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(04/10/12 4:38am)
Senior political science major and Student Government president Olaniyi Solebo spoke at the tearing down of ‘Writings on the Wall’ on Friday, April 6 outside the Brower Student Center.
Students wrote discriminatory words and phrases that they have been called on the wall. A hoodie and a bag of Skittles were also hung on the wall to symbolize the alleged racial profiling of Trayvon Martin.
The wall was torn down during a ceremony, and students were given pieces of the wall to keep.
(04/04/12 3:34pm)
Though it’s a little bit late, Signal editors share their personal favorite pranks for April Fool’s Day. Who cares if it’s after the holiday? No one will expect any of these things coming their way.
Years ago, a good friend of mine wrapped her arm up in bandages and put it in a sling. She went through the entire school day getting pity and not doing any written work (because it was her writing arm in the sling). She even got out of gym class. Needless to say, everyone was shocked when she tore it off at the end of the day and shouted “April Fools!” Of course, the best part was that April Fool’s Day was still a month away.
– Brianna Gunter, Editor-in-Chief
I would go ahead and place Saran wrap delicately about the toilet bowl very early in the morning, when your roommate goes to relieve themself they will be mindblown by the forcefield deflecting their urine back at them.
– Brendan McGrath, Features Editor
For April Fool’s Day this year, I kept my prank simple yet effective. After visiting several jewelry stores and quickly learning that trying on engagement rings and taking pictures of them is not allowed, I settled with a cheap cubic zirconia ring. On the morning of April Fool’s Day, I placed the fake ring on my ring finger, took a picture with my phone, uploaded it to Facebook with the caption, “!!!” and let the comments fly. Twenty-one comments, 25 likes and countless calls and texts later, I would say that my prank was a success.
– Kelly Johnson, News Editor
Every year I would stick a bandage horizontally across the faucet in the bathroom, so that when it turned on, the water would shoot out of the sides and splash whoever used it. Almost every time my dad would forget the prank from the year before, and water would land right on the front of his pants.
– Jamie Primeau, Managing Editor
I think a great prank would be starting one of those celebrity death rumors on Twitter. I mean, the world could do without Miley Cyrus, right? Or maybe make it more believable and kill off Lindsay Lohan.
– Alex Wolfe, Sports Editor
(04/04/12 12:35am)
Once again, the College had a taste of fire and brimstone outside the Brower Student Center. Shawn Holes of the Luke 10:2 Ministry paid another visit on Wednesday, March 28. His last visit was in early February.
Calling out his Evangelist beliefs, Holes held some heated discussions with students as Campus Police officers cautiously monitored his demonstration.
(04/04/12 12:23am)
In response to the recent shooting of Florida teenager Trayvon Martin, Joseph Camiolo — a sociology professor at the College — and his Introduction to Sociology class are engaging in a form of protest against Martin’s death that has gained national recognition in recent weeks.
Students, public figures and even athletes are wearing hoodies, symbolizing the last clothes that Martin was wearing when he was shot and killed by volunteer neighborhood watchman George Zimmerman in Sanford, Fla. on Feb. 26.
The entire Miami Heat NBA team publicly wore hoodies in a team photo on March 22, while various public figures such as Illinois House Representative Bobby Rush have also engaged in the trending movement.
(04/03/12 1:05pm)
In this week’s Around the Dorm, the “Ref,” Chris Molicki, challenges Sports Editor Alex Wolfe, Staff Writer Brandon Gould and Correspondent Bryan Bellanca to answer questions about how the Knicks will fare the rest of the season, who will win the suddenly very strong American League, and who should win the famous (or infamous) spot on the cover of Madden 2013.
1. With March Madness over, the basketball world turns its focus to the NBA. One of the primary focuses of the league this year has been the roller coaster ride of the New York Knicks. The Knicks are currently on a roll after Mike Woodson took over as head coach. Do you think they can keep up this play? And even if they get an eight seed, where do you think they rank in the Eastern Conference as a team?
AW: This question has had me puzzled since the beginning of the season. The Knicks were so bad (pre-Lin), so good (Linsanity), so bad again (Melo returned) and now so good again (post-D’Antoni). This team hasn’t really had a middle ground this year where they’ve been consistently good or bad. Unfortunately, because it was just reported that Jeremy Lin tore his meniscus (Liniscus?), I don’t think the Knicks will be able to take the jump to the next level to end the season. With Lin and the way they’ve been playing under Woodson, I would place them at about third best, below the Heat and Bulls. However, without Lin, they’re now lacking depth at two positions (point guard and power forward, where Amar’e Stoudemire is out indefinitely). Baron Davis and Mike Bibby are not nearly the one-two punch that Lin-Davis was, and Josh Harrellson and Jared Jeffries are not close to a replacement for Stoudemire (at least not offensively). With those two major injuries, I rank the Knicks at about sixth best overall. Better than Philly, Milwaukee and even Atlanta, but not quite good enough to touch the top tier. Ironically, if these Knicks make it far this year, it’ll have to be because of their defense.
BG: The New York Knicks are just a mess this season. It looked like they had everything figured out when Jeremy Lin stole the show, but then Carmelo Anthony came back. What ensued was a return to mediocrity, which led to the firing of head coach Mike D’Antoni. Things have been on the upswing since then, but can we really trust anything that happens in New York this year? Amar’e Stoudemire is out with back issues, and Lin is dealing with injuries as well. Anthony is a very good player, but he can’t carry this team alone. The Knicks will make the playoffs, but it’ll be short-lived since they’ll most likely match up with the Chicago Bulls. The pieces are there for the future, but for now they are what we thought they were, the eighth best team in the Eastern Conference.
BB: With the recent injuries to Jeremy Lin and Amar’e Stoudemire, and the fact that both will most likely be done until the playoffs if not longer, I believe it will be hard for the Knicks to continue the 9-2 pace they have been on since Woodson took over as head coach. I still think the Knicks will make the playoffs, and the old saying of defense wins championships means if the Knicks continue to buy into Woodson’s system they certainly can make a run. Since Woodson has taken over, Knicks opponents have only averaged 86 points and are shooting 40 percent from the field compared to the 96 points and 45 percent under D’Antoni. The two big problems with the Knicks are consistency and injuries. The Knicks are the most inconsistent team in the NBA this season, but in the playoffs all it takes is a hot streak to make some noise, so if they can get healthy and stay healthy they’re probably the third best team in the East behind Chicago and Miami.
CM: Alex gets 3 points for pointing out how injuries at multiple positions have hurt the depth of the Knicks. Bryan gets 2 points for saying that the key for the Knicks is defense. Brandon gets 1 point for saying that Melo can’t do it all by himself.
2. Last week we had a question about the NL, and this week, it’s the AL. The Yankees, Red Sox, Rays, Angels and Tigers all have championship aspirations. Who’s your favorite and why?
AW: I hate to jump on the spend-a-lot, win-a-lot bandwagon (God knows it killed my Mets for years), but I think I give the Angels the edge this year. Last year they were right on the verge of making the playoffs at 86-76, but I think their additions from this offseason should put them over the top. They made the splashiest move by snagging Albert Pujols from the Cardinals, and then proceeded to take the division-rival Rangers’ best pitcher in C.J. Wilson. I’m tempted to say the Tigers could take the AL with their new one-two punch of Prince Fielder and Miguel Cabrera, but I think the Angels can top that with the combination of Pujols, Torii Hunter, Vernon Wells and others in the middle of the lineup. Pujols also brings a huge postseason presence to the team, which is just one of those intangible things that the great players have and that teams yearn for. Also, the Angels’ pitching looks to be the strongest it has ever been, with arguably the best top-four pitchers in the majors (yes, even better than the Phillies) with Jered Weaver, Wilson, Dan Haren and Ervin Santana at the head of the rotation. Basically, they have all of the fixings for a deep postseason run.
BG: We live in a society where we judge things by the recent past, and that’s exactly how I am going to answer this question. I think the Angels — who didn’t just make a splash, but dove into the deep end of free agency — have the best team in the American League right now. First baseman Albert Pujols may be on the decline, but I’ll take a bad day from Pujols over a great day for most first basemen in the league. The Angels’ offense did not catch anyone’s eye last year, but with Pujols in the middle of the lineup, everyone just got a little bit better. Then there’s the defensive side of things. Free agent signee C.J. Wilson will join a staff that already included Jared Weaver, Dan Haren and Ervin Santana. With those guys in the front end and Jordan Walden closing things out, the Angels will be hard to score on.
BB: When it comes to the American League, if you want to win you have to be able to pitch. All of the teams competing to represent the American League can hit, so to pick a team based purely on hitting wouldn’t work out to well come October when it’s all about pitching. Out of all of the teams in the American League the team with the best pitching staff from starter to closer is the New York Yankees. When looking at the starting pitching staff, they might not have the best starting five in the American League, but when you add the fact that they have the greatest closer in the history of baseball along with a very solid bullpen, the Yankees will be very tough to beat come October. Besides having great pitching, the Yankees also have the best lineup from one to nine, which will help the pitching a little bit in October. The biggest competition to the Yankees in October is themselves, but as long as the hitters don’t go ice cold they’ll have a great chance to win another World Series.
CM: Alex gets 3 points by saying how the Angels’ lineup is just a bit better than that of the Tigers. Brandon gets 2 points for saying how the Angels’ pitching staff is going to be dominant. Bryan gets 1 point because I have trouble agreeing that the Yankees are both the best hitting and best pitching team in the American League.
3. The voting continues for who will be placed on the cover of Madden ’13. Of the remaining players in the voting, who would you like to see on the cover and why?
AW: This is really tough, because I don’t know whether to say the player I like the least or the player I like the most, because of the infamous Madden cover jinx. Pretty much every player that has been on the cover of Madden has suffered either an injury-plagued season or one of the worst statistical seasons of their career (the exception being Drew Brees on Madden ’11). That being said, I’m going to say I want either Rob Gronkowski or Patrick Willis on the cover. Gronkowski is just a douche, and he plays for the Patriots (who I’m still bitter at for the ‘01 Super Bowl). So a bad season for him would be great. As for Willis, the 49ers are the biggest threat to my Rams maybe, MAYBE making the playoffs next year, and so to have him stink it up this year would be very helpful. As for who I think most deserves the cover, that has to be either Victor Cruz or Calvin “Megatron” Johnson. Those two really broke out in a big way last year. But I’m going to pull the spite card this year and say Gronk or Willis (hoping more for a bad season than an injury, since injuries are bad to wish on anyone).
BG: All I know is that it better not be Darrelle Revis because if he gets hurt I will burn every single copy of Madden that I can find. With that said, I think Calvin Johnson should be on the cover of Madden. I will never wish injury upon any player — although it’d be nice to not have to deal with Rob Gronkowski — so my pick is not based on that aspect. I just think that right now Calvin Johnson is on top of his game and on top of the league in terms of elite talent. The cover should be reserved for one of the game’s most elite and consistent players, and Johnson fits right into that category.
BB: When trying to decide who I want to win the Madden cover vote, it comes down to whether I want to choose based on someone I don’t like and hope the Madden curse lives on, or someone I like and hope the Madden curse doesn’t hit that person. I’m going to go with the latter and choose Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers is the best player in the NFL right now, and as much as I would like to pick Gronkowski and hope he gets hurt for the year so the Jets don’t have to worry about him, I think it’s about time to put someone on the cover who should be able to break the curse. Rodgers has no history of injuries and just genuinely seems like a nice guy. You never saw him complain when he was waiting behind Favre to get his chance, and since taking over has emerged as the best QB in football right now. I think Rodgers being put on the cover will finally break the Madden curse.
CM: Brandon gets 3 points for pointing out how Calvin Johnson is at the top of the league. Bryan gets 2 points for saying how Rodgers could break the curse. Alex gets 1 point for letting his hatred of Gronk and his division rivals get the best of him.
Alex wins this week’s AtD, 7 - 6 - 5.
“I’m a boss.” — Alex
(03/27/12 7:01pm)
Sure, people frequently say “shit happens,” but shitting shouldn’t happen on the Rec. Center floor.
It may not have been included in this week’s Cop Shop, but we are aware that someone defecated on the ground at last weekend’s Spring Concert.
This takes the phrase “communal bathroom” to a whole new level, and quite frankly, that is disgusting.
As seen in Cop Shop, when asked what her name was, one intoxicated female responded with the date “May 27, 2010.” Humorous, yes, yet sad at the same time.
Numerous other students were transported and another individual spit on a police officer. One student had a gash on his forehead, while others couldn’t hold their bladders waiting in line for a Porta Potty and urinated elsewhere.
It sounds like utter chaos, or a scene out of a reality TV show.
An especially fitting comparison is to VH1’s “Flavor of Love.” Remember when Pumkin spit on New York? Or when Somethin’ took a dump on the stairs?
Yes, it is exciting that your favorite performer is coming to the College, but what fun is it if you are blacked out for the whole thing?
The fact of the matter is that to actually enjoy a concert, you should be able to remember it.
We are in college, so of course getting rowdy at school functions may seem to enhance the overall experience of an event, but there definitely is a limit to what is acceptable behavior.
Regardless of whether or not you choose to drink, at least be responsible about it. You should be mindful of yourself and authority.
As a college known for attracting some of the best and brightest, the behavior at this past weekend’s concert certainly takes away from that status. It is a poor reflection of our student body.
Yes, it is true that students have been able to get by without so much as a documentation from a CA, but the conduct at this concert takes inappropriateness to a whole new level. Basically, we cannot just do whatever we want whenever we want. We’re bound to get in trouble if we continue to act like animals. And if the authorities don’t catch us, our peers will still take notice.
Do you want to be remembered as the boy who clunked his head into a cement wall? Would you want to literally make your mark at this school with fecal matter?
Let’s get our shit together, people — before we let it out in public.
(03/27/12 7:38am)
Junior international business major Ryan Alley passed away on Friday, March 23 after injuries sustained during a car crash the previous Friday morning.
Julia Hill, senior finance major, called him the “nicest guy who got along with everyone."
“I met (Alley) because he worked at my gym in Flemington. He was very outgoing and friendly, so I naturally would talk to him whenever I was working out. I soon found out he attended TCNJ and also commuted just like me, and that his mom had been my middle school German teacher,” Hill said. “It was fun to hang out with (Alley) because you could literally talk to him about anything. He was really funny and was a true friend.”
Similar sentiments were shared by senior math education major Jonathan Sisto.
“(Alley) was one of the most genuine and nice guys that I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing,” he said. “He was the kind of guy whose positive outlook on life was contagious to all the people around him. To me, (Alley) was a co-worker, a classmate, a friend and a role model.”
Even those who only had not known Alley for very long spoke highly of his character.
“I only had the privilege of knowing Ryan for a short amount of time, but he was one of the kindest and most hard working people I have ever met,” said Samantha Codner, junior accountancy major. “From the second I met him, I could tell he was a really genuine person and had a heart of gold. I feel blessed to have met him and he will truly be missed.”
According to the Ewing Police Department, the accident occurred at 2:05 a.m. on March 16.
A nearby officer heard a loud crash and found a black Infiniti off the roadway and up against a tree on the corner of Lower Ferry and Hillside, reports said.
“It appeared the vehicle was traveling northbound on Lower Ferry Road and did not negotiate the bend in the road,” said Lt. Rocco Maruca of Ewing Police.
First aid squads arrived and transported the two passengers to the Trauma Center at Helene Fuld Medical Center in Trenton, where both males were in critical condition, police said. Alley was driving with 22-year-old Michael Krassan, a senior studying political science and Rusian, from Easthampton.
According to Maruca, the cause of the accident is still under investigation by Officer Frank Provenzano and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.
Dean of business William Keep said Alley took academics seriously and had a 4.0 GPA. Keep also said Alley took on the challenge of learning to speak Russian, and Hill said he talked about potentially using his business and foreign language skills for a military job in the future. According to school of business coordinator of student services Erica Kalinowski, Alley was looking to spend next year studying abroad in Russia.
“He was motivated, mature and passionate about his studies as well as his future,” she said. “I always looked forward to our advisement meetings and I’m truly sad at the wonderful individual that our community has lost.”
Funeral services will be held Friday, March 30 at 10:30 a.m. in the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home at 147 Main St. in Flemington, with burial at Rosemont Cemetery to follow. Calling hours on Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. and then from 6 to 9 p.m., according to the funeral home’s website.
Condolences may be sent through holcombefisher.com, and memorial contributions may be made to Jingle Elves, a community outreach program.
“It is a tragedy whenever our campus loses someone so young, and our sympathies are with Ryan’s family and loved ones. He will be missed by his classmates, professors, friends and many more,” said Matthew Golden, associate vice president for college relations.
Krassan remains in critical condition.
“Michael Krassan was the most senior member of our fraternity, an active role model within the fraternity, and incredible organizer and leader of the various functions we as a fraternity endorse,” said Keith Knutzen, president of the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity and junior marketing major. “We would like to thank all of TCNJ Greek Life, the school’s administration, Dave Conner the Greek Life Advisor, and all other parties who have offered their support during this trying time. We have reached out to the family of (Krassan) as they have been struggling through this time and we have offered them our support and sympathy.”
(03/26/12 8:39pm)
In this week’s Around the Dorm, the “Ref,” Peter Fiorilla, challenges Sports Assistant Chris Molicki, Staff Writer Mike Pietroforte and Correspondent Kevin Black to answer questions about whether the Tebow trade will be good for the Jets, how the suspensions from BountyGate will affect the Saints this season and who will win the vastly different NL this year.
1. Tim Tebow’s trade to the Jets has garnered a lot of criticism, especially since incumbent QB Mark Sanchez just signed a hefty contract extension in the offseason. Sanchez will be under more pressure than ever, and the Jets may have created a future QB controversy by bringing in Tebow. Was getting Tebow a good football decision for the Jets, or should they have let him go somewhere else?
CM: I don’t understand why people hate this move, because I love it. This is a great low-risk, high-reward move for the Jets. With Tebow, you get a capable backup who will be able to run the Wildcat under offensive coordinator Tony Sparano, play multiple positions, and push Mark Sanchez to become the quarterback that everyone is expecting him to be. Tebow will also be a great locker room presence as a leader for a team who clearly had some difficulty in that area last season. Plus, the Jets only gave up a fourth round pick for him, it was well worth it. Yes, there will be plenty of fans screaming for Tebow and plenty of pressure for Sanchez, but if he can’t handle it, he may just not be good enough. This was a great move for New York and, although they need to fill plenty of other holes, this is a good start.
MP: Getting Tebow will be a good football decision for the Jets as long as they are very clear on what their intentions for Tebow and Sanchez are. Sanchez was under some fire this past season from both the fans and even his own teammates regarding his work habits. Expect Tebow to light a fire under Sanchez, by presenting some kind of competition on the practice field. In addition to being a quality BACKUP quarterback, Tebow could be very valuable if used correctly for gadget-plays or third and short situations. In order to prevent the trade from blowing up in their face the Jets need to make sure that the fans know that their starter will be Mark Sanchez. I still don’t think that Tebow is a capable starting quarterback, and if the Jets make it seem as though he has an option to contend or be their starter, they leave the window open for the team to be perceived as a debacle by the fans and the media. From a football standpoint, this could be a useful pickup, but this could also prove to be a mistake.
KB: I think the thing we are forgetting with the Sanchez situation is that he really is on a short leash despite his deal — 2012 and 2013 were his “do or die” years anyway if you believe what you had heard previously. So even though they signed that deal, they could get out of it just as quickly due to opt-outs. But what they did in trading for Tebow was hopefully light a fire under Sanchez. Regardless I think it’s still a bad decision because the Jets are not the place that he is seriously going to develop. He wants to be a true quarterback and not some gimmick wildcat QB every now and then. He would not work as hard as he does to be a QB if he did not believe it possible. He needed to go to a place where he could develop himself into more of a QB, but the Jets looked at the number of wins he had and how they could make a splash in the N.Y. media in any other month but when it counts (something they have yet to learn from the Giants). If this move was to make the team better, they still have a ways to go.
PF: Chris gets 3 points for noting the Jets did not end up paying much for a QB who can play in the wildcat system and has a good locker room presence. Michael gets 2 points for pointing out that Tebow can be a quality addition if the Jets make it clear he is their No. 2 QB. Kevin gets 1 point because if Tebow did not want to be a gimmick in the Wildcat system, he would have gone to Jacksonville or somewhere else instead of N.Y.
2. The Saints are paying for institutionalizing a bounty system, with several assistant coaches and head coach Sean Payton being suspended for as long as the entire NFL season. What will the lasting effects of BountyGate be, and are the Saints still the favorites to win the NFC South?
CM: The lasting effects of this event will be good. There is absolutely no place in football for bounties, especially when the sport has been more concerned about players’ health than ever. Because Roger Goodell came down so strongly on the Saints, the rest of the NFL has gotten the message and won’t consider any of this nonsense, making the league better. As for the Saints, they’re still the favorite to win the South. Losing Sean Payton is a huge blow, so it hurts their title chances, but Drew Brees is a monster and basically a coach on the field. He will continue to run the Saints’ high-powered offense to perfection. Plus, with New Orleans basically being unbeatable at home, they look more popular than Atlanta, whose quarterback has yet to break out, or upstart Carolina, whose breakout quarterback is really the only thing going for them.
MP: The Saints are paying a hefty price for their bounty system. They lose one of the best head coaches in the NFL, Sean Payton, for a full year. Their GM is banned for the first eight games of the season, and they will also be losing their second round pick from this year and next year. The loss of the two picks will definitely put a dent in the team’s future, but the loss of their beloved head coach looks to be crippling for this year. The Saints are a very talented team. They’re led by Drew Brees, one of the best passers in the league, they have an explosive offense, and a competent defense, but so much of their success in the past few years has been due to the system implemented by Sean Payton. With the Atlanta Falcons and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers nipping at their heels, I no longer think the Saints are the favorites to win the NFC South. By losing Sean Payton, the Saints have essentially had their head cut off.
KB: The Saints’ offense will probably still go like clockwork, they have won games without coach Payton before. The problem is going to be the defense and after the individual suspensions take place. Yes, they could rally around these suspensions and still make a season out of it, and the loss of cornerback Tracy Porter to free agency already hurts them, so let’s look elsewhere. Atlanta is in the same boat basically with a good offense and a so-so defense. New coaches are a question mark, especially first-year coaches in the league, so who knows with Tampa. This leaves the Carolina Newtons (Panthers). Yes, they finished poorly even with Cam Newton’s amazing season but if you take a closer look, if not for some key missed field goals in late games, they’d probably finish 8-8 or even better. The defense is OK and nothing really has changed with the core nucleus still in tact. Couple that with the fact that he will be a year wiser and the fact that very rarely does anyone in that division repeat, I think Carolina could surprise everyone and take this division.
PF: Chris gets 3 points for noting that Drew Brees is like an on-field coach, and that the Saints’ punishment might be the end of bounties in the NFL. Kevin gets 2 points for predicting a Panthers division title on the back of ultra-talented QB Cam Newton. Michael gets 1 point for observing that Sean Payton will not be around to implement his system, but not picking a favorite to win the division.
3. The National League looks pretty wide open this year. St. Louis is the defending world champion, the NL West is always up in the air, Philadelphia is always good, and there a few other teams with pennant potential. Who is your pick to win the NL?
CM: There is a lot of parity in the NL. The Brewers and Cardinals have declined and one has to wonder if the Marlins, Diamondbacks, or Giants are really the favorite, so I have to go with the Phillies. The pitching staff is still dominant with the best one-two punch in the game of Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee, plus Cole Hamels and youngster Vance Worley. Signing Jonathan Papelbon gives them a reliable closer something they didn’t have in the past. Finally, the lineup has a good mix of young talent (John Mayberry and Hunter Pence) and veterans (Chase Utley, Shane Victorino, Jimmy Rollins) to make the Phillies the clear-cut favorite in the inferior National League. They ran into a red hot Cardinal team in the postseason last year, but this year, they have a somewhat easy path to the world series.
MP: A lot of good hitters left the National League this off-season, and a few NL teams made some big moves to bring themselves into the playoff picture. Contenders from the NL Central, like the Brewers and Cardinals, still hold big pieces but lost cornerstones in Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder. After these large losses, the NL Central almost seems up in the air to me. The Giants have a powerful pitching staff, and the Rockies boast a solid lineup, but I feel like the real threats come from the NL East. The team that made some of the biggest additions is the Miami Marlins, by adding an MVP candidate from last year, Jose Reyes, a shutdown closer, Heath Bell and a veteran starter, Mark Buerhle. The Marlins also brought in a fire-starter manager in Ozzie Guillen to change the culture of the club as they open up their new stadium this year. Other competitors who are sneaking into contention are the Atlanta Braves and the Washington Nationals. Both teams return extremely strong cores of young players. The incumbent Phillies are still my favorite to control the NL East; they boast three of the top five starting pitchers in the NL and shored up their bullpen this offseason by adding Jonathan Papelbon. However, injuries to key hitters Chase Utley and Ryan Howard create some offensive worries.
KB: I am going to pick the Miami Marlins to make the jump and get back to World Series. Yes they were huge players in the free agent market and got Jose Reyes, manager Ozzie Guillen and pitcher Mark Buehrle to add to what was a pretty solid young team that could only get better. St. Louis is weakened by the loss of Albert Pujols and Philly, even with Halladay, is getting a bit up there in the age department and the ever unpredictable-but-solid NL West may have a new team at the top this time around. I think Miami has a real good shot at winning the pennant. Yes, they are going to need some time to gel it together, but with 162 games, you have that luxury and also having that extra wild card helps their chances considering how tough that division really is but regardless I think they will get there by possibly needing that spot. We will see.
PF: Kevin gets 3 points for predicting a Marlins pennant as a reward for bringin in huge free agents and renowned manager Ozzie Guillen. Chris and Michael get 2 points for playing it safe with the Phillies, who have retained an all-star pitching rotation and a quality lineup from year-to-year.
Chris wins this week’s AtD, 8 - 6 - 5.
“My bracket is busted, but I can still win AtD.” — Chris
(03/24/12 2:42am)
International business major Ryan Alley passed away on Friday, March 23, after being seriously injured in a single-car motor vehicle accident last week on Lower Ferry Road, West of the College campus.
Alley, of Flemington, N.J., was in an accident with a fellow student on the morning of Friday, March 16, according to an email sent out to the College community by College Relations. The notice was signed by Interim Provost Susan Bakewell-Sachs.
Michael Krassan, a senior studying political science and Russian, is currently in critical condition, the email said.
Information regarding services for Alley will be shared once it becomes available, according to the message.
The Krassan family requested that the College informs those who are close to him that he is presently at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, but visitors are limited to Krassan’s immediate family, the email noted. Cards can be sent to Michael Krassan, c/o Patient Services, Cooper University Hospital, One Cooper Plaza, Camden, N.J. 08103.
Krassan and Alley were driving on Lower Ferry Road toward a bend in the road near Palermo’s III restaurant when their car went off the road and hit a tree at Lower Ferry and Hillside Avenue, Ewing police told the Times of Trenton.
(03/20/12 7:34pm)
In this week’s Around the Dorm, the “Ref,” Brendan McGrath, challenges Staff Writer Peter Fiorilla, Staff Writer Kevin Lee and Staff Writer Mark Barroso to answer questions about whether young stud pitcher Michael Pineda will make the Yankees’ opening day roster, how the Mike D’Antoni firing will affect the Knicks as the season winds down and whether Sidney Crosby’s return makes the Penguins the favorites for the Stanley Cup.
1. The Yankees made a big deal to acquire the young starting pitcher Michael Pineda from the Seattle Mariners in January and have since rid themselves of A.J. Burnett. Only a couple of weeks into spring, however, there are concerns over the 23 year old’s ability to adjust to the N.Y. media scene, and there have been talks of sending him to Triple-A to start the year. Will Pineda make the opening day roster, and how will the Yankees’ rotation shape up this year?
PF: Michael Pineda should (and will) be in the Yankees’ starting rotation this year. He’s too talented not to be — last year the 23 year old racked up 173 strikeouts and a 3.74 ERA while using a grand total of two different pitches, and even compiled an OK record in Seattle without run support or a bullpen to back him up. Even if Pineda’s fastball is struggling thus far into camp, he has a deadly slider and a nascent changeup which will add a totally new dimension to his pitching. The fears about how the media will affect him are warranted, but slightly overblown — I think unless it becomes clear that the media scares him into playing poorly in N.Y., he should be given the benefit of the doubt. I think the Yankees’ starting rotation will end up being C.C. Sabatia, Hiroki Kuroda, Andy Pettitte, Michael Pineda and Ivan Nova. (Phil Hughes and Freddy Garcia will be the odd-men out).
KL: Although Pineda’s spring training starts don’t seem poor, spring training stats don’t mean much because of the split-squad rosters and players not being up to speed. That said, there is some cause for concern with Pineda because of his velocity still in the 90-92 range. Last year, Phil Hughes’ velocity was down during spring training as well, and he had a terrible season last year. It wouldn’t hurt to start Pineda in AAA for a month or so, until his velocity picks up. The Yankees have enough rotation depth to give Pineda some time, especially with Manny Banuelos pitching well. Overall, I think the Yankees rotation can be pretty good this season if Pineda is his old self, in addition to Hughes encouraging spring training. It could be at top-five rotation in the majors with a rotation of Sabathia, Kuroda, Pineda, Nova, Hughes and Manny Banuelos who can replace Nova at some point. This rotation is pretty damn good, if Pineda and Hughes are their old selves.
MB: Starting pitcher Michael Pineda (9-10, 3.74 ERA during his rookie season for the Seattle Mariners last season) will make the Yankees’ opening day roster. Currently, C.C. Sabathia is the Yankees’ ace, former Los Angeles Dodger Hiroki Kuroda is second, last season’s rookie sensation Ivan Nova is third, Pineda is fourth, and the improving Phil Hughes rounds out the starting rotation. Although the Yankees signed the returning Andy Pettitte to a one-year minor league deal, Pineda will keep a spot in the rotation because Pettitte, 39, will not be ready in early April. In addition to a bruised right hand, Freddy Garcia has a minor league option in his contract. Pineda tallied four strikeouts, and gave up two runs in three and two-thirds innings in a preseason start on Thursday while displaying his ability to pitch the changeup. As Pineda pitches more, he will crank up the heat on his fastball, making him ready for to wear the pinstripes.
BM: Peter gets 3 for pointing out that despite only having two pitches and lacking run support Pineda was still able to perform well as a rookie in Seattle. Kevin gets 2 points for the comparison with Hughes lagging velocity last spring preceding a down year. Mark gets 1 for mentioning that Pettitte and Garcia likely won’t make the opening-day roster.
2. After three-and-a-half seasons, Mike D’Antoni has stepped down as coach of the New York Knicks. After a blowout victory in their first game under interim head coach Mike Woodson, the Knicks sit tied for the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. What does this change mean for the Knicks this season and how far will they make it?
PF: I think very little will change around MSG with the firing of Mike D’Antoni. The Knicks will be the No. 1 source for drama rather than basketball and will end with the seventh or eighth seed in the playoffs. Shocking, I know, since many Knicks fans are ecstatic about the possible acquisition of all-time great Phil Jackson or former Portland coach Nate McMillan, but no matter who takes over the team, there remains a core of personnel which simply cannot work well together (don’t let a blowout win over a pathetic Portland team fool you into thinking otherwise). Only a few players are willing to play defense, and ball-stopper Carmelo Anthony will conflict with fast, fluid basketball players like Jeremy Lin. As a result, Lin will probably be pushed down the pecking order — especially if Woodson maintains control — and the Knicks will play decent isolation basketball that will fail in the playoffs against Chicago and Miami. I think this team will always be in trouble until rotten owner James Dolan, who forced the Knicks to trade for Anthony, finally realizes what a poisonous influence he has and lets general managers and coaches do their jobs without his destructive input.
KL: To be honest, I don’t think it changes much. The Knicks have the same roster and didn’t make any big trades, specifically trading Carmelo. Carmelo does not fit with the Knicks’ system at all. He doesn’t like to run the fast break, and holds the ball way too much for one-on-one play. This type of style really takes away from Jeremy Lin’s up-tempo/pick and roll game with Amar’e and Tyson Chandler. The move the Knicks needed to make was trade Carmelo. They are an extremely talented team, but they don’t have the right players. The Knicks are a playoff team, but they’re a seventh or eighth seed team. As a result, the Knicks will have to play either the Bulls or the Heat. I can’t see them getting past either team.
MB: Interim head coach Mike Woodson has 23 games to prepare the Knicks (19-24) for the playoffs. Woodson will institute an offense based on more isolation and less pick and roll plays, a system that Carmelo Anthony can get used to. This change in offensive strategy means that point guard Jeremy Lin will be playing less, and taking fewer clutch shots because Baron Davis and Anthony are proven to thrive in the clutch. Woodson will try to get the ball to Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire down low to post up and get easy lay-ups. Anthony has played in the playoffs for the last eight seasons but only advanced to the conference finals once. N.Y. will slide past Milwaukee and Cleveland to secure their spot in the playoffs but if they lose in the first round, Melo will take a large part of the blame.
BM: Kevin gets 3 for describing why the Knicks should have traded Carmelo. Peter gets 2 for pointing out that despite the change, the Knicks’ real problems lead back to Dolan’s influence on the team. Mark gets 1 for talking about the change favoring Anthony and Davis.
3. Sidney Crosby made his long-awaited return this week as the Pittsburgh Penguins already sit close to the top of the NHL in points. Does his return make Pittsburgh the favorite to win the Cup this year?
PF: I will go against the grain here: I do not think the Pittsburgh Penguins deserve to be 2012 Stanley Cup favorites just yet. For me, that title still belongs to the New York Rangers. It is true that the flair of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Jordan Staal and Kris Letang meshing together on the same team is downright scary, and the Penguins have won 10 straight — an impressive feat. But those pesky Rangers are still leaders of the East, and deservedly so, with seven more regulation/OT wins than the Penguins and a season of consistent excellence nearly behind them. The Rangers had an off night last week against the Penguins, but in a series, they will prove to be best where it counts: on the defensive end of the rink. They have a better goaltender and a far better defense than anyone else in the conference, having only allowed 2.14 goals per game (compared to the Penguins’ 2.49). The flashy, goal-scoring Penguins are good, but Pittsburgh fans should remember not to overlook a very dangerous Rangers team.
KL: I would think so. The Penguins have the third most points in the NHL. Even if Sydney Crosby isn’t 100 percent healthy, I’d take an 85 percent Crosby over most players in the NHL regardless. I think the return of Crosby definitely puts the Penguins over the top and puts them as the favorite to win the Cup. The Penguins are much too experienced and talented to not be the favorites.
MB: The Pittsburgh Penguins have won 10 consecutive games and are in fourth in the NHL in points with 91. Before Thursday, Crosby (two assists vs. New York Rangers) had only played eight games in the past 14 months as a result of multiple concussions that stemmed from a soft tissue injury in his neck. While Crosby’s return makes the Penguins a playoff contender, Crosby admits he is not where he was 14 months ago. Crosby’s future as a hockey player will be in serious jeopardy if he suffers another head/neck injury. The Penguins will win the majority of the final 13 games of the season but are not the favorite to win the Stanley Cup this year. The Rangers are still the favorite to win the Cup from the East because they will have enough time before the playoffs to get healthy.
BM: Peter gets 3 for his argument that the Rangers have been consistently excellent and that they have the best defense and goaltending. Mark gets 2 for discussing Crosby’s continuing health issues. Kevin gets 1 for bringing up Pittsburgh’s talent and experience.
Peter wins this week’s AtD, 8 - 6 - 4.
“Nice to get the win, but it’s all about the playoffs.” — Peter
(03/12/12 10:39pm)
In this week’s special “I Don’t Know a Ton About Sports” Bowl of Around the Dorm, the “Ref,” Alex Wolfe, challenges Editor-in-Chief Brianna Gunter, Managing Editor Jamie Primeau and News Editor Kelly Johnson to answer questions about Peyton Manning’s crazy free agency, what trade should happen by the NBA trade deadline and whether the Miami Marlins will be successful this season.
1. Peyton Manning’s career as an Indianapolis Colt is over, after he was released by the Colts in favor of drafting either Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III to replace him at quarterback. The focus now shifts to where Manning will go. What’s the best (realistic) fit for him, and why?
BG: My friends were talking about this the other day, so I got this. Right now, Peyton Manning isn’t exactly a top prize — he’s 35 years old and sat out this past season due to neck surgeries — but a healthy Manning would still be an asset to many teams. It’s been thrown around that he’ll go to the Cardinals, the Redskins or even the Dolphins, but realistically I’m betting on the Seahawks. They finished 7-9 last season, but starting QB Tarvaris Jackson played only reasonably well. To become a real threat they’ll probably look to bring Manning in, and they have the funds and enthusiasm to do it. Hell, there’s even a Seahawks physician that specializes in neck and spine injuries — an obvious bonus! Manning may also choose the Seahawks if they’re willing to sign WR Reggie Wayne as well, and so far reports are saying they are.
JP: The best fit for Manning would be the Houston Texans. Since he’s older (apparently 35 is old in football years), he would need a team that doesn’t need to rebuild and is ready to win now. According to my father, the Texans are only a quarterback away from success. They have a great running back in Arian Foster and one of the best receivers with Andre Johnson. With a strong offensive line, and an even stronger defense, Manning would be the perfect addition and they could have a shot at the Super Bowl. The Texans are in the same division as the Colts, so that means it’d be familiar faces for Manning. Playing in the division that he is used to is a plus. It may not be an overly hyped option, but it would make a lot of sense for both sides.
KJ: The best and most realistic fit for Peyton Manning would be the Miami Dolphins for a couple of reasons. Manning is a great quarterback, as he proved in leading the Colts to the Super Bowl. Miami is in need of a good season, and Manning could definitely bring it to them. However, Manning has also been out of the game for a little while, and no one can definitively predict how he is going to play. At the very beginning of the past season there was a lot of speculation as to whether Manning would come back to the game at all. Therefore, if Manning returns with the Dolphins and it turns out that he lost his touch, it really won’t be much of an adjustment for Miami. But on a more serious analysis, Manning lives in South Florida and could also be reunited with former teammate, Reggie Wayne.
AW: Kelly gets 3 because of the lack of expectations Peyton would have in Miami (although I would have liked a Brandon Marshall reference). Brianna gets 2 for pointing out the physician in Seattle. Jamie gets 1 because it would be a good fit, but the Texans are already paying Matt Schaub over $7 million this year.
2. The NBA trade deadline is approaching, and of course Dwight Howard is the focus of most rumors. However, there’s a chance he might not even be on the move, so I ask this: what trade not involving D-12 do you think should go down?
BG: What’s a D-12? (Calm down, I’m just kidding). Some people won’t be happy with me for saying this, but the Knicks should trade Carmelo Anthony, probably for the Nets’ Deron Williams. As predicted and feared, Anthony just isn’t meshing with golden boy Jeremy Lin, and the harsh reality is that the Knicks are Lin’s team now, not Anthony’s. Plus Anthony never seems to be on the same page as coach Mike D’Antoni. He’s still a good player given the right climate, so Anthony could do well on another team. Personally I’ll be surprised if Anthony actually is traded, but that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be.
JP: So, I learned something new today: D-12 is a nickname for Dwight Howard and does not refer to that band led by Eminem in the early 2000s. Anyway, a trade that should occur is with Lamar Odom. Things haven’t been working out well with the Mavericks, so maybe he’ll move to the LA Clippers or the Toronto Raptors. Toronto has been playing poorly so they could benefit from new players. Also, one of Odom’s best friends Rasual Butler is on the Raptors, and I like to think that people play basketball better when their buddies are on the same team. Personally, I’d love for him to go up north. Who wouldn’t want to watch “Khloe and Lamar Take Kanada,” eh? I see a new E! spinoff in the future.
KJ: I don’t have a trade prediction for the NBA, but I do have an opinion, which is sometimes even better. Kris Humphries of the New Jersey Nets should be traded to any NBA team other than a New Jersey team. Immediately following the abrupt end of Humphries and Kim Kardashian’s 72-day marriage, the public heat was on Kardashian. However, the focus of the public eye has recently shifted to Humphries as he is allegedly trying to get as much money as he can out of Kardashian. N.J. has been the laughing stock of the country since the “guidos” landed on our shores and the obnoxious housewives took over our country clubs, and we could really do without another ass making our state look bad.
AW: Wow, I ask a simple basketball question and get mentions of not one but TWO Kardashians. Brianna gets 3 for taking the daring route, and for not mentioning any Kardashians. Kelly gets 2 because besides being a scourge to N.J., Humphries is also an $8 million expiring contract. Jamie gets 1 because although Odom could be useful for someone, the Raptors are beyond repair.
3. The Miami Marlins came out of nowhere to sign a pretty formidable team in the offseason, headlined by former Mets SS Jose Reyes. However, it’s not a team without problems, such as the Reyes signing forcing Hanley Ramirez to move to 3B. Will the positives outweigh the negatives for the Marlins this season, and what’s their ceiling?
BG: First of all, Hanley Ramirez’s move to third doesn’t seem to be too much of a problem. He may have made an error in Thursday’s game against the Mets, but he also hit a home run. If Ramirez was really bitter about his new position I doubt that would have happened. There were also health concerns surrounding both him and Josh Johnson, but so far they’re in great shape. With the new players the Marlins now have one of the best starting lineups, and they’ve undergone a name change, a new logo, new stadium and of course, a new manager, to complete the transformation. It’s a little early to be making big predictions, but two extra wild card spots are being added this year, so I say it’s ignorant to think the Marlins don’t have a chance at making the playoffs.
JP: Yes, the positives will outweigh the negatives because the negatives aren’t that bad. Hanley Ramirez was a good shortstop, so he can do well when moving to third. If A-Rod could move from shortstop to third base, Ramirez can do it too. As far as their ceiling, they could definitely make the playoffs. If their pitching stays healthy, they could make it to the division championship. Their new manager Ozzie Guillen is known for getting the most out of the players. When he was with Chicago, the team won a World Series title. The last time the Marlins won the World Series was in 2003, so maybe things will be looking up for them once again.
KJ: Ramirez has stated that he does not have a problem moving to third base, so that should not be a problem. The Marlins also added some pitchers to their already talented staff. With that being said, the positives will outweigh the negatives for the Marlins … and their ceiling is painted.
AW: Jamie gets 3 for mentioning that A-Rod managed to make a similar move when going to the Yankees, and that Ozzie is a manager that tends to mix well with players. Brianna gets 2 for pointing out that the Marlins have a better shot at the playoffs this year with the rule change. Kelly gets 1 because it’s entirely possible that the Marlins like a concrete look to their ceilings.
Brianna wins this week’s AtD, 7 - 6 - 5.
“Winning isn’t everything, but it still feels pretty sweet.” — Brianna
(02/28/12 8:17am)
The College Union Board’s annual spring latenighter boogied into the past last Friday, Feb. 24, as it embraced a ’70s theme. With disco, fresh-made ice cream and an indoor roller rink, the Stud was transformed and students were able to take part in various groovy activities. An iPad 2, television and Kindle Fire were just a few of an assortment of prizes that students were able to win, while everyone could take home various door prizes as well as tie-dye shirts.
(02/28/12 5:33am)
In this week’s Around the Dorm, the “Ref,” Brandon Gould, challenges Sports Editor Alex Wolfe, Features Editor Brendan McGrath and Correspondent Josh Fidler to answer questions about what the NHL needs to do to get more media attention, whether the now-Division-I Michigan lacrosse team can win three games and whether the Reds’ move of Aroldis Chapman to starter will be beneficial.
1. Sidney Crosby has been injured, and Alexander Ovechkin hasn’t been up to par this season. In their absence, Crosby’s teammate Evgeni Malkin and fourth-year center Steven Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightning are having stellar seasons, yet we hear nothing about them. Is there any way to get ESPN and the public talking about the sport again?
AW: Honestly, there needs to be another transcendent star like Ovy or Crosby to get this thing going. Those two have pretty much made the NHL the last seven or so years because they were always just SO much better than everyone else. However — and unfortunately more importantly — those two are endorsement machines, which tends to speak louder to the casual sports fan than solid play. Sportscenter commercials, Nike endorsements, Reebok endorsements — you name it and these guys have done it. Hockey isn’t a popular enough sport in the U.S. to get consistent attention (unless you ask Sportscenter anchor John Buccigross) and it really takes household names to keep it afloat. Maybe once guys like Malkin and Stamkos get their foot in the door for some big-time endorsements we might start hearing about them more. Calling up ESPN for a Sportscenter commercial might be a good start. Or maybe CAA can hook these guys up.
BM: Crosby and Ovechkin became the faces of the NHL coming out of the lockout and have remained so ever since. If anything, their lack of presence this season has shown just how reliant the league is on just two players. This concentration of media coverage is indicative of a sport with little depth in the public eye, such as golf. The NHL has done a solid job of promoting its brand coming out of the season-long lock-out seven years ago, and there is excitement about the sport within the league’s established fan base. Now, the NHL must invest more heavily in expanding its reach into traditional sports markets so that the league doesn’t need Crosby to be healthy in order to be successful. Until then, it won’t matter that Stamkos has been amazing, because casual sports fans are interested in how the league’s mascots (Crosby and Ovechkin) are doing, instead of caring about who is playing the best.
JF: Outside of Jeremy Lin suddenly retiring from basketball to go play hockey, it will be tough for the NHL to gain airtime from the worldwide leader in sports. In fact the Jeremy Lin story has hidden the New York Rangers from even most New Yorkers. As of the All-Star break the Knicks are 17-18, the Rangers have the best record in the Eastern Conference with a 39-15 record. Yet most New Yorkers probably couldn’t name three players on the Rangers. The NHL needs some Linsanity of their own, but both the Kid and Ovechkin have not lived up to fan expectations. The NHL needs to find some players to market and find them fast. I suggest they stay in the N.Y. market, and more specifically go to the Rangers. The NHL should step up their marketing for some of the better players on the Rangers and more specifically the goalie Henrik Lundqvist who is one of the main reasons why they have been so good. I think it is time for some Lundsanity in the NHL.
BG: Josh gets 3 for pointing out the NHL has potential that needs to be marketed and, mainly, for saying “Lundsanity.” Brendan gets 2 for his argument that the league has put too much reliance on Crosby and Ovechkin. Alex gets 1 for saying that other players need to start getting endorsements.
2. Michigan lacrosse made the move from club to Division I this season under head coach John Paul. The Wolverines had previously gone 241-44 and clinched three Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association championships over its last 14 club seasons under Paul, but Team One has yet to win a game on this new stage. If we set the bar at three wins for the Wolverines this season, would you go over or under?
AW: I would have to say over, considering the team has already won two exhibition games this season. They’re currently sitting at 0-3, with 11 games remaining. I think they have a chance though, because they did finish 2-3 for the preseason. Maybe I’m just caught up in Linsanity too, but I’ve been a sucker for underdog stories lately, so I hope they do get a few wins under their belt this season. On a more serious note though, the bright side for the Wolverines is that their schedule is easier now than it was so far. They’ve faced two ranked teams to this point, and they won’t face another one the rest of the year (if the rankings stay as they are now). They also have a big game against rival Ohio State, which I’m sure will bring the best out of them. So, all in all, I think that Michigan can definitely go over one more win this season.
BM: Under. As the team enters this new playing level, it will take some time to adjust. I would say that the Wolverines will eventually be successful, because it has established a program that was able to compete on the club level, but it will be a few years before they are able to have their prior success transcend to Division I. While I think they’ll come under three wins this season, I would say that this will be the last time that happens. The complexity of play and the greater speed of game on the Division I level is a hump that Michigan won’t overcome this year, but I say give it five years and the jump will prove worthwhile.
JF: I can’t profess to know a lot about college lacrosse. In fact I know almost nothing. But because Michigan is such a large school, I am going to go with the over. 241-44 even for a club team is a fairly decent record. There are going to be some games against weaker opponents where I think they will win. They have several games against some smaller non-ranked teams so I say Maise and Blue will go all the way, and win over three games.
BG: Brendan gets 3 for noting that although the Wolverines may take a step back this season record-wise, it’ll be a jump forward in the long run. Alex gets the 2 for stating their preseason success. Josh gets 1 for taking the over.
3. The Cincinnati Reds are moving pitcher Aroldis Chapman from the bullpen to the starting rotation. This is a move that has worked out for some teams and been a failure for others. Are the Reds making the right decision here?
AW: I would say no, however I do think he stands a better chance than some. Two of the more recent flamethrowers that I can think of are Joel Zumaya from the Detroit Tigers and Joba Chamberlain from the Yankees. Both of them were blazing fastballers, and both of them ended up suffering injuries — most likely from the strain of pitching so hard (and Guitar Hero was a factor for Zumaya as I recall). Now, Zumaya was never made a starter, but Chamberlain was, and it never really worked out nearly as well as him in the ’pen. For that reason, I don’t think it’s a great move to take Chapman out of the bullpen — they expose him to a much greater risk of injury with the bigger workload. However, there is one difference that I can see between Chapman and the other two — Chapman is seemingly in much better shape. He’s a big lanky dude, and compared to the portly Chamberlain and Zumaya, he looks like he could hold up a lot better. For that reason I think he could possibly do it, however I think the Reds would be much better suited to keep him in the setup role and just not take the risk.
BM: The reliever to starter move is so particular to each individual that goes through it that I don’t think there is a general rule that you can apply. The Reds themselves suffered through the attempt at making the once-stellar Danny Graves into a starter, but I think this time will different. The main concern I have with Chapman revolves around the fact that he had to back out of fall and winter league opportunities to start because of shoulder soreness. Though this raises questions about whether the Reds should follow through with this, I think this is a chance they have to take. There is a huge upside to a guy who can hit 105 on the gun, and will likely keep it in the high 90s much of the time, especially if he can get his slider working. Keep him under 200 innings and slot him in after Cueto and Latos, and the Reds have a realistic shot to go far this year.
JF: I don’t like this move from the Reds. While Chapman is big, I don’t like how he throws the ball. He throws three/quarters meaning in-between throwing over the top and side arm. This is something that can cause stress on the elbow. Not to mention that Chapman throws his fastball at an average velocity of almost 98 mph. I think there will be elbow injuries in his future. So the fact that they are moving him to the rotation means that he will be throwing over a 100 pitches every fifth day. I think he will be safer in the bullpen where he throws an inning a few times a week. I like Chapman but I don’t want to see him pitch not be on the DL, which I believe will happen if he stays in the starting rotation.
BG: Brendan gets 3 for his Danny Graves reference and for pointing out that Chapman’s full repertoire combined in the rotation with Cueto and Latos is worth the potential risk of injury. Josh gets 2 for his argument that Chapman’s delivery may cause him problems if his innings increase. Alex gets 1 for providing past examples who haven’t worked out.
Brendan wins this week’s AtD, 8 - 6 - 4.
“Doubling Alex in points, this may be my proudest Signal moment.” — Brendan
(02/22/12 10:30pm)
A case of chickenpox has been reported on campus, according to an email sent out by Health Services on Wednesday, Feb. 22.
According to the email, Health Services has been in contact with the New Jersey Department of Health, who provided information about the illness, also known as varicella.
These include facts, such as: chickenpox causes a skin rash of itchy, blister-like lesions all over the body; often there is a fever before the rash and chickenpox is usually not serious, but it may cause more severe illness in some individuals leading to hospitalization.
The email noted that chickenpox is very contagious, and "spreads easily from person to person through the air by coughing and sneezing or by direct contact with the fluid from a chickenpox lesion." Those with chickenpox are contagious from one to two days before the rash appears. The email said it usually takes 14 to 16 days to develop chickenpox symptoms, but symptoms may appear 10 to 21 days after exposure.
The email also stated, "Because complications of chickenpox increase with age, the disease becomes increasingly more serious for adolescents and adults."
Anyone who develops chickenpox should contact Health Services for informational purposes. The message also advises that those with chickenpox "should remain at home and keep your distance from susceptible people until the rash has dried and scabbed, about 5-7 days. This is true even if you were previously vaccinated."
(02/22/12 10:21pm)
While a potential shortage of beds for upperclassmen next year had been a concern at the College, an email notified students that all sophomores and juniors who applied for housing by the lottery deadline received time slots.
According to the email sent out on Wednesday, Feb. 22, students can now log into the MyHousing website to see what time they may select where to live. Time slots were scheduled to be up on the site by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, but were available for viewing approximately an hour and a half before. However, because of the amount of students logging into the site, it did experience some delays.
The last time when all students received time slots was two years ago, for the 2010-2011 school year.
On Tuesday, Feb. 21, freshmen received time slots for when they can select where to live sophomore year. All freshmen receive guaranteed housing.
As previously reported by the Signal, rising sophomores may choose from Eickhoff Hall, New Residence Hall, Centennial Hall, Decker Hall, Brewster Hall and parts of Townhouses West. Rising juniors and seniors can choose to reside Townhouses East, Townhouses South, Hausdoerffer Hall, Phelps Hall, the College Houses and parts of the Townhouses West.
(02/21/12 5:49am)
In this week’s Around the Dorm, the “Ref,” Mark Barroso, challenges Staff Writer Brandon Gould, Correspondent Bryan Bellanca and Correspondent Johnny Sisto to answer questions about whether the Colts should hold onto franchise mainstay Peyton Manning, what team is the best fit for Dwight Howard and whether the drug dealing scandal at TCU will derail their recruiting future.
1. According to SI.com and NFL sources, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning has had four neck procedures, not three as previously reported. Should the Colts pay upwards of $28 million to keep Manning for the 2012 season?
BG: Peyton Manning has paid his dues to the city of Indianapolis and should be able to return next season, but paying him $28 million seems to be out of the question. Manning’s injury is such an enigma and no one can determine whether or not he is progressing. Neck injuries are very serious and it’s hard to tell if Manning can come back from it. This makes Manning a boom or bust type of signing, whether he stays with the Colts or moves on to another team. Breaking up is always hard because you think about all the good times, but the Colts also need to keep their future in mind, and it looks like that is going to be with Andrew Luck. Manning had a great run with the Colts, but sometimes in professional sports you need to make a business decision — even if it may seem cold — and move on.
BB: I think even before it was announced that Manning had a fourth procedure, the best thing for the Colts to do was to release Manning instead of paying him the $28 million they owe him. The Colts have already said they will not trade Manning; they will either pay or cut him. With the Colts planning to take Luck with the first pick in April’s draft, who analysts are rating as the highest rated quarterback out of college since Manning was drafted, I do believe that Luck would benefit immensely from sitting for one year behind Manning and learning from the best. But for the Colts to pay $28 million for a quarterback who may not be healthy enough to even play is too big a risk for a team who was the worst in football this past season. I believe the Colts should take that $28 million they would save and apply it to trying to rebuild the team around Andrew Luck so that they can be successful in the future.
JS: It is not practical for the Indianapolis Colts to keep Peyton Manning on the roster. Since they are going to make Andrew Luck their starting quarterback, Manning would be nothing but a burden on their team salary. From a business perspective, Luck is the new story that will put fans in the seats. Having Manning sit on the bench will not sell the team more tickets. Letting him go is best for the team as well as for Manning. For these reasons, you will not see Manning in a Colts jersey next season.
MB: Brandon gets 3 points for pointing out that the Colts’ management should not forget that Manning has provided great service to Indianapolis. Bryan gets 2 points for acknowledging how much Luck could learn from Manning if they were on the same team. Johnny gets 1 point for pointing out the excessive amount of money the Colts would have to pay a quarterback to potentially sit on the bench.
2. The NBA trade deadline is coming up soon and the acquisition of Magic center Dwight Howard is a hot topic. Which NBA team is the best fit for Howard and why?
BG: I honestly think that Dwight Howard would look great with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Howard can score points, but his main function is as a rebounder. That would make his presence underneath the basket ideal for any time that Kevin Durant doesn’t get a shot to fall. However, the price that the Thunder or any other team would have to pay just wouldn’t be worth it. Would the Thunder really risk sending a package that would have to include either Russell Westbrook or James Harden as the headliner? I don’t think so. Howard becomes a free agent after the season and then any team can sign him on the open market. The only reward of getting Howard right now would have to be a championship to justify trading so much to get him and I just don’t see a team that should make that type of move right now.
BB: The best fit for Dwight Howard would have to be the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers already have the best player in the NBA in Kobe Bryant and have the tradable asset in Andrew Bynum. Howard has had his sights set on Los Angeles for a while and has always wanted to play there. The reason this would be such a good fit is if Howard is traded, the Magic plan to unload some contracts with the trade — Turkoglu and Nelson being the most likely candidates. That just so happens to be the two things the Lakers need the most; their point guard and small forward play have really set them back so far this year. This trade would make Howard very happy and give him the chance to compete for a championship year in and year out, and a team led by Kobe and Howard would make them serious contenders to win this year.
JS: Dwight Howard is currently the best center in the NBA, and he has expressed interest in being traded from Orlando numerous times. Ultimately, Howard wants to go to a team where he can win an NBA championship. Any team that can give Dwight that opportunity would be a good fit (I’m sorry to all you Nets fans out there, but I don’t see it happening in this lifetime). This makes the Dallas Mavericks a strong possibility for Howard. However, I believe that the most enticing opportunity that is on the table for Howard is the opportunity to play with Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles. Having Howard in L.A. would be like the days of Shaq and Kobe all over again. It would be a winning combination that would get Howard a ton of media coverage. Finally Howard would be playing in a city that is big enough for a player of his greatness.
MB: Brandon gets 3 points because although being part of the Thunder would put him on a team with the league’s reigning scoring champion, no team (except for Orlando) should trade for Howard only for winning a championship. Bryan gets 2 points for pointing out Howard’s prolonged will to play for the Lakers. Johnny gets 1 point for pointing out that Howard really wants to go to a championship-caliber team and the Lakers could be one of those teams.
3. Four Texas Christian University football players were arrested on Wednesday for allegedly selling marijuana to undercover police officers. How much of an effect does this have on TCU’s recruitment process going forward?
BG: It’s hard to say this, but scandals happen all the time in college football, and after a few years, they go away and it’s like they never happened. This story is still in its early phases, but if recent history tells us anything, then the Horned Frogs shouldn’t worry too much. The University of Southern California got busted for paying players and so did the University of Miami, yet neither has seen a negative effect on their recruiting. TCU has typically had to be creative in their recruiting since they weren’t in a major conference, but now that they’re in the Big 12 they’re going to get better recruits. Gary Patterson runs one of the best defenses in the country year in and year out, and I highly doubt a few college kids getting busted for marijuana is going to stop TCU on the recruiting trail a year from now.
BB: I do not believe that this recent report will have that big of an impact on the recruitment process for TCU going forward. TCU is making their move from the Mountain West Conference to the Big 12 conference this year and that move alone will help them in their recruiting process. While having four football players arrested for selling marijuana is a black mark for the university, I believe that TCU moving to a major conference will more than make up for this black mark. College football coaches are paid for more than just their ability to coach, they’re paid for their ability to recruit as well. Gary Patterson has been extremely successful in recruiting as the head coach at TCU in a mid-major conference, and I believe he will be able to play off that this is not what TCU is about, and therefore I believe TCU will be more successful in their future recruiting endeavors.
JS: The arrests that took place will have a HUGE negative effect on the school’s recruitment process. All high school athletes who consider TCU for their future will be made aware of drug trafficking that has taken place within the athletic program at the school. Additionally, and maybe even more significantly, the parents of these athletes will be aware of these arrests. These high school athletes will potentially have many options when deciding what school they want to play for. Why play football at TCU when there are other high quality football teams that don’t have drug problems? The school’s reputation has taken a hard hit for the time being. Their recruitment will be effected next year and maybe even the year after as well.
MB: Johnny gets 3 points for pointing out that the opinions of parents of high school football players in Texas and elsewhere will be affected. Bryan gets 2 point for acknowledging the taint the arrests puts on TCU and Coach Patterson’s success in recruitment. Brandon gets 1 point for pointing out that their move to the Big 12 Conference can only help their recruitment process.
Brandon wins this week's AtD, 7-6-5.
“I need to broaden my horizons. For anyone who wants to argue sports, take your best shot @bgouldsby or @tcnjsignal. Come at me bro.” — Brandon
(02/13/12 9:39pm)
In this week’s Around the Dorm, the “Ref,” Chris Molicki, challenges Staff Writer Kevin Lee, Staff Writer Mark Barroso and Staff Writer Mike Pietroforte to answer questions about the Linsanity going on in New York, which Tobacco Road team is superior this season and whether the Devils will be able to catch the Rangers by season’s end.
1.The hottest story in the NBA right now is Jeremy Lin and how he has revived the Knicks. While it’s absurd to think he’ll keep up his torrid pace, do you think he can give the Knicks consistent production night in and night out and truly be the answer for them at point guard?
KL: To be honest, part of Lin’s success has to be credited with D’Antoni’s system and the absence of Carmelo and Amar’e. With that said, I think that he fits well with the Knicks. Lin is a legitimate pick and roll player and has made Tyson Chandler infinitely better. When Amar’e returns, Lin could have an even more lethal pick-and-roll combination. In Lin’s first three games, he’s outplayed some legitimate point guards on both ends of the court in Deron Williams, Devin Harris and John Wall. Lin has also shown the ability to attack the hoop and score the basketball, although his scoring numbers will drop when Carmelo and Amar’e return. That’s the important thing though, Lin doesn’t need to average 25 and 8 every night. He just needs to be able to control the tempo of the game and spread the ball. Based on D’Antoni’s system, Lin has a ton of freedom to be that true passing point guard that the Knicks have been lacking the entire season.
MB: Jeremy Lin, the NBA’s first American born Chinese or Taiwanese player, proved to the world that he can offer consistent production at the point guard position against a good defense. Jeremy “Let it Fall” Lin has scored 89 points in his first three NBA starts — the most by an NBA player in his first three starts since 1976-77, according to ESPN. He is the first player to average at least 20 points and seven assists in his first three starts since 1991. Lin scored a career high 38 points during Friday’s defeat of the Lakers, the most by any Knick this season. Head coach Mike D’Antoni has not revealed what Lin’s role will be when Carmelo Anthony, Amar’e Stoudemire and Baron Davis return to the lineup but whatever it is, Lin will still be a brilliant basketball player. Lin has shown the skeptics that he is a consistent scorer, passer, rebounder and motivator. Although he may not be Allen Iverson, call him the answer (to the Knicks’ point guard situation). The Knicks (12-15) will keep #Linning because four wins are four wins and “Linsanity” is in N.Y. to stay.
MP: Jeremy Lin is definitely the answer for the Knicks at point guard. He has already proven that he’s a more than capable scoring threat by putting up 38 points against the Lakers and 28 points against the Jazz. I don’t expect him to continue to drop 30 points a game but his presence will definitely help the Knicks offense spread the floor and get open looks for Carmelo and Amar’e. Lin’s style of play fits in perfectly with Mike D’Antoni’s ideal style of offense, setting high picks for his point guard and giving him run of the offense. After seeing Steve Nash excel under D’Antoni in Phoenix, I fully expect Lin to flourish in the same style of offense. Just because he probably won’t be taking as many shots as he has been, look for Jeremy Lin to consistently put up around 18 points and 8 assists a game.
CM: Kevin gets 3 points for pointing at that Lin is a true point guard that the Knicks needed. Mike gets 2 points for saying how well Lin fits into D’Antoni’s system. Mark gets 1 point for pointing out that Lin has had one of the hottest starts ever.
2. Rivalry Week naturally saw its best matchup with Duke-UNC. The Blue Devils won at the buzzer, so it’s still hard to say who’s better. Which ACC team is the superior one and why?
KL: As much as I love Austin Rivers and Duke, I think UNC is the superior team. UNC is a better overall team. Unlike Duke, UNC has legitimate big men in Tyler Zeller and John Hensen. UNC also has a true point guard in Kendall Marshall, whereas Duke has many ball needy players in Rivers and Seth Curry. Comparing the two team’s best players, Harrison Barnes and Austin Rivers, I think Barnes is a much more complete player than Rivers as Barnes is more versatile, a better defender, and stronger to the hoop. Finally, I think that Duke relies too heavily on the three pointer. Some nights it will fall like the game against UNC, while other nights the three will be off.
MB: The University of North Carolina Tar Heels (21-4, 8-2 ACC) are the superior ACC team this season. Although the Duke Blue Devils (21-4, 8-2 ACC) defeated UNC on Wednesday, the fifth ranked Tar Heels have scored the most points per game in all of DI (84.1). UNC bests Duke in the overall rivalry 131-102 and had won 31 consecutive home games before Duke barely beat them. The Tar Heels also lead DI in rebounds per game (46.1) and are fourth overall in assists (18.0). The Duke fans will claim that the leadership ability of freshman Austin Rivers (29 points in win over UNC) give them the edge over their ACC rival but UNC has more standouts such as Kendall Marshall who is second in DI in assists with 9.8 per game and Tyler Zeller who scored 25 points in Saturday’s win over No. 20 Virginia. Both UNC and Duke do not necessarily need to have a high field goal percentage to win games but UNC will box out the Plumlee brothers on March 3 to keep the ball in the Tar Heel possession. UNC wins.
MP: After Duke’s buzzer-beating win over North Carolina, both teams stand with identical records. Both are 7-2 in ACC competition and 20-4 overall. Although Duke had the last laugh in their most recent matchup I still think North Carolina is the better team. They have a huge cornerstone in senior center Tyler Zeller who consistently puts up big numbers offensively and defensively (17.8 ppg and 11.0 rpg), they have a bonafide star in sophomore shooting guard Harrison Barnes, and they have a legitimate play-caller in sophomore point guard Kendall Marshall. The Blue Devils on the other hand have been playing some Jekyll and Hyde basketball lately and sneaking out with wins while losing to a few soft teams (Miami and Florida State). Austin Rivers has proven to be a scorer himself and is definitely a star, but the Duke streaky offense seems to run primarily on whose hand is hot from the 3-point arc and they aren’t always sure who is going to show up. Both teams are strong and could make serious runs, but I don’t see the same consistency and balance from the Blue Devils that I see from the Tar Heels.
CM: Mark gets 3 points for saying that the Tar Heels rebounding gives them the edge. Kevin and Mike each get 2 points for pointing out that the Blue Devils live and die by the three.
3. The Rangers are still the best team in the NHL, but the rival Devils are closing in on them. Do you think it’s possible for N.J. to catch N.Y. in points?
KL: I don’t see the Devils doing so. The Rangers are the best team in the NHL in my opinion. They are second in the league in goals against and remain one of the deepest teams in the NHL. Marian Gaborik is a stud on the offensive end and Henrik Lundqvist is a having a dominant season. The Rangers are just too good in my opinion to relinquish their lead atop the Eastern Conference standings. The Devils are on a nice little streak, but long-term the Devils won’t squeak by the Rangers in the standings.
MB: The New Jersey Devils (66 points) will not be catching up to the New York Rangers (75 points) this season. The possibility of the sixth ranked Devils making the playoffs does not make them better than the Rangers who are atop the Eastern Conference. Two is a good number for the Rangers. They are second in the NHL in goals against with 2.0 per game and second in the NHL in points behind the Detroit Red Wings (76 points). Rangers goalkeeper Henrik Lundqvist ranks second in the league in goals against with a 1.8 goals against average and second in the league in save percentage with .939. New Jersey’s Saturday loss to the Florida Panthers marks their first two game losing streak since losing three straight in the end of January. Meanwhile, the Rangers have won seven of their last 10 games. The Devils might have won the battle by shutting out the Rangers on Tuesday but New York will win the points war of the Atlantic Division.
MP: The Rangers and Devils are very similar teams right now. The Devils have been beating good teams lately, and putting up a lot of goals. They beat the Penguins 5-2, the Flyers 6-4 and the Canadiens 5-3. They even beat the Rangers 1-0 in their own low-scoring brand of hockey, when the Rangers would-be game tying goal was waved off in the final seconds. The Rangers have been consistently scoring the goals they need to win games, while riding the strong play of Henrik Lundqvist. While I don’t think that the Devils are quite as good as the Rangers are, and they’re getting by on the health of the very old Martin Broduer, they’re very hot right now, and the Rangers do have reason to stay on their toes. But the Rangers hold nine points on them right now and if they continue to play at the pace they have been, I don’t see the Devils catching them.
CM: Mark gets 3 points for pointing how good Lundqvist’s stats are. Mike gets 2 points by saying that the Devils have beaten good teams, but they’re too far back in the standings to catch the Rangers. Kevin gets 1 point for pointing out Gaborik’s dominant offensive play.
Mark wins this week's AtD, 7-6-6.
“My first win feels awesome! I came to play.” — Mark
(02/07/12 6:52pm)
Off-campus: The reality of residing elsewhere
Stop bitching about living off-campus — if it happens, it happens. It’s as good or as bad as you make it.
Decide what matters most to you about your housing situation — make sure you take care of that and everything else will be alright.
If you have NO CAR, I can tell you what matters most — location. Believe it or not there are many places available within walking distance (5-15 minutes) of campus, and plenty are still on the market.
Even if you have a car, location matters. Here’s what else to look for: laundry situation (you want a washer and dryer), rooms (get a single if you can; it’s worth it), multiple bathrooms (when you gotta go, you gotta go) and decent parking (unless you want to be blocked in on your way to class or park two blocks away).
Whether you want to live off-campus or are forced to, remember this: You can party without CAs, you can stay when College housing closes, and that girl next-door who complains about noise during quiet hours — she’s gone.
Oh, and here’s the secret: Go to ewingrentals.com.
– Brendan McGrath, Features Editor
Pro-Hotel: Give suites a chance
When I first heard the College was considering putting students in hotels, two things crossed my mind: “Who would actually want to do that?” and “That reminds me of that Disney Channel show.” Yes, I thought of Zach and Cody’s time at the Tipton, but then upon further research I realized this housing option may actually be pretty suite — pun intended. While I don’t necessarily plan on pursuing the hotels myself (I’m without a car and resultantly iffy about the shuttle system), I don’t think students should automatically dismiss it. For those with cars, it is convenient and avoids the uncertainty of going into the housing lottery. Certainly it may be a bumpy transition at first, but I’m sure it’d be quite an experience and not a regrettable one. With a kitchenette, television and DVD player in some rooms, along with pool access, it doesn’t seem half-bad; in fact, it doesn’t seem bad at all.
– Jamie Primeau, Managing Editor
No-Hotel: Why hotels aren’t ideal
One of the main reasons I decided to enroll at the College was the amazing campus. After living in Cromwell Hall my freshman year and Centennial Hall my sophomore year, it’s unfair that I might never be able to enjoy the nicer campus buildings as an upperclassmen because the College’s management decided to make untimely renovations to a building that should be replaced altogether. If I was forced into a hotel living condition, I would still have to commute to classes, pay overpriced parking permits and ultimately not be able to enjoy being a real member of the College’s campus life. I also work late nights at The Signal, sometimes getting back to my room around seven in the morning. Should I really have to live in a hotel? I’m a student, not a tourist.
– Tom Ciccone, News Editor
(02/07/12 3:39am)
In this week’s Around the Dorm, the “Ref,” Alex Wolfe, challenges Sports Assistant Chris Molicki, Correspondent Josh Fidler and Correspondent Kevin Black to answer questions about the MVP in this almost-halfway-over NBA season, whether a Mayweather-Pacquiao fight will happen (and whether it can save boxing) and who will make a difference in the first five picks of the NFL Draft.
1. We’re close to the All-Star game in the NBA (which I can’t wait for, except for the fact that no Knick really deserves it), the roughly halfway point in the NBA. Who do you think deserves MVP honors as of right now?
CM: In most cases, the MVP award should be given to the best player on the best team, and in this case, that makes the choice simple: Kevin Durant. Durant is averaging 26.6 points and 8.1 rebounds while leading the Thunder to an 18-4 record. Durant also has a very impressive PER, 26.54. Durant has scored at least 20 points in all but two of his games (one he had 19 in) and has helped Oklahoma City to an 8-1 home record. The case will always be made as to whether or not his is truly the best player in the NBA. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade are both in the conversation, but the Heat have done pretty well in the games that either of them missed, so it would be hard to consider one of them. If the Lakers or Timberwolves were having more success, maybe Kobe Bryant or Kevin Love would be a candidate, but from what I’ve seen so far, Durant is clearly the best choice.
JF: To start, I can’t give the MVP to anyone on the Heat or the Thunder because there can be arguments over who is the most valuable player on those teams. So that would eliminate LeBron, Wade, Durant and Russell Westbrook, who has been having a great season. I would eliminate Kobe because he is taking too many shots. I think the MVP right now is last year’s winner Derrick Rose. Having just seen him take control of the game against the Knicks I have to pick him. Now, one could say that when he was hurt the Bulls only lost one game, but they only played one good team during that time span, and they lost that game. Compared to his MVP performance last year, Rose is putting up similar and in some cases better numbers. He is averaging more assists and less turnovers than last year. Rose did miss some key free throws against the Heat, but he was also the main reason that the Bulls were in that game. At 23, Rose is primed to win his second MVP this season.
KB: When it comes to the NBA MVP, it’s natural to gather up the three usual suspects: LeBron, Rose and Durant. So far it doesn’t look like it will be any different this season. At the halfway point this year, my vote would go to Kevin Durant. In a year where injuries have hurt teams at certain points in the season, Durant has only missed one game out of a possible 22 for the OKC Thunder. He is third in scoring — which is low for him — but is still averaging a solid 27 points per game and he has also led the Thunder to a league-best 18-4 record. They are now considered to be far and away the best team in the West. His play has been very consistent all year and the way he’s handled the so-called beef he has at times with Westbrook has been amazing. It’s time Durant gets his due as one of the most valuable players in the league as Rose did last year.
AW: I like Chris’ and Kevin’s arguments, and they’re both pretty similar. 3 points to both. Josh gets 2 because I don’t know about Rose two years in a row, not with how the Thunder are playing.
2. Floyd Mayweather just announced his last pre-jail sentence fight, a May 5 bout with Miguel Cotto. Cotto is, obviously, not Manny Pacquiao, the fight that everyone and their mother wants to see. Will a fight between those two ever happen, and if it does will it be too late to matter for the struggling sport of boxing?
CM: With the way things have been going, it’s hard to say that the fight will ever happen. Two of the greatest boxers in the world could produce a dream matchup, but since it hasn’t happened yet, it’s hard to have optimism for it to ever happen. However, it would be enormous for the sport if it were to happen. The pure anticipation of the matchup itself will continue to sit in the hearts of boxing fans and as soon as it seems that no one has interest in boxing, they could schedule the fight as a last resort. All of the sudden, everyone would be happy again because they can watch the fight they’ve been wanting to see, and all of the sudden, boxing would be relevant again. Plus, if the fight turns out to be a classic, that would make the sport skyrocket. I’m not a boxing fan myself, but I would still love to see these two square off. Who knows if they ever will, but if they do, boxing will be back.
JF: I think the fight will happen at one point. The amount of money the two of them could make plus their competitiveness will make this fight happen. But I don’t believe that this fight will save the sport of boxing. At best I think this fight could slow down the decline of boxing, but that is it. Manny Pacquiao is 33 and Floyd Mayweather is 34. This does not have the makings for a good rivalry, because they are both old. I think that one of the reasons boxing is on its way down is because it is too hard to follow. There are so many unaffiliated leagues and so many different divisions that I don’t know what is going on. Manny Pacquiao has 17 different titles. Knowing this, the title means absolutely nothing to me now, it is watered down. In fact the only reason I know about these two is because ESPN has made such a big deal about their potential fight. Truth be told, I probably wouldn’t even watch the fight. Barring the possibility of any young stars in the mold of an Ali or a Foreman or a Tyson I don’t see boxing making a comeback.
KB: At this point, I think it will never happen because a lot could happen with Manny while Floyd is serving his sentence, and it’s more on Bob Arum at this point. I feel that the public is now to the point where it’s like, “just do it already.” I’m sick of the trash talking from both sides. Why it won’t happen is because one fighter doesn’t want a 50-50 split of the ridiculous amount of revenue the fight would make anyways. People just want to see the fight and be done with it. You can try to hype up the fight for as long as you want, but people will eventually lose interest and I think that time is actually here. Oh, I’m sure people will still watch Cotto fight Floyd, but I think that once that fight ends, boxing may be seeing the edge of the proverbial cliff.
AW: Josh gets 3 for pointing out the huge draw of the fight, but that boxing may be down for the count (pun intended). Chris gets 2 because the fight does have a chance to revitalize boxing. Kevin gets 1 because I don’t think people have lost interest in the fight quite yet.
3. Now that the Super Bowl is over, let’s get to the next NFL national holiday — the Draft. We all know Andrew Luck will be going No. 1 to the Colts, but what do you think will be the biggest impact pick of the rest of the top five?
CM: The top five picks (minus Luck) will most likely all have high impacts, but none more significant than Robert Griffin III. A likely move would see maybe the Browns, Redskins or another team in need of a quarterback trading with the Rams for the number two overall pick so that they can draft Griffin. There are two main reasons as to why Griffin will make the biggest impact. First are his comparisons to Cam Newton. While Griffin is certainly not as big as Newton, he is similar in that he has a cannon for an arm and can rush like a running back. If anyone doubts his arm, just look at one of his 37 touchdowns, specifically his game-winning bomb against Oklahoma. Or you can look at his incredible efficiency (72.7 completion percentage, six interceptions). There was a point in the season where Griffin had more touchdowns than incompletions. The second reason is that quarterbacks, specifically rookies, are ruling the NFL. Two of the best in the league were in the Super Bowl after they overcame stingy defenses. And with the quick success of Newton and Andy Dalton, there’s certainly optimism for Griffin to come firing right out of the gate.
JF: I know this is going to be a popular answer, but I don’t care. I think that it will be RG3. He plays a position that has the biggest potential to make an impact. I think that whoever drafts him will give him the chance to fight for the starting position, especially after seeing the success that Andy Dalton and Cam Newton had last year. RG3 is faster than Cam Newton, and he is also considered a better thrower than Newton as well. RG3 was efficient with the ball, completing over 70 percent of his passes while throwing only six picks. Both of these stats were better than what Andrew Luck put up, not to mention that he is also faster than Luck. Speed from a QB can kill — we have seen that with Vick, Newton and to some extent Aaron Rodgers. While RG3 doesn’t quite have Vick speed he will still be one of the fastest QBs in the NFL. To sum up, he’s fast, can throw the ball well and plays at QB which can have the greatest possible impact on a team.
KB: Robert Griffin III will face huge amounts of pressure wherever he goes because the rookie quarterbacks of last year (Dalton and Newton) exceeded expectations (with a shorter offseason no less). With Washington desperately looking to move up it could happen. I don’t want to base this off of a trade that may or may not happen so I will look at St. Louis sitting at that spot. With new coach Jeff Fisher’s offensive mind joining the team, the Rams I feel may look at adding another playmaker. Enter Justin Blackmon. The wide receiver from Oklahoma State could make the Rams into a formidable foe in the NFC West. Yes Bradford has Brandon Lloyd already, but having him as a second option wouldn’t be a bad way to go.
AW: Chris gets 3 for pointing out some of Griffin’s nonsensical passing stats and the comparison to Newton’s rushing. Josh gets 2 for stating the recent successes of rookie QBs. Kevin gets 1 because I think RG3 will probably be the top impact pick, and I can’t see him slipping from the top five.
Chris wins this week's AtD, 8-7-5.
"YOLO." — Chris
(01/31/12 5:52am)
In this week’s Around the Dorm, the “Ref,” Bryan Bellanca, challenges Sports Editor Alex Wolfe, Staff Writer Peter Fiorilla and Staff Writer Mark Barroso to answer questions about the Super Bowl (duh), who will come out on top in a close NHL President’s Cup race, and what the biggest surprise has been in the young NBA season to this point.
1. Let’s start this off right. Who do you think will win the Super Bowl and why?
AW: I’m going to go with the New York Giants. I’m not thrilled with this matchup (I mean, c’mon, this rematch? Although I’m sure it’s really exciting for Giants fans), but it should be entertaining nonetheless. The reason that I think the G-Men take it is because they’ll be able to put pressure on Tom Brady. Brady is a great quarterback, but even the great ones are susceptible to a good pass rush. The Giants have three players in the top 10 in sacks this postseason (Osi Umenyiora, Michael Boley and Justin Tuck), and they are a team that picks on the quarterback. On top of that, Tom Brady may be without his most reliable weapon, Rob Gronkowski. Now, granted, Aaron Hernandez is also a very talented tight end, but most of the success of the two of them can be attributed to the fact that they are usually both on the field. Without Gronk, Hernandez will likely become less effective, and those two accounted for the No. 2 and 3 highest receiving totals for the Pats this season. Oh yeah, and that guy Manning on the Giants has been pretty good, as well as his all-star cast of WRs, and he gets to face one of the worst defenses from this past season in the Pats’. Advantage: Giants.
PF: This is a game football analysts will use to support the old sports cliché “defense wins championships.” Both teams have good offenses with players that broke multiple records this year, and both teams have all the intangibles (experience, confidence and so on), so the key difference here will be on the defensive side of the ball. And while this Giants’ D has proven it can stymie the best of the best (just ask Aaron Rodgers), there are a lot of questions to be asked about the Patriots’ secondary, which has struggled significantly throughout the year. The Patriots have also had a much easier road to the Super Bowl — getting there despite a 2-2 season record against teams above .500 (both in the playoffs, admittedly). Eli and his terrific receiving corps of Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham will mercilessly abuse the Pats’ secondary to give the Giants yet another Super Bowl win over the Patriots.
MB: The New York Giants will win Super Bowl XLVI against the New England Patriots because they will contain the run and pressure the quarterback. The Giants’ defensive line, led by Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora has contributed to the team’s nine sacks in the postseason, which is one more than the Patriots’ defense. The Giants have also forced and recovered more fumbles than the Patriots during the postseason. New England quarterback Tom Brady will have to rely on his tight ends to provide more pass protection, which will eliminate them from the scoring picture. Star tight end Rob Gronkowski seriously sprained his ankle during the AFC Championship, which should limit his ability to make perfect cuts and get yards after contact. Kicker Lawrence Tynes booted the Giants to the Super Bowl in 2007 in Green Bay and again this year in San Francisco. Tynes will rise to the occasion if given the opportunity to secure a Super Bowl victory.
BB: Alex gets 3 points for stating Hernandez’s production could be affected by Gronk’s injury. Peter gets 2 points for pointing out the Patriots’ weak secondary. Mark gets 1 point for saying that the Giants’ defense forces a bunch of turnovers.
2. With the NHL All-Star game just passing by, there are a bunch of teams competing for the President’s Trophy, or most points in the NHL at the end of the season. Who do you think will be the No. 1 team at the end of the season?
AW: It’s really tough to say, because the NHL is such a close race this year. However, as much as my casual Devil fandom is making me want to say otherwise, I’m going to say the Rangers. For one, they’re currently second in the NHL with 66 points, but that’s with having played three less games than the Red Wings (with 67 points) have to this point. That three-game cushion should give them plenty of opportunities to finish higher than Detroit (or some of the other teams high in the standings who have played more games). Also, the Rangers have the better goalie of the two teams in Henrik Lundqvist. Lundqvist is third in the league in both goals allowed average (1.87) and save percentage (.937), numbers that Detroit goalie Jimmy Howard can’t touch (especially save percentage). Because of that, I think the Rangers will take it. However, it’s a very tight race this year, and I think it’ll be close ’til the end.
PF: As much as it pains me to say this, I think that the New York Rangers’ years of building through the draft will pay off this year when they win the 2011-12 Presidents’ Trophy. The Rangers are no slouches on offense, but they will be the No. 1 team at the end of the season because of their No. 1 defense, the only defense that has allowed fewer than 100 goals through the All-Star Break. They have a mature and tough corps of defensemen willing to get dirty to grind out wins, have the third-best penalty kill unit in the league, and have a goalie in Henrik Lundqvist who continues to add to his legacy in N.Y. with stellar performance after stellar performance (he currently has a career-high .937 save percentage). There will be some fierce competition from the Bruins, Red Wings and Canucks, but expect John Tortorella’s squad to be the best in the NHL at the end of this year.
MB: The Boston Bruins, 2011 Stanley Cup Champions, will finish the 2011-2012 season with the most points in the NHL because of their ability to score more goals and play better defense than anyone else in the NHL. Led by head coach Claude Julien, who is used to winning under pressure (most playoffs wins for any Bruins coach), the Bruins are the most well-rounded team in the NHL. On average, the Bruins score the most goals in the league with 3.5 goals per game. The Bruins, 31-14-2 with 64 points, are currently first place in the Northeast Division and second in the Eastern Conference. The New York Rangers have two more points than the Bruins and the Detroit Red Wings have a league-high 67 points. The Bruins’ talented goaltending tandem of Tim Thomas and Tuukka Rask make the team hard to score against. Although the Red Wings may be seen as favorites to win the Trophy, they have to play better on the road to come out on top.
BB: Peter gets 3 points for pointing out the Rangers are the only team to have given up less than 100 goals so far. Alex gets 2 points for pointing out that Lundqvist’s numbers are elite this year. Mark gets 1 point for stating that the Bruins can put the puck in the net with the best of them.
3. Since the NBA season is about a third of the way through, what has been the biggest surprise, good or bad, so far this season?
AW: I think it’s the huge discrepancy between teams that stayed pretty much intact versus teams that added new players. There are teams like the Thunder, Bulls, Heat, Sixers, Hawks and Nuggets who are starting really strong out of the gate, while teams like the Knicks, Mavericks and Celtics have been struggling. While something like this was to be expected, given that there was all of about a week of training camp this year, most people expected the teams I mentioned above to be at least as good if not better than they were last season. The Celtics pretty much swapped Glen Davis for a better, younger player in Brandon Bass, the Mavs added some wily veterans in Vince Carter and Lamar Odom, and the Knicks finally added a defensive presence in Tyson Chandler, luring him away from the Mavs. I guess the reason why it’s so surprising is because the NBA is the league that usually experiences the most change (the trade deadline is practically a holiday) and this year teams seem to need perfect chemistry to come out on top. I’m sure it’s going to turn itself around, but I was very surprised at how teams like the Sixers and Hawks that were very mediocre last year have taken the league by storm while some championship favorites have limped out of the gate.
PF: For me, the New York Knicks’ offensive woes are the biggest shock in the NBA. At the time of writing, the Knicks are on the outside looking in of the playoff hunt in an anemic Eastern Conference, and not just because of a poor defense — despite bringing in offensive institutions Mike D’Antoni, Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire, the Knicks just aren’t efficient in the offensive facet of the game. Maybe they need a real point guard, maybe there is a clash of styles on the team, or maybe D’Antoni is just managing the team poorly, but the numbers are pretty terrible: the Knicks shoot 41.9 percent from the floor (27th in the NBA), only score 95 points per game (15th), and force too many three balls (10th in three point attempts but just 25th in three point percentage). This was a team that was considered to be a playoff dark horse last year because of its offensive explosiveness, and now, an ineffective offense might keep N.Y. out of the postseason altogether.
MB: The start of the season for the Philadelphia 76ers, 13-6, is the biggest surprise in the NBA so far. The 76ers are first place in the Atlantic Division and three games behind the best team in the Eastern Conference, the Chicago Bulls. After finishing the 2010-11 season with a record of 41-41, the 76ers have utilized a team effort philosophy to share the ball and let multiple players, such as forwards Andre Iguodala and Elton Brand, contribute to the victory. While many believe that it is a big surprise that the Los Angeles Clippers are ahead of the Lakers in the Western Conference, the Clippers made far-reaching moves to be in the position that they are in. The 76ers do not have many recognizable, highly paid players but they are building their talent rapidly. The only team in the Eastern Conference to allow fewer points per game than Philadelphia (87.6 PA) is the Chicago Bulls (87.0 PA). If the strong defense continues, the 76ers are looking at an improved roster across the board.
BB: Alex gets 3 points for stating the big discrepancy between teams that changed a lot to those that stayed together. Mark gets 2 points for stating the Sixers’ strong defense could keep them towards the top of the Eastern Conference all year. Peter gets 1 point for stating the Knicks’ surprising offensive woes.
Alex wins this week's Around the Dorm, 8-6-4.
“If I go undefeated and don’t win the championship again this semester, I’m retiring from AtD.” — Alex