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(11/10/10 6:33pm)
Week 10 of AtD brings us Caroline Russomanno as “The Ref.” Sports Assistant Brandon Gould, Staff Writer Kevin Lee and Correspondent Joshua Steele answer whether the Yankees should resign Derek Jeter after his worst MLB season ever, whether Randy Moss’s move to the Titans was a smart move by the Vikings and how will it affect the Titans and what happened that one Sunday when more people watched the NFL than the World Series.
1. Hal Steinbrenner said last Wednesday that the Yankees want Derek Jeter back but “having said that, we’re running a business here, so if there’s a deal to be done, it’s going to have to be a deal that both sides are happy with.” What would you do with Jeter after his worst MLB season?
BG: Hal Steinbrenner can continue to say whatever he wants, but when it comes down to it, Derek Jeter will be in pinstripes next season. Jeter’s effect on the Yankees goes far beyond what he does on the field. He’s the captain, he’s a fan favorite and he’s an asset. Jeter brings in a lot of money for the Yankees and if they have to give the guy a few more bucks to keep him a Yankee for the rest of his career then so be it. I don’t want to hear “business” talk coming from Yankees management, they spend more money than anyone else in the league. If they could give Carl Pavano a four-year-deal worth $39.95 million to do practically nothing, you would hope they could come to a quick compromise and give Jeter — a Yankee great — his final contract.
KL: If Derek Jeter is in fact looking for a six-year deal, I just don’t see him returning to the Yankees. A six-year contract would put Jeter at 42 years old, and you just don’t see many shortstops that are older than 40 years old in baseball. The Yankees would like to stand pat on a two-year deal, possibly giving a three-year deal as a final concession. Personally, a two to three year deal worth about $45 to 55 million would be the most logical because Jeter’s performance on the field has to be put into perspective, regardless of how much he means to the city, and because recently first round pick Cito Culver will be major league ready by then. Contrary to popular belief, the Yankees don’t have infinite money, and some of that money is needed to sign Cliff Lee or Carl Crawford. Jeter will be a Yankee next season, but negotiations could get ugly in the process.
JS: Derek Jeter is the ultimate face of the Yankees franchise and Hal Steinbrenner would be an absolute fool to let him go no matter what the cost is. Jeter is an icon not only in the city of New York but also throughout the entire MLB. The extreme value that Jeter brings to the Yankees cannot be quantified in purely monetary terms. The Yankees will probably wind up ‘overpaying’ for Jeter but he has payed them back with the countless clutch hits and championships he has helped bring home.
CR: Brandon gets the 3 for saying that the Yankees are all talk and Jeter will definitely be in pinstripes next season, and for bringing up how much the Yankees have shelled out in the past for players worth far less than Jeter. Josh gets 2 for saying essentially the same thing as Brandon, but with less support. Kevin gets the 1 because Jeter’s worth isn’t measured in age or numbers.
2. Was Randy Moss’s move to Tennessee a smart move for the Vikings? How will Moss affect the Titans’ season?
BG: How are Brad Childress and Rick Spielman still top guys in this league? The Vikings messed up by giving Brett Favre a key to the palace and now they’ve really done it after trading a third-round pick to
use Randy Moss for four weeks. Randy Moss is an arrogant ass? Shocker. They knew that already and if it was a problem they shouldn’t have traded for him. Hopefully, the Vikings look both ways before they cross the street next time. I didn’t really see Tennessee picking up Randy Moss — I thought the Kansas City Chiefs were going to be his next destination — and I don’t think Moss is going to put up big numbers for the Titans. His presence will be felt, but it will be Chris Johnson and the rest of the Titans receiving corps who are going to put up the numbers, not Moss.
KL: I think this was a good move for the Vikings and for potentially the Titans. This was a good move for the Vikings because it reduces the drama that is already surrounding that team with all of the Brett Favre controversy. However, this obviously hurts the Vikings on the field, but the team can possibly play better as a unit without all of the distractions. As far as the Titans, this was a good move for them, if Moss can shut his mouth and just play, although this is a big if. This helps Vince Young especially since Young has a gunslinger’s mentality, and this also helps Chris Johnson, as Moss’ presence will create more openings for him. This acquisition puts the Titans in good position in winning the wild card, and potentially going deep into the playoffs.
JS: Moving Randy Moss was a very smart move for the Vikings. It does not matter how talented a player is, if they are going to destroy the chemistry within the locker room they are not worth keeping around. Brad Childress failed to keep control of Moss which is something that Jeff Fisher will not have a problem doing. This move will also greatly improve the Titans offense, giving the Titans a deep threat and opening up more running lanes for Chris Johnson.
CR: Brandon gets 3 for pointing out that the Vikings should have known what they were getting into before trading for Moss. Kevin gets 2 for saying why Moss could be big for the Titans. Josh gets 1.
3. This baseball season, a World Series game was outwatched by a regular NFL season game. How did this happen and what can the MLB do to hype less popular teams?
BG: The reason that the NFL outmatches the MLB is that football is now America’s sport. People love watching big hits, deep passes and tough runs. Your NFL team has a game that comes around once a week opposed to baseball where teams play every day. It’s like comparing Christmas to Wednesday afternoons. When the day after Christmas is over, people just start thinking about next year’s Christmas and that’s exactly what happens with football. I know that once Monday Night Football ends all I am thinking about is the next Sunday. Then you have Wednesday afternoon where nothing eventful happens, but there’s always the chance that someone famous is in town or something like that – that’s the MLB. The MLB is going to have a tough time matching the NFL’s popularity, but if more personalities like Giants closer Brian Wilson come to the forefront people will tune in more often. Baseball needs players who people can believe in or hate, people who talk the talk and walk the walk.
KL: I think that the fans that didn’t watch Game 5 missed an awesome one. Two of the best pitchers in baseball were showcased on baseball’s greatest stage. Everyone wants to see the Yankees, the Phillies and the Mets in the World Series, but getting a chance to see other teams that aren’t usually televised like the Giants, gives people an opportunity to see some of baseball’s up and coming stars like Madison Bumgarner. What the MLB can do to hype less popular teams is have a college baseball like format. In this format, six teams from the AL and six teams from the NL each play in a one game sudden death match with the top two teams from each division getting bye weeks. Once there are two teams from the AL and NL, that’s when three game series will be held. The only problem with this format is that it could dilute the talent of teams by allowing more mediocre teams to make the playoffs, but this could garner more excitement.
JS: The MLB’s problem with the most recent World Series is that there was no east coast presence. With so many major cities on the east coast the MLB should readjust the league so there is an east and west division. This would make it so there is always a major presence from each coast in the World Series and the MLB would no longer have to worry about having terrible ratings.
CR: Brandon gets 3 and the win because, short of reorganizing the game, the way for the MLB to go is to hype individual players. Why watch the Eagles? Michael Vick. Why watch the Vikings? Brett Favre. Why watch the Rangers? Cliff Lee. It could work. Josh gets 2 because I like his idea — it’ll never happen — but I like it. And Kevin gets 1 because I don’t like the idea of sudden death games in baseball - there’s a reason series are played now.
Brandon sweeps this week’s AtD, 9 - 5 - 4
(11/03/10 5:08pm)
Sports Editor Hilarey Wojtowicz gets the chance to be “The Ref” in Week 9 of Around the Dorm. Staff Writers Krystal Spencer and Karissa Hearn, as well as Managing Editor Caroline Russomanno answer whether the San Francisco Giants or the Texas Rangers will win the 2010 World Series, will the Dallas Cowboys be able to turn their losing season around without Tony Romo, and are the Miami Heat really overrated as a team this year.
1. Who will win this year’s World Series, the Giants or the Rangers?
KS: Texas Rangers in 6. Cliff Lee is unstoppable in this postseason, and has a stellar record against the Giants. And don’t forget ALCS MVP Josh Hamilton. The center of the Rangers’ hitting power is going nowhere but up, so it’s only logical that he and the rest of their all-star hitters will capture their first World Series title.
CR: If you asked me this a week ago after the Rangers pulverized my poor Yankees in the ALCS, I would have laughed in your face. Josh Hamilton was hotter than he’s ever been. Cliff Lee was throwing some of the nastiest stuff I’ve ever seen. And the rest of the team wasn’t just sitting back and watching — they were doing the same thing! But geez, how much a tune can change in one week. I hate to be cliché, but the Giants have this one. I don’t think the Rangers will get swept (they’re too good a team for that), but the Giants came in on absolute fire. Hamilton’s bat went cold, and Lee was out pitched by Tim Lincecum (who I always knew would give him a run for his money). C.J. Wilson mounted a vali effort, but Matt Cain wouldn’t let his scoreless postseason end, and the Rangers bullpen is having an identity crisis. The Rangers have dropped 12 straight in San Francisco. That being said, I think the Rangers will mount a bit of a comeback at Rangers Ballpark, but if they make it back to Candlestick Park, they’re done. The Giants want it too badly, and they’ve proved they have the offense to rachet up the points to crazy levels (like 11-7 and 9-0) and Bruce Bochy is managing like a champ. The Giants will win this one.
KH: So far, the two wins by the Giants were in San Francisco, and on Saturday, the Rangers marked their first win at home. It’s hard to say who has the advantage at this point, because really, the series doesn’t begin until the road team wins a game. If I had to pick a champion at this point, I’d go with the Texas Rangers. Despite their first two series losses, Texas pitcher Cliff Lee is most recently accustomed to the pressure of the World Series and has a great post-season record. Lee won six postseason starts, and pitched 22 of 24 innings scoreless. With a solid pitcher like Lee, the Rangers are set.
HW: I have to give Caroline 3 points due to the fact that there is no arguing with the fact that the Giants started the series on fire. Karissa gets 2 points for pointing out that Cliff Lee won six post season starts and went 22 of 24 innings scoreless. Sorry, Krystal but you get 1 point for not really backing up your answer.
2. With Tony Romo out for six to eight weeks with a broken collarbone, is there any chance for the Cowboys to turn their losing season around?
KS: While not having Romo is a big setback, the rest of the team has no heart! Offensive players aren’t blocking, defense coverage is abysmal, and Wade Phillips is doing nothing to help. Regardless of how
Romo does, fixing the coaching problem is the first step to fixing the team.
CR: Cowboy fans might as well put away their number nine jerseys and pull on their Texas Ranger t-shirts because Dallas should focus all its attention on the struggling Rangers, because they have more hope. The Cowboys had already struggled to a pathetic 1-5 record, and now with Tony Romo gone, they have no hope. They will definitely not be the first team to play a Superbowl at home. The sub par Jon Kitna is Romo’s replacement — he’s been playing since the ’90s, and quarterbacks are one thing that do not get better with age. Even with Romo, the ’Boys offense was struggling (they only scored 13 points with three Giants turnovers and Miles Austin had two drops that were nothing short of critical). Marion Barber has lost his spark as well. There are too many factors against the Cowboys to turn this one around. I have a feeling they’ll fire half the coaching staff and call this one a loss. Wait and see.
KH: The Cowboys are done for this season. Thirty-eight-year-old backup quarterback Jon Kitna is a league veteran, but not one that Dallas is likely excited to be starting. In 2007, starting all sixteen games with the Detroit Lions, Kitna threw 20 interceptions. In 2008, Kitna kept the bench warm throughout the Lions’ sad 0-16 season, only playing in four games. Last season, then a Dallas Cowboy, Kitna didn’t hit the turf once. Then last week, against the New York Giants, Kitna was not able to hang on to the 13-point lead Romo had left him with. In the end, the Cowboys lost 41-35. If this is any indication of the rest of the season, the Cowboys are surely in trouble.
HW: Karissa gets 3 for bringing up Kitna’s bench warming abilities. Caroline gets 2 for mentioning that there are other factors bringing the Cowboys down this season besides the quarterback. Krystal gets 1 point.
3. Are the Miami Heat overrated after losing their season opener to the Boston Celtics?
KS: The Boston Celtics are nothing to mess with, as their bench is just as good as their starters. The Heat only have their trifecta, which can’t play the entire game; they need other players to help Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade. It’s not to say these players aren’t great, but it might take some egos getting broken to get the Heat to truly play well together.
CR: I’ve always said that the Heat’s new lineup wasn’t going to be the dream team everyone hoped. With three superstars like LeBron James Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade all crowding the court, there are going to be breakdowns like the Celtics game. On the other hand, the Heat had back-to-back wins over the 76ers and the Magic after the loss. But here’s the rub — the Celtics are one of the best teams in the NBA right now — they have team chemistry and a winning record behind them. Rajon Rondo walked all over the Heat on Tuesday. This begs the question — can they beat good teams with great chemistry? It’s always a challenge when three huge egos take the court all at once, and if James, Bosh and Wade aren’t willing to check those egos at the door and play like a team, they won’t be able to beat the great teams who are willing to do that. I won’t say they’re overrated yet, but I will say that they may be very soon, if they continue to lose against good teams. I hope they get their shit together. But hey, I was totally the one a few AtDs ago to say the Celtics were the team that would beat them...
KH: The Miami Heat is definitely overrated. Just because they have a potentially-dynamic trio of Dwayne Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh — three of the 10 best players in the league right now — they’re not necessarily going to dominate. The three are all superstars, yet it’s a team sport and it takes chemistry to turn all-stars into an all-star team. To get them to work together without focusing on shining independently is going to take a few weeks for them to master. Eventually, they should have an unbeatable force, but for now, definitely overrated.
HW: Caroline gets 3 points for mentioning that the Heat did lose to the Celtics in game one of the season, but they came back for back-to-back wins despite their huge egos. Karissa gets 2 points for saying they are overrated even though they have three of the top 10 best players in the league on the team. Krystal gets 2 also for mentioning how good the Celtics are, thus allowing the Heat to still be everything its cracked up to be as long as the egos don’t get in the way.
Caroline wins this week’s AtD, 8 - 7 - 4
(11/03/10 4:35pm)
(10/27/10 6:20pm)
(10/27/10 5:43pm)
First-time “Ref” Joshua Fidler decides the winner in Week 8. Correspondent Ken Mauss, Sports Editor Hilarey Wojtowicz, and Staff Writer Chris Rotolo have a tough decision in picking who they think will represent the NFC in the Super Bowl, what they would do as GM of the New York Mets to make them a playoff team, and how Brett Favre should be punished for his most recent scandal.
1. Who will represent the NFC in the Super Bowl?
KM: After six weeks, the NFC is more wide open than most could have imagined. The Eagles, Falcons, Bears, Giants and Saints all have above a .500 record, the Cowboys are last in the NFC East and seemingly out of it, and there are many teams at the halfway mark that have plenty of questions. The Falcons are the most complete team, but just got throttled by the Eagles. The Saints have four wins but the teams they’ve defeated are a combined 6-15 on the season and they’ve yet to look like the championship team of last year. The Giants are wildly inconsistent, and the Eagles don’t have a set quarterback. That leaves the Bears. Defense wins championships, and the Bears have allowed the least amount of points per game in the NFC at 16.2. I’ll take Brian Urlacher and the Bears in the NFC.
HW: It’s tough to say at this point in the season with there being so many teams with the same records on the board, but I’m going to have to say the Giants. They’re first in the NFC East so far this season. The Giants are ranked second in overall opposing passing yards allowed. Manning may not have been able to surpass his brother, but the team hasn’t lost to anyone in the NFC yet this season either, whereas the Falcons have lost to the Eagles, and the Eagles have lost to both the Redskins and the Packers. Brandon Jacobs has got four scores in the last three weeks, too. The Giants are bringing it hard this season, so they’ve got my spot in the Super Bowl.
CR: The Giants will represent the NFC in the Super Bowl for three reasons. First, the thunder (Brandon Jacobs) and lightning (Ahmad Bradshaw) running assault appears to be back on track now that Jacobs has accepted his reduced role and started running north/south. Second, the defense has gotten consistent pressure on various quarterback’s now that Osi Umenyiora isn’t a three-down rusher and the new scheme allows Justin Tuck, Umenyiora and Mathias Kiwanuka to rush from off the line of scrimmage. And finally, like in 2008, the Giants are flying under the radar. Nobody expects them to be in the big game which makes them dangerous and my pick to get to Arlington.
JF: I will give Chris 3 points because I also believe the Giants will be the team, and he mentions that the offense is playing good football, and that the defense has been getting to the quarterback. I will give Hilarey 2 points because she also chose the Giants. I will give Ken 1 point because although the Bears have a good defense, they can’t protect Cutler, and they have too many turnovers this year.
2. If you were the General Manager of the New York Mets, what would you do to make them a playoff team?
KM: While their two biggest rivals were battling in their respective League Championship Series, the Mets were looking for replacements at GM and Manager. The first thing the Mets should do is get rid of
Luis Castillo, Oliver Perez and Carlos Beltran. Release Perez and Castillo. It would be addition by subtraction. Beltran doesn’t want to be in Queens, and he could be a perfect fit for Boston. J.D. Drew has an expiring contract next year, and while Drew won’t match Beltran’s stats, he won’t be a negative in the locker room. Finally, get rid of Fransisco Rodriguez. His antics were unacceptable, and an embarrassment to the organization and the fan base. Throwing as much money as possible at Cliff Lee and Carl Crawford and hoping one bites won’t hurt either, but it’s a long shot either ends up in Queens. The Mets are a long way from postseason baseball.
HW: Alright, the General Manager is supposed to be making the decisions for the team. But it seems that lately co-owner and also the owner’s son, Jeff Wilpon is having more input on who the team recruits and plays then the person who should be doing that. As GM, I would get better recruiters to find the players we need to make it to the postseason. Smaller, less experienced teams, like the Rangers and the Rays who have a lower salaries, have better recruiters. We need to look to those teams to also get players like Cliff Lee or Evan Longoria, especially before we lose the opportunity to get them.
CR: The first thing I would do is get rid of all the lazy-minded ballplayers on the roster. I don’t care if you have to eat the expensive contract, Oliver Perez needs to spend the rest of his tenure out of Mets uniform and in Binghamton. I would trade Jose Reyes while anybody still thinks he’s worth anything. And Luis Castillo needs to have a severely reduced role. This team needs less “talent” and more heart. The Mets were fun to watch and even won a good amount of games when Carlos Beltran, Castillo, Perez and Reyes were injured at the same time last year. Angel Pagan developed into a legitimate starting center fielder and leadoff man Jesus Feliciano transformed into a fan favorite, and Ike Davis and Josh Thole emerged as solid young cogs in the machine. Thus, less “talent” and more heart. Oh, and sign Cliff Lee.
JF: I give Hilarey 3 points for pointing out how the Mets have not done a good job recruiting. The Mets need to draft better than they have been doing. I give Chris 2 points because he mentions that the Mets have several good young players, but I disagree with trading Jose Reyes. I give Ken one point because I don’t think getting Drew will help the Mets. J.D. Drew is a poor defensive outfielder and the Mets need good defensive outfielders to roam the vast expanses of the Citi Field outfield.
3. If found guilty, how should Brett Favre be punished for his recent scandal?
KM: The only thing Brett Favre is currently being found guilty of is embarrassment. Without Jenn Sterger or the two massage therapists who worked for the Jets coming forward against Favre, there is no case. Favre making suggestive phone calls isn’t illegal, unless Sterger had asked him to stop; which she did not. If league officials determine these actions are against the NFL’s Player Conduct Policy though, Commissioner Goodell will have to decide if he’s going to end one of the greatest streaks in sports history. Brett Favre has not committed a crime or an illegal action like Ben Roethlisberger or Michael Vick, so ultimately there is no reason for Favre to be suspended at this time, without a suit being filed by Sterger or the Jets’ employees.
HW: If Brett Favre just came clean and let the whole world know how small his package really is, then he’d be punished enough because of the humiliation. However, we can’t just let him get away with this either and keep playing. Teams have sat other players, like Michael Vick, for crimes and bad behavior and I don’t think Favre is any exception. Let him warm the bench for a little, and maybe he won’t be so desperate to get with Jenn Sterger, or any other girl for that matter, once he remembers how much he loves playing the game on the field.
CR: Favre should be punished like any other business man in a sexual harassment case. Whatever the law says that’s what the punishment should be. Professional athletes are people and our society needs to stop holding them to different standards, greater or lesser. If it’s a fine, if it’s a lawsuit, that should be the punishment. I don’t think the Vikings will fire him considering the incident occurred while the quarterback was a member of the Jets. My point is, athletes are people and when it comes to the law they should be held as accountable as any Joe on the street. Ben Roethlesberger and Braylon Edwards should be in jail, Mike Vick should still be in prison, and Plaxico Burress actually received the correct amount of prison time.
JF: I give Hilarey 3 points because although no lawsuit has been filed yet, there is still a violation of the NFL’s Player Conduct Policy, and Favre should be sat, or suspended. I give Ken 2 points for saying that there was no lawsuit. I give Chris 1 point because Favre has not broken the law unless a case is filed.
Hilarey wins this week’s AtD, 8 - 6 - 4
(10/14/10 12:43am)
In Week 7, Staff Writer Kevin Lee is “The Ref.” Staff Writer Krystal Spencer, newbie Correspondent Joshua Fidler, and Sports Assistant Brandon Gould are the players and are challenged to answer how much would they pay Cliff Lee to play for their team, who will be the best point guard for the next 10 years and who is more likely to make it to the Super Bowl, the Jets or the Ravens.
1. Cliff Lee will be one of the most coveted free agents in the coming offseason. How much would you pay Cliff Lee to play for your team and for how long, given the possible risk of signing another Barry Zito or Carlos Zambrano?
KS: Regardless of Zito and Zambrano, every player is different. If I had money like the Yankees, I would try and offer him a four-to-five-year deal for no more than $100 million. The problem is finding a team that’ll spend that kind of money for him. I highly doubt we’ll see another CC Sabathia type of signing for Lee.
JF: The problem with Cliff Lee is his age. He is 32, which is old in sports terms. There are very few pitchers who were able to repeat their past successes in their mid 30s. I would expect two to three great years from him, and after that I expect him only to be a number two or three starter. To get him I think it will take five years and a $100 million. You can compare him to both Johan Santana and CC Sabathia in terms of stats, but the reason Santana and Sabathia will get more money overall, is because they were both younger when they signed their deals. Cliff Lee is also not a flamethrower, which will help him when he eventually loses some velocity. Most flamethrowers, when they age have to reinvent themselves, Cliff Lee will still be able to pitch as he does now, with off-speed stuff and accuracy. The velocity will be the difference between a Cy Young, and him being the two or three towards the end of his deal.
BG: Cliff Lee may have not risen to the top fast or in style, but he has been consistent since he’s gotten there. There is always the risk of injury, but the way he has pitched the last few seasons – regular season and postseason combined – has been incredible. If I was faced with the decision of how much I would give Lee I think I’d model it off CC Sabathia’s contract with the New York Yankees. Lee is 32 years old, so his contract wouldn’t be as long. However, I’d give him at least $23 million a year over the span of five or six years. He’ll need to sign with a contender to be at his best, but his presence in the postseason alone would warrant such a contract.
KL: Sure Cliff Lee has done everything on the field to earn a huge contract, but as a GM would that be the wise thing to give him? I personally wouldn’t give Lee more than a four year deal because of the nature of pitchers to be hampered by injuries. Even the “durable” Johan Santana has had knee, elbow and shoulder surgeries in the first three years of his Mets career. The inherent risk of pitchers makes me hesitate to give Lee anything more than a 4 year deal, especially considering his age. Josh gets 3 points for mentioning those points, Krystal gets 2 for getting the duration/money right, and Brandon gets 1 because 23 million a year for five to six years is way too pricey for the reasons listed above.
2. The NBA season kicks off in less than a month. As fans, we have the privilege of seeing one of the best young point guard crops in quite some time. Who will be the best point guard for the next 10 years?
KS: I’m all about John Wall of the Washington Wizards. When someone’s the No. 1 draft pick and has so much hype surrounding them, they usually fizzle out or have an unimpressive rookie season. But
Wall’s success at University of Kentucky will translate, simply because of his different style of play.
JF: I think the point guard who is going to be the best over the next 10 years, is also the point guard who is the best right now, and he is Chris Paul. Paul has been averaging 10 assists per game and nearly 20 points per game for his career, and he is still getting better. If he somehow ends up on a better team, say the Knicks, I expect him to be even better and maybe even win a ring or two, which is usually the way people judge how good players were throughout their careers. Not only is he such a threat offensively, he has also been good defensively. He was named second team All-NBA Defensive team in ’08, and was first team in ’09. The only thing standing in Chris Paul’s way is his body, by which I mean injury. If healthy, Chris Paul will be the best point guard over the next 10 years.
BG: There are a lot of good point guards out there, but I think Rajon Rondo will be the best point guard of the next 10 years. Rondo came into the league with a lot of questions surrounding his play, but he has done well to correct those issues. Since Rondo has come into the league he has increased his minutes each year and shown statistical improvement during those minutes. Rondo’s points-per-game, assists-per-game and steals-per-game have gone up every year since he joined the Celtics in 2006 and he hasn’t even become the main guy yet. I think Rondo will start getting more of the pressure as Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen continue to age and I think the 24-year-old will step up to the challenge and keep producing.
KL: To me, Chris Paul is the most well rounded point guard in the NBA right now. However, I think Deron Williams isn’t too far behind in terms of the best point guard currently. In 10 years, I think Stephen Curry is one player who I think has a shot to surpass both Paul and Williams. Curry is one of the best shooters and offensive threats in the NBA, but what sets Paul and Williams apart from Curry is the passing. With that said, I’m optimistic that Curry can work on his passing skills, especially in the run and gun system that he’s in. Josh gets 3 for picking Paul. Krystal gets 2 for picking Wall. Wall will be very good, but he’s going to need time to adjust to the pro game. Brandon gets 1 because although Rondo is very good, I think he’ll never be the best because his shot and lack of an offensive game will hold him back.
3. The Ravens beat the Jets in Week one, but since then the Jets have won three straight. Both the Jets and Ravens are 3-1 heading into Week five, and both have had similar off-seasons by acquiring high profile players. Which team do you think has a better chance in winning the Super Bowl?
KS: J-E-T-S! JETS! JETS! JETS! This team has a more complete package than Baltimore as opposed to the defense-centric team from last year. LaDainian Tomlinson has their run game on lock, and Jerricho Cotchery/Braylon Edwards have combined for 4 TDs in their first four games. Besides, the Jets have an easier schedule this year for non-AFC matchups.
JF: I think the Ravens have a better chance at winning the Super Bowl. I think the Ravens have a better offense. Quarterback Joe Flacco can be considered in the top-10 best QB’s in the league. He also has numerous weapons, which include Anquan Boldin, TJ Houshmandzadeh and Ray Rice. Anquan Boldin is one of the top receivers in the game, and Ray Rice is one of the best all around backs in the game. Some may say the Jets are better with the re-emergence of LaDainian Tomlinson, but at his age I don’t think he will sustain this attack the entire year. I do think that the Jets have a slightly better defense, but have a big question mark with Darrelle Revis and his hamstring. Ray Lewis and the Ravens will also have Ed Reed back soon, who when healthy is arguably one of the best safeties in the game. With Lewis and Reed back together, their defense may only be second to the Jets. The gap in the offense is big enough to make up for the fact that Jet’s defense is a little better, which is why I think the Ravens have a better shot.
BG: I’m biased because I am a New York Jet fan, but I think the Jets have the better chance to make it to the Super Bowl. I attended the Monday night opener and I can tell you that the lack of production from Mark Sanchez and the Jets offense was the main reason they lost 10-9 – any type of offensive drive would have given the Jets the win. That anemic offense must have taken a dose of steroids or something since then because they’ve been on fire. Sanchez has been exactly what we thought he would be after last year’s playoff run and the scary part is that Santonio Holmes hasn’t even played yet and Shonn Greene is in a slump. Once the offense gets into full gear the Jets will be tough for anyone to stop.
KL: I personally think the Jets are better than the Ravens because their offense has become so much more reliable in the past few weeks. Even if LaDainian Tomlinson can’t sustain his production throughout the season, the Jets still have Shonn Greene. Brandon gets 3 for picking the Jets and for backing his opinion up with more than his Jets Bias. Josh gets 2 because although he had great reasons why the Ravens are better, he didn’t sell me as to why the Jets can’t sustain their offensive production. Krystal gets 2 for having a solid argument.
Josh wins this week’s AtD, 8 - 6 - 5
(10/14/10 12:05am)
The College’s and the Ewing community hosted the College’s annual “Community Fest” Saturday Oct. 9 in lot 5. The event featured vendors crafters and foods and was open to residents of Ewing and students at the College. Inflatable obstacle courses and rock climbing were among two of the attractions at the event.
(10/06/10 7:12pm)
Students were asked to contribute photos to The Signal from Homecoming celebrations this past weekend - these photos featured were submitted by students and taken by Tom O'Dell, Photo Editor.
(10/06/10 6:22pm)
(10/06/10 6:05pm)
Editor-in-Chief Bobby Olivier gets creative as “The Ref” in Week Six of Around the Dorm. Correspondents Kevin Lee and Josh Steele, and Managing Editor Caroline Russomanno act as the players and are challenged to answer whether it will be the Yankees or the Phillies who make it to the World Series this year, what will it take for LeBron James to be loved by fans again and who has the best facial hair in the MLB this season.
1. Both the Phillies and Yankees clinched playoff spots this past week. Which team has a better chance of making it back to the World Series?
KL: The flexibility of the MLB postseason schedule gives teams the ability to shorten their pitching staffs to three starters. This would be highly advantageous for the Phillies considering that they have three legitimate aces in Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels. Furthermore, the Phillies will be playing against weaker competition in the NL, whereas the Yankees will most likely have to face the Rays (8-10 regular season record against them). Even if the Yankees have the option of shortening their rotation to three starters, they don’t have much backing up CC Sabathia. In addition, if the Yankees do not win the AL East, they will not have home field advantage in any of their playoff matchups. However, the Phillies will most likely have the best record going into the playoffs, giving them home field throughout. I fully expect the Phillies to be making their third world series appearance in a row, barring any significant injuries.
JS: I would have to go with the Phillies. Starting pitching plays a major role in determining who advances in the playoffs. This is clearly where the Phillies have an edge over every other team. This factor combined with the resurgence of the Philadelphia offense and the fact that the whole team is finally healthy definitely gives them an advantage. Not to say that the Yankees are not capable of flipping the switch and powering themselves to the World Series again, but I think Philadelphia has a much better chance.
CR: I’m one of those people both hoping for and dreading a rematch. I think both teams have a good chance to make it to the World Series, but if I had to pick one, I’ll stick with my Yankees, as predictable as that may be. Simply put, the Yankees come alive in October like no other team. While I think it will be easier for the Phillies to make it due to the teams they’re playing (if Atlanta makes it, we all know Bobby Cox implodes in the postseason, and while the Giants have some of the best pitchers in baseball, so do the Phils), I think the Yankees have a better chance. Why? Because they have the most experience of any team in the postseason and the best winning percentage in the postseason with .602. They’ve been in the World Series seven times in the last 16 years. The Phillies have only been twice in that same time. I know the Phillies had a great record in September and the Yankees fell apart a little, but the numbers speak for themselves — the Yankees have a little more in them in October — more omph in their step, more power in their bats and more nasty in their pitches. After all, they had Mr. October AND have Mr. November …
BO: Kevin gets 3 points here for mentioning that the Yankees will have to go through the Rays to get to the World Series – a difficult task. Carrie, even though I don’t agree with everything you said, you still made a thorough argument – 2 points. Sorry Josh, not enough to support your answer – 1.
2. The Miami Heat began camp this past week, and it is time for LeBron to put up or shut up after becoming one of the most hated figures in basketball this offseason. What will it take for LeBron to win back America’s hearts? A ring? More? Less?
KL: To win back America’s hearts, LeBron will need a time machine to change this past offseason. I’m not saying that LeBron doesn’t have the right to choose what team he wants to play for, but it was his
antics that infuriated everyone. All the shenanigans leading up to his “Decision” was childish. There was no professionalism in the way LeBron carried himself, especially when Cavs owner Dan Gilbert had to find out LeBron’s decision over national television. Not only did LeBron lack professionalism, but also he was egotistical. I’m sure LeBron loved every billboard of himself, every Family Guy cartoon made about him and every time he heard his name on ESPN. Personally, I don’t think an NBA ring will repair his image. Instead, I think that if LeBron wins, people will be angrier because it’s safe to say that in many people’s eyes the Lex Luther of the NBA will have prevailed.
JS: Typically I would say that he would have to average a triple-double and win a ring while taking the MVP award for both the regular season and finals. But I believe this situation is slightly different for two reasons. First, the bar has been set so high for LeBron that anything less than greatness is failing. Secondly and most importantly, greatness is measured in rings. No matter how many titles this group goes onto win, Wade will always have one more ring than LeBron, making it impossible for LeBron to achieve greatness and in turn win back America.
CR: I don’t think LeBron James will ever truly win back America’s hearts. Why? Because of all this stuff about how the backlash from “The Decision” was racial. Really, LeBron? Really? You’re going to play the race card? In an interview for CNN, James said, “It’s always, you know, a race factor.” This was in response to a question about race being part of the reason why his popularity has declined so much. I personally think America has grown tired of everyone — including every nationality — always blaming race. No, it’s not because you’re black, LeBron. Shaquille O’Neal has played for half the NBA and no one ever even cared. Because he has class. You insulted the people of Cleveland, and you tricked the nation. People dislike you because you dealt with this move in an immature way. Will a ring help his image? Maybe. Winning does heal many wounds. But I don’t know if Americans, who KNOW it isn’t race that has them pissed off at James, will be able to forgive him, especially now.
BO: You all pretty much said he will never win back America’s hearts, but I like Carrie’s take on the race card – 3 points. Kevin gets 2 points for calling LeBron the Lex Luther of the NBA. Josh, again, too little, too late – 1.
3. Players like Jayson Werth and Brian Wilson are always complimented, or at least recognized by their facial hair. Who has the best facial hair in baseball right now?
KL: Carl Pavano has the best facial hair. If Pavano were to wear a green shirt, blue overalls and a green hat, he would easily be a real-life Luigi. Let’s just hope that Pavano doesn’t sign with the Athletics or else I’d actually think that I’m watching a Super Smash Bros. game. Also, how many other players have their own Facebook page dedicated to their mustache? That’s right, “Carl Pavano’s Mustache” Facebook page has over 2,300 members. Clearly, Pavano’s mustache is the best because he’s not only getting compliments from his barber, but he’s also getting compliments from his teammates when he takes the mound. Ever since he has tried out the new mustache, he has been able to stay on the field, while compiling one of his best seasons statistically.
JS: This is a tough one. After much debate I have concluded that Jayson Werth is the clear-cut winner. Not only do I respect his choice of facial hair now but he has proven that he can rock many different styles in the past while still looking sharp. Hopefully for his sake, his new look will help his team do better in the playoffs this year than they did last year.
CR: Right now? Darn. I wish I could invoke Johnny Damon a la 2004 or Goose Gossage with that huge handlebar. But since I have to pick currently, I’ll go with the entire (or most of) the Blue Jays on Sept. 29 when they played the Yankees on Cito Gaston night. The fact that most of the team used lampblack to paint on the Jay’s manager’s famous ’stache was a great tribute, and for a few innings (since most took it off after their first at-bat), the Jays were rocking slighty crooked, badly done fake mustaches that meant a whole lot to one man. They definitely get the prize for the most meaningful whiskers.
BO: Kevin gets the 3 points here, and the win for making me laugh out loud imagining Carl Pavano as Luigi. Carrie, I like the sentimental touch – 2 points. Josh, I agree that Jayson Werth’s facial hair is awesome, but he does teeter on the edge between baseball player and looking like a heroin addict – 1 point.
Kevin wins this week’s AtD, 8 - 7 - 3
(09/29/10 5:43pm)
In Week Five of Around the Dorm, Staff Writer Chris Rotolo is “The Ref.” The players, Staff Writer Krystal Spencer, Editor-in-Chief Bobby Olivier and Sports Editor Hilarey Wojtowicz, are asked whether it was right to force Reggie Bush to forfeit his Heisman Trophy, which team’s start to the 2010 season, the Buccaneers or the Cowboys, will prove to be more of a fluke, and whether Don Mattingly is the right fit as L.A. Dodgers manager.
1. The hits keep on coming for Reggie Bush. Last week the USC standout relinquished his 2005 Heisman Trophy for breaking NCAA Rules and Regulations only to suffer a fractured fibula on Monday night which will keep him off the field for the next 4-6 weeks at best. But focusing on the former, should Bush have been forced to forfeit his Heisman Trophy?
KS: I know I said in a previous AtD they should have just left him alone, but this was the only way the situation would be “settled.” He knew he was breaking the rules, and for him to think that it wouldn’t catch up to him was silly. But let’s face it, it’s not like Reggie Bush really cares. He’s still making millions, and based on any of his quotes to the press, he doesn’t think he did anything wrong. Still, I find his six-week injury hilarious and only solidifies his place in the top infamous athletes of this year.
BO: I asked a very similar question two weeks ago in AtD, and was not sure what I would have said if I was to answer it. After having some time to think about it, I do think Reggie Bush should have been forced to forfeit it, as the trophy does in fact represent more than just on-field behavior. Many will say that it does not, but unofficially, it does stand for a gold standard that players strive to achieve. Either way, nothing will erase Bush’s electric plays at USC, and although he no longer gets the prestige of returning to the ceremony every year, he still can rest easy in memories of running past defensive backs and hurdling linebackers.
HW: It’s hard not to say that the Heisman is a trophy that is based only on on-field performance, but it technically is. Reggie Bush shouldn’t have been forced to give up the trophy, the fact is he should have just given up the trophy on his own, knowing it was the respectable thing to do. He’s already facing consequences now with this injury, so it just goes to show that karma caught up to him in the end anyway. I’m not saying he didn’t do anything wrong, but he earned his Heisman because of his football skills, not because of his amazing judgment and character off the field.
CR: Bobby gets three points for essentially saying that although Bush will not be the Heisman winner on paper, he will remain as such in everyone’s mind. Krystal receives 2 and Hilarey 1.
2. At the end of the season which team’s start will prove to be more of a fluke, the Cowboys at 0-2, or The Buccaneers at 2-0?
KS: Neither! Both of these teams look on track this season. If Dallas can’t win the games against the “easy” teams like Chicago, they’ll get torn apart by the Vikings, Colts and Saints. Not to mention that
they’re in the NFC East, the toughest division in the NFL. On the other hand, Tampa Bay not only has an easier schedule/division (even with the Saints), but they just look like a better overall team this year (with the exception of their run game. I expect them to have a much better season than Dallas.
BO: The Buccaneers are 2-0 after beating the Browns and Panthers. The Cowboys have played, and lost to the Redskins and Bears. That should be your answer, but to elaborate, the Bucs haven’t beaten anyone yet and the Cowboys lost to two decent teams on the upswing, so the fluke is in Florida. The Cowboys have too much talent not to pull things together, and even if they continue to lose, Jerry Jones will simply perform a team-wide euthanasia, build robots, pay them too much money and put them on the field. Tampa hasn’t convinced me of any real promise yet, and I do not believe in Josh Freeman one bit. Sorry.
HW: The Cowboys lost to the Redskins and the Bears. The Buccaneers beat the Panthers and the Browns. I don’t think the Buccaneers can keep this up the whole season, so their start will definitely be a fluke. The Cowboys have the power to turn it around. I mean, when have the Buccaneers ever had that great of a season anyway (besides the 2002 Super Bowl)? Tampa Bay may have an easier schedule this season, but they still have to take on the Saints. The Cowboys know what they have to do in order to get back to a winning season, especially when they are in the NFC East, a tough division as it is.
CR: Bobby grabs the trifecta for explaining the obvious and ripping on the Cowboys. I like Krystal’s answer, but the NFC East has dropped off immensely and the Cowboys should rebound. Hilarey gets the last one.
3. Joe Torre is stepping down as the manger of the L.A. Dodgers and the hole is being filled by former New York Yankee’s captain Don Mattingly. Is he the right man for the job, or should L.A. have gone in another direction?
KS: While it might be unsettling at first that Mattingly never actually appeared in a World Series during his own playing career, he still knows the game and is one of the most famous players for the Yankees. Plus, I’m glad he was able to finally take the top spot after being skipped over by his former for Girardi three years ago. Who knows, maybe he’s exactly what the Dodgers need to capture the NL title and make it to the World Series next year. Maybe. Oh, and did I mention his nickname is “The Hit Man”? ’Nough said.
BO: I do believe that Mattingly is ready to manage. He was always a smart baseball player during his time in the league, and he has now spent plenty of time as a coach in both New York and L.A., so pressure should not be a problem. I may have a small doubt about his ability to handle pitchers, because he has been on the hitting side of the game for so long, but as a Yankees fan, Donnie Baseball always has a place in my heart, and I do believe his baseball IQ is high enough to overcome that problem. He may have to come out of retirement and hit, though. The Dodgers could use another bat.
HW: The Dodgers seem to like the Yankees a lot, first with Joe Torre and now with Don Mattingly. Now that Torre is gone, Mattingly is a good fit to take over. He knows the game well and can continue to help the Dodgers move towards a title. Mattingly will definitely get the Dodgers hitting, too. “The Hit Man” will get the bats swinging in order to get the runs they need to win. Mattingly was no joke when he played for the Yankees and I think he’ll show the Dodgers a thing or two about baseball that they’ve been missing.
CR: Bobby sweeps it. Mattingly was a smart ballplayer, one of the best offensive players in the game, and even better with the glove. Donnie Baseball can definitely teach two-thirds of the game but I’m skeptical that he can work with a pitching staff. Hilarey gets two points and Krystal takes the final.
Bobby wins this week’s AtD, 9 - 5 - 4
(09/29/10 5:33pm)
The College Union Board has added Plain White T’s to the fall concert schedule for Nov. 20 in Kendall Hall main stage. The band, of “Hey There Delilah” fame, will open for All Time Low. Another opening act is to be determined.
(09/29/10 5:03pm)
Alpha Epsilon Pi, the College’s Jewish fraternity, hosted its annual car smash, held outside the Brower Student Center from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m last Thursday Sept. 23. Students were given the opportunity to take a swing at an old car with a sledge hammer. According to Ian M. Kahane, president of AEPi, the event raised $455. The proceeds went to several organizations, including Sharsheret, an organization that links young Jewish women together in their fight against breast cancer.
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President R. Barbara Gitenstein and executives from the Student Government Association, Student Affairs and Sodexo spoke at the grand opening of the newly renovated Eickhoff Dining Hall on Sept. 15. All four engaged in a ceremonial hoagie-cutting.
(09/22/10 5:49pm)
In Week Four of Around the Dorm, Correspondent Josh Steele is “The Ref.” The players, Sports Assistant Brandon Gould, Staff Writer Chris Rotolo and Correspondent Kevin Lee, are asked which NFL team will stay undefeated the longest, who will sneak into the wild card spot in both the AL and NL, and how long will it take Kevin Durant to get on Kobe, LeBron and Wade’s level.
1. In 2009 the Colts opened the season with 14 straight wins. Which team will stay undefeated the longest and how long can they make it last?
BG: After attending the Jets-Ravens game on Sept. 13, I would have to say the Baltimore Ravens will stay unbeaten the longest this season. The Jets offense was terrible against the Ravens and part of that is because the Jets just weren’t on their game, but the Ravens deserve a lot of credit for that. The defense is consistently strong and will only get better when Ed Reed returns. The scary part is that the offense is also going to be a strength for this team. Once Joe Flacco gets comfortable using all the weapons the Ravens have gotten for him this offseason – Anquan Boldin and T.J. Houshmandzadeh to name a few – it’s just not going to be fair. They might slip up on the way, but I see the Ravens going 12-0 before losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers, who will have Ben Roethlisberger the second time around.
CR: The New Orleans Saints will remain unbeaten until at least week 15 when the Saints go to Baltimore, possibly the only team that can match up defensively with Drew Brees and company. The Saint are one of the best teams in the NFL playing in the worst division in the game. Between now and week 15 New Orleans will collect five divisional wins against the dismal Panthers, Buccaneers and Falcons, as well as non-divisional victories over the Rams, Cardinals, Browns, Seahawks and Bengals. Yes, the Saints will go to Dallas but that franchise is so blinded by all the pretty lights in the new stadium that it forgot to field a team that can beat Washington. New Orleans will also take on Pittsburgh at home, another storied franchise in shambles, that can’t cover all the Saint’s weapons, nor scored on the New Orleans’ team defense. None of these matchups scare me. My money is on the Saints.
KL: The New Orleans Saints will stay unbeaten the longest. Any game the Saints play with Drew Brees as quarterback gives the Saints a chance to compete, regardless of who they are playing. Last year, the Saints scored 31.9 points per game, which was first in the NFL. For the most part, the Saints have the same team offensively, but much improved. The improvements start with Pierre Thomas who is a breakout candidate this season and who can establish the run for the Saints. Reggie Bush is one the most dynamic and fastest players in the NFL who can receive, rush and return punts. Drew Brees has plenty of receivers to throw to since most of his targets are back this year, led by Marques Colston. Offensively, the Saints look more than great. However, the big question with the Saints is their defense as it ranked 20th last season. Week 1 showed people that the Saints have the ability to become a good team defensively, as they were able to hold a very good Vikings team to nine points. In addition, the Saints do have lockdown defensive players in Tracy Porter and Will Smith, to name a few. Looking at the Saints’ schedule, I think they can easily win their first 11 games, potentially losing in Week 12 to the Cowboys
JS: Kevin and Chris were both wise enough to pick the Saints. But Chris gets the 3 points since he has them staying unbeaten until week 15 and Kevin gets 2 points for having the Saints making it to at least week 12. Brandon gets 1 point, although the Ravens are great defensively, they will often have trouble scoring this season and will not stay unbeaten very long.
2. With less than 20 games left on the MLB schedule, who do you see either sneaking in or hanging onto that wild card spot in both the AL and NL?
BG: The American League playoff race is pretty much in the bag. The only debate is whether the Yankees or the Rays will win the AL East or the Wild Card. The National League is in a completely different situation. The NL West and the Wild Card are completely open for the taking at this point. The Braves were the feel-good story for most of the season, but it seems they’ve run out of gas. Chipper Jones is out for
the season and the fans aren’t showing up for games. The Padres have the best bullpen in baseball and Matt Latos is a stud, but they’ve hit a rough patch at the worst time of the season. With those two teams struggling, I see the Rockies sneaking in at either one of those spots. The Rockies have done this type of thing before and with Troy Tulowitzki, Carlos Gonzalez and Ubaldo Jimenez carrying this team anything is possible.
CR: I see the Yankees taking the Wild Card and as a fan of the team it’s tough to admit this but, like many teams coming off a championship, the bombers do not seem to have the same fire, or hunger to overcome the Rays. Tampa is fighting like I’ve never seen them before. The Rays believe New York can be beaten and proved it this past week. In his last start David Price pitched with a swagger never before seen and almost willed his team to that extra inning victory. Tampa isn’t afraid of the Yankees anymore and that team will take the division. In the NL, I believe the Rockies will take the wild card. This is a team with “young-veterans” in the sense that its best players are youthful and have been in Colorado since this team has developed into a playoff contender. Jimenez, Tulowitzki, Clint Barmes, Ian Stewart and don’t forget about Todd Helton, these guys know how to win in September with playoff hopes on the line. These guys were in a world series a couple of years ago. This team has the experience and talent to take the wild card and possibly steal the division from San Francisco next weekend.
KL: In the AL, the wild card will come down to either the Yankees or the Rays with the other winning the division. The Rays will win the division because they face the Mariners, Orioles and Royals to finish off the final nine games of their season. On the other hand, the Yankees play the Red Sox twice and the Blue Jays once for their final nine games of their season. In addition, I believe the Rays are a better team regardless of schedule. The Rays have five very good starters in their rotation right now, and a sixth in Jeremy Hellickson, if a starter gets hurt or if a starter needs rest. Aside from Sabathia, the Yankees really do not have much. Burnett and Vasquez have struggled throughout most of the year, Hughes is being limited for the playoffs, Nova has pitched more than six innings once, and Pettitte is returning from injury. In the NL, the Giants will win the wild card. The Giants, like the Rays, also have a much easier final set of games than the Braves and the Rockies. Lincecum and Cain lead the Giants pitching staff, but it does not thin out from there; Zito, Sanchez and Bumgarner are more than just “rotation fillers.” Furthermore, rookie Buster Posey has sparked the Giants offense and has given the Giants a legitimate offensive threat they have not had in some time.
JS: As everyone is in agreement as to how things in the AL will play out, I’ll have to go purely by the NL. Chris gets 3 points for providing the best argument for the Rockies. Brandon gets 2 points for providing a good overview of all of the NL teams and Kevin gets 1 point because if the Giants have the easiest schedule they will win the division, not the wild card.
3. Last weekend Team USA and Kevin Durant dominated the FIBA World Championships in Turkey. Durant shattered the record for points in the tournament with 205. How much longer will it be before people include him in the same class as Kobe, LeBron and Wade?
BG: After last season I think you’d have to put Kevin Durant’s offensive ability up there with anyone else in the league – he led the NBA with 30.1 points-per-game. However, the difference between Durant and those other players is that they play good defense. Kobe Bryant is seen as the best player in the game not only because he scores a lot of points and can make a clutch shot, but also because he can limit the
points scored by the other team’s top players. Durant is young and his time will come, but his rise to superstardom and the rise of the Oklahoma City Thunder will come down to Durant’s willingness to improve the defensive part of his game
CR: I already do, but others will not because of the market he plays in. Oklahoma City is not L.A. or Miami. Although Durant may put up the same, or some cases better, numbers than the three guys mentioned, he isn’t going to get a Most Valuable Puppet commercial on ESPN. Oklahoma City is not a basketball town. Those people love their college football, but professional basketball is not their cup of tea. If it was, there wouldn’t have had to rob Seattle’s franchise. So to answer the question, Kevin Durant will be viewed as a superstar on the level of Lebron, Kobe, and D-Wade when he sells out and signs a free agent contact in New York or Chicago.
KL: In my opinion, Durant is in the same aforementioned class of Kobe, LeBron and Wade right now. Durant is just as talented as Kobe, LeBron and Wade in every facet of the game. Specifically, Durant’s offensive game, which has taken enormous strides each year. His points per game has risen each year since his rookie season, starting with 20.3 ppg, 25.3 ppg, and a league leading 30.2 ppg, last year. As mentioned before, Durant will become that “superstar” once people start paying more attention to the Thunder, which seems to be sooner rather than later.
JS: Brandon gets 3 points for acknowledging the fact that defense is just as important as offense when it comes to being a superstar. Kevin and Chris both argued the same general point but Kevin gave a much more complete answer so he gets 2 points and Chris gets 1 point. So after three questions the score is Chris 7, Brandon 6 and Kevin 5. Chris takes this week’s AtD.
Chris wins this week’s AtD, 7 - 6 - 5
(09/16/10 9:05pm)
The College Union Board has announced that pop-punk band All Time Low will perform at the College’s fall concert on Nov. 20. A location and opening acts are to be determined.
(09/16/10 8:32pm)
In Week Three of Around the Dorm, Editor-in-Chief Bobby Olivier is “The Ref.” The players, Sports Assistant Brandon Gould, Correspondent Josh Steele and Staff Writer Krystal Spencer, are asked whether the Phillies will continue to lead and win the division, if Reggie Bush’s Heisman trophy should be taken away and whether the Redskins should keep Albert Haynesworth or dump him.
1.The Philadelphia Phillies took over sole possession of first place last Tuesday, for the first time since late May. Will the Phillies hold on and win the division, or will the Braves reclaim what has been their’s all season?
BG: The Braves and the Phillies have controlled this division for the last decade, so it is no surprise that it will come down to these two teams again in 2010. The Braves had been playing their tails off in Bobby Cox’s final season, but recently they have lost steam. The Phillies have wasted no time during the Braves’ cold streak and finally seem to be healthy. It’s a tough call, but if I had to pick today I’d go with the Phillies. Charlie Manuel’s team has just been the better team in the last few years — making it to the last two World Series — and with Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt and a hot Cole Hamels I don’t see the Phillies giving the division lead back.
JS: The Phillies will without a doubt finish in first and wind up winning the division this year. Charlie Manuel’s teams have always come on strong in the second half of the season and this year is no exception. They are 33-14 since July 21, which is the best in the league. They have just gotten fully healthy for the first time since opening day and their offense is finally starting to live up to the hype, having hit .288 and averaged just under 6 runs over their last 10 games. This, in combination with Halladay, Hamels and Oswalt as the best starting rotation in the league, shows that the Phillies won’t look back.
KS: The Phillies better hold on! They have the best rotation in the NL, possibly even the best in the entire league. It’s poor timing for Atlanta to lose the lead, because the Phillies have picked up their second wind and have the personnel to hold on to first. It’ll be interesting to see how the Braves try to fight the pitching trio of Hamels, Halladay and Oswalt in their three day series next week, regardless of how all of their other games during the regular season go. And I’ll even go as far to say that I wouldn’t be surprised if the better team of this 3-day match up went to the World Series. These teams are just that good.
BO: No one has faith in the Braves? Ok, well Josh gets 3 here for giving me the most legitimate argument — the plague of injuries has ended. I like what Krystal said about the three-game match-up — 2 for you. Brandon, you had the weakest answer, here’s a point for your troubles.
2. No decision has come yet regarding the status of Reggie Bush’s Heisman Trophy. Analysts are divided on whether the running back should keep the prestigious award. Should it be taken away or is that going too far?
BG: USC has already given their version of the trophy back and I can understand why you would ask for Reggie Bush to return his Heisman Trophy, but I don’t think taking it away from him is going to make
an impact. Sure, he’d be the first player to have it taken away, but that’s not going to erase people’s memory of what Bush did that season. Bush played like a man possessed for the Trojans that year and whether he has the trophy or not won’t change the fact that Bush ran through, around or right past any defender that dared try to tackle him. The record books may show a void for the 2005 Heisman winner, but those who witnessed it will always remember that was Bush’s year.
JS: According to the official Heisman website mission statement, “The Heisman Memorial Trophy annually recognizes the outstanding college football player whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity. Winners epitomize great ability combined with diligence, perseverance, and hard work.” This describes purely on the field performance and nothing to do with what Bush did off the field. That being said he definitely deserves to keep the award due to his consistent level of outstanding play on the gridiron. Since taking money does not affect his performance, he should not be stripped of a performance award.
KS: Let him keep the trophy the man obviously earned it. If the proper channels knew he was ineligible in 2005, why didn’t they bring it up sooner? Five long years have passed. The Olympics didn’t take away Michael Phelps’ eight gold medals once he was seen smoking marijuana, did they? Bush and Phelps didn’t prove their skills during their downtime. Sure they made mistakes, but for a governing body to try and fix the error years later to save face is irresponsible. Besides, he has bigger concerns, like defending his Super Bowl title with the Saints. Just put the asterisk next to his name, brand the trophy and move on.
BO: Krystal, although Michael Phelps was a different situation, I like your answer the best anyway — 3 points. Brandon, I agree that no one will forget that season no matter what the books say — 2 points. Josh, I disagree. “The pursuit of excellence and integrity,” does not just mean on the field, in my opinion — 1 point.
3. Albert Haynesworth has been nothing but a headache for the Redskins since he was signed to a monster contract last season. Mike Shanahan still had him on the team for Week One. Should the Skins stick with this guy or dump him?
BG: Mike Shanahan has been hard on Albert Haynesworth since day one and Big Al hasn’t exactly responded well to it. Add in the fact that Haynesworth is better suited for the 4-3 than he is for the 3-4 and you have yourself one big 100 million dollar mess. Frankly, I think both sides would be better off if Haynesworth was traded somewhere before the season starts. Haynesworth played his best football in 2008 right before he became a free agent, so it wasn’t a shocker to see his numbers drop in 2009. However, the big numbers in 2008 did lead to the Redskins overpaying Haynesworth, which is making him hard to trade at this point. However, if a team, like the Titans or the Lions, gets more serious about acquiring the 6-foot-6-inch, 335-pound defensive tackle I think the Redskins should pull the trigger.
JS: Albert Haynesworth may be a headache but his effort will undoubtedly turn around. Haynesworth is someone who is a clear difference maker when motivated properly and nothing motivates a man more than losing and having the rest of the team look at you in the locker room because you could have made a difference but chose not to. Being that the Redskins paid Haynesworth $100 million plus a $21 million bonus to perform they cannot afford to admit defeat and release him or trade him or basically anything. The Redskins will greatly rely on the excellent leadership of Donovan McNabb to reignite the fire in Haynesworth that we saw when he was on the Titans where he was dominating people in the trenches.
KS: Drop him! While the Redskins can’t really afford to lose him, his lack of physical fitness makes him useless at nose tackle, especially in a 3-4 defense where that position is crucial. And Shanahan’s stance on not giving Haynesworth any kind of special treatment is justified. Star players like him, Revis and even Favre don’t deserve a pass for missing preseasons on their respective teams. Then again, Revis and Favre can perform, whereas Haynesworth can barely pass a physical. So if he would rather get into a media war with his team, then he obviously can’t be depended upon and needs to be let go.
BO: I have to go with Brandon’s answer on this one. Haynesworth is clearly overpaid and he seems to need a change of scenery. Josh, I am not sure if he can be motivated at this point by anyone, and the Redskins might be stuck with him — 2 points. Krystal, keep Revis and Favre out of this — 1 point.
Uh oh, we have a problem. The score is 6-6-6 after three questions! I am randomly assigning each of you three numbers in the sequence 1-9, and I will have an unbiased party (one of my housemates) pick a number to decide. Be right back … a few minutes later … My housemate picked No. 5, which was assigned to Josh!
Josh wins this week’s AtD, 7 - 6 - 6
(09/16/10 7:33pm)
The College’s Student Government Association remembered the events of Sept. 11, 2001 last week by setting up a display in the Student Center Atrium. Students could take a free pin to wear during the week and write letters to troops. A flag waved over the table with the words, “We Remember...” emblazoned on it.
The Signal Staff Remembers
I live in a really, really rural part of New Jersey. When I heard about the at- tacks on the World Trade Center in the hallway of my middle school, my sixth- grade self didn’t make the connection that the twin towers and World Trade Center were interchangeable. I’d never been to the city. I also didn’t realize that I should be concerned for my uncle, who worked in part of the World Trade Center, just not the towers. He was ok, luckily, but I know it was a frightening day for my aunt, my mother and my grandparents.
— Katie Brenzel
Nine years ago, I remember being in my seventh grade English class when the attacks on the World Trade Center occurred. I’ve heard stories that many students weren’t notified until hours later about what happened, but our teacher turned on the television in the room and we were allowed to watch. Throughout the day, all my classes just blurred together. No one was paying attention to school. Everyone was just talking amongst themselves about what happened in NewYork. Myschoolevengaveusthedayoffthenextdaysowecouldbewith our families and friends.
— Jeffrey Roman
I was just a few days into the fifth grade. I remember hearing at school that something had happened, but it wasn’t until I got home that I found out what. My mom told me, and I was saddened and scared, but mostly shocked. At 10, I couldn’t grasp why or how anyone could be so indescribably heartless. Today, I understand what happened a little more clearly, but the shock remains.
— Juliana Fidler
Although I didn’t know it at the time, I was in class ironically learning about American history when the first plane hit the World Trade Center. I remember throughout the course of the day students began mysteriously disappearing from class as concerned parents pulled them out of school. During recess, we were told that we couldn’t go outside because there were bees and it could be dangerous. Needless to say I felt blindsided when I got home from school that day.
— Todd Petty
I was in sixth grade in 2001 — 11-year-olds had to wait until they got home to find out what happened. Kids who, like my youngest cousins, either weren’t born yet or don’t remember it, will have to wait even longer to really grasp what 9/11 was — and even then, they’ll never know it the way we do. Having seen it on TV and in the papers, our generation has the unfortunate distinction of knowing what it’s like to watch a tragedy unfold.
— Matt Huston
This past Saturday, I searched Google to try and locate information about national moment of silence for the horrors of Sept. 11. I did not find anything concrete, so around 2 p.m., I stood up in my room, bowed my head and had my own little memorial for those who have been affected directly or indirectly by such senseless acts of absolute hate. I try to take a minute or two each year and reflect on my memories of the day — the news broadcasts, the hearsay and my mother waiting at the bus stop to explain what happened.
— Bobby Olivier
All I felt was a sense of mild confusion when I saw the expression on my teacher’s face change from happy to alarmed to grim as an aid whispered into her ear during the middle of a lecture. One boy in my school lost his dad and when I came home the news was on and my dad’s face was fixated on the screen. He told me this was going to change our world, and he was right. 9/11 has changed us in the biggest and littlest ways. Who doesn’t shudder a little inside after checking the clock and seeing that the time reads “9:11”?
— Laura Herzog
I was learning how to mulitpy fractions in seventh grade when the world changed forever. When my teacher told us that something had happened in New York, but not to worry, I innocently raised my hand and asked, “But not near the World Trade Center, right? That’s where my dad works.” I will always remem- ber the broken look she gave me — it changed my perception of the world for- ever. My uncle tore all of the muscles in his knee running down the stairs in the second tower — many of the co-workers he couldn’t convince to leave died that day. And whenever his knee hurts him, he always says, “That’s what reminds me that the world has changed.”
— Caroline Russomanno
(09/16/10 7:23pm)