A Roundtable Discussion on Armando Benitez

I saw this picture today at McCovey Chronicles and it brought back all sorts of fond memories of Armando Bentiez's time with the San Francisco Giants. This picture also gave me an idea to bring along my fake Orioles and Mets fans known as Brother Omar and Vinny from Queens for a fake conversation about old Armando Benitez war stories. 

Keith: So guys, what's your favorite Benitez war story?

Brother Omar: Mine without a doubt is when he fought the entire Yankees team and the fight went right into the dugout. Good, good times.

Vinny From Queens: That's a great memory Brother Omar because fuck thooooooose guys in the Bronx. I wanted Benitez to punch out Jimmy from the Bronx because he still owes me money from the stickball game I beat him at.

The Must List: Week 5

I was about to complain about this week's slate of games being terrible, and they certainly are, but then it dawned on me that this is a very weak year for college football. I've heard a lot of people say this year is like 2007. While 2007 was fun, it was a weak year for college football (remember when a two-loss LSU played a two-loss Ohio State for the national championship?). So yeah this is a weak year for college football. Will I enjoy it? Yes, but I like it better when there are more than one team that is a national title contender. I also enjoy it when there are more than a handful of games that look interesting.

September 27th (All Times Eastern)
Stanford at Washington, 9:00 (ESPN: Rece Davis, Jesse Palmer, David Pollack, Samantha Steele) I'm still bitter at Washington for hiring Cal's recruiting coordinator Tosh Lupoi and then stealing all of Cal's recruits this past offseason. So I want to see Washington die a thousand deaths. I want that lake they play next to catch on fire. I want them to be miserable and realize they play in a cesspool known as the Northwest. I haven't been this bitter towards a team since the stupid rally monkey Angels in 2002. In essence, FUCK WASHINGTON.

Braves Walk-Off Into Postseason

The Reds, Nationals, and Giants had already clinched their playoff spots. The Reds and Giants had already clinched their divisions. So it was obviously the Braves turn to clinch their playoff spot. And they did it in dramatic fashion.



Now that's how you clinch a playoff spot. A dramatic walk-off in the ninth inning in front of tens of hundreds of fans. (Seriously Braves fans? Your team is on the verge of clinching and you can't even fill out the lower level bleachers? SMH) So there's only one more playoff spot left in the National League and looking at the standings it looks like the Cardinals have basically wrapped it up. That leaves the American League where none of the teams have clinched a playoff spot left. Should be a fun week of baseball.

Baseball Broadcaster Impressions: Biased Announcers

Oh you thought I was done with Baseball Broadcaster Impressions, did ya? Well I also thought I was done until today when the Wall Street Journal published an article on biased announcers. You won't believe who is number one.

I know you're just shocked, SHOCKED!, that the White Sox are number one on the list. I did find it surprising that the Indians were ranked 2nd since well their announcers hardly ever speak. The Pirates crew definitely has a homer in Steve Blass. The Astros announcers have homer tendencies, but not in a annoying way. I was surprised to see Washington higher on the list. The WSJ obviously hasn't listened to Carpenter enough. 

Overall I didn't make much of this list. Let's see them give impressions for each broadcasting team individually. 

A Picture Is Worth a 1,000 Words

Nothing more needs to be said about last night's game except when one ref signaling to kill the clock and the other ref is calling for a touchdown, well you got a problem.

Jon Miller & Dave Flemming > You

On Saturday night my brother and I had the opportunity to see the San Francisco Giants clinch the NL West. It was a glorious night that I'll always remember. I'll especially remember the atmosphere of the ballpark heading into the ninth inning because of this moment.



For people unaware, truthfully I still have no idea what this dance is or why it has become so popular, Jon Miller and Dave Flemming are doing the "Gangnam Style" dance or whatever is it called. This serves as a reminder though that Jon and Dave are better than you and will always be better than you. End of discussion.

Talkin' Baseball: That Clinching Feeling

49er16: I gotta admit the Giants clinching the division with 10 games to play feels really weird. I was at the ballpark when they clinched and the environment was like, "Yay!" and that's it. Felt much more jubilant in 2010.

The Colonel: Well 2010 they really had to fight for a playoff spot. This year they just blew by the Dodgers and never looked back. The amazing thing about this Giants team is that they have no problem scoring runs, they just can't hit home runs. Where the 2010 team could hit home runs but couldn't score if it wasn't a home run.

49er16: This pitching staff scares me though. They've had their moments where they look great, but they can also look pretty shitty. Feels extra weird not having to worry about the hitters but worrying about the pitchers with the Giants.

The Colonel: Yeah all the pitchers this year has had their moments where that made me cringe. They seem though to be pitching consistent right now and the bullpen is playing really well. I like them in the playoffs.

College Football Open Thread: Week 4

I can't we're already a third of the way through the college football season. I've been enjoying the games so far, especially now since we're headed toward conference play. This is your open thread so leave comments and don't be a troll.

Must List.
the506 announcing schedule.

A Plea To Voters, Vote Jeff Francoeur For American League MVP

I bet Frenchy would be the NFL's greatest QB.

Everyone seems to agree that the American League MVP this year is coming down to either Miguel Cabrera and Mike Trout. Well I call bullshit on that idea. Jeff Francoeur of the Kansas City Royals should be this year's American League MVP and here are the reasons why.

Frenchy Has a -1.6 WAR: Do you know how hard it is to cost your team almost two wins? It's very hard. There are only 8 players in baseball with a negative WAR and Frenchy is number one. Frenchy is so good he has cost the Royals almost two victories! Take that Trout.

Frenchy Has a 70 wRC+: Frenchy's total offensive value is also dead last in the league. When are we going to appreciate a hitter that is below average at creating runs? When will the Jeff Francoeur's and Justin Smoak's of the world be appreciated for their offensive ineptness?

Frenchy Has a -3.1 BsR: I have no idea what BsR is I'm assuming it has something to do with base running because Yadi Molina and Buster Posey also have negative numbers in BsR. But once again Frenchy is in the negative for this category. Shouldn't Frenchy be appreciated for accumulating so many negatives? Why must you people keep him down?

Frenchy Has a .287 OBP: Once again Frenchy is at the league bottom in a category and this time it's the important stat of On-Base Percentage. Also once again Frenchy is well below average in a category. What more do you people need to vote for Frenchy? The man is terrible at reaching base!

Must List: Week 4

This week's slate of games is pretty good. We're finally into the time of the year where most teams are in conference play and most conference games are competitive and close. Hell even the Thursday and Friday games should be good which is a rarity. So enjoy this week's slate of games.

Thursday, September 20th
BYU at Boise State, 9:00 (ESPN: Rece Davis, Jesse Palmer, David Pollack, Samantha Steele) Boise State has a lot of rebuilding to do this season and it has showed in a loss to Michigan State and a win against Miami (OH). BYU meanwhile has looked good so far, but did lose a heartbreaker to Utah. If this game was in Provo instead of Boise I would favor BYU in this game.

Friday, September 21st
Baylor at UL-Monroe, 8:00 (ESPN: Carter Blackburn, Rod Gilmore, Jemele Hill) Who knew that three weeks in a row a UL-Monroe game would be a must watch? It is though thanks to their defeat of Arkansas and their comeback but loss in OT to Auburn last week. UL-Monroe though gets to play Baylor at this stadium. Should be a fun one.

Baseball Broadcaster Impressions: Rankings

When I began my Baseball Broadcaster Impressions project I didn't plan on ranking the announcers. This project was more about reviews than rankings. After demand through comments and emails though for broadcaster rankings, here are my MLB broadcaster rankings. My rankings are based on the combination of TV and radio broadcasts with a short description of why a broadcast team is ranked in their spot.

30. Arizona- I only rank Arizona last because there was a lot of moving and shaking in their TV booth. First Daron Sutton was removed and then Mark Grace left because he was arrested. So they basically get an incomplete.
29. New York Yankees- Between the rotating TV broadcasters and the awfulness of Sterling and Waldman give the Yankees this rating.
28. Chicago White Sox- Combination of homerism in the TV booth combined with boring radio announcers.
27. Cincinnati- Condescending TV and radio broadcasters are not a good combination.
26. Pittsburgh- Another case of rotating announcers is a very bad idea.
25. Cleveland- Tom Hamilton's antincs aren't enough to save a very mundane TV crew.
24. Washington- Bob Carpenter is lucky that I enjoy Washington's radio crew because without them I would have ranked Washington in the bottom three.
23. Los Angeles of Anaheim- Victor Rojas can't save a bad radio team or his surf brah partner Mark Gubicza.
22. Kansas City- Any broadcast with Rex Hudler is a bad idea.
21. Colorado- Maddening TV crew combined with a mundane radio crew. Not a good combination.
20. Florida- Mundane TV crew combined with a semi-entertaining radio crew.
19. St. Louis- A TV crew that makes you fall asleep, but one of the most entertaining radio crews you can listen to.

Baseball Broadcaster Impressions: Reflections

Last week in a sprint to the finish I wrapped up my Baseball Broadcaster Impressions project. I finished in a hurry because truthfully I was ready for the project to end. While the project was a joy to complete, by the end though I was ready for it to end. A project like this wears on you but still satisfying. Looking back over the project I have several reflections.

The Most Condescending Asshole-Homer Announcers: Shocking I know that Thom Brennaman is the most condescending asshole-announcer I listened to. T-Hom is so joyless, so smarmy, that I don't know how Reds fans deal with him. Worst of all T-Hom's father is just as condescending and hard to listen to.

2nd Place for Most Condescending Asshole-Homer Announcer: Besides T-Hom and Marty there isn't another announcer in baseball I most want to hit over the head with a bag of doorknobs than Washington announcer Bob Carpenter. With the Nationals success came Carpenter's snootiness and homerism. I said this in the review I hope there's a camera near Carpenter when the Nationals lose in the NLDS.

Talkin' Baseball: Postseason Talk, Wives, & Coaches

49er16: I can't believe I'm going to say this, but after his last few starts can the Giants possibly leave Ryan Vogelsong in their postseason rotation if they make the playoffs? I don't think they can. I think he could be a reliever though.

The Colonel: I think out of Lincecum, Zito, and Vogelsong, Vogelsong is the only one you can trust as a reliever in the playoffs. And yeah I can't believe how shitty he's been after being a league-leader in ERA for most of the year. It's been shocking.

49er16: I know everyone said Vogelsong was suppose to regress the past season and a half, but I didn't think he would do it in the last two months of the season. It's been jarring to watch him.

The Colonel: I think Vogelsong's problem is that he has overly relied on his fastball and hitters right now aren't fooled by it. He's throwing it very straight and the hitters are just pounding him. I feel bad for his wife who seems like a very sweet person on Twitter.

49er16: She's very sweet. Hell all of the Giants wives seems like they're very sweet. To me it seems like baseball players marry/date women who aren't bombastic like NBA or NFL players. /Yes I watch too much Basketball Wives.

College Football Open Thread: Week 3, Vols Deep

Another full slate of college football games to watch. This is your open thread to comment on those games, enjoy those games, just don't act like a troll. Also if you want to comment on a baseball game go right ahead.  I won't mind. Enjoy.

The Must List.
Announcing Schedule via the506.

Baseball Broadcaster Impressions: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Continuing the Baseball Broadcaster Impressions Project today with a look at the Los Angeles Angels of Orange County broadcasting teams. 

TV Broadcasters: Victor Rojas, Mark Gubicza

Victor Rojas is a very good broadcaster. I liked him when he worked at the MLB Network when it debuted. Gubicza is very good if you like the surf brah persona. If not you're going to skip this broadcast and switch over to the other broadcast.

Rojas is a very intelligent play-by-play announcer with a dry wit that is entertaining. It's actually a shame Rojas is broadcasting Angels games because A) no one in the East stays up for Angels game and B) he's announcing games in Scully's shadow. There would be loads of praise heaped on Rojas if he was a broadcaster for Chicago, New York, or Philadelphia. He's really good.

What's amazing about the Angels broadcast is that they replaced surfer brah Rex Hudler for another surfer brah Mark Gubicza. I guess the Angels organization figures the residents of Orange County can related easier to the broadcast if there's a cliche-machine surf bro giving analysis. That can be the only explanation for the Angels to continue hiring surf brahs. Yes, I like saying brah. Sue me, this is my blog.

Baseball Broadcaster Impressions: Milwaukee

Continuing the Baseball Broadcasters Impressions project today with a look at the Milwaukee Brewers broadcasting teams.

TV Broadcasters: Brian Anderson, Bill Schroeder

I've heard good things about Anderson, but honestly I don't see it. I've heard him call national baseball and college basketball games. Now I've listened to him call Brewers games. I just don't get why he's looked at very favorably.

Don't misunderstand what I'm saying, Anderson is a very good broadcaster. When broadcasting a national game he doesn't get too high or low with the teams. With the Brewers he's a very even broadcaster. That's all you can really say about Anderson though. He's a fair broadcaster. But does that make him a good or even great announcer deserving of praise?

Must List: Week 3

On paper it looks like another weak slate of games. Now it almost always turns out a weak slate turns into a strong slate especially last week when we saw South Florida make a big comeback, UCLA stun Nebraska, and UL-Monroe upset Arkansas. So before judging this week's slate of games we need to watch them before saying it's a weak slate of games. Enjoy.

September 13th (All times Eastern)
Rutgers at South Florida, 7:30 (ESPN: Rece Davis, Jesse Palmer, David Pollack, Samantha Steele) Remember when the Thursday night Big East games were fun? Well this one has the potential to be fun. South Florida made a remarkable comeback last week in Reno against Nevada that gives you hope this game could be good. Now watch it stink to high heaven while the rest of us remember the glory years of the Thursday night game.

September 15th
California at Ohio State, Noon (ABC: Sean McDonough, Chris Spielman, Quint Kessenich) If Ohio State doesn't win this game by at least 20 points I'll be shocked. Cal doesn't normally play well on the road against a non-conference opponent (see at Maryland, Tennessee, Nevada) and their ability to shut down an athletic QB is very poor. Expect a big game from Braxton Miller and expect Ohio State to win by at least 20.

UL-Monroe at Auburn, Noon (SEC Network: Dave Neal, Andre Ward, Cara Capuano) Auburn is 0-2 and facing a team that went to Arkansas and beat a very talented Razorback team. Now watch UL-Monroe get crushed by 30 points because it seems like when you expect something in college football, the opposite happens.

'Gravity's Rainbow'

"Gravity's Rainbow" is bonecrushingly dense, compulsively elaborate, silly, obscene, funny, tragic, pastoral, historical, philosophical, poetic, grindingly dull, inspired, horrific, cold, bloated, beached and blasted."- NY Times Review 

In college I took a class that required us to read at least one big book. I mean a big book in terms of number of pages (think Moby-Dick or War and Peace). For whatever reason I choose Thomas Pynchon's "Gravity's Rainbow". I had always heard good things about Pynchon and that 'Gravity's Rainbow' is a must read.

So I tried 'Gravity's Rainbow" but found myself hating it. For whatever reason I've always hated being required to read books. I didn't want to read 'The Great Gatsby' or 'To Kill A Mockingbird' in high school. I've always hated being told what to read so I choose 'Gravity's Rainbow' to get that project over with in college and never looked back. I didn't enjoy 'Gravity's Rainbow' because I felt forced to read it.

For a few years afterwards I was told I should reread 'Gravity's Rainbow' because I would enjoy it more after not being forced to read it. Well I did reread 'Gravity's Rainbow' and have to admit I fully enjoy it.

'Gravity's Rainbow' is a behemoth of a book that as the NY Times review stated is dull, bloated, and great. It's really a complete package of everything. You emotions will shift dramatically as you read this book.

'Gravity's Rainbow' to me at least is like a playoff of "Dr. Strangelove". The book is about a bomb, theirs a mad German scientist, and paranoia. 'Gravity's Rainbow' though is not as sarcastic like "Dr. Strangelove" and the scare isn't a nuclear bomb but instead are V-2 rockets. But the basic premise of paranoia and fear are both a part of both 'Gravity's Rainbow' and "Dr. Strangelove".

'Gravity's Rainbow' is much more dense than saying it's all about paranoia. The books is about sex, drugs, philosophical subjects, and becomes more dark as the book progresses and less playful. Like I said earlier you're pulled in multiple different directions during the course of this book but nevertheless you'll be highly satisfied after finishing reading it.

If you have the patience to read a long book then I do highly suggest reading 'Gravity's Rainbow'. Be prepared though for a long read that at times can be confusing and frustrating but a satisfying read.

Baseball Broadcaster Impressions: Colorado

Continuing the Baseball Broadcaster Impressions Project with a look at the Colorado Rockies broadcasting teams. 

TV Broadcasters: Drew Goodman, George Frazier, Jeff Huson

It's fittingly the Rockies have this trio of announcers for their games because it's already hard to take the Colorado Rockies seriously. Seriously listen to this trio and try to take them seriously or not get mad at Huson's "analysis".

Goodman is the best of the bunch and that's not saying much. Goodman is an average broadcaster who often displays a forced enthusiasm during the games. In the games I've listened to though he's a fair broadcaster and doesn't slide over into homer mode.

Huson just pisses me off. From his hair plugs, to his voice, to his analysis. He's the complete package of suck. It also doesn't help that he looks like someone I used to work with and despised. Huson's analysis slides into the obvious and he panders to the dumb crowd. Huson just flat out pisses me off.

Baseball Broadcaster Impressions: Houston

Continuing the Baseball Broadcaster Impressions Project with a look at the Houston Astros broadcasting teams.

TV Broadcasters: Bill Brown, Jim Deshaies

When Fangraphs did their Broadcaster Rankings earlier this year I was surprised to see the Houston Astros out of all teams be ranked so highly for their TV broadcasters. I was surprised to see so much gushing about a pair of broadcasters for a team that has been irrelevant for 5 years now. Well turns out the gushing was correct.

Brown and Deshaies are an excellent broadcasting duo. They're funny, informative, and entertaining. A fresh breathe of air for a terrible baseball team. I can't imagine how crazy Astros fans would become if they had to sit through the dullness of Matt Underwood and Rick Manning while the team stinks.

This duo will also mention advance stats during the broadcast which is also a shock. They both openly talk about advance stats and what they mean pertaining to a player they're talking about. Usually you'll only get one broadcaster who is up to speed on advance stats and not the other. These two though are both up to speed on advance stats and educate their audience on them.

Baseball Broadcaster Impressions: ESPN

I continue the Baseball Broadcaster Impressions project today with a look at the ESPN broadcasting crews. 

TV Broadcasters: Dan Shulman, Orel Hershiser, Terry Francona

This isn't so much of a critique or a review as it's more of a overall question. Do national broadcasts purposely dumb down broadcasts for the audience?

I ask this question because Shulman, Hershiser, and Francona are all smart broadcasters. I think we can agree on this. But when I've watched them call Giants games the past few weeks I was surprised at what I perceive to be a dumb down broadcast. 

During last night's Giants game all of them kept the broadcast simple and their analysis was pretty sub par. It's still a much better broadcast than the Joe Morgan-Steve Phillips disaster, but still I expected much more from these three. I listened to Francona last year when he filled in for McCarver and he was really good. Francona was still good at predicting that Zito would shift his weight down the first base line during an AB and was great at breaking down Buster Posey's home run, but still he used very simple language during the broadcast.

Shulman I know is a great broadcaster, but he's another one who kept the broadcast very simple along with Hershiser who I know is a good analyst.

Maybe I ask too much out of these three, but the overall broadcast was very simple. Which begs the question, do these three keep the broadcast simple because they're broadcasting to a larger crowd? I understand that they're broadcasting to a larger audience so maybe they're told to keep the broadcast simple to draw in viewers who might not watch baseball everyday?

Talkin' Baseball: More O's Talk, Excuses, & More

49er16: Boy that O's-Yankees series was intense. You had the O's playing the game of their lives on Thursday, Yanks won Friday, Girardi blew his lid on Saturday, and the Yanks re-took the AL East lead on Sunday. That was great.

The Colonel: My favorite part was Teixeira saying, "the ump just wanted to go home early" after Saturday's game. It's like the Yankees have never benefited from a ump's call. Oh wait.............

49er16: "What's this bullshit? The Yankees are suppose to get every call in baseball!"- Some WFAN caller.

The Colonel: I'm surprised Bud Selig didn't show up out of nowhere saying the Yankees did win that game like old school Vince McMahon. You know he was thinking about it.

49er16: Selig hits Showalter over the head with a chair. Takes off his suit and reveals a Yankees shirt? That would be perfect.

The Colonel: I'm just happy the O's are competing and the Rays are right there. The Yankees need to go down. There needs to be firings after this season and blame. Why can't we have this? Why can't the Gods give us this one thing?

49er16: Did you see BJ Upton hit three home runs on Sunday? Two of them off of Roy Oswalt. Remember when Oswalt was awesome?

College Football Open Thread: Week 2

Not the strongest slate of games this weekend, but still there's college football on. If you're not excited for college football, then there's something wrong with you. So here's your open thread to leave comments on college football or pennant race baseball just don't be a troll.

Must List.
Announcing Schedule.

Baseball Broadcaster Impressions: San Diego

Continuing the Baseball Broadcaster Impressions project today with a look at the San Diego Padres broadcasting teams. 

TV Broadcasters: Dick Enberg, Mark Grant

When I listen to Dick Enberg calling Padres games I always become sad. Enberg should not be finishing his great career calling games for a team that no one watches. But alas there's Enberg calling Padre games so I'll enjoy listening to him while I still can.

The biggest complaint you'll hear about Enberg from Padre fans is that when he's calling games he goes beyond neutral and actively roots against the Padres. I thought this was absurd but to be fair I hadn't listen to many Padre games until this season. Well after listening to Padre broadcasts the past few weeks, there's definitely moments where you get the sense that Enberg is rooting against the Padres.

You could call Enberg the "Anti-Hawk or Anti-Bob Carpenter" because Enberg does present a fair broadcast. After 30 plus years calling games right down the middle for NBC and CBS, I'm not surprised Enberg isn't a cheerleader. That being said I can see why Padre fans would be upset at Enberg for not at least being a little biased. I'm not saying Padre fans want Enberg to morph into Harrelson, but he doesn't need to be that neutral of a broadcaster.

Greatest Commercial Ever?

Say what you want about ESPN, but their "This is Sportscenter" commercials have always been great. One of my personal favorites is the Y2K commercial with Charlie Steiner screaming, "Follow me! Follow me to freedom!". Well ESPN really out did themselves with this commercial.



Gotta love ESPN and John Clayton making fun of the urban legend that John Clayton has a ponytail. Of course Clayton of course doesn't have a ponytail, but that hasn't stopped the Internet for perpetuating the rumor that he does. I'm happy to see Clayton has enough of a sense of humor to finally make fun of this Internet meme.

(Via Deadspin)

The Must List: Week 2

Not exactly the hottest slate of games this week. You know how I know this? Musberger and Herbie are calling a 3:30 game and the only worthy primetime game is Vanderbilt at Northwestern on the Big Ten Network. While not the hottest slate of games, there are some worthy games to check out on Saturday for a few moments. Here's this week's must list.

September 6th (All times Eastern)
Pittsburgh at Cincinnati, 8:00 (ESPN: Rece Davis, Jesse Palmer, David Pollack, Samantha Steele) Remember the past couple of years when I complained about terrible Thursday night games? Well this game isn't exactly a barn burner. Especially since Pitt is coming off a loss to Youngstown State! Remember the good times folks when the Thursday night Big East games were exciting. Come back to us Louisville, Rutgers, and West Virginia.

September 8th
Penn State at Virginia, Noon (ABC: Mike Patrick, Ed Cunningham, George Smith) I highlight this game for one reason only, ESPN is sending George Smith to this game. You gotta love ESPN, they're going to milk that Penn State cow until it's dry. It wouldn't surprise me if Smith is actually reporting from Paterno's house while everyone else is in Virginia.

2012 NFL Predictions

Like with my MLB predictions this year, I'm going to have a little fun with the NFL predictions. I'm going to have fun with these predictions instead of the standard "Team X will will NFC South" and "Aaron Rodgers will win the MVP". So sit back and enjoy my predictions.

(Note: I realize it's a little early to make predictions, most teams haven't even played their 2nd preseason game yet, but I was bored and these predictions can be updated.)

The 49ers Will Struggle and It Will Be Because Of Alex Smith: It's convenient to forget this, but Jim Harbaugh sought after Peyton Manning this past off-season. Think about that for a second. He had a QB who lead them to the NFC Championship Game and he still went after the guy who hasn't played in over a year because of a freaking neck injury. The 49ers have improved their depth at receiver and running back this year but that doesn't mean a thing. Alex Smith is still the QB who either overthrows or underthrows a ten yard pass. Smith will come back to Earth this season like he did in the championship game. Just wait.

49ers Fans Though Will Still Say Alex Smith Is A Great QB: Alex Smith has been with the 49ers so long (He was drafted by the 49ers when I was a junior in high school. That was 8 long years ago) that I firmly believe 49ers fans suffer from Stockholm Syndrome. How else can you explain 49er fans constantly defending Smith? You can't because he's been around so long they suffer from Stockholm Syndrome.

Randy Moss Will Eventually Explode: Sorry but I have one more 49er prediction. You cannot tell me Moss doesn't throw a huge tantrum after Smith once again underthrows a pass to him. You just can't. And I'll tell you what happens after this. Moss will get cut and excuses will be made for Smith once again even though Moss will probably have every right to complain about another underthrown ball.

Yes The Orioles Are Tied For 1st Place In The AL East

The Yankees lost. The Orioles won. Meaning the O's are now in first place of the AL East. Here's the snapshot to prove it.

This is the latest the Orioles have been in first since Cal Ripken still played for the O's. Soak it in, O's fans. I'll be rooting for you guys.

Baseball Broadcaster Impressions: Chicago Cubs

Continuing the Baseball Broadcaster Impressions project today with a look at the Chicago Cubs broadcasting teams. 

TV Broadcasters: Len Kasper, Bob Brenly

My mother can name only five Giants from the 80's. Kuiper and Krukow for obvious reasons. Will Clark for being great. Brett Butler because he was good looking. And Bob Brenly. I wasn't even born yet when Brenly played for the Giants, but heard enough stories about him from my father and Kruk & Kuip to fully know Brenly. And one thing to know about Brenly is that he's funny and self-deprecating.

So it's refreshing to see Brenly is still funny and self-deprecating when calling Cubs games on CSN and WGN. Brenly is also good at breaking down what has happened in the field while shutting up and not putting down the advance stats that Kasper will talk about.

I would also be lying if I said I didn't wish Brenly was the Giants broadcaster. I love Mike Krukow, but his excuses for the Giants when they're playing bad are quite annoying. I've listened to Brenly the past couple of years on WGN and he never makes excuses for Cubs bad play. He's refreshingly honest about the Cubs which is nice to see and I wish I had that take with the Giants.

Talkin' Baseball: Don't Stop Believing In The Orioles & More

49er16: How about them Orioles?

The Colonel: My favorite part of the Orioles taking two out of three in New York was Mark "Strikeout" Reynolds crushing four home runs in both victories. It's like it's not bad enough the Yankees are fading hard, but they're getting beat by someone who swings more freely than a five-year old swinging at a pinata.

49er16: Age and injuries have finally bitten the Yankees in the ass. It amazed me all year how the age of the players wasn't a bigger deal. Then boom their older players besides Jeter have gotten hurt. And now they're trotting out players named Chris Dickerson.

The Colonel: And the thing is the way ARod has played this year, will he even make a difference when he returns? The AL East is going to be interesting to watch down the stretch. Two of those three teams will make the playoffs, but which ones?

49er16: They all have their problems to. Yankees = Injuries. Orioles = Bad pitching. Rays = Bad hitting. It's a mean race of the mediocre.

The Colonel: Nothing would make me happier though than the Yankees slipping out and the Rays and Orioles make the playoffs.

College Football Open Thread: Week 1

The calendar changes and there is college football looking at us. While the first usually doesn't have a full slate of games that will grab your attention (unless you're a fan of watching BCS teams playing non-BCS or even FCS schools) there are though a couple of games that look intriguing. Anyway enjoy the first football weekend of the year, leave comments, and don't be a troll.

Must List.
Announcing Schedule via The506.

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