The Americans may have to settle for silver, but when you think about it, they were supposed to go home empty-handed.
Yes, there were a few proven NHL stars donning the red, white and blue, unlike thirty years back where the stars and stripes were carried by a bunch of college students.
But still, overall, the American hockey team was pretty much an afterthought. This year's games was about the Canadians, the Russians and the plethera of All Stars each of those teams trotted onto the ice.
But perhaps that’s what motivated and pushed Team USA to unexpected heights. In such a short tournament, anything can happen - especially when a goalie gets hot at the right time.
Because make no mistake about it: if it weren’t for Ryan Miller, the Americans wouldn’t have even sniffed the medal round. But combine his strong play with the efforts of young guns Zach Parise, Dustin Brown and Erik Johnson, and you have the keys to unlocking the potential of a team that’s destined for greatness - just not now. And maybe not ever.
Because if NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has his way, this may be the last time we or anyone else see's the National Hockey League's stars competing in the Winter Olympics.
In the grand scheme of things, we wish this team would join the history books along with the 1960 and 1980 teams. We thought the stars were aligned for another seat atop the podium. Instead, we're left with a sense of pride. A sense of pride that our nation hasn't felt on the ice since 1980.
And a sense that we got to witness what could very well be a last hurrah for our boys.
Assuming that the NHL sends its players to Sochi, Russia for the 2014 Games, this truly was a coming out party for USA hockey. Even so, politics and scheduling, along with dozens of other logistical nightmares threaten to put a stopper on NHL participation in the Olympics.
But there are still a number of years before a decision must be made; we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. For now, we can focus on what was ultimately an exciting and enjoyable tournament, capped by one of the most thrilling gold medal games in history.
The Americans gave it their all, forcing overtime with less than half a minute to go in regulation. Perhaps Team U.S.A can take some solace in that fact. Still, it must hurt a lot to see your rivals from north of the border revel in the ecstasy of victory. Especially after a fluky goal by hockey’s golden boy, Sidney Crosby.
In a few months, it won’t even matter. Because the prize on everyone’s mind will be silver. You know the one - big, bulky, ‘bout 40 pounds, 117 years old?
Yes, soon, Lord Stanley’s Cup will be waiting.
Until then though, whether you're a fan of the Devils from New Jersey, the Rangers from New York or the Bruins from the Hub, the entire nation of America can take solace in one thing - our boys put on one hell of a show this winter.
And while they may not have recreated the magic of 1980, they did the next best thing - instilled an icy passion that hasn't been felt between the blue lines since Eruzione lit the lamp.
And that is something we can all be proud of, regardless of whether you wear red and black or black and gold. Because the red, white and blue runs deeper than all of that.
Flash back to last year at this team when things seemed honky-dory in the bullpens of Fort Myers. Theo Epstein admired his offseason handiwork, which had landed two veteran righties, completing what looked to be a daunting rotation.
In addition to the regulars of Josh Beckett, Jon Lester and Tim Wakefield, the wonder-boy general manager had high hopes for his foreign acquisition, Daisuke Matsuzaka who was coming off an 18 win sophomore season. And the addition of veteran hurlers Brad Penny and John Smoltz excited not only the front office, but also many across Red Sox Nation.
Heck, they had so much pitching that young fireballer Clay Bucholz was relegated to twiddling his thumbs at Triple-A Pawtucket.
Early predictions pegged the Sox as having the best rotation in baseball, even edging out the evil empire, despite its catch of ex-Blue Jay A.J. Burnett.
With the exception of Matsuzaka – whose catastrophic collapse following the World Baseball Classic is still being analyzed – the majority of Sox starters showed early promise.
Beckett and Lester breezed through the first few months and even veteran knuckleballer Tim Wakefield slid onto the American League All-star roster. Penny wasn’t anything special, but could bear down on most lineups through at least five innings.
But then the holes developed and the rotation began to sink.
Fast.
Penny started giving out walks and hits like candy, Smoltz’s fastball resembled that of an adult league softballer’s toss and Wakefield’s back knuckled more than his pitches.
Despite Big Papi’s improved second half production and former leftfielder Jason Bay’s ridiculous RBI tear, no amount of offense could offset continual shortcomings from the Sox starters.
It was bad. So bad, the BoSox had to turn to the rubber arm of Paul Byrd for help.
Fast-forward to October and the Sox watched Burnett carry his new team to its 27th world championship in franchise history while Epstein was left scratching his head.
While only one year removed from these nightmares, they seem to be forgotten by most in this year’s camp. Theo and Tito can be seen smiling and laughing among the palm trees as they face another “manager’s dream dilemma” of six starting-quality pitchers.
But if the Sox don’t play their cards right, that promising rotation could elude them again in the future.
To prevent this, they must sign Beckett to a contract extension before his current deal expires after this season.
Down the stretch last year, the only two constants on the mound were Beckett and Lester. And while Lester had the better numbers, and I’m sure some of you will comment on Beckett’s seven outings in which he allowed five earned runs or more, he was still one of the more dominant pitchers in the AL.
The nine-year veteran finished second in the AL in win-loss percentage, third in complete games, fourth in wins and sixth in strikeouts.
When it comes to the postseason, Beckett is the Tom Brady of baseball. He is 7-3 lifetime with a 3.07 ERA and 99 strikeouts through 14 games in the playoffs.
But most important to Sox fans, Beckett has proved he can shut down the Yankees. He did it twice against Brian Cashman’s squad in the 2003 World Series as a young stud for the Marlins, including a clinching game six victory in the Bronx. To top it off, he compiled a miniscule 2.08 ERA last year at the new hitter-friendly Yankee Stadium against a modern day version of murderer’s row.
Beckett is set to make just over $11 million this season. With fellow Texan John Lackey earning a cool $15.25 million per year in his new deal with the hometown team, some argue Beckett isn’t worth that kind of cash when the Sox have other free agents to handle.
But let’s face it. Papelbon is going to walk for big money and the aging David Ortiz will gracefully exit the scene at Fenway. The only other notable free agent after 2010 is Victor Martinez, who, even if he commands a slight bump in pay over his current $7 million salary, is obtainable with John Henry’s relatively deep pockets.
It’s time to throw some money Beckett’s way. He’s earned it with his performance in a Sox uniform and if nothing else, let’s learn from history. The last time Boston let a big name pitcher walk in his contract year, Roger Clemens didn’t let the door hit him on the way out.
“Rocket” compiled 162 wins, four Cy Young awards and two world series rings in his post-Sox years after former GM Dan Duquette declared the future hall-of-famer was “in the twilight of his career” after the 1996 season.
Beckett certainly isn’t in the twilight of his career. Neither is Lester. Neither is Lackey and neither is Bucholz.
If the Sox lock up the guy who has been one of their best pitchers in recent memory, those wins, Cy Young awards, and dare I say world series rings that Clemens managed elsewhere, could stay in Beantown with Beckett.
To celebrate, or not to celebrate. That is the question.
But, before you tackle that, it’s important to remember what football really is, boiled down to its core.
It’s a game.
It’s a game that’s played by children, high-school kids, college kids, and a handful adults. But at its core, it’s exactly that – a game.
No aspect of the game is ruined by post-touchdown celebrations. Why? Because it’s a game. It’s all about having fun.
And that’s why people love guys like Chad Ocho-Cinco – because they have fun with it. Don’t believe me? The man has over 800,000 followers on Twitter.
That’s more than Steven Jackson, Larry Fitzgerald Kevin Garnett AND Chris Paul combined. With about 300,000 to spare.
Is it because he’s a better athlete than those guys? Could certainly be argued. But one thing is for sure - it’s because he’s entertaining.
It’s because he’s fun. It’s because he has fun playing the GAME that he plays.
Nobody gets hurt when he uses an end zone pylon to putt a football after scoring a touchdown. Nobody gets offended. But you can be damn sure people tune in when 85 says he’s going to wear a sombrero after he scores a TD on Sunday.
And isn’t that what the NFL’s all about? In a world full of PacMans, Vicks and Plaxico Burresses, guys like Ocho are the least of the NFL’s worries.
Soccer athletes rip off their shirts when they score. Hockey players pile on top of each other on the ice.
I mean, come on now. These guys put weeks of practice – years of training – into playing football. And why? To win. To score.
Teams prepare all week to stop them. All offseason trying to defend against them. And when they succeed – something that happens maybe 10 times a year for the best football athletes. Damnit, let the men enjoy themselves.
Let them enjoy the game they play. The game they love. Because the fans -- They love it too.
And that is the most important part.
I get it – they’re distracting. They evoke costly penalties. But it’s all part of the game. Just because you make a rule against holding doesn’t mean the guys aren’t going to hold. Go ahead – outlaw celebrating entirely.
They’ll still do it: flags or no flags. There will be balls spiked. There will be chests bumped. And there will be number one’s in the air.
There can be limits – thirty, forty seconds maybe. There can be guidelines – don’t taunt individuals, don’t break anything, no from-home props.
But what’s going on right now, you can’t completely cut that out.
Because sports are all about memories.
And the greatest memories of all are synonymous with their celebrations.
The mob on the ice after the miracle of 1980. The Tiger fist pump. Kissing the ground at the Brick-Yard. The Gatorade dump. Even Drew Brees after the Super Bowl with his one-year old son.
You can’t take that away. You can’t take away Ruth calling his own shot. You can’t take away the Band on the field. You just can’t
Celebrating is just as woven into the fabric of the game as four balls, three strikes and nine innings.
And that’s just the way it has to be. That’s the way it will always be.
For all the planning that goes into the Olympics, there are few things that actually go according to plan.
However, it is a virtual certainty that if you get Mike "Doc" Emrick to call a hockey game, viewers at home are going to be in for a treat.
Emrick has been broadcasting since 1973, when he got his start in minor league hockey. Since then, Emrick has established himself as arguably the greatest hockey announcer -- maybe the best in all of sports -- of the modern era. When he's not calling games for the New Jersey Devils, he's NBC's go-to guy for nationally televised games and the Olympics.
This year is no different -- Emrick was once again tapped to call the games on the world's biggest stage -- and Emrick has been at the forefront of these Vancouver Games.
Sunday evening's game betweenCanada and the United States may have been the single-most hyped hockey event leading up to the opening. And there couldn't have been a better man for the job. From the opening faceoff, Emrick waxed poetic, yet called the game with a brilliance and objectivity that is seldom seen in today's sports world.
His knowledge and understanding of the sport is encyclopedic, and although he has an impressive vocabulary, viewers never get the sense that he is talking down to them. Through it all, Emrick remains erudite, but never pedantic.
While some broadcasters would be content or pressured to appeal to the lowest common denominator, Emrick doesn't seem to worry, and he still manages to find a way to communicate the action to a variety of viewers.
The game itself was perhaps the most thrilling of the Olympic tournament thus far; Emrick's presence certainly helped elevate the attention the game received. For instance, Emrick took what seemed to be an errant playof the puck by Canadian goalie Martin Brodeur, and instead identified it as the cause of a subsequent goal scored by the Americans. Replays showed to the casual observer that what ordinarily would be a simple clearing attempt was in fact a major miscue in Brodeur's judgment, leaving him out of position and exposed in several spots.
Additionally, Emrick possesses a keen eye in highlighting the contributions of players that otherwise would go overlooked without being given a second glance. During the dying minutes of the third period, U.S. center Ryan Kesler made several subtle plays that saved his team from surrendering a precious two-goal lead. After Kesler capped off the night with an empty-net goalto seal it, Emrick was quick to point out that not all contributions necessarily make their way onto the score sheet.
In doing so, Emrick is able to give the viewer a greater appreciation for the subtle nuances of the game that often are ignored: forechecking, on-ice vision and shot-blocking.
When Ryan Miller made a sprawling goal line save, or Sidney Crosby closed the gap for Canada, Emrick's stunned exclamation on both calls was just the icing on the cake.
In terms of evaluating how Emrick could stand to improve his broadcasting abilities, the only apparent issue that seemed glaring was that Emrick may have come off perhaps a little too passionate. Remember, the game is still part of the round robin part of the tournament to determine seeding for the elimination round.
Perhaps Emrick could be accused of artificially creating a heightened sense of emotion. However, when you consider that there are only so many times the U.S. faces Canada, compounded with the four-year frequency of the Olympics, and it is perhaps understandable why Emrick would feel obligated to call the game the way he did.
Call it confidence, call it panache, call it swagger. No one does it quite like "Doc"; no one can back it up like him either.
And like the layers of a cake, the countless layers woven into each game – offense, defense, coaching, refereeing – each plays an integral role in its final outcome. Appearence isn't everything either - sometimes the best looking cakes on paper just don't taste quite right. Sometimes, rather, it's the ugliest of cakes that turn into classics (Snow Bowlanyone?)
Broadcasting, however, is the icing on that cake.
That’s because unlike the layers of the cake body, broadcasting isn’t necessary. Plenty of cakes (take poppy seed or coffee for example) taste delicious without icing all the same. Similarly, if need be, you can watch games on mute, silencing the broadcasters, and your viewing experience won’t really suffer much.
But if the icing goes on, it’s imperative that it taste delicious. Because if it’s bad, it can absolutely ruin the cake, no matter how wonderfully it’s made.
But if it’s good – oh, if it’s good - it can turn a cake into a work of art. If a game is broadcasted well, it can turn that simple cake into a masterpiece.
On Sunday afternoon, I sat down to watch the Celtics-Nuggets game, one that carried high expectations. It was sort of like ordering an expensive piece of cakeat a high-class restaurant.
Only, this high-priced game I sat down to watch turned out to be a bit of a flop. Sure, there was a lot of scoring, a bunch of dunking and a few smooth shots. But in the end, the Celtics fell to Denver 114-105. Not exactly the desired outcome.
But fortunately for the four hours or so that I spent eating that flop of a cake, the icing actually made up for it. Believe it or not, the broadcasting actually turned an 11-point loss into a fairly satisfying dessert.
The ABC second-team led by Mike Tiricobeautifully handled the highly anticipated Celtics-Nuggets clash Sunday afternoon, while the number-one team was busy handling the Eastern Conference super-battle between the Magic and Cavaliers.
Tirico and sidekick Hubie Brown were spectacular as usual, offering great insight to both the Boston and Denver teams, while also colorfully describing the action on the court.
Don’t get me wrong – it was an exciting game on all accounts. Usually clashes between two top-level teams like the Cetlics and Nuggets are. But normally, I don’t enjoy watching games that are over in the first quarter. Ones where my team begins by falling down 37-19 and ends up losing by double digits.
But the dynamic duo of Tirico and Brown did exactly that - they made me enjoy watching my team essentially get beat senseless by a superiorly athletic Denver Nugget squad.
Thanks to Tirico and co., I learned much more than I ever knew about Kevin Garnett and his injury recovery. In fact, I feel like I might now know more than KG himself does about it. I even learned enough about the Celtics rotation where I could now write you a 20-page report on Marquis Daniels andRasheed Wallace.
And don’t forget about the Nuggets either. As a Celtics fan, I learned a tremendous amount about a Denver team I’m really not too familiar with. I found out why Chauncy Billups owns Rajon Rondo in head to heads. I even feel like I’m now best friends with Nuggets swing-man Chris ‘Birdman’ Anderson.
And isn’t that what broadcasting’s all about?
Like the great John Rooke once told me, even if the Friars get drubbed, if someone goes up to him and says “great game you called last night,” it’s a success.
Well, Mike and Hubie – great game you called yesterday. And I mean it.
They danced the fine line of info-tainment like professional ballroom two-steppers. They filled an otherwise disappointing Celtics show with excitement, backed by tremendous commentary.
They even did such a good job, they nearly overshadowed the fact that they didn’t announce the score as much as they should have. Nearly.
What it all boiled down to, is that Brown andTirico had a great time working today. And it showed.
And because of that, I had a great time watching – even though Boston got sheared like a sheep. Together, they washed away the poor taste left in my mouth by the collective dud of a showing by the men in green.
At the end of the day, they successfully iced the terrible flavor of the afternoon’s cake – and that’s all you can ask for.
Now if I could just get some of that icing for the cherry pie I got in the mail from my aunt on Friday…her ‘famous’ cherry pie that’s ‘famous’ for all the wrong reasons.
Hey Mike and Hubie – what are you guys up to tomorrow night? You guys like cherry pie?
In this day and age, few things are for certain in baseball.
Every year, you know the Yankees are going to spend their money. And every year, you know Manny Ramirez will do something shockingly stupid (and even as I say that, last year’s debacle was still a bit over the top, even for him.)
Ichiro’s going to get some hits, Albert’s going to get some big ones and Linecum is going to strike some people out. You could even throw in a Milton Bradley ejection or two if you’re feeling lucky. But after that, it’s all a crapshoot.
Heck, you blink once and Roy Halladay’s wearing red instead of blue, Manny Ramirez is wearing blue instead of red, and through it all, Joe Torre’s traded in his pinstripes.
Even Mr. Consistency himself, Joe Mauer, isn’t immune to baseball’s changing ways.Having played with the Twins since 2004, the Minnesota native’s contract is running thin, and uncertainly about his future lies ahead.
Will he continue to rake in the Twin Cities? Or will he bring his one-man hitting-clinic elsewhere?
Nobody is sure, but one thing will always reign true about Mauer, no matter where he winds up.
Yes, there’s the hitting. But there are also the sideburns.
Mauer’s side-hair has become just as much a staple in Major League baseball as his perfect swing, both having etched him into the hearts of baseball fans everywhere.
The ‘burns’ have even become so popular, they’ve inspired ‘Sideburn Night,’ a night where fake sideburns are handed out at the Metrodome, giving each fan a chance to feel the power that is the ‘burn.’
Not even the old Yankee Stadium could withstand the test of baseball-time. But Mauer? He still hits. And his burns? They still grow.
But he’s not alone. There are others, too, who keep baseball tradition alive through their facial forests.
In a game where little is the same as it was, names like Rollie Fingers, Goose Gossage and Kevin Kelly live on through Mauer and his facial-haired compadres.
So who are these men who carry on the torch of baseball past as it enters these curious and changing times?
Let’s take a look:
Clay Zavada, Diamondbacks– If you haven’t heard his name yet, you will soon. This 25-year old lefty from Arizona has taken the baseball facial-world by storm, bringing home last year’s “Mustached American of the Year,” a yearly award presented by the American Mustache Institute.
He may not be able to blow hitters away with his fastball, and he might working on adding a cutter to his repertoire – but as long as he keeps that lip-garden, fame will find it impossible to elude him.
Dustin McGowan, Blue Jays – If Zavada took mustache to a whole new level, this guy has done the same to the sideburn. If he could pitch as well as Mauer could hit, this article might be featuring him – but instead, he finds himself only mentioned, which is still quite an honor.
McGowan was born in 1982, and was drafted right out of high school in the year 2000. Since then, the right-handed reliever has brought a hard slider and a pair of burns that are enough to strike fear into the heart of any hitter.
Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox– Speaking of fear, is there no man that can cause a pitcher to sweat more than Kevin Youkilis?
The Sox first baseman is not only infamous for working pitchers late into counts, but he also has a stare that weakens knees. Not to mention that souped-up goatee that has recently found its way onto Youkilis’s chin.
A lot of players can hit 30 home runs. Even more can post a .300 average. But how many can pull off the mountain-man look? Not many. But Youk does it with pride.
Ryan Franklin, Cardinals– Last season, a mustache-growing fad swept through the Cardinals organization like wildfire. Chris Carpenter, Adam Wainwright, Rick Ankiel – they all grew out their face-buddies. But not Franklin.
No, Franklin’s face-real-estate was already occupied - by something.
Nobody’s really sure what to call it, but whatever it is, it looks like its straight out of the Civil War. General Lee would be proud.
And the Cardinals? They’re okay with it, as long as he keeps saving games. Last season Franklin and his Partner posted a spectacular 1.92 ERA and 38 saves.
Not bad for a two-man effort.
Jason Giambi, Rockies– No facial-hair centered baseball article would be complete without mention of Jason Giambi and his famous ‘stache.
Much like Mauer’s ‘Sideburn Nights,’ Giambi inspired a sweeping revelation of his own, as the Yankees handed out fake moustaches in an effort to get Giambi voted into the 2008 All Star Game. It didn’t work, but it did begin a revolution.
One year later and the Twins were handing out sideburns to commemorate Joe Mauer. Does the sweet-swinging catcher owe it all to Giambi? Most likely. After all, the success is proven. In 2008, Giambi began the season batting .236. One mustache later, and Giambi slugged 32 homers and 96 RBI in the very same season.
Behold, the hair.
Jorge Cantu, Marlins – Here’s a name you might not associate with facial hair. But throughout his career, Cantu has always sported some sort of look with the whiskers.
His career started in Tampa Bay, where he featured a soul-patch and a mini goatee. Then in Cincinnati, he lost the bottom parts and went straight mustache.
With the Marlins? Super-combination. Cantu’s grown it all back out, and looks all the finer. Nothing wrong with a little trial and error.
Honorable Mentions:
Johan Santana, Mets– Perfection.
Just as he has on the mound with a baseball, it appears Santana has become a wizard with the razor. At the moment, the 2004/2006 Cy Young award winner features a goatee that’s as finely tuned as his change-up.
Adrian Gonzalez, Padres– Similar to Santana, Gonzalez sports a goatee that compliments his swing – sweet and perfect. It seems the two of them have a career in hair-styling should their athleticism ever fall short – though I wouldn’t bet on that happening anytime soon.
Todd Helton, Rockies– He’s become just as much a staple in baseball as having the bases 90-feet apart. And he’s rocked the beard the entire time.
The 5-time All Star, 3-time Gold Glove winner has featured his grizzly beard ever since he came up as a youngster, and though his success has never been officially attributed to it, speculation certainly surfaces now and then.
I mean - look at that picture. Facial hair, cowboy hats, over-excited-kids, American Flags - what's not to love?
For every Joe Montana, there is a Scott Norwood. And for every Tom Brady, there is a Rich Gannon. It’s an unfortunate and unavoidable element of pro sports – for every success story, there is an equally emotional story of complete and utter failure.
It was no different in Super Bowl XLIV, when Hank Baskett impeccably etched his name in Super Bowl Goat history, as he failed to reel in a crucial onside kick to open up the second half. The Saints gained possession, as well as the momentum, and went on to trounce the heavily favored Colts, 31-17.
But where does Baskett rank among the great Super Bowl Goats of the past? Surprisingly, not that high. Turns out Mr. Baskett’s blunder wasn’t nearly the worst thing to happen on the Big Stage.
10. Rich Gannon,Raiders, Super Bowl XXXVII;We all knew Tampa Bay’s defense was tremendous. But Rich Gannon made them look like utterly unstoppable.
Gannon, the regular season MVP, turned in a performance that was in every way possible the exact opposite – getting sacked five times, fumbling once and throwing a Super Bowl record five interceptions, three of which were returned for touchdowns.
Tampa Bay went on to route Oakland 48-21, a game which the Raiders came into favored by four points.
9. Hank Baskett, Colts, Super Bowl XLIV; It may have only been the beginning of the third quarter – but it absolutely cost the Colts the game.
Football has and always will be a sport that is the ultimate team-based game – 11 vs 11 each and every play, depending on all individuals to make an equally substantial effort.
So that’s why there is no excuse for Hank Baskett’s effort on New Orleans’ half-opening onside kick. He plays the position for a reason – not to mention he’s a wide receiver – and fumbling around an onside kick is an inexcusable blunder, especially on such a huge stage.
But it’s obvious the Saints knew what they were dealing with. They had been practicing it all week, and knew exactly whom they would be kicking it at. If it’s any consolation however, Baskett is married to Play Boy model Kendra Wilkinson.
You win some, you lose some.
8. Donovan McNabb, Eagles, Super Bowl XXXIX;We all remember John Elway’s drive. We all remember Joe Montana’s drive. And we all remember Tom Brady’s drive(s). But unfortunately for Donovan McNabb, we also all remember the Eagle’s drive.
Trailing New England 24-14 with just under six minutes left in the game, the Eagles had a chance to begin a comeback. But instead of putting the pedal to the metal, McNabb gingerly lead a four-minute scoring drive that ultimately resulted in the Eagles’ demise.
The reason for the unsightly speed of the crucial drive? McNabb was dry-heaving in the huddle.
Not to mention he tossed three interceptions over the course of the loss, a game that saw the Eagles finish just shy of the Patriots, 24-21.
7. John Kasay, Panthers, Super Bowl XXXVIII;A rare Super Bowl game where both kickers will be remembered forever; Adam Vinateriri for his game-winner with seconds remaining, and John Kasay for giving the Patriots possession on the 40-yard line six plays later.
Kasay committed a Cardinal sin on the kickoff following Carolina’s game tying drive, and with just over a minute left in the game, booted the kick straight out of bounds, resulting in a flag – and a New England possession on the 40-yard line.
Brady already had a reputation for having ice-water in his veins in the final minutes. This time, he was given possession of the ball just 30-yards out of Vinateiri’s range; an opportunity number 12 wouldn’t let slip away. One minute after Kasay’s mis-kick, the Patriots took home their second Super Bowl in three years, downing Carolina 32-29.
6. Eugene Robinson, Falcons, Super Bowl XXXIII;It was not a good Super weekend for the Falcons’ strong safety. He had a reputation for being a man of faith as well as one who always valued the community over himself – but prior to the Super Bowl, Robinson was arrested on charges of soliciting an undercover police officer for oral sex.
Atlanta Coach Dan Reeves played Robinson anyway, who responded by blowing two crucial coverage’s during the game, including an 80-yard touchdown strike to Rod Smith. The touchdown put Denver ahead 17-3, as they went on to rout Atlanta 34-19.
5. Neil O’Donnel, Steelers, Super Bowl XXX;You wouldn’t know it by looking at his final numbers – 28-49 and 239 yards – but Neil O’Donnel’s Super Bowl effort made Rich Gannon’s look Montana-esque.
The Steelers quarterback threw quite possibly two of the worst interceptions in Super Bowl history, resulting in a Cowboys win and an eternity of goat-ness.
On a third-and-nine from his own 48, O’Donnell threw a pass that was mind-bogglingly awful, landing 10-yards away from his intended receiver and right in the arms of cornerback Larry Brown. 38 seconds later, Emmit Smith plunged in the end zone for six. Cowboys 20, Steelers 7.
Then trailing only 20-17 with four minutes remaining, O’Donnell once again found a wide open Brown, who ran it all the way back to Pittsburgh’s six-yard-line.
4. Lewis Billups/Asante Samuel, Bengals/Patriots, Super Bowl XXXIII/XLII;
And again, for every Larry Brown, there is a Lewis Billups and an Asante Samuel. Because thanks to those fine gentlemen, both Joe Montana and Eli Manning are forever engrained in Super Bowl history, their late-game drives a part of the ever-growing Lombardi Trophy legacy.
For Billups it came early in the final quarter, when Montana’s end zone attempt for John Taylor landed squarely in the Bengals’ cornerback’s hands. Unfortunately, like a child trying to catch a butterfly, Billups let the chance of a lifetime clunk, slip and drop from his fingertips. Montana then hit Rice for six on the next play, tying the game at 13. San Francesco went on to win 20-16.
Samuels’ folly however, was much more immediately damaging. Eli Manning was in the process of leading the Giants on an improbable game-winning drive against the 18-0 Patriots, when Samuel let an easy interception slip through his fingertips like a fish, allowing the G-men to maintain possession. A few plays and a David Tyree miracle later, and the Giants defeated the undefeatable, 17-14.
But like the old adage says; if they had hands, they’d play wide receiver.
While the pitching seems to be set in place for a strong 2010, the arms have really not been the concern. The biggest question mark for the Sox all off-season has been their offense.
There is no doubt that the number of home-runs will suffer with the loss of Jason Bay, but many people give that more weight than it deserves. The real question is whether or not the Red Sox newcomers will be able to fill that hole enough to put the Red Sox on the scoreboard.
Realistically, if everyone in the batting order can have an offensive year that matches their career average, the Red Sox will be fine. Will this happen? We can only wait and see.
1B – Kevin Youkilis: The ultimate dirt dog. Kevin Youkilis has been one of the most consistent players in all of baseball over the last three seasons, and he is only getting better. His flawless glove at first base will add to a very solid defensive infield, and with Bay leaving town, Youk should supply most of the power for Boston in 2010.
Prediction: (AVG) - .320(HR) – 28(RBI) – 115
2B – Dustin Pedroia: A Rookie of the Year, MVP, Gold Glover, and Silver Slugger all in his first three seasons. Pedroia is the new face of the Boston Red Sox, taking over the role that Nomar Garciaparra held for so long. After sliding a bit from his 2008 campaign, Pedroia should come out firing in 2010. Since the Sox have moved away from the power game, it will be up to Pedroia to get on base and score some runs.
Prediction:(AVG) - .310(HR) – 13(RBI) – 79
3B – Adrian Beltre: Red Sox fans may miss Mike Lowell at third base every day, but Beltre’s glove should help them get over it. Arguably the best defensive third baseman in all of baseball, Beltre will lock down the hot corner and steal his fair share of hits from opposing batters. From an offensive standpoint, don’t expect too much. Beltre will never come close to the season that he had in 2004 with the Dodgers, but he does still have some pop. After playing in Seattle for the last five seasons, Fenway’s Green Monster should help Beltre out in the power department.
Prediction: (AVG) - .259(HR) – 22(RBI) – 89
SS – Marco Scutaro:If Scutaro can put up numbers similar to those of last season, Boston will be overjoyed. Marco’s primary job in 2010 will be to give the Sox some solid defense at shortstop. Pedroia and Scutaro together should give the Sox one of the better double play combinations out there. While Theo did bring Scutaro in mainly for his defense, his bat could go a long way at the bottom of the lineup. A career .265 hitter, Scutaro broke out last season batting .282.
Prediction:(AVG) - .268(HR) – 10(RBI) – 72
LF – Jacoby Ellsbury: Moving Jacoby out to left field could prove to be a very smart move for the Red Sox. Ellsbury’s speed will allow him to play a very shallow left field, and as a result, steal a ton of singles. From an offensive standpoint, Jacoby will find himself at the top of Boston’s lineup once again. After stealing 70 bases last season, pitchers will be forced to give Ellsbury some pitches to hit, and his average should go up because of it.
Prediction:(AVG - .321(HR) – 6(RBI) – 52
CF – Mike Cameron:Much like Beltre, Cameron was brought into Boston for his glove. Moving Jacoby to left field shows just how highly the Red Sox regard Cameron’s defense. A seasoned veteran, Cameron should be a great leader for the Red Sox and help Ellsbury develop as a defender. Although his average has dropped off dramatically over the past few seasons, he does still have some power.
Prediction: (AVG) - .247(HR) – 23(RBI) – 75
RF – JD Drew: Since coming to Boston, Drew has been a pretty big disappointment. Frequent injuries and a mediocre bat have put Drew at the bottom of the pile when it comes to fan favorites. In the past, the presence of Boston’s sluggers has taken some of the pressure off of Drew, allowing him to under perform without it having a terrible result. 2010 will be different. With Ortiz’s productivity up in the air and Jason Bay signing with the Mets, it is Drew’s chance to step up and provide the Sox with some much over due offensive prowess.
Prediction: (AVG) - .274(HR) – 22(RBI) – 74
C – Victor Martinez: The 2009 trade for Victor Martinez may turn out to be one of Theo Epstein’s smarter moves as a GM. The difference that Martinez makes in the middle of Boston’s lineup is remarkable. Since joining the Red Sox, Victor has done nothing but produce, batting .336 in 56 games. While his defense isn’t the greatest, having that bat in the middle of Boston’s lineup should make up for it.
Prediction: (AVG) -.301(HR) – 26(RBI) – 96
DH – David Ortiz:The way that David Ortiz performs during the first half of 2010 will determine many things. Much of the buzz surrounding this off-season was whether or not Boston would make a push for San Diego’s Adrian Gonzalez. Theo Epstein decided not to pull the trigger on that deal, and instead gave Ortiz another chance to prove that he is still the offensive powerhouse that Boston has come to know so well. However, if Ortiz struggles out of the gates, Theo could re-spark trade talks with the Padres, or give a position-less Mike Lowell the vacant DH spot.
Prediction: (AVG) - .258(HR) – 31(RBI) – 101
The Bench: Along with pitching and defense, the Red Sox should have one of the deepest benches in baseball. The re-signing of Jason Varitek will do wonders for the younger players on the roster, especially the pitchers. Adding Adrian Beltre has moved Mike Lowell to the bench, and while he may be traded before the season begins, one injury or lack of production could change those plans.
Bill Hall, Jed Lowrie, and Jeremy Hermida also give Boston some much needed depth, and all provide some decent offense off the bench. Overall, Boston’s bench hosts multiple players who could be starting on other teams. With Drew’s knack for injury, and Ortiz’s effectiveness up in the air, the Boston bench could become a very important component for the 2010
Yes, there were a few proven NHL stars donning the red, white and blue, unlike thirty years back where the stars and stripes were carried by a bunch of college students.
In the grand scheme of things, we wish this team would join the history books along with the 1960 and 1980 teams. We thought the stars were aligned for another seat atop the podium. Instead, we're left with a sense of pride. A sense of pride that our nation hasn't felt on the ice since 1980.
In a few months, it won’t even matter. Because the prize on everyone’s mind will be silver. You know the one - big, bulky, ‘bout 40 pounds, 117 years old?
