most solid and predictable player provides nothing certain any longer. Not a single young starter has proven himself as a sure major league pitcher, though Jake Arrieta looks the most promising. Enduring season ending elbow surgery quickly throws up the caution lights. Brian Matusz, Brad Bergessen, Zach Britton and Chris Tillman are much less certain prospects than they were in April. The bullpen has been a disaster through out the year. Left field looks like a position much in need of an upgrade, Luke Scott is out for the season, but is a serious liability in the field. While Felix Pie might be a five tool player – now more than ever, he shows he couldn’t tell a hammer from a screwdriver. Nolan Reimold is currently getting the chance to prove himself, but has hardly eliminated any doubts.

Given such a dreadful history and destroying the hopes raised last year, the situation looks as bad as it did when Andy McPhail arrived, but if good baseball men like McPhail and Buck Showalter can’t get the Baltimore Orioles in winning form, the grounds for optimism are arid. Should the team stick with McPhail and Showalter or have another management shakeup? Should the current team by blown up and built from scratch again? How much real talent is in the pipeline in the minor league system? If rebuilding is once again called for, what players could the team move who’d get value in return?

It’s another lost summer in Camden Yards, but can anyone see Orioles Magic poised for a comeback. Kids would have to be in college and have a good memory to recall when the Orioles last had a winning season. Baltimore was without football for a shorter period of time than the Orioles’ long run of futility. It’s to the point now where only magic appears as what’s needed to win.

Start brewing up the magic potions.

Union Terrorism

2011-08-17T19:54:00.002-04:00

It is time for Americans to fight back against union tyranny and terrorism.

Phone lines cut in Pennsylvania, an open shop contractor in Toledo, Ohio suffered a gunshot wound after suffering from vandalism and intimidation, tires slash, windows broken, workers stalked by union goons – all this is in the name of union activity. That a private contractor, John King, would have been attacked at him home shot in his left arm, fortunately just a single shot, under these terms paints a much bigger picture. The Union Movement, in these cases electronic workers, take the left-wing notion of the ends justify the means, and quite simply are guilty of DOMESTIC TERRORISM.

Cutting phone lines not only disrupts service but in so doing prevents live saving communication including 911 calls to go through as well as necessary communication in the name of public safety. Trespassing and destroying private property and engaging in physical violence is NEVER justified, but going as far as attempted murder at a private residence takes the matter to a higher level.

We’ve seen how the mob rules technique, in essence rioting in Wisconsin, through its state capital into a complete shutdown for weeks as the Republican legislature attempted to wrestle with serious state budget issues requiring some rollbacks on union benefits.

These extreme examples show that breaking the law is no big deal to union goons who have a long history of violence against those who get in their way. It also highlights what is at the core of union activity; the ends always justify the means. When it comes to breaking the law, just don’t get caught. If caught, point the finger outside the movement.

After years in decline significantly hastened by the Air Traffic Controllers’ illegal strike resulting in President Ronald Reagan firing those who refused a back to work order, the unions put tremendous effort into supporting pro-labor candidates in the 2008 election. With the public frustration with the economy blaming the outgoing Bush administration as the scapegoat, the Democratic Party was poised for huge gains. The unions put their money where their subversive mouth was giving huge sums of money to their candidates particularly Barack Obama, a once in a century left-wing activist with a pure socialist view toward public policy.

Never before has the Union movement had a more sympathetic and unrestrained supporter than the Obama administration who openly support even some of the most extreme union demands. The “Card Check” proposal that would ban secret ballots in union certification votes is one such item. Employees deserve the right to be able to vote privately whether they support union representation. Under “Card Check” union loyalists would circulate the place of employment soliciting votes in person potentially subjecting them to intimidation from mild to severe to support the union position.

Showing unprecedented support for Labor, the Obama packed, National Labor Relations Board is attempting to forbid Boeing from opening a new factory in South Carolina, a right-to-work state, instead of expanding its manufacturing presence in Washington, a pro-union state attempting to punish a major United States corporation for seeking greener pastures. The long term result, why should American companies build product in the United States when they can do so overseas without such costly restrictions.

Is it any wonder that union goons would feel emboldened to commit acts of treachery when they feel so much support at the highest level in the Federal Government? The Obama Administration’s stance of unions is one of the most compelling reasons why Americans who believe in personal freedom, free enterprise, and the rule of law must defeat his administration and his supporters on Capitol Hill in the next election. The need to take on unions is even more crucial on the state level where union contracts have crippled and bankrupted many states’ ability to function financially.

It’s hard to judge which label is more onerous, “Made in China” or the Union label. Pick your poison. Neither are doing the American economy any good.

The American Flag and the Rules: Fox News Distortion

2011-08-17T19:21:00.002-04:00

What’s so terrible about flying the American flag? Nothing, unless someone displays a flag on property where he or she signed an agreement that prohibited doing so. The story is told again and again. It appears every time there is an instant where a private citizen is facing consequences for flying an American Flag, the Fox News network will sniff out the story and attempt to gin up a sense of outrage that private citizens are being prohibited their right to express their patriotism as if the First Amendment to the Constitution itself is under attack. They’ll trot out distinguish awarded World War Two veterans, purple heart recipients, and other sympathetic characters all of whom have a common refrain that they have sacrificed for their country, and they should be allowed to honor the country for whom they’ve sacrificed.

Hold back on the sympathy and outrage. In every case, the person protesting flag flying restrictions had either signed a lease or a neighborhood association agreement which indicated what they were doing was restricted. As such, the true outrage is not the outrage for not being allowed to fly the flag but instead anger at getting caught.

When properly displayed, the American flag is source of pride and inspiration to those who appreciate the gifts of American citizenship; however, location is everything. Some cases have involved the display of ghastly large flags as if the bigger the flag is, the more patriotic the intent of the person who displayed it. Some are so large to be tacky and disrespectful.

While there are plenty instances of citizens being unfairly prohibited from flying the American Flag or expressing their religion in public, where people have signed contracts where they have agreed to certain restrictions, ignorance of the agreement is no excuse for non-compliance. There is no ground for real sympathy. Their only course of action is to petition to have the regulations changed.

That Fox News continues to make these episodes hard news sympathetic to those attempting to fly American flags contrary to regulations is hardly fair and balanced reporting. It is advocacy journalism reported on the basis of a false premise. Such reportage doesn’t to anybody any good. It only stirs up emotions on nebulous grounds. If that’s a ploy to hype up ratings shame on them.

Here's an article from Fox News' website that makes our point:
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/08/17/tennessee-doctor-told-to-remove-american-flag-flying-at-office/

Patriotic Millionaire Nonsense

2011-08-16T21:13:00.000-04:00

If some millionaires believe those having their level of wealth should be compelled to pay more taxes is absolute nonsense! The implication is that millionaires and billionaires who do not want to fork over more of their money to the government thus are less that patriotic. That’s bullshit!

The bottom line in our society, money belongs to individual citizens who’ve earned it through wages, investments, and other legitimate pursuits. It’s not money that the elites of society have been empowered to decide how to allocate where they feel it is best put to use.

The dump on the rich, class warfare game that the Democratic Party is playing is a crass political ploy to develop resentment between an impressionable block of voters and those who are the real movers of our economy. The public is dumb enough to buy it.

The logic of the rich should support measures to pay more taxes is patriotic simply is not logical. Where is their duty to speak up and demand the state seize more of their assets?

Being rich and patriotic can come in many forms. For some, it’s contributing generously to agencies and causes in their community. Go to many hospitals and see how many have suites or other parts of the facility are named for some wealthy benefactor who contributed significantly to upgrade the hospital.

For others, it’s supporting such institutions as art museums, parks, symphony orchestras and other gathering places which add to the quality of life in their locale.

There are numerous other causes, institutions, and people oriented programs that benefit tremendously from the VOLUNTARY contributions from those society considers wealthy.

Yet, do those with a lot of money have to do any of the above to be patriotic? Of course not. Their involvement in the economy creates and sustains jobs. Even the pursuit of luxuries many middle class people can’t afford such as lavish country clubs or corporate jets benefit the entire community. Country Clubs employ grounds men, custodians, waiters, bartenders, locker room attendants, golf professionals, caddies, and an administrative staff – all of whom earn a living from the recreation of the rich. Corporate jets provide jobs too. First, lots of jobs are involved in the manufacturing process and this industry still resides many in America. The planes need to be maintained and kept at an airport. Almost all have hired pilots. Jobs, jobs, jobs.

If folks resent the rich, it’s more a case they are passive aggressively admitting they’re losers. There is no class system with hard ceilings in the United States. A person who is willing to obtain an education (sometimes working to pay for that education and not depending on government loans or maybe even obtaining a scholarship financed by a wealthy person), show tremendous self-discipline and work like hell, can become very wealthy. Many of them find their road to riches starting small businesses. It doesn’t take much in expenses to make $250,000 a very humble family income if a good part of that income is dedicated to running a small business.

There is nothing to prevent Warren Buffett from donating huge chunks of his billions to the government. All he needs to do is determine how much and write a check. In the meantime, Buffett and his accountants work hard to make sure he receives every cent the law entitles him to keep within current tax laws. Even among the wealthiest of the wealthy, Warren Buffett is a very wealthy guy.

Our society will be the healthiest and ultimately the tax collections will receive the most money if the private sector economy is thriving. Confiscating wealth from those who best know how to generate it helps no one.

Sprint Cup 2011: Race 22 -- Road Wars at the Glen

2011-08-13T23:35:00.001-04:00

The Sprint Cup tour lands in upstate New York for their second road race of the year at Watkins Glen. Between the Brickyard and Richmond, this is one of the events during the real final drive for inclusion in The Chase which can really shake up the standings. Some drivers skillful at road racing will attempt to capitalize on the chance. Others will try to hold their own and not do any damage. Some significant rides also often have a damaging afternoon. Looking at the top starters, one can immediately see how road racing highlights the skill sets of some particular drivers, some of whom really need a break to have something to hang on as a legitimate accomplishment for the 2011 season. Here are the top starters:

1- Kyle Busch, #18, Toyota
2- A.J. Allmendinger, #43, Ford
3- Marcos Ambrose, #9, Ford
4- Jimmie Johnson, #48, Chevrolet
5- Juan Montoya, #42, Chevrolet
6- Ryan Newman, #39, Chevrolet
7- Tony Stewart, #14, Chevrolet
8- Carl Edwards, #99, Ford
9- Martin Truex Jr., #56, Toyota
10- Regan Smith, #78, Chevrolet
11- Bobby Labonte, #47, Toyota
12- Brad Keselowski, #2, Dodge
13- Joey Logano, #20, Toyota
14- Jamie McMurray, #1, Chevrolet
15- Boris Said, #9,

Chevrolet No doubt Richard Petty’s drivers starting 2nd and 3rd will want to hustle for being in position to win. Marcose Ambrose will never live down his error that robbed him of a win at Infineon unless he does win a road course win. The drivers starting sixth and seventh particularly seventh need a good showing to help nail down their chase possibilities. 2011 has been a dreadful season for Tony Stewart who could miss the chase without some substantial improvement. Surely, as long as he can stay in the top 20, Brad Keselowski has one of the wild card spots nailed. The drivers at the bottom of the top ten without a win are very vulnerable. Stewart’s teammate Ryan Newman has a win to enhance his prospects.

Road Races often see the contemptuous slugs attempting to complete much of the race. At this point in the season where they’ve have trashed their reputations and interfered with legitimate competition hardly makes it matter what they do, but the longer they are on the track the more likely they might be involved in an incident no mater how much they pussy foot their way around the track. That Joe Nemechek the most persistent freeloader starts 21st puts more than half the field behind him with the 87 car serving as a needless obstruction. These bumbling boobs are ripping off millions in purse money for not competing – certainly one of the most puzzling and disturbing curiosities in contemporary sports today. NASCAR must address the situation. Fans will not care if the starting field is significantly reduced and having entries all committed to competition could markedly improve the sport.

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Sprint Cup 2011: Race 21: A Historically Awful Afternoon at Pocono

2011-08-08T00:19:00.001-04:00

A bad track, bad weather, little real racing, and an unprecedented number of drivers pulling out of the race refusing to compete made today’s race in Long Pond, PA the lowest point of the 2011 Sprint Cup season which NASCAR could well be oblivious to seeing the obvious black eye such a fiasco has given this tedious event.

Sprint Cup racing at Pocono is a frustrating affair. Let’s be honest, although the track provides its own challenges and cannot be branded another cookie cutter 1 ½ or 2 mile track, its differences neither make for better racing or a better experience for the fans. At 500 miles twice a year with only a few weeks between races in June and early August, the races are too long. 350 miles might be more satisfactory, but it’s a horrible venue to begin with. Being close to Philadelphia and New York with range of other population centers, the Pocono location could be a good one, but from the horrible access to enter the track’s campus to the dreadful sight lines and configuration, Pocono Raceway is a dreadful fan experience. The only access to the track which isn’t pure torture is from the North off of Interstate 80, but even that’s not as logistically sound as entry into most tracks. Once at the track, there is only grandstand seating along the front straightaway which is just that – straight giving fans very little to see in front of them since the walls and seating configuration blocks out much of the track. Once cars go into turn one they virtually disappear until they round turn two but are so far away with some stretches obstructed, that viewing is not good either. Cars go into turn three in the strange triangle configuration and then follow the straightaway where fans can turn to their left and see the transition but once they are on the straightaway, there’s not much to be seen. If there’s a track on the circuit that should be replaced or have its events moved, Pocono is the worst track on the circuit but since it’s one of the only tracks not owned by the France Family’s group or Bruton Smith – that’s not going to happen any time soon. A two hour rain delay today only added to the frustration.

Brad Keselowski, driving with a strained back and broken ankle fought courageously to bring home the victory, but there is so little quality racing, it’s more a matter of when does a car have the chance to opportunistically take the lead and who’s lucky enough to get some distance at the end wins. There is seldom side-by-side true contention or much mixing up in the field. IT’/S NOT GOOD RACING!!!!

For the record, the top finishers are:
1. Brad Keselowski, #2, Dodge
2. Kyle Busch, #18, Toyota
3. Kurt Busch, #22, Dodge
4. Jimmie Johnson, #48, Chevrolet
5. Ryan Newman, #39, Chevrolet
6. Jeff Gordon, #24, Chevrolet
7. Carl Edwards, #99, Ford
8. Greg Biffle, #16, Ford
9. Dale Earnhardt Jr., #88, Chevrolet
10. Paul Menard, #27, Chevrolet

Movement in the point standings among top contenders shows Keselowski the big winner for picking up three positions putting him in the top 20 and with two wins holding one of the two wild card positions for “The Chase.” Kyle Busch gained one position moving to 3rd while his brother picked up two spots to secure 4th. Making room for them was Kevin Harvick who dropped two positions to 5th while Matt Kenseth dropped from 5th to 6th. Outside the top ten, the other big mover is Mark Martin who moved up three spots to 15th keeping his faint “Chase” hopes alive. David Ragan lost three positions dropping to 19th and his wild card spot being behind Keselowski with two wins and Paul Menard who is in 12th with one win. This all but voids his shot at the Chase barring a 2nd win or Menard completely collapsing.

An unprecedented NINE cars engaged in “start and park.” Their presence at the race track is not welcome as they are an embarrassment to competitive sports while NASCAR looks the other way. Making matters worse, such insanity now moves up to the 35th position. Given that three cars that would not compete did not qualify, that’s twelve cars entered in the Pocono race that showed up with no intention to race.

Here’s today’s freeloading slugs. They should be suspended for the rest of the season. Enough is enough.

35. Robby Gordon #7
36. Casey Mears, #13
37. Todd Bodine, #66
38. David Stremme, #30
39. Brian Vickers, #83
40. Scott Speed, #37
41. Joe Nemechek, #87
42. Erik Darnell #46
43. J.J. Yeley, #55

The amount of purse money wasted on these shameful do-nothings will be posted tomorrow. NASCAR and its media outlets are succeeding in keeping attention minimal where only fans who look at the race results and stats notice. Nice work, NASCAR!!!

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The Deficit and Credit Ratings: Truth Will Set Us Free

2011-08-07T23:41:00.000-04:00

Here comes the blame game. Factions in the Liberal mainstream media and the Democratic Party are going full speed ahead to obscure the real culprits and causes while resorting to all out demagoguery to corrupt public opinion and obliterate the truth.

That Standard and Poor’s reduced the credit worthiness of United States’ bonds should surprise no one. If the reckless deficit spending is not enough, that so little was accomplished coming to grips with the problem and that politicians were acting like self-serving hacks far more dedicated to destroying their opponents than making any real progress further establishes the government of the United States is not exercising sound fiscal judgment. When a government has no financial self-discipline and no guiding principles guiding its fiduciary responsibilities, how can they be worthy of the highest AAA rating indicating the lowest level of risk?

While the Tea Party faction certainly showed a lack of political sophistication through out the crisis resolution process, give them credit for being the one political entity that recognized runaway deficit spending must stop and Federal spending must be scaled back. That is the same message the credit rating entities have established too. So how is it then that the Tea Party sympathizers are terrorists or held the American system hostage?

They’re being set up for the fall, to be the ones on whom the credit ratings reduction should be blamed when if the unthinkable had happened, and the Democratic led Senate and incompetent Obama White House had supported their position, the problem would have been avoided. That the Tea Party refused to give in to traditional Washington politics and compromise made them the easy target.

How hilarious it is in hindsight that the doomsayers were screaming credit reduction and a stock market crash would result if a deal weren’t struck by August 2nd the date on which America would have technically gone into default. Well, the market crashed anyway and the bond ratings were reduced in part because the deal struck did not go far enough.

The blame clearly belongs to Barack Obama and his agents in the Senate, most notably Majority Leader, Harry Reid, who used Senate rules and parliamentary shenanigans to keep house measures from a fair debate and vote in the upper chamber. While the Democrats screamed and hollered all the Republicans sought to do was block action, the House submitted a budget and two proposals or resoling the debt. Where were the Senate proposals until the 11th hour? The original position was to have a “clean” vote to simply raise the deficit limit. That’s all.

With only control of the House, the Republicans could only do so much. Had they not compromised, the political damage would have been severe. Americans prefer wishy-washy meaningless settlements in the name of compromise (as if that’s a virtue when one side is right and the other wrong). The Republicans knew this and submitted but there wasn’t much they could do.

Right now, it’s time to go on an all out public relations blitz to get the truth out and to refuse to let the Tea Party become scapegoats for what is truly Barack Obama’s fault. Obama is the ONLY president ever to have allowed the trust in American credit worthiness be called into question but with huge government spending programs added on top of an already weak financial situation, with the so-called stimulus, Obama-care, and many sellouts to organized labor including the GM/Chrysler efforts, also is responsible for pushing lending into unthinkable territory.

The private sector needs to be energized. There can be no threat of higher taxes. Taxes which inhibit investment must be eliminated. Dreadful over-regulation must be nullified including onerous laws like Frank-Dodd on banking and Sarbanes-Oxley which strangles business in red tape.

The only solution is that the Senate must change hands and a strong Republican President must be elected. The Tea Party will play a key roll in helping this come true if they are not marginalized and demonized which is exactly what’s playing out in the news right now.

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Sprint Cup 2011: Race 21 -- Pocono's 2nd Try

2011-08-06T17:10:00.001-04:00

The starting lineup of tomorrow’s 500 mile Sprint Cup race at Pocono shows some teams getting some much needed redemption and a possible break to help find fortune in rather lackluster seasons. At the end of last year, it looked as if Joey Logano had arrived. He’d be competing among the best in 2011; however, the 2011 season has been a bust with the young driver looking overmatched. Catching the poll on a track that’s one of the most unique configurations in the whole sport speaks well for him if he can accomplish a clean race and gain a top five finish. Kasey Kahne has not accomplished what’s been expected of him in recent years during his year in a holding pattern with Red Bull waiting to move on to the #5 car with Hendrick next year. He’s start from the outside poll. Martin Truex Jr. who has been almost the invisible man this year starts third. Carl Edwards starts fourth as the first of the true chase contenders to earn a spot.

Here are the top entries:
1. Joey Logano #20, Toyota
2. Kasey Kahne, #4, Toyota
3. Martin Truex Jr. #45, Toyota
4. Carl Edwards #99, Ford
5. Kurt Busch #22, Dodge
6. Denny Hamlin #11, Toyota
7. Paul Menard #27, Chevrolet
8. Jeff Burton #31, Chevrolet
9. Greg Biffle #16, Ford
10. Kevin Harvick #29, Chevrolet
11. Kyle Busch #18, Toyota
12. Ryan Newman #39, Chevrolet
13. Brad Keselowski, #2, Dodge
14. Clint Bowyer #33, Chevrolet
15. David Ragan #6, Ford

The starting line up with four out of six Toyota’s representing their three top teams looks good for the “rice burners.” Conspicuously absent from the top of the line up are any of the four Hendrick rides. They don’t show up until Jimmie Johnson #48 in 18th and Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 in 19th. Jeff Gordon, winner of the June race at the Long Pond track, starts a miserable 31st.

The Sprint Cup slugs showed up in abundance this weekend, but three were eliminated in qualifying with no sponsored ride intending to compete being shut out by the shameless free loaders. Geoff Bodine #35, T.J. Bell #40, and Mike Skinner #60 go home. Meanwhile several likely quitters did make the field including Todd Bodine, racing for Phil Parson’s rip off operation in 30th. It’s likely at least six entries will pull off and park robbing from the purse of more qualified and deserving teams. Having watched some coverage of an ARCA race with only 35 entries, the field looked no less full with fewer cars. NASCAR MUST REDUCE THE STARTING FIELD if it can’t be assured all entries will at least strive to finish the race and give a good fight to finish on the lead lap.

Reducing the number of starting entries on the top level and Nationwide would only serve to make ALL series more competitive as it would require higher levels of achievement to compete that the top and make teams fight harder for what berths remain. The notion of a professional sport serving as a quasi-welfare operation for unsatisfactory teams is simply a sad spectacle that cheapens the whole sport and the integrity of NASCAR as a sanctioning body. If NASCAR is too cowardly or complacent to address the issue before the end of the 2011 season, it must be addressed with new procedures in place for 2012.

Sprint Cup 2011: Race 20: Quick Brickyard Wrap-Up

2011-08-05T01:50:00.000-04:00

The big story coming out of the Brickyard 400 much be as much one of fortune than marking any trend, but four of the series biggest races featured first time winners starting with Trevor Bayne winning the Daytona 500 in February. Regan Smith won the Southern 500 in Darlington. David Ragan won the second Daytona race, the Coke Zero 400, and now Paul Menard, a young man with lots of Indianapolis in his family background, won the Brickyard.

The race turned out to hinge on fuel mileage as veteran drivers like Tony Stewart were unable to stretch it to the end. It also shows Paul Menard’s ascent as a driver who has at times looked well on his way to good things since his switch to Richard Childress racing this year.

We also can’t help but notice the shameful number of teams that showed up just to show up and not race. If teams cannot take an event like the Brickyard 400 and hold it with reverence, the sport is in big trouble. To see a veteran and all but retired driver, Terry Labonte, use his past champion’s provisional to make the field just to drive 15 laps and bolt shows how sick the so called start and park fraud has become. The field is too large for the level of competition. That they are racing at Indy where the IRL starts with substantially fewer cars drives the point home. NASCAR fans shouldn’t be paying welfare for Joe Nemechek, Phil Parsons and his gang, and the others who aren’t prepared to compete on the highest level. That there are various levels of racing from regionals to Sprint Cup provide opportunities for teams to race up to their capabilities. It’s simply reached a new extreme of absurdity in 2011 since now it appears to have become an entrenched part of the Sprint Cup scene. Keeping it hush-hush makes it no less absurd.

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Sprint Cup 2011: Gut Check During Week Off Before Brickyard 400

2011-07-24T13:19:00.000-04:00

NASCAR'S FINAL WEEKEND OFF FOR 2011 PROVIDES TIME TO SIZE UP WHAT THE YEAR HOLDS FACING ONE OF ITS TRUE MILESTONE RACES.

Here’s our attempt to get everything updated briefly not covering Loudon or giving Kentucky’s inaugural race their just due with the Brickyard spectacle coming up next week.

The Kentucky race certainly proved that region is a great location for a Sprint Cup race at the cost of one race at Atlanta, a track notorious for lackluster support. Sadly, the traffic logistics were not effectively thought out in advance. Something seems a little weird about bringing a new track on line with bumpy pavement. Okay, some call it character, but an inaugural race at a track should have something brand-spanking-new about it unless some venerable venue with huge racing history (that would be the Brickyard when NASCAR went there) adds a date. That an inaugural race would have SEVEN freeloading start and park entries who serve only to cheapen the sport is unacceptable.

This problem was further pushed to absurdity at New Hampshire with six for certain quitters now making it apparent that the #13 GEICO Toyota or any of the “Front Row” Fords might pull off, makes the situation all the more a black eye for a sport whose attempt to gain full major league sports status has certainly fallen off its quest in the last three years while at the highest level, competitive racing is superb.

When will the brass at NASCAR get it through their thick skulls that if Sprint Cup racing is supposed to represent the highest level of auto racing in the United States, only the highest level competitors should be on the track? If NASCAR needs to reduce the starting field to a more realistic number of entries, so be it. That “start and park” has gone from an oddity to a full-fledged integral part of Sprint Cup and Nationwide racing that the broadcasters so carefully avoid calling any attention to shows what a sham the whole situation represents. In baseball, nine men (or ten in the AL) play nine innings with 25 team members in the stadium for each game. Football and Basketball teams don’t walk off the court after the first quarter. HOW BLIND CAN ANYONE WATCHING NASCAR BE NOT TO SEE WHAT SHODDY BULLSHIT ALLOWING RETREADS LIKE MIKE SKINNER AND JOE NEMECHEK JUST SHOW UP FOR A FEW LAPS.

We’ll run the numbers again after the Brickyard, but millions of purse dollars are being wasted to support fraudulent participants who have no intention other than hit the garage after running a few laps.

NASCAR has several levels of competition from the regional series up to Trucks, Nationwide, and ultimately Sprint Cup, to sort out the crème-de-la-crème. There are plenty of drivers who bust their ass every weekend in the lesser series with no hopes of moving up to higher levels who might not have close to a top ten budget who fight with all they’ve got while Phil Parsons and partner can enter in lackeys to run a few laps and suck in the dollars.

Maybe we as fans should watch twenty laps of each race and then flip to baseball or NFL football which is just around the corner. We’ll catch the highlights on SPEEDTV later on. Yeah, that sounds harsh from a fan, but if we treat the sport the way the sport treats us, the logic is sound.

Meanwhile, on the other end of the scale, the season is full of excitement. How long were Stewart-Haas going to go before winning? To see Ryan Newman followed by Tony Stewart finish one-two at New Hampshire surely heats up the competition for the ten spots awarded on points and the two wild cards for wins. Yes, the obvious is for certain, now standing in second place, Jimmie Johnson is well on his way to defending his title where the rest of the field will have to find a lot of new tricks to deny the #48 its sixth consecutive championship. It might be hard to think, but Jimmie Johnson already earns talk in the same breath as Earnhardt and Petty, the only drivers with more championships, but to win them consecutively as Johnson has so far puts him in a class by himself. What’s more, Jimmie Johnson is probably not close to the half way point in his career yet.

Meanwhile, Carl Edwards has been the most consistent driver in 2011 while Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch both share three wins while Jeff Gordon and Matt Kenseth have two trips to victory lane. How much does the #88 car have in store? It seems like NASCAR’s fortunes float on Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s success who went from disaster last year to so many “almost’s” in 2011.

Seven races remain before the final “chase” field is set. With a sequence of vastly different tracks ahead, this is the stretch that establishes which teams are for real. The Brickyard 400 looms as yet another key milestone before a champ is decided in November.

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Quiet July for Rightminded Fellow

2011-07-24T06:25:00.001-04:00

The humble commentator behind RMF has been stricken with a cranky gall-bladder able to witness the wonders of mondern health care as strained through Medicare over the past couple of weeks with more surgery in the near future. More insights into health care in America will surely come from this. The bottom line is, thankfully, so far, it appears necessary and appropriate treatment is being rendered professionally.

There's so much to talk about from our regular NASCAR dialog, the NFL "Lockout" and current topics not the least of which the insanity and self-destructive impulses of our national leaders far more obsessed with political advantage over their opponents than guarding the nation's financial health. These issues will be discussed as strength returns.

Thank you to all readers regular and occasional who have taken the thoughts presented here for consideration. In a world of insane big government and mass media saturation, EVERY VOICE COUNTS. This is mine. I'm proud to speak up to help generate results and not the same old garbage we're supposed to passively accept.

We Grieve for Norway: The Eternal Questions of Terrorism

2011-07-24T06:16:00.000-04:00

I would caution anyone to draw sweeping conclusions at this stage to this unspeakable horror in Norway. We know the culprit is about as Aryan-looking as they come -- not the currently-held stereotype of terrorist. We know he was involved in apparently right-wing politics. Most is subject to conjecture at this point aside from the body count.

There is NO form of idealogy that at its extreme can't find human life that does not conform to the "philosophy's" or "religion's" creed expendible. The world reaks of anarchists, bizarre nationalists, right and left-wing extremists, bizarre cults and of course the big one, radicalized Islam.

Before folks over-generalize and see this demon perhaps stated some affiliation with Christianity, to make any association that Christian fundementalism breeds terrorism or conservative political beliefs do likewise, we need to face up to a reality check. Fundementalist Christians are not prone to violence. From an intellectual standpoint, their embrace of certain social values and what the intellectual community would see as naive or antiquated views of the nature of the universe (such as embracing the literal Biblical account of creation) does not make them murders. Likewise, mainstream and maybe even more doctinaire conservatives are not prone to obliterating their oppostion though there can be no denying fellows like Glenn Beck (going, going, gone!!!!) and Alex Jones are fear mongers who induce mad paranoia in their faithful. We can see, sadly, that their kind of thinking can clearly pave the way for more radical pursuits.

In the 1960's and 70's, it was the radical left whose behavior more consistently led to violence, and western history has always been prone to anarchists. Who knows what kind of strange nilhism drives those who turn out to ransack cities everytime a G-8 meeting is held somewhere.

Conspiracy theories will emerge from this. Sweeping blame will be assigned. This is as inevitable, sadly, as the grief society feels after such an attrocity. Are we really ready to accept that one rotten human could alone be responsible for such calamity.

All this being said, we must come to terms that no matter what we think of Islam, there is a very real threat that is intent on destroying Western Culture in a perverted acceptance of a bastardized form of Islam. We can see the active roll of the theocracy in Iran and the lackies who condone such madness in Pakistan. All the while, potential "lone wolves" can be copy-cat or solo proponents of such wickedness.

Terror wears many faces. How do we deal with it on a grand scale where many people feel groped or abused simply boarding an airliner. Is such scrutiny just? Does the Norway episode change our perception of justifying such? The answers are complex.

Freedom is the most precious target beyond human life that lies in the gunsights here. We can start by looking at the great budget deficit debate how representatives of supposedly highly civilized people can get more hell-bent on destroying their opponent, than accepting responsibility for the financial stability of our country. If this is how we behave, is it any wonder the world is rich with far more wicked impulses that do get acted upon as we've seen in Oklahoma City and Norway.

There is no comfort that we have yet to see some 82 year old grandmother blow up a building. Can we justify that as a possibility too?

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Orioles Baseball at the All-Star Break: Huh?

2011-07-13T00:05:00.001-04:00

The more things change, the more they stay the same. The Baltimore Orioles are a dreadful team. They were a dreadful team last year, the year before, the year before and keep going back to 1998 the beginning of the tailspin when they were only slightly below .500, but then came the plunge to the rock bottom. At 36 wins and 52 losses they’ll wind up at 66 and 96, worse than last year.

Can we really stand to see more articles like this one from The Baltimore Sun?
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-orioles-macphail-0713-20110712,0,36730.story

Last year, they played historically bad baseball under Dave Trembley. He got the boot and some minor improvement was noted with Juan Samuel. Brian Roberts got healthy and Buck Showalter took control and they looked very good down the stretch. In the off-season they brought in J.J. Hardy, Derrick Lee, Mark Reynolds, and Vladmir Guerrero. With Matt Wieters and Adam Jones maturing, the line-up was supposed to be potent. Brian Roberts hasn’t played since sustaining a concussion in April, and without him, the offense has been miserable. However, teams generally don’t succeed when they’re down a few runs in the first inning.

The young crop of pitchers was supposed to show growth. They shrunk. Jeremy Guthrie plays the way he always does – lots of good stuff that’s consistently good enough to lose. These days, a 4.18 ERA should be good enough to win, but his record is 3-12, by far the worst losing percentage on the team. Jake Arrieta is the only starter among the young guns still in the rotation. Chris Tillman, Zack Britton, and Brian Matusz are back in the minors. At times the bullpen has been beyond disastrous

The team’s leadership is in the hands of Andy McPhail. Only a very small number of players still in the system are not his doing. The fellow built a championship team in Minnesota and developed a winning team in Chicago despite a dysfunctional ownership group. He appears to have had free reign in Baltimore – the results are terrible. Buck Showalter builds winners – while it’s still too soon to be too harsh on him this year – the best he can get out of the 2011 Orioles is the same kind of crap he was brought in to arrest.

Playing .500 baseball or perhaps a winning record looked in reach in April, now the challenge will be not to lose 90 games again. With the players added and Buck Showalter’s leadership “winning” was supposed to replace, “well, we tried.” How can Baltimore fans not believe losing has become hardwired into the DNA of this team’s makeup.

It’s bad baseball in Baltimore, and fans aren’t upset, because baseball fans are becoming a rare species in Crab Town. Fans can only take so much frustration and vent so much anger before they move on to other things. If the NFL lock out ends, soon sports fans will be focused on the Ravens and the IRL race coming to Baltimore Labor Day weekend.

Baltimore can still be an incredible baseball city. Orioles Park is still as appealing as any stadium in all of baseball. The city has a great history with names like Brooks, Frank, Boog, Jim, Eddie, and Cal not to mention the skipper, the Earl of Baltimore. How old does a boy have to be to remember cheering for a winning team in Baltimore?

It’s been fourteen years, so it’s safe to say, unless you graduated from high school, winning baseball is ancient history. It’s time to put that past behind us, but how much can the 2011 team improve on the miserable place where they stand now?

Sprint Cup 2011: Race 18, Kentucky Thunder

2011-07-09T18:17:00.001-04:00

The Sprint Cup tour races at Kentucky Motor Speedway for the first time after years of truck and Nationwide series competition. Unlike some track openings, there is no perceivable downside to this addition to the schedule. The date was freed up by cancelling the early Atlanta race. Atlanta attendance has not been strong for many years, so perhaps the move will benefit both areas. Northern Kentucky is racing country, drawing from Louisville, Cincinnati, and southern Indiana, it’s a region where the southern good old boys cross paths with the Midwestern speedsters meaning the locals are racing crazy. The track is a mile and a half, little rounder than existing tracks but it’s a pretty generic track by today’s standards. Since the race is after dark, it’s even harder to discern what makes the track unique, but the competition has been good and there are no conspicuous shortcomings. That being the case, if what’s good for the fans is the premium concern, we should applaud the Kentucky joining in.

Starting positions are based on practice time since qualifying is rained out. Four out of the five cars to miss the show are cars that would have started and parked anyway so maybe we need to get some Indians to show up at tracks on qualifying day and do the ancient rain dance to get results like this. The sad note is Michael Waltrip was prepared to race and had a good qualifying time posted before the showers set in. Since the track in the driver’s home state, his participation would have been a good highlight.

Here’s how the top drivers start….
1. Kyle Busch, #18, Toyota
2. Juan Montoya, #42, Chevrolet
3. Kurt Busch, #22, Dodge
4. Kasey Kahne, #4, Toyota
5. Jimmie Johnson, #48, Chevrolet
6. Brad Keselowski, #2, Dodge
7. Carl Edwards, #99, Ford
8. David Ragan, #6, Ford
9. Tony Stewart, #14, Chevrolet
10. Paul Menard, #27, Cherolet
11. Marcos Ambrose, #9, Ford
12. Regan Smith, #78, Chevrolet
13. Matt Kenseth, #17, Ford
14. Jeff Gordon, #24, Chevrolet
15. Joey Logano, #20, Toyota

It’s heavy duty horsepower in horse country tonight. At least ladies won’t be wearing stupid hats like at Kentucky’s other big race.

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Sprint Cup 2011: Race 17 -- Daytona - the 2nd Time Around

2011-07-02T14:41:00.000-04:00

The starting lineup for tonight’s Coke Zero 400 starts of with something old and something new on the front row as the Sprint Cup Tour begins the second half of the season as the road to Richmond becomes ever clearer. Cagey old veteran, Mark Martin sits on the pole while Trevor Bayne, the surprise winner of the Daytona 500 returns to the site of his triumph placing the “legendary” Wood Brothers #21 Ford on the outside pole. The top of the field overwhelmingly features Fords and Chevrolets down to #13 where Kasey Kahne starts the #4 Red Bull Toyota.

Top Starters:
1- Mark Martin (#6), Chevrolet
2- Trevor Bayne (#21), Ford
3- Clint Bowyer (#33), Chevrolet
4- Jeff Gordon (#24), Chevrolet
5- David Ragan (#6), Ford
6- Dale Earnhardt, Jr. (#88), Chevrolet
7- Andy Lally (#71), Ford
8- Jimmie Johnson (#48), Chevrolet
9- A.J. Allmendinger (#43), Ford
10- Paul Menard (#27), Chevrolet
11- Ryan Newman (#39), Chevrolet
12- Jeff Burton (#31), Chevrolet
13- Kasey Kahne (#4), Toyota
14- Carl Edwards (#99), Ford
15- Marcos Ambrose (#9), Ford

Our predictions for the race, ARE YOU KIDDING? Sure there are drivers with a reputation for success at restrictor plate tracks but the summer Daytona race has a funny way of finding new winners. Just check with Jimmy Spencer and John Andretti. For those hoping for Dale Earnhardt Jr. to break his long draught, this could be the night or how about Mark Martin winning his first after a long career at Daytona?

The contentious slugs are well represented with Joe Nemechek, king of the slugs, adding a second ride for Kevin Conway, who will start 22nd but one wonders if he’ll still be on the track by lap 22. The dog’s master, Nemechek himself, starts dead last. While once again, the #37 Ford driven by Tony Raines, a sponsored ride intending to complete the race is sent home along with J.J. Yeley, a notorious quitter, also goes home but one wonders why such a trash heap would have shown up in the first place other than the easy money for making the field for doing nothing. Other likely quitters include the legendary blame someone else driver, Mike Skinner in 29th, Michael McDonald, the kid who cheated death qualifying at Texas a few years ago whose career is dead and his presence on the track is cheating the notion of sportsmanship in 33rd. What is Geoff Bodine doing coming out of retirement to star car 35 35th? He’ll probably drive off into the night when he should be working on his bob sleds. When the #7 shows up without owner Robby Gordon in the driver’s seat, tonight, Mike Bliss, that means a trip to the parking lot. The travesty of this is that the #7 car bumps Tony Raines on the basis of owner’s points. This is where it really starts to hurt. Naturally, we’ll be cheering for a nice big metal twisting wreck for these guys before they can slink off into the night and not even be mentioned for doing so by the play-by-play booth.

The weather for tonight’s race should be favorable, partly cloudy with temperatures in the low 70’s.

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Glenn Beck is GONE!!!

2011-06-30T23:18:00.000-04:00

The world is a better place because the scary little man, Glenn Beck has completed his last broadcast as radio stations increasingly drop him from their programming. Take your paranoid pills and follow the twisted little leader who will certainly have some choice words about his exit. He's careful not to bad mouth Fox, but he's at it again stirring up the spooky forces of evil and that it's just a matter of time before the whole thing blows up.

Broadcasting hit a new kind of low,though certainly his show is no worse than some of the sickly fare on MTV or something like Jesse Ventura's sick conspiracy theories.

What a sick specticle the Glenn Beck show WAS. A fellow who in almost every way, shape, and form is a BORN LOSER, a pathetic journeyman radio flop, and washed up drunk, who sobbered up and realized exploiting peoples' fears and prejudices might be his ticket to success. Every night at six, we were treated with this little pompous ignorant ass lecturing us on how the whole world's heading down the crapper led by radical leaders like van Jones, financed by "Spooky Dude," George Soror whose evil boogie men are in the process. He implored his viewers should study history and the Constitution while misrepresenting both, twisting little things out of context to support his warped prophecies of doom.

Yes, Glennn, we did pick on you. It was our patriotic duty to stomp on a little shit like you. Now Fox News has to attempt to redefine itself to make your crap a distant memory. We do not wish you well. Please, just shut up and get lost.

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Sprint Cup: Race 16 -- Sears Point, on the road again!

2011-06-26T03:39:00.000-04:00

The Sprint Cup tour makes its second and now last trip to California, this time to the Infineon Raceway in Sonoma wine country northeast of San Francisco, one of two road course races on the schedule. Road racing is perhaps the most controversial form of Sprint Cup racing generating perhaps more debate than restrictor plate racing sinc auto racing on a “road” course is a very different spectacle that oval courses. Imagine that, highly skilled race drivers have to actually negotiate turning to their right on several occasions to complete one lap. Further, at Infineon at Sears Point, there are also hills along the track.

As such, some racers who’ve been successful on road courses become known as road racing experts while some drivers on lesser teams have “road racing specialists” or ringers filling in for them. There’s even a group of fans who’ve developed the cult of Said Heads, fans who don curly wigs to honor road racing veteran and occasional oval racer, Boris Said. Highlighting the difference, during Dale Earnhardt’s reign, he considered his career would be somehow incomplete without a road course win. During that time, drivers like Rusty Wallace and Ricky Rudd were considered road racing experts. The past four victors are: 2010, Jimmie Johnson; 2009, Kasey Kahne; 2008, Kyle Busch; 2007, Juan Pablo Montoya. Prior to that, from 1998 to 2006, Jeff Gordon has five wins while Tony Stewart has two. Other than those two drivers, renegade driver, Robby Gordon won in 2003 and Mark Martin won in 1997.

The starting lineup has some surprises which could be a most important boost for some drivers if it translates into a successful finish, particularly for the pole sitter, Joey Logano. Here are the top starters:

1- Joey Logano, #20, Chevrolet
2- Jamie McMurray, #1, Chevrolet
3- Paul Menard, #27, Chevrolet
4- Denny Hamlin, #11, Toyota
5- Ryan Newman, #39, Chevrolet
6- Kasey Kahne, #4, Chevrolet
7- A.J. Allmendinger, #43, Ford
8- Marcos Ambrose, #9, Ford
9- Clint Bowyer, #33, Chevrolet
10- Brian Vickers, #83, Toyota
11- Kurt Busch, #22, Dodge
12- Jimmie Johnson, #48, Chevrolet
13- Jeff Gordon, #24, Chevrolet
14- Martin Truex Jr., #56, Toyota
15- Brad Keselowski, #2, Dodge

If the so called “road racing specialists” or “ringers” are so special, where are they in the starting pack? Not one appears in the top 25. The top road racer is Boris Said, #51, Chevrolet – P.J. Jones, taking a second Robby Gordon ride, starts 35th in the #77, Dodge. The remaining “ringers” are David Mayhew #66 Toyota in 38th; Terry Labonte #32 Ford in 39th; Brian Simo #81 Ford in 40th; Chris Cook #37 Ford in 42; and Andy Pilgrim #46 Chevrolet in 43rd. Tony Ave #38 riding in a fully sponsored regular ride, a Front Row Ford did not qualify for the race. Since there are “ringers” taking the place of drivers who normally start and park notably cars #66, 81, and #36, it will be interesting to see if they are in for the entire race or not. Meanwhile full-time slugs including Joe Nemechek, #87 starts 31st, and Mike Skinner, #60 starts 37th. Eyes will be on the #13 car in 27th position driven by Casey Mears parked last week. Whether any of these slugs compete for the whole race or parks, it is still a gross abuse of the system that a team attempting to run legitimately, the #38 Ford with Long John Silver sponsorship should be denied. This is a slap in the face for Long John Silver restaurants for their support of the team and makes it more difficult for the struggling Front Row team to grow and become more legitimate. We can only hope for race ending wrecks causing costly damage to afflict any of the teams who will continue the insane “start and park” charade in the future.

Weather should be satisfactory for good racing with high temperatures in the low 80’s with mostly sunny skies and a light breeze. Mark this down as one of the true tests for teams intent on participating in this year’s chase with Daytona soon following.

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Red Bull's Exit from NASCAR: A Call for Reform

2011-06-23T02:06:00.000-04:00

What does Red Bull leaving NASCAR mean?

This does not bode well for NASCAR. Upon Toyota’s entry into Sprint Cup, much was made that Red Bull was investing in two Sprint Cup rides. Given their success in other series, they made it look like Toyota was going to create a huge splash. With deep pockets and a passion for winning, the whole balance of power in NASCAR would be upset. Starting in 2006 with Dodges to get a feel for how to run a NASCAR team as Toyota secured NASCAR sanctioning, they were seen to soon rival the big boys like Hendricks, Gibbs, Childress, and Roush.

They never gained that dominance, and with Joe Gibbs Racing switching to Toyota in 2008, it was clear who the top Toyota team would be.

Centered on the hopes of up and coming young driver, Brian Vickers, they worked their way up to become a respectable team, but Vickers’ medical problems in 2010 stopped their growth cold. Having discarded Scott Speed as their second driver and signing a one year deal with Casey Kahne as he bides his time before his Hendrick deal kicks in for 2011, Red Bull NASCAR racing looked suddenly lacking commitment. However, the notion floated that having an established winning driver and crew chief could help them learn how to write their own blueprint for success.

Sum it all up, after five years in Sprint Cup Racing, the Red Bull Team can still only at best be called a “work in progress” with one win and seven polls. Their highest final standing was good enough to make the chase but finish 12th in 2009. Red Bull with Casey Kahne and Brian Vickers has to be a team that fans could say could win a race but not good enough to say they should win a race.

Speculation has begun what will happen to the team. Might there be potential buyers and to what level could new ownership take the operation? Whether it’s real or imagined, Mark Martin’s name comes up since his contract expires with Hendricks and he has worked for Jay Frye before. Also to be considered is where driver, Brian Vickers, might wind up.

The impact on the big picture does not look promising. The field of qualified owners is shrinking while the sham of “start and park” operations is rapidly becoming a NASCAR institution. Consider this, Evernham’s operation is gone. Robert Yates Racing is gone. What’s left of them is part of Richard Petty Motor Sports, which was a two car operation then and is a two car operation now. DEI was a three car operation; only the #1 car remains. Chip Ganassi was a four car operation; only the #42 car survives. Frye racing which was where Mark Martin went part time after retiring from Roush was acquired by DEI, but nothing from that team survives. NASCAR forced Roush racing to reduce from five to four teams. The spun off team is struggling to survive. Hall of Fame racing is gone. Michael Waltrip Racing has reduced from three to two cars. Penske has reduced from three to two cars. The only new competitive operation is Stewart Haas racing; however, that operation took over a marginal two car team. Front Row racing formed in part from the ashes of the Yates operation. They provide two cars which currently struggle to qualify against the marginal teams. JTG racing holds on working the Michael Waltrip. The Wood Brothers have run part time the past two years.

With more than half of the 2011 season left, here’s what the 2012 field looks like.

Hendrick Motor Sports, 4 cars
-Jimmie Johnson
-Jeff Gordon
-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
-Casey Kahne

Roush/Fenway, 4 cars
-Carl Edwards?
-Matt Kenseth
-Greg Biffle
-David Ragan?

Richard Childress, 4 cars
-Kevin Harvick
-Clint Bowyer
-Jeff Burton
-Paul Menard

Joe Gibbs, 3 cars
-Denny Hamlin
-Kyle Busch
-Joey Logano

Earnhardt/Ganassi, 2 cars
-Jamie McMurray
-Juan Pablo Montoya

Penske, 2 cars
-Brad Keselowski
-Kurt Busch

Stewart/Haas Racing, 2 cars
-Tony Stewart
-Ryan Newman

Richard Petty, 2 cars
-A.J, Allmendinger
-Marcos Ambrose

Michael Waltrip, 2 cars
-David Reutimann
-Martin Truex, Jr.

JTG Racing, 1 car
-Bobby Labonte

Furniture Row Racing, 1 car
-Regan Smith

Some variety of the 27 rides above will be in play, with the Wood Brothers speculating going full-time. Chances look good that Ricky Stenhouse and Trevor Baynes could be competing as rookies on the senior level next year. Of the teams not listed above, perhaps Front Row Racing, owned by Bob Jenkins and TRG Racing look like reasonably sure teams that will participate as competitors in 2012.

What Does This Mean?

The current practice of having 35 teams locked in guaranteed a starting position is no longer plausible. Likewise, the starting field of 43 cars is way too many to have a truly competitive field. Rightminded Fellow has reported with regularity the millions of dollars awarded teams entering NASCAR races with no intention to compete. Fans have a right to expect that NASCAR is a pay for play event. On older and shorter tracks, pit road is crowded causing regular problems with cars running into each other or gear in the way. It cheapens competition when a car is loused up on pit road.

NASCAR should reduce the locked in field based on owner’s points to perhaps no more than 27 cars. The starting field should be reduced to no more than 33 cars. If a sufficient number of cars with full sponsorship are entered by registration deadline, NASCAR in consultation with the track management can elect to expand the field provided all teams enter demonstrate that they are equipped and staffed fully invested to complete the entire distance of a race. All cars which pull off the track before the race becomes official, shall be subject to a strip down inspection, and cars found to be mechanically safe will result in forfeiture of all earnings and points accrued for that event. The car, owner, and driver will be suspended from participation for the entire next week of competition for all cars entered in the three major touring series: Sprint Cup, Nationwide, and Camping World Trucks. Only if the reason for withdrawing from a race in progress is the health of driver as confirmed by NASCAR sanctioned physicians and no qualified substitute driver is available shall these previsions be waived.

NASCAR MUST reward the teams that are fully invested in participating as season long competitors while providing room for new teams and part-time entries can be involved. Considering the relatively similar earnings for cars in the bottom quarter of the field and the hundreds of thousand of dollars awarded each week to non-competitors, providing more incentive for competitors to remain in the sport must be explored. That the most legendary name in NASCAR, Richard Petty, associated with Richard Petty Motorsports, struggled to make races last year at the end of the season and the extent to which the field has shrunk in the past five years, the time for action is now!

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NBC, One Network Under Attack

2011-06-21T01:59:00.000-04:00

In covering the US Open from Congressional Country Club outside Bethesda, Maryland, attempting to show an element of patriotism given the setting outside the nation’s capital, NBC produced a video segment presenting the Pledge of Allegiance. There were sweet little kids reciting with images of the military and flags. They recited:

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America,
And to the Republic for which it stands,
One nation, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

The radical God haters had their way in production, WHERE IS “UNDER GOD?”

Here’s NBC’s official apology:

“We began our coverage of this final round just about three hours ago and when we did it was our intent to begin the coverage of this U.S. Open Championship with a feature that captured the patriotism of our national championship being held in our nation’s capital for the third time. Regrettably, a portion of the Pledge of Allegiance that was in that feature was edited out. It was not done to upset anyone and we’d like to apologize to those of you who were offended by it.”

You always know pure BS when you see an apology that states “to those of you who were offended.” Those bastards offended our country for starters, the nation based on founding principles that read as follows:

“When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

The leftist will perhaps point out that’s just the Declaration of Independence not the Constitution so it has no force of law. Really? It’s the very justification why this nation exists in the first place and the recognition that rights are bestowed by God and not man be it despot, king, or government is the very heart of our nation’s being.

As such, when it’s time to honor in ceremony our Republic, it’s only natural that we recognize that we are “one nation under God.” The freedom established that “congress shall make no law regarding the establishment of religion or the free expression thereof.” It is understood this is the basic understanding of a man’s relationship to his nation.

For those who attempt to articulate the Constitution as an exclusively secular document, perhaps they’ve overlooked the preamble, those words that frame the context the whole meaning of the Constitution defining its context infers exactly what’s in the Declaration:

“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

Where do blessings come from?

The ideologues with their extreme secular outlook at NBC simply fail to grasp the significance of that which they find so easy to overlook. This so called mistake or oversight will not be taken lightly.

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Sprint Cup 2011: Race 15: Michigan Results

2011-06-20T17:14:00.001-04:00

There should be no surprise that Denny Hamlin finally pulled through for his first win of the season at Michigan, a track where he has been successful in the past. While Joe Gibbs Racing is not having the kind of dominant season it had last year yielding that ground to Roush, they still have the talent and technology to be a very formidable force.

Now here’s the question to ponder, in the Jimmy Johnson reign the last five years, is it a case of during the first 26 races one team’s going to look good going into to Richmond, only to give way to Hendricks and the #48 team that’s always prepared in the last ten races. Last year, his toughest competitor was Sunday’s winner late in the season. What’s going to upset that formula this year? Is there a dominant team in 2011? The Roush entries are strong, but only Carl Edwards looks in championship form so far.

Here are the top finishers: (Position, Car #, Driver, Mfg.)
1) #11 Denny Hamlin, Toyota
2) #17 Matt Kenseth, Ford
3) #18 Kyle Busch, Toyota
4) #27 Paul Menard, Chevrolet
5) #99 Carl Edwards, Ford
6) #39 Ryan Newman, Chevrolet
7) #14 Tony Stewart, Chevrolet
8) #33 Clint Bowyer, Chevrolet
9) #5 Mark Martin, Chevrolet
10) #83 Brian Vickers, Toyota
11) #22 Kurt Busch, Dodge
12) #51 Landon Cassill, Chevrolet
13) #43 A.J. Allmendinger, Ford
14) #29 Kevin Harvick, Chevrolet
15) #16 Greg Biffle, Ford
16) #21 Trevor Bayne, Ford
17) #24 Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet
18) #20 Joey Logano, Toyota
19) #1 Jamie McMurray, Chevrolet
20) #6 David Ragan, Ford

Carl Edwards remains atop the points standings. If the Chase field were set now, the top 12 teams would be in.
(Position, gain/loss, driver, total points, deficit)
1) --   Carl Edwards, 532, Leader
2) +2 Kevin Harvick, 512, -20
3) --   Dale Earnhardt Jr., 505 -27
4) +1 Kyle Busch, 503 -29
5) -3   Jimmie Johnson, 503 -29
6) +1 Matt Kenseth, 491, -41
7) -1   Kurt Busch, 491, -41
8) +2 Ryan Newman, 456, -76
9) +3 Denny Hamlin, 455, -77
10) -2 Clint Bowyer, 455, -77
11) -2 Tony Stewart, 454, -78
12) -1 Jeff Gordon, 438, -94
13) +1 Greg Biffle, 425, -107
14) +1 Mark Martin, 418, -114
15) -2 Juan Montoya, 409, -123
16) +3 Paul Menard, 402, -130
17) +1 A.J. Allmendinger, 402, -130
18) -2 David Ragan, 395, -137
19)  -2 Kasey Kahne, 387, -145
20) -- Martin Truex Jr., 376, -156

Potential Chase Lineup: (based on wins and point standings)
1. Kevin Harvick, 3 wins
2. Kyle Busch, 2 wins
3. Matt Kenseth, 2 wins
4. Carl Edwards, 1 win
5. Jimmy Johnson, 1 win
6. Denny Hamlin, 1 win
7. Dale Earnhardt Jr. points
8. Kurt Busch, points
9. Ryan Newman, points
10. Clint Bowyer, points

Wildcards: Jeff Gordon, 2 wins; Tony Stewart – points.

The Sprint Cup tour moves on to California wine country in the shadow of America's Gommorah, San Francisco, next weekend, for the first of two road race events at Infineon Motor Speedway at Sears Point. It will be interesting to see what driver substitutions are employed by marginal teams seeking an advantage and if some "ringer" entries will also participate. Eyes will be on Marcos Ambrose who has been a a position to win at recent road race events while the established pros attempt to add a road racing trophy to their collection.

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Start and Park Fraud Grows as Germain Racing Joins the Scam at Michigan: Slug Report: Race 14 and 15

2011-06-20T16:34:00.001-04:00

Top Slugs: Earnings by drivers who routinely "start and park" - year to date.
1- Joe Nemechek.........1,326,580
2- J.J. Yeley................1,248,520
3- Michael McDowell....979,665

Contrast Nemechek's earnings with Paul Menard, a full-time driver for Richard Childress who has only earned 1,676,840. Both Jeff Burton and Martin Truex have earned less than 1.7 million not that distant from Nemechek's theft. Furthermore, Travis Kvapil, 1,313,480 and Andy Lally, 1,259,550 earned LESS than Nemechek sponsored and prepared to compete in EVERY race.

This is not a system that promotes team growth and winning rewarding incopetence and freeloading.

We noticed that among the entries that bowed out of Michigan’s 500 mile Sprint Cup race early refusing to compete, two indicated the problem was a “vibration.” We know there’s a vibration caused by a few loose screws in NASCAR management that is allowing the “start and park” charade to continue to grow bigger to where it is now reaching into the guaranteed top 35 owners’ points group. If there were ever a cut and dry case of milking a system here it is, and as the 1990’s into the 2000’s saw NASCAR striving to become a tier one sport like professional football and major league baseball, now it is digressing toward more of an exhibition moving toward simply a spectacle. Were it not for its obsessive insistence on following car specification rules to the letter, the whole integrity of NASCAR would be destroyed. Sadly, some see the edict of “Boys have at it” is an invitation to be more like professional wresting.

Here are the figures from the last two races:

The offenders at Pocono were #7, Scott Wimmer for Robby Gordon; #50, T.J. Bell; #87, Joe Nemechek; #66, Michael McDowell; #46, J.J. Yeley; and #81, Scott Riggs. Each team walked off with 63,765 to 64,350 in purse money.

Michigan cranked it up even more, as two certain start and parkers went home failing to qualify while one sponsored ride intending to complete the race was bumped. NOW SEVEN CARS QUIT. Over half a million dollars awarded to FRADULENT entries. Joining the crooks is the #13 Toyota for Germain racing driven by Casey Mears. Now we have one more car to track as a thief stealing from the honor of the sport. This week’s slugs are #7, Robby Gordon; #13, Casey Mears; #46, J.J. Yeley; #87, Joe Nemechek; #30, David Stremme; #81, Scott Riggs, and #66 Michael McDowell. The prize money for doing nothing ranged from 71,792 to 72,475. The total money awarded to these slugs for Michigan is 505,752. That brings the total for fifteen races up to 5,264,597. For a sport which talks about a financial pinch that it has over five million dollars and counting to throw around for teams that have no legitimate function in the sport is astounding.

Teams that are struggling to become legitimate contenders equipped and prepared to run full races are being sent home by start and park teams. How does that justify their sponsors’ investments? What’s the future for Front Row Motorsports for instance?

We can’t help but think that for most races, the notion of having 43 cars in the starting lineup simply isn’t plausible. Prior to 1998, there was no such requirement. Perhaps having 35 cars locked in by owners points is no longer realistic. If a team plays the start and park game, that team must forfeit its locked in status. Teams intending to compete with sponsorship are being screwed. The rippling effect of this is enormous as the concept of team sponsorship is being horribly compromised when fraudulent entries milking the system for a quick paycheck are cheating those who pay their dues to work their way up in the world of NASCAR racing. Teams like Roush are having trouble getting sponsors for their Nationwide teams while Joe Gibbs Racing has shutdown Nationwide teams. THIS IS A SPORT IN TROUBLE AND THOSE WHO ATTEMPT TO COMPETE ON THE HIGHEST LEVEL CAN NOT BE SCREWED OUT OF THE PROCESS BY THOSE WHO ARE MANIPULATING THE SYSTEM.

It’s interesting to note that no mention was made as cars pulled of the track on the telecast and they were not even mentioned as they often are in the lap-by-lap summary on NASCAR.COM during the race. NASCAR is doing its best to pretend this isn’t happening. Is it the broadcasters’ choice or do they feel compelled not to mention it by authorities? We already know Larry McReynolds and Darrell Waltrip are apologists for the fraud and that Truck Commentator, Phil Parsons, on SpeedTV is one of the most flagrant “start and park” owners.

Here’s the usual contact information. Let your voice be heard!

Let NASCAR know that YOU want them to restore integrity to the sport. You work hard for your money and want to see NASCAR teams to their jobs. Sports are for winners not quitters.

The top contacts are: Brian France, NASCAR Chairman, Chief Executive Officer or Michael Helton, NASCAR President.

Write to:
Office of the President, Michael Helton
-or-
Office of the Chairman, Brian France

NASCAR
One Daytona Boulevard
Daytona Beach, FL 32114

Phone: (386) 253-0611

Email:
We are sorry not to have direct email addresses to NASCAR's executive office. We will publish if found. The best email we have routes to their subcontracted website, www.nascar.com: fanfeedback@nascar.com

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Clarence Clemons: RIP

2011-06-18T21:35:00.000-04:00

Sadly, we report the death of Clarence Clemons at age 69 from a massive stroke suffered earlier this week. The "Big Man" of the band has been with the E Street Band since 1973, Bruce Springsteen's first album, Greetings from Asbury Park.

We think of the personality he added to the band's stage show and versatile brilliant sax playing from all out blasting on many a rocker, to passionately subdued on songs like "Nothing Man" to perhaps his opus, "Jungleland" from Born to Run.

His loss is tremendous. We love him!!

START and PARK: ACTION NEEDED NOW!!!! as in IMMEDIATELY!!!!

2011-06-18T21:18:00.000-04:00

When the checkered flag drops on tomorrow's Sprint Cup race, NASCAR will have shelled out over $5,000,000 in prize money to cars that have shown up, qualified, and pulled off the track early in the race with no desire nor the resources to complete the race. On the same weekend as when the PGA hosts one of its major tournaments when plenty of golfers fully intending to compete to the top of their capabilities for the entire weekend did not make the cut after Friday's action, what's going on with NASCAR permitting self serving slugs to corrupt the field is beyond comprehension.

The math is simple right now. Thirty five cars will make the field based on owner's points. These teams will complete albeit a few rather badly for the entire race. The starting field consists of forty three cars leaving eight spots open for cars that could be "go or go home" rides if nine or more cars enter.

All season long, the following cars have entered and pulled off in virtually every race since the Daytona 500, cars #87, #60, #66 and #46. Recently, the Whitney operation has added a second freeloading car, #81 with another new loser in the #30 entering the mix for "Inception Motor Sports," there are at least six of the eight cars engaged in the farce. Now add to that the #7 car owned and often driven by maverick owner Robby Gordon, and conceivably all but one of the cars out of the top 35 could be quitters. On top of that, occasionally, the #52 Keselowski car could show up too. They're not prepared to run either.

Here's the rub, despite not racing every race, the Wood Brothers, who come not just to complete but to win, are currently in 35th by only two points over the detestable Robby Gordon who is a walking lawsuit or bad press episode with every race. Kevin Buckler's team, #71, ironically bearing the old Dave Marcis number, is working hard to become legitimate holding on with minor sponsorship. The Front Row Motorsports entries, Bob Jenkins; #38 and Brad Jenkins' #37 are in 38th and 39th place with marginal or nonexistent sponsorship struggling to hold on but still having cars on the track when checkered flag drops. These teams sometimes obtain sponsorship on a race-to-race basis. How effectively will they be able to shop for sponsors if they don't make the race when the selfish slugs who are flaunting an insane system do?

NASCAR perhaps attempts to hold on to some kind of romanticism of the little guy who builds cars in a backyard garage and works his way up to the big time invoking a history of the origins of Petty Enterprises, Ralph Earnhardt, and even Richard Childress. However, times have changed. Below the Sprint Cup level, there are more economical series in Nationwide and Craftsman Trucks, both full-time coast-to-coast touring series. Beneath that drivers can compete in ARCA, a great proving ground for NASCAR, or the two regional series. Whatever happened to starting at the lower levels, establishing credibility then working up the ladder to the top?

If one looks at the opportunists taking advantage of "start and park" the notion of the backyard or small town shop doesn't exactly fit when some are clearly involved in more of an investment scam than anything else. The Nemechek saga is a sad joke. Here's a guy who's washed up as far a major teams are concerned and somehow thinks that by continuing to show up, qualify and running a few laps could get him back with the big boys, hardly. Would some up and coming outfit want anything to do with a guy whose best days are past? No!

How horribly ironic it is that the #7 car is involved in this charade when 20 years ago, that car belonged to Alan Kulwicki who labored long and hard with his engineering degree using brains to defeat money winning the championship in 1992. Kulwicki had many struggles and sacrifices to reach the sport's highest achievement. He didn't do it taking advantage of ridiculous rules.

While the entire notion of start and park must be removed from the sport, the first step must be permitting sponsored rides that are equipped to complete the entire race to be qualified into the field ahead of any possible start and park entries. If NASCAR wants teams to be able to sell sponsorship and allow teams to build into full-fledged competitors, this is essential. From an integrity standpoint it is only just to do so.

Meanwhile, in the Nationwide series, in today's just completed race, NINE cars completed 27 laps or less, four with mysterious "vibrations." Meanwhile, all but two of this year's Nationwide races have been won by Sprint Cup drivers making this series look even more ill-defined as a legitimate competitive enterprise.

We're watching a sport that is increasingly at a crossroads. The surge in popularity from the 80's into the early 2000's is OVER. What can NASCAR do to remedy this? One key ingredient is assuring the integrity of the product on the track and allowing drivers to start races just for show is not respectable from any perspective.

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Fun With Morons: Our Follow Up: LOSERS!!!!

2011-06-18T18:45:00.000-04:00

Follow Up: Fun with Morons

We wrote as many responses to various www.infowars.com postings on the Bilderberg gathering as we could last weekend to see what kind of reactions we might elicit, and as expected our arguments of reason, logic, and historical fact ZOOMED right over their imbecilic, insectile little minds. Incapable of assimilating and tackling the issues we proposed they could simply follow two tacts: one blaming what we posted as being the product of socialists, sell-outs, Obama-lovers, and NOW agents. They also insisted in a number of different ways that we dine on fecal matter. Classy responses, eh?

It would be fun to work with a couple psychologists and specialists in social behavior to establish what’s going on in the Alex Jones world of paranoid conspiracy freaks. It would be interesting to see if they share certain socio-economic markers or do they just fall in the biggest category of all in the United States which far outnumbers any special interest or victim group, STUPID WHITE PEOPLE.

Anyway, we’re trying to get their addresses so we can send them marketing material on some wonderful ocean front real estate in Arizona and around Hagerstown, Maryland.

We were looking for some good humorous quotes or something juicy to report from our little diversion last week, but these folks are such absolute dullards, they don’t even provide the raw material for the making of great classics like redneck jokes.

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Sprint Cup 2011: Race 15 -- Michigan, Auto Country!

2011-06-18T17:46:00.002-04:00

Folks can tell its hard time in Michigan when they’re using a Ford Focus as the pace car for today’s Nationwide Series race. Let’s see if it’s still the car tomorrow for the Cup race!

The Sprint Cup Tour makes its first of two stops in Michigan tomorrow. Time was that in the shadows of the center of the auto industry, the race between the automakers was a huge matter of pride between the Fords, the GM’s, and the MOPAR’s, but is that as true today? First, while Ford, GM and Chrysler still have some presence in Michigan, none of the cars currently in the field are built in Michigan. In fact the ones built closest to Detroit are probably from the Japanese automaker, Toyota. Second, Charlotte, North Carolina is truly the hub of NASCAR where race cars are built by the super teams of Hendricks, Roush, Gibbs, and Childress. The engines might have their origins from a major automaker, but aside from that, the decals are slapped on the cars to make them Fords, Chevrolets, Dodges, or Toyotas, but that’s it.

They say Michigan is a “fuel mileage” track. What does that mean? Essentially, pit strategy and a driver who knows how to massage the accelerator to be in a position to win late in the race provides the formula for winning. So clearly certain teams with established pit crews are going to be the good “fuel mileage” teams, correct? Most likely. So do you look at who the good “fuel mileage” teams are or who’s hot right now?

Good question. If that “hot hand” has a history of top 5’s at Michigan, then that team should be in the hunt for a win. If that team has been clueless at Michigan, unless they learned something from previous races, go with the ones who have the proven history.

Looking at the qualifiers for tomorrow’s race, toss them aside as likely winners. Starting out atop the field doesn’t mean much at a wide open track like Michigan where with 400 miles there will be plenty of pit stops.

Top Qualifiers:
1- Kurt Busch, #22, Dodge
2- David Reutimann, #00, Toyota
3- Matt Kenseth, #17, Ford
4- Brian Vickers, #83, Toyota
5- Regan Smith, #76, Chevrolet
6- Tony Stewart, #14, Chevrolet
7- Greg Biffle, #16, Ford
8- Kasey Kahne, #4, Toyota
9- Paul Menard, #27, Chevrolet
10- Denny Hamlin, #11, Toyota
11- Martin Truex Jr., #56 Toyota
12- Landon Cassill, #61, Chevrolet
13- Ryan Newman, #39, Chevrolet
14- Jamie McMurray, #1, Chevrolet
15- Dale Earnhardt Jr., #88, Chevrolet

Other top drivers starting positions:
Carl Edwards, #99, Ford – 23rd; Jimmie Johnson, #48, Chevrolet – 21st; Kyle Busch, #18, Toyota, 24th. It’s good to see Daytona 500 winner, Trevor Baines back in the line-up for the “legendary” Wood Brothers.

Shamefully, there were up to eight “stop and park” slugs entered in the race. Thankfully, two of them are going home, but a sponsored ride has been shut out again, albeit one that is marginally sponsored, the #37 Ford driven by Tony Raines. The once-in-awhile family operation with Brian Keselowski goes home. Likewise, one of the biggest leaches, Mike “it’s not my fault” Skinner is out too. However, the trash heap clutters up the field with Joe “Hope He Wrecks” Nemechek in 29th, David Stremme in 32nd, J.J. Yeley in 34th, Robby Gordon (regardless of whether he races or not – once a slug in a season – always a slug) in 36th; Michael McDowell 38th, and Scott Riggs in 43rd. It’s time for fans to crank it up on shaming this ridiculous practice of compromising the integrity of the sport. During driver introductions and as the slugs trail off the field, load, fanatic booing is required. This garbage is not sticking up for the little guy. The little guy still competes. The ghost of Alan Kulwicki should haunt them all.

Tomorrow’s weather calls for a mix of sun and clouds with a chance of a thunderstorm, temperatures in the high 70’s – how’s that for playing tricks with the setup crew!

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