It's easy to forget how lucky we are to live in the United States.
I was reminded once again today after I read this story in the New York Times.
Cricket officials in India are moving the Indian Premier League games out of the country because of security problems. With national elections upcoming, the government said it cannot spare military forces to secure cricket matches. And after the terrorist attacks in Mumbai in November, the country is on high-alert.
Cricket in India is akin to football in the U.S. It is the national obsession. My wife saw it first hand when she visited India about a year ago. The season was about to start and the media hoard was in full swing. It was a national controversy when the teams brought cheerleaders to the pitch that did not adequately cover themselves. (They were dressed similar to American cheerleaders.)
Americans worry about security at sporting events. I have endured the pat-down to enter football games at Solider Field and Michigan Stadium. But can you imagine if President Bush last fall said all NFL games would be moved to Canada the first week of November because we needed to ensure voters were secure during the presidential election?
We all remember how important baseball and football became after the Sept. 11 attacks on New York. City residents under so much pressure from the mayhem and clean-up were able to cheer for the Mets, Yankees, Jets or Giants and forget about the chaos for a few hours.
Moving the cricket matches off shore is not fair to the millions of cricket fans in India. The actions, or potential actions, of a few, cause the many to suffer.
It gave me a moment of pause. Times may not be ideal now, but we're still pretty lucky here.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Handicapping the WBC Final 4
Tonight and Sunday are the World Baseball Classic semi-finals. Korea and Venezuela mix it up first, followed by the U.S. and Japan Sunday night. Both games are at Dodger Stadium.
ESPN's experts made their picks today. Four of six selected Japan.
Roy Oswalt will pitch for the U.S. against Daisuke Matsuzaka. Oswalt is 1-0 with a 3.52 ERA during the classic. Dice-K has been almost unhittable so far. He is 2-0 with a 1.80 ERA, including a win over Cuba.
It will be a tall order for the U.S. to knock Dice-K around. And there is no real pitch count in the semis. Up to 100 pitches are allowed now. I think Japan wins, but it's a close game. Oswalt will pitch well. Maybe a 3-2 or 4-2 final.
The WBC finals on Monday will be all Asia. Korea should get past Venezuela. As the U.S. proved, the Venezuelan bullpen is suspect.
In the finals, Japan v. Korea should be a great game. The teams split their four previous meetings in the WBC, but I think this time Korea wins it. Both teams play small ball, but Korea also has some power. A timely home run will be the difference.
ESPN's experts made their picks today. Four of six selected Japan.
Roy Oswalt will pitch for the U.S. against Daisuke Matsuzaka. Oswalt is 1-0 with a 3.52 ERA during the classic. Dice-K has been almost unhittable so far. He is 2-0 with a 1.80 ERA, including a win over Cuba.
It will be a tall order for the U.S. to knock Dice-K around. And there is no real pitch count in the semis. Up to 100 pitches are allowed now. I think Japan wins, but it's a close game. Oswalt will pitch well. Maybe a 3-2 or 4-2 final.
The WBC finals on Monday will be all Asia. Korea should get past Venezuela. As the U.S. proved, the Venezuelan bullpen is suspect.
In the finals, Japan v. Korea should be a great game. The teams split their four previous meetings in the WBC, but I think this time Korea wins it. Both teams play small ball, but Korea also has some power. A timely home run will be the difference.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Fixing the World Baseball Classic
Even T.J., a self-proclaimed detractor, now has offered a WBC fix. Suddenly, with the U.S. still in contention and the games unusually exciting, it's worth saving.
I have argued from the beginning of the tournament that the WBC was a good idea. The U.S. needs to embrace the game on a world stage. It is not an exhibition, but the ultimate determinant of superiority.
T.J. is right, though. The WBC suffers because of one big problem: the date. America is not in a baseball mood in March. We are longing for our office pools and 12-hour TV-watching sessions to find out who wins the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.
If you play it in March, it interrupts Spring Training and the players are out of shape. If you play it in November, after the World Series, the players are burnt out.
Jayson Stark of ESPN offered an interesting idea in this column. He said start the tournament with a qualifying round after the regular season or a some other time, but play the semi-finals and finals during All-Star weekend. An neat idea that definitely would put the best baseball players in the world on the biggest stage.
I agree with T.J. that single-elimination is not the way to determine a baseball champion, which is the flaw in Stark's plan. Playing the finals during All-Star week would not allow more than a few games. But I propose a best of three series in the finals. That would make the tournament similar to the NCAA baseball tournament. A seven-game series in either round would take too long, especially if played in the middle of the baseball season.
I'm not sure expanding the tournament is the way to go just yet. We saw how well the Netherlands played, but look how bad South Africa played (They were outscored 22-4). Panama didn't score a run in the whole tournament. China's pro baseball league plays 21 games a year. Let the game take hold in the fringe countries first, like Australia, where the fans think the players should be using flat bats and a pitcher is a bowler.
We're building something here. It's going to take a while before it's right. The Super Bowl took a couple years to catch on, as did the Ryder Cup and even the Olympics. It just takes a little time.
I have argued from the beginning of the tournament that the WBC was a good idea. The U.S. needs to embrace the game on a world stage. It is not an exhibition, but the ultimate determinant of superiority.
T.J. is right, though. The WBC suffers because of one big problem: the date. America is not in a baseball mood in March. We are longing for our office pools and 12-hour TV-watching sessions to find out who wins the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.
If you play it in March, it interrupts Spring Training and the players are out of shape. If you play it in November, after the World Series, the players are burnt out.
Jayson Stark of ESPN offered an interesting idea in this column. He said start the tournament with a qualifying round after the regular season or a some other time, but play the semi-finals and finals during All-Star weekend. An neat idea that definitely would put the best baseball players in the world on the biggest stage.
I agree with T.J. that single-elimination is not the way to determine a baseball champion, which is the flaw in Stark's plan. Playing the finals during All-Star week would not allow more than a few games. But I propose a best of three series in the finals. That would make the tournament similar to the NCAA baseball tournament. A seven-game series in either round would take too long, especially if played in the middle of the baseball season.
I'm not sure expanding the tournament is the way to go just yet. We saw how well the Netherlands played, but look how bad South Africa played (They were outscored 22-4). Panama didn't score a run in the whole tournament. China's pro baseball league plays 21 games a year. Let the game take hold in the fringe countries first, like Australia, where the fans think the players should be using flat bats and a pitcher is a bowler.
We're building something here. It's going to take a while before it's right. The Super Bowl took a couple years to catch on, as did the Ryder Cup and even the Olympics. It just takes a little time.
Friday, March 13, 2009
The grit lesson
IU men's basketball played with grit and determination this season, despite losing 25 of 31 games. We applauded and celebrated that grit even though it comes with a tablespoon of humility mixed with horror and anger.
The best part about getting knocked down is getting up – because we can get up. The U.S. basketball gold medal at last year’s Olympics was that much sweeter because we hadn’t won it since 2000. The U.S. returning in 1987 to win the America’s Cup after its first-ever loss four years earlier was that much more epic.
We’ve heard it all year. IU basketball will be back. And once we are “back” it will be all that much sweeter knowing how low we sank and the hardship we had to endure.
The IU players are better because of this season, as hard as it is to believe. Hoosier fans are better fans as well. Because we know how low a program can actually go, we can appreciate all the more the nine Final Fours and five national championships. We can better understand the sustained excellence coach Bob Knight brought to Bloomington.
We were lucky. We were spoiled. We won’t be spoiled again.
Note: Interesting piece about what Tom Crean said to his team after the Big Ten Tournament loss Thursday.
The best part about getting knocked down is getting up – because we can get up. The U.S. basketball gold medal at last year’s Olympics was that much sweeter because we hadn’t won it since 2000. The U.S. returning in 1987 to win the America’s Cup after its first-ever loss four years earlier was that much more epic.
We’ve heard it all year. IU basketball will be back. And once we are “back” it will be all that much sweeter knowing how low we sank and the hardship we had to endure.
The IU players are better because of this season, as hard as it is to believe. Hoosier fans are better fans as well. Because we know how low a program can actually go, we can appreciate all the more the nine Final Fours and five national championships. We can better understand the sustained excellence coach Bob Knight brought to Bloomington.
We were lucky. We were spoiled. We won’t be spoiled again.
Note: Interesting piece about what Tom Crean said to his team after the Big Ten Tournament loss Thursday.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
An ending, mercifully
The IU men's basketball season ended with a thud Thursday. A 66-51 loss to Penn State.
Most fans thought the team would be down this year. Maybe the ESPN commentators were right today when they said during the broadcast that the end of the season couldn't come soon enough. They said sometimes it's time to put the ball away and go home.
Maybe they were right. The Hoosiers were out-manned and out-played all season.
Today's game resembled much of the Big Ten season. Despite fighting hard, the players couldn't get it done. Penn State was on the ropes. After nearly blowing the Hoosiers out early on, IU began to come back. The Hoosiers came back from being down 26-8 and with 6 minutes left and had the ball trailing 29-20. IU was on a 12-3 run, another bucket would have really put some pressure on Penn State with six minutes to go in the half.
Instead, an offensive foul was called. The ball went back to Penn State, who promptly scored a lay-up. IU never got within 10 points again. Season over. Six wins, 25 losses.
Throughout the second half, just like the entire season, ESPN's commentators filled time by saying the IU cavalry is on the way. That next year truly is coming.
As IU fans, we hope it does. Because we must never speak of the 2008-09 season again.
Most fans thought the team would be down this year. Maybe the ESPN commentators were right today when they said during the broadcast that the end of the season couldn't come soon enough. They said sometimes it's time to put the ball away and go home.
Maybe they were right. The Hoosiers were out-manned and out-played all season.
Today's game resembled much of the Big Ten season. Despite fighting hard, the players couldn't get it done. Penn State was on the ropes. After nearly blowing the Hoosiers out early on, IU began to come back. The Hoosiers came back from being down 26-8 and with 6 minutes left and had the ball trailing 29-20. IU was on a 12-3 run, another bucket would have really put some pressure on Penn State with six minutes to go in the half.
Instead, an offensive foul was called. The ball went back to Penn State, who promptly scored a lay-up. IU never got within 10 points again. Season over. Six wins, 25 losses.
Throughout the second half, just like the entire season, ESPN's commentators filled time by saying the IU cavalry is on the way. That next year truly is coming.
As IU fans, we hope it does. Because we must never speak of the 2008-09 season again.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
WBC reading list
Here are a couple stories on the World Baseball Classic worth reading:
- An ESPN.com story has more info on the atmosphere in Toronto and the pressure on the U.S. players in the 9th inning.
- A story from the New York Times on how Mexico doesn't consider baseball much of a priority.
- A column by the Chicago Tribune's Rick Morrissey on the U.S. and other countries' attitudes about the tournament.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
WBC opener or MLB playoffs?
You think nobody cares about the World Baseball Classic? How about 42,000 people standing and cheering with two outs and a runner on second in the 9th inning as Canada tried to tie the game against the U.S.
The game seemed like it should have happened in October. Two rivals. The U.S. trying to avenge a loss to Canada in the 2006 WBC first round. A great symbol of the tension: Adam Dunn with his head down, then putting his first two fingers to his neck to take his pulse in the 9th.
It was a well-played game, swinging back and forth throughout. Ultimately, the U.S. was able to hang on, winning 6-5 in Toronto, Canada.
The U.S. trailed 2-1 in the bottom of the fourth, before scoring three runs on two homers to take lead. The winning run came in the sixth on a two-run shot by Dunn.
The WBC couldn't have started better for the U.S. team. And it hopefully attracted some new fans.
Note: The U.S. victory was the second great game of the day. The Netherlands defeated the heavily-favored Dominican Republic 3-2 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The game seemed like it should have happened in October. Two rivals. The U.S. trying to avenge a loss to Canada in the 2006 WBC first round. A great symbol of the tension: Adam Dunn with his head down, then putting his first two fingers to his neck to take his pulse in the 9th.
It was a well-played game, swinging back and forth throughout. Ultimately, the U.S. was able to hang on, winning 6-5 in Toronto, Canada.
The U.S. trailed 2-1 in the bottom of the fourth, before scoring three runs on two homers to take lead. The winning run came in the sixth on a two-run shot by Dunn.
The WBC couldn't have started better for the U.S. team. And it hopefully attracted some new fans.
Note: The U.S. victory was the second great game of the day. The Netherlands defeated the heavily-favored Dominican Republic 3-2 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
WBC debate
My friend T.J. insists the World Baseball Classic is not worth the trouble. He says he'll be disgusted if Cubs players Ted Lilly and Geovanny Soto get hurt in the international tournament and that the team paying the bills deserves the ultimate loyalty.
Did anyone at Manchester United tell David Beckham it would be a bad idea if he played for England in soccer's World Cup? I suspect it would be a national disaster if he chose to sit out the tournament because his employer didn't like the idea.
When Canada won the Olympic hockey gold medal in 2002, was that not a symbol of national pride? Our northern neighbors define their sporting selves by excellence in hockey and won the Olympics for the first time in 50 years. Consider this from Wikipedia:
"In Canada, the CBC said that 10.6 million watched the game. Veteran CBC Sports commentator Bob Cole called in the dying seconds of the game: 'Now, after 50 years, it's time for Canada to stand up and cheer! STAND UP AND CHEER EVERYBODY! THE OLYMPICS SALT LAKE CITY 2002 MEN'S ICE HOCKEY GOLD MEDAL: CANADA!'"
The game was among the most-watched sports shows in CBC history. You think Canadians only care about NHL success? They care about international hockey, too.
It is OK to play for national pride, T.J. It should be encouraged.
Did anyone at Manchester United tell David Beckham it would be a bad idea if he played for England in soccer's World Cup? I suspect it would be a national disaster if he chose to sit out the tournament because his employer didn't like the idea.
When Canada won the Olympic hockey gold medal in 2002, was that not a symbol of national pride? Our northern neighbors define their sporting selves by excellence in hockey and won the Olympics for the first time in 50 years. Consider this from Wikipedia:
"In Canada, the CBC said that 10.6 million watched the game. Veteran CBC Sports commentator Bob Cole called in the dying seconds of the game: 'Now, after 50 years, it's time for Canada to stand up and cheer! STAND UP AND CHEER EVERYBODY! THE OLYMPICS SALT LAKE CITY 2002 MEN'S ICE HOCKEY GOLD MEDAL: CANADA!'"
The game was among the most-watched sports shows in CBC history. You think Canadians only care about NHL success? They care about international hockey, too.
It is OK to play for national pride, T.J. It should be encouraged.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Hit the nail on the head
ESPN's Jayson Stark made the same point in this column that I did here yesterday.
Stark argues there is pressure on the U.S. baseball team to play well in the World Baseball Classic this time for the health of the competition. The WBC is widely accepted outside the U.S., but here in the birthplace of baseball it's an afterthought.
That has to change, not because of TV ratings and financial projections, but because baseball is the American game.
"Three years ago, we sat in ballparks where other WBC countries were playing baseball and were blown away by the energy crackling out of every seat in the park. It felt like the Final Four had just merged with the World Cup. The baseball was awesome. The atmosphere was even better," Stark wrote.
American fans have to get past the notion that winning a World Series is the greatest achievement in baseball. Maybe it is bigger than a WBC championship now. But in a few years, when the WBC grows, that title will be bigger. Is there anyone in the world that thinks winning the MLS Cup or European Champions League title is bigger than winning the World Cup?
This is not a glorified All-Star game designed to make money for MLB. It's an international tournament. A chance to prove who has the best baseball players. When was the last time the U.S. could accurately say that? The 2000 Olympics, the last time a U.S. team won the gold medal. We also could say it in 1988, when we sent amateur players.
The country got behind the Olympic basketball team last summer in its quest to win the gold medal and prove U.S. basketball really was the best in the world. In my mind this is the same idea. We have to prove we're the best once again, this time in baseball.
There has to be someone out there willing to get behind that banner.
Stark argues there is pressure on the U.S. baseball team to play well in the World Baseball Classic this time for the health of the competition. The WBC is widely accepted outside the U.S., but here in the birthplace of baseball it's an afterthought.
That has to change, not because of TV ratings and financial projections, but because baseball is the American game.
"Three years ago, we sat in ballparks where other WBC countries were playing baseball and were blown away by the energy crackling out of every seat in the park. It felt like the Final Four had just merged with the World Cup. The baseball was awesome. The atmosphere was even better," Stark wrote.
American fans have to get past the notion that winning a World Series is the greatest achievement in baseball. Maybe it is bigger than a WBC championship now. But in a few years, when the WBC grows, that title will be bigger. Is there anyone in the world that thinks winning the MLS Cup or European Champions League title is bigger than winning the World Cup?
This is not a glorified All-Star game designed to make money for MLB. It's an international tournament. A chance to prove who has the best baseball players. When was the last time the U.S. could accurately say that? The 2000 Olympics, the last time a U.S. team won the gold medal. We also could say it in 1988, when we sent amateur players.
The country got behind the Olympic basketball team last summer in its quest to win the gold medal and prove U.S. basketball really was the best in the world. In my mind this is the same idea. We have to prove we're the best once again, this time in baseball.
There has to be someone out there willing to get behind that banner.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
International enthusiasm for the national pastime
While home trying to get over my nasty cold, I was able to watch a replay of the first 2009 World Baseball Classic game between China and Japan.
The game was played in Tokyo, Japan, one of the most baseball-obsessed countries in the world. It was a sell-out and the fans were vocal, banging drums and blowing horns to cheer for their team.
Japan won 4-0 over an inexperienced Chinese team. I was impressed with the enthusiasm for world baseball. Here in America, it seems throughout the off-season, players have been going out of their way to avoid playing in the event, whether it be for team USA or any other country.
I know money is the ultimate deciding factor in those decisions. But I don't think it's such a bad idea that pro athletes play for their country. The Olympics remains the premier international competition, now with professionals playing team sports like basketball and hockey. It also seems to work for soccer's World Cup and golf's Ryder Cup.
I think a competition like this can grow to become a great event, even if there are maximum pitch-counts and other odd rules, like beginning in the 13th inning, each team bats with runners on first and second.
Americans still call baseball the national pastime, but the national sport really is football. The WBC is another reminder about why we love baseball. Just watching the game today, headache and all, I remembered why I enjoy watching games in the summer. The pace ... the anticipation of the pitch ... the fact that I could check three other channels between plays.
Baseball is never going to become a world game like soccer, but I enjoyed seeing other countries excited about it. That is one thing you don't see with football.
By the way, Japan played very well, fitting of a defending world champion. Even China, a country that has had professional baseball for seven years (that's 126 less than America), and one win in international competition, showed signs that it could develop into a competitive team.
Team USA opens WBC play on Saturday against Canada in Toronto. Let's hope the Asian enthusiasm for the event rubs off in North America.
The game was played in Tokyo, Japan, one of the most baseball-obsessed countries in the world. It was a sell-out and the fans were vocal, banging drums and blowing horns to cheer for their team.
Japan won 4-0 over an inexperienced Chinese team. I was impressed with the enthusiasm for world baseball. Here in America, it seems throughout the off-season, players have been going out of their way to avoid playing in the event, whether it be for team USA or any other country.
I know money is the ultimate deciding factor in those decisions. But I don't think it's such a bad idea that pro athletes play for their country. The Olympics remains the premier international competition, now with professionals playing team sports like basketball and hockey. It also seems to work for soccer's World Cup and golf's Ryder Cup.
I think a competition like this can grow to become a great event, even if there are maximum pitch-counts and other odd rules, like beginning in the 13th inning, each team bats with runners on first and second.
Americans still call baseball the national pastime, but the national sport really is football. The WBC is another reminder about why we love baseball. Just watching the game today, headache and all, I remembered why I enjoy watching games in the summer. The pace ... the anticipation of the pitch ... the fact that I could check three other channels between plays.
Baseball is never going to become a world game like soccer, but I enjoyed seeing other countries excited about it. That is one thing you don't see with football.
By the way, Japan played very well, fitting of a defending world champion. Even China, a country that has had professional baseball for seven years (that's 126 less than America), and one win in international competition, showed signs that it could develop into a competitive team.
Team USA opens WBC play on Saturday against Canada in Toronto. Let's hope the Asian enthusiasm for the event rubs off in North America.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
So close ... again
I thought the Hoosiers played their best game of the season Saturday in a loss to Penn State. It turned out they played their best game Tuesday against Michigan State. Unfortunately they still lost.
I was just itching to write here that Indiana beat No. 8 Michigan State. No one would have believed me. I would have said read this twice and let it sink in.
When the Hoosiers closed to within two with 3:31 to go, I turned the computer on. It seemed IU was getting a few breaks. They caught Michigan State on an off night a day after a win at Illinois. The Spartans seemed sluggish and could never deliver the knock-out punch. And after MSU Coach Tom Izzo got a technical foul with less than 8 minutes to go, the Hoosiers went on a tear.
I logged into Blogger.com when the Spartans missed a layup and another jump shot with less than 2 minutes to go.
But the Hoosiers once again could not close. After the gap narrowed to two points on a Verdell Jones free throw, IU did not score another field goal and only managed two points the remainder of the game. An MSU rebound and dunk with 29 seconds left finally put the game out of reach.
This game was no let-down after the big step forward Saturday. This time it was the final 5 minutes without a field goal that ended it. If they had one more good possession, this team may have gained the biggest win of the year.
But once again, I write about a valiant effort that resulted in a loss.
I was just itching to write here that Indiana beat No. 8 Michigan State. No one would have believed me. I would have said read this twice and let it sink in.
When the Hoosiers closed to within two with 3:31 to go, I turned the computer on. It seemed IU was getting a few breaks. They caught Michigan State on an off night a day after a win at Illinois. The Spartans seemed sluggish and could never deliver the knock-out punch. And after MSU Coach Tom Izzo got a technical foul with less than 8 minutes to go, the Hoosiers went on a tear.
I logged into Blogger.com when the Spartans missed a layup and another jump shot with less than 2 minutes to go.
But the Hoosiers once again could not close. After the gap narrowed to two points on a Verdell Jones free throw, IU did not score another field goal and only managed two points the remainder of the game. An MSU rebound and dunk with 29 seconds left finally put the game out of reach.
This game was no let-down after the big step forward Saturday. This time it was the final 5 minutes without a field goal that ended it. If they had one more good possession, this team may have gained the biggest win of the year.
But once again, I write about a valiant effort that resulted in a loss.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
That clicking noise
Did you hear that?
Something may have clicked Saturday night during IU's loss at Penn State. These young Hoosiers may finally be starting to get it.
The team played probably its best game of the season on the road. They never trailed by more than five points and led the game with about two minutes to go. Unfortunately, an inability to make some clutch shots down the stretch and untimely turnovers caused what has been a familiar result this season. This time the season's major problems surfaced late in the game.
Verdell Jones played much better than I had seen in recent weeks and I think Tom Pritchard would have had a better game if he hadn't been saddled with three fouls in the first half. The team only committed 11 turnovers, much better than its season average.
I've read and watched several commentators talk about coaches waiting for that light to turn on with a young team and the players begin to play with confidence. I saw it Saturday. Late in the game, the Hoosiers didn't wilt, they remained aggressive. Unfortunately the shots just didn't fall.
I wrote Friday there was a scenario where the Hoosiers could win a few games in the Big Ten tournament. Last night's game proves this team could be dangerous. If they meet a team with nothing to play for, who knows what could happen.
This game is something the Hoosiers can build upon. I just hope Tuesday's game versus Michigan State and Sunday's regular season finale at Wisconsin don't destroy the foundation. The Hoosiers are playing with more confidence, but certainly that confidence is shaky.
Something may have clicked Saturday night during IU's loss at Penn State. These young Hoosiers may finally be starting to get it.
The team played probably its best game of the season on the road. They never trailed by more than five points and led the game with about two minutes to go. Unfortunately, an inability to make some clutch shots down the stretch and untimely turnovers caused what has been a familiar result this season. This time the season's major problems surfaced late in the game.
Verdell Jones played much better than I had seen in recent weeks and I think Tom Pritchard would have had a better game if he hadn't been saddled with three fouls in the first half. The team only committed 11 turnovers, much better than its season average.
I've read and watched several commentators talk about coaches waiting for that light to turn on with a young team and the players begin to play with confidence. I saw it Saturday. Late in the game, the Hoosiers didn't wilt, they remained aggressive. Unfortunately the shots just didn't fall.
I wrote Friday there was a scenario where the Hoosiers could win a few games in the Big Ten tournament. Last night's game proves this team could be dangerous. If they meet a team with nothing to play for, who knows what could happen.
This game is something the Hoosiers can build upon. I just hope Tuesday's game versus Michigan State and Sunday's regular season finale at Wisconsin don't destroy the foundation. The Hoosiers are playing with more confidence, but certainly that confidence is shaky.
Friday, February 27, 2009
It could happen?
Tomorrow's game could be a Big Ten tournament preview for the Hoosiers.
In the first round, the sixth seed plays the 11th seed.
Penn State is tied with Wisconsin for sixth place in the Big Ten standings. IU is in last place, three games behind Iowa and the Hoosiers' recent play, as well as it's remaining schedule, doesn't inspire too much hope for moving out of the basement.
The Hoosiers played a marginally good game against Penn State in Bloomington, losing by 10. The tournament will be played in Indianapolis, which should be a home game.
The 11 seed is 3-11 all-time in the tournament, but it has advanced to the tournament final before. In 1999, Illinois finished last and made it to the final, where the team lost to Michigan State. Last year, as the 10 seed, Illinois reached the final again, losing to Wisconsin.
If the Hoosiers advance, they would play the No. 3 seed, which today is Purdue. It would be a rivalry game and after the embarrassing loss in the regular season, the Hoosiers may be due for a change.
In the semi-finals, the No. 2, 7 or 10 seeds would be waiting. In order, they are Illinois, Minnesota and Iowa. The Hoosiers already beat Iowa this year and played well against Illinois and Minnesota. That's potentially three wins in three days.
In the final, No. 1 seed Michigan State, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Michigan or Northwestern. This game presents much more of a challenge. The favorite, Michigan State, will not take the Hoosiers lightly and plays all facets of the game better than IU.
This is really an unlikely scenario. IU has won only one game since Dec. 10. And in many of them they appeared over-matched. But suppose it could happen. Can you imagine the scene at Conseco Fieldhouse on March 15 if IU, a team that couldn't win 10 games in the regular season, was playing for a berth in the NCAA tournament?
In the first round, the sixth seed plays the 11th seed.
Penn State is tied with Wisconsin for sixth place in the Big Ten standings. IU is in last place, three games behind Iowa and the Hoosiers' recent play, as well as it's remaining schedule, doesn't inspire too much hope for moving out of the basement.
The Hoosiers played a marginally good game against Penn State in Bloomington, losing by 10. The tournament will be played in Indianapolis, which should be a home game.
The 11 seed is 3-11 all-time in the tournament, but it has advanced to the tournament final before. In 1999, Illinois finished last and made it to the final, where the team lost to Michigan State. Last year, as the 10 seed, Illinois reached the final again, losing to Wisconsin.
If the Hoosiers advance, they would play the No. 3 seed, which today is Purdue. It would be a rivalry game and after the embarrassing loss in the regular season, the Hoosiers may be due for a change.
In the semi-finals, the No. 2, 7 or 10 seeds would be waiting. In order, they are Illinois, Minnesota and Iowa. The Hoosiers already beat Iowa this year and played well against Illinois and Minnesota. That's potentially three wins in three days.
In the final, No. 1 seed Michigan State, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Michigan or Northwestern. This game presents much more of a challenge. The favorite, Michigan State, will not take the Hoosiers lightly and plays all facets of the game better than IU.
This is really an unlikely scenario. IU has won only one game since Dec. 10. And in many of them they appeared over-matched. But suppose it could happen. Can you imagine the scene at Conseco Fieldhouse on March 15 if IU, a team that couldn't win 10 games in the regular season, was playing for a berth in the NCAA tournament?
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
A 41-year drought ends
In what must be a season of several dubious firsts, the Hoosiers lost to Northwestern for the first time ever at Assembly Hall. Yes I said ever.
The Hoosiers lost by 22 points, 75-53, on their home floor to a team that had not won in Bloomington since 1968.
Whenever the Hoosiers gained a little momentum, it was quickly snuffed out by a Northwestern three-pointer or conventional basket, followed by an IU turnover or missed shot. It's a problem they haven't solved all year.
A 20-4 run in the second half was the knock-out blow.
This game was probably the last best chance for a win before the Big Ten tournament. The Hoosiers are at Penn State Saturday and then host Michigan State March 3. The regular season ends at Wisconsin March 8.
The Hoosiers lost by 22 points, 75-53, on their home floor to a team that had not won in Bloomington since 1968.
Whenever the Hoosiers gained a little momentum, it was quickly snuffed out by a Northwestern three-pointer or conventional basket, followed by an IU turnover or missed shot. It's a problem they haven't solved all year.
A 20-4 run in the second half was the knock-out blow.
This game was probably the last best chance for a win before the Big Ten tournament. The Hoosiers are at Penn State Saturday and then host Michigan State March 3. The regular season ends at Wisconsin March 8.
Monday, February 23, 2009
More Mt. Rushmore
I made my picks for the IU football Mt. Rushmore last week. Today the ESPN.com blogger made his.
They were similar: Anthony Thompson, Antwaan Randle El, Bill Mallory, but instead of Trent Green, ESPN picked George Taliaferro, who starred for the Hoosiers in the mid-40s. Taliaferro also became the first black player drafted into the NFL in 1948.
It's a valid pick. I suppose he may be a better pick than Green. Both were great players.
My friend T.J. agreed with Thompson, Taliafero and Mallory, but suggested John Pont, Terry Hoeppner, Lou Saban, Bo McMillin, and Lee Corso.
I don't think Hoeppner coached long enough. He also never really proved he could win. Corso is more known for his TV work than his tenure coaching IU, even if he did win a bowl game in 1979.
When I asked the question on facebook, my friend Drew said Thompson, Harry Gonso, Randle El and Pete Stoyanovich. Another friend said Ogunleye, Green, Thompson and Randle El.
It was an interesting debate, even though the choices were less than stellar.
They were similar: Anthony Thompson, Antwaan Randle El, Bill Mallory, but instead of Trent Green, ESPN picked George Taliaferro, who starred for the Hoosiers in the mid-40s. Taliaferro also became the first black player drafted into the NFL in 1948.
It's a valid pick. I suppose he may be a better pick than Green. Both were great players.
My friend T.J. agreed with Thompson, Taliafero and Mallory, but suggested John Pont, Terry Hoeppner, Lou Saban, Bo McMillin, and Lee Corso.
I don't think Hoeppner coached long enough. He also never really proved he could win. Corso is more known for his TV work than his tenure coaching IU, even if he did win a bowl game in 1979.
When I asked the question on facebook, my friend Drew said Thompson, Harry Gonso, Randle El and Pete Stoyanovich. Another friend said Ogunleye, Green, Thompson and Randle El.
It was an interesting debate, even though the choices were less than stellar.
Friday, February 20, 2009
The IU Football Mt. Rushmore
ESPN.com has an interesting series going asking fans to name the four best sports figures from each state -- their Mt. Rushmore.
One of my favorite blogs, the ESPN.com Big Ten football blog, is asking for the Mt. Rushmore of every school. At the time of this post, an IU football Mt. Rushmore hasn't been named. It got me thinking who are the four more important IU football players or coaches. My picks:
Anthony Thompson: The best running back in Hoosier history, he graduated with the NCAA Division I record for career touchdowns. Was runner-up in the Heisman voting in 1989. Now a member of the college football hall of fame.
Antwaan Randle El: One of the greatest running-throwing quarterbacks in NCAA history with more than 11,000 career yards in total offense. He threw for nearly 7,500 career passing yards and ran for 3,895 yards in his career. He now is a wide receiver in the NFL.
Trent Green: Probably IU's best-ever pocket passer. He is in the top five in career and single-season passing yards and completions. Also played several years in the NFL.
Bill Mallory: He had a losing record during his 12 years as head football coach, but Mallory still has the school record for career wins. He led the team to six bowl games, winning two. Top to bottom, his tenure may have been the best-ever stretch of consistent excellence.
Others I considered: James Hardy, one of the best wide receivers in IU history, holds the school record for career receiving yards and touchdowns; and Adewale Ogunleye, among the best defensive linemen in IU history and career sack leader. He now plays for the Chicago Bears.
One of my favorite blogs, the ESPN.com Big Ten football blog, is asking for the Mt. Rushmore of every school. At the time of this post, an IU football Mt. Rushmore hasn't been named. It got me thinking who are the four more important IU football players or coaches. My picks:
Anthony Thompson: The best running back in Hoosier history, he graduated with the NCAA Division I record for career touchdowns. Was runner-up in the Heisman voting in 1989. Now a member of the college football hall of fame.
Antwaan Randle El: One of the greatest running-throwing quarterbacks in NCAA history with more than 11,000 career yards in total offense. He threw for nearly 7,500 career passing yards and ran for 3,895 yards in his career. He now is a wide receiver in the NFL.
Trent Green: Probably IU's best-ever pocket passer. He is in the top five in career and single-season passing yards and completions. Also played several years in the NFL.
Bill Mallory: He had a losing record during his 12 years as head football coach, but Mallory still has the school record for career wins. He led the team to six bowl games, winning two. Top to bottom, his tenure may have been the best-ever stretch of consistent excellence.
Others I considered: James Hardy, one of the best wide receivers in IU history, holds the school record for career receiving yards and touchdowns; and Adewale Ogunleye, among the best defensive linemen in IU history and career sack leader. He now plays for the Chicago Bears.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
The Horizon
Big Ten basketball teams have to feel lucky.
I saw some flashes of how good this Indiana team could be today in their loss to Illinois.
Yes. I said this Indiana team. The team that averages more than 18 turnovers a game. The team that only six field goals in the first half today.
There was a 4-minute stretch in the second half where it seemed to click. The Hoosiers closed to within six points in what was a brilliant display. It didn't come from a barrage of three-pointers. It came from good play. They made good passes, took good shots and played tough defense. Their play matched the effort.
Illinois was stunned by the punch and looked out of sync. I saw the Hoosier players playing confidently, like they felt like they could win ... until Chester Frazier drilled a three-pointer to put the Illini up by nine, ending the threat. The Hoosiers reverted back to their old selves and stumbled to a 13-point loss.
While the team looked like it was intimidated, out-played and out-talented in the first half, the Hoosiers played like they belonged on the floor a good portion of the second.
Coach Tom Crean is building a team from scratch this season. But I wonder how good they could be, or could have been, if the Hoosiers could put together an entire game similar to those 4 minutes.
Maybe some of those close losses (Michigan, at Iowa, Minnesota) would have gone the other way. Confidence feeds on itself. Maybe the Hoosiers begin to believe a little more. Maybe they manage 10, 12 or 15 wins. Maybe they get a home win over an elite Big Ten team like Michigan State, Wisconsin or Purdue.
I don't want to be the coach that runs into the buzz saw if the Hoosiers figure it out this season.
I saw some flashes of how good this Indiana team could be today in their loss to Illinois.
Yes. I said this Indiana team. The team that averages more than 18 turnovers a game. The team that only six field goals in the first half today.
There was a 4-minute stretch in the second half where it seemed to click. The Hoosiers closed to within six points in what was a brilliant display. It didn't come from a barrage of three-pointers. It came from good play. They made good passes, took good shots and played tough defense. Their play matched the effort.
Illinois was stunned by the punch and looked out of sync. I saw the Hoosier players playing confidently, like they felt like they could win ... until Chester Frazier drilled a three-pointer to put the Illini up by nine, ending the threat. The Hoosiers reverted back to their old selves and stumbled to a 13-point loss.
While the team looked like it was intimidated, out-played and out-talented in the first half, the Hoosiers played like they belonged on the floor a good portion of the second.
Coach Tom Crean is building a team from scratch this season. But I wonder how good they could be, or could have been, if the Hoosiers could put together an entire game similar to those 4 minutes.
Maybe some of those close losses (Michigan, at Iowa, Minnesota) would have gone the other way. Confidence feeds on itself. Maybe the Hoosiers begin to believe a little more. Maybe they manage 10, 12 or 15 wins. Maybe they get a home win over an elite Big Ten team like Michigan State, Wisconsin or Purdue.
I don't want to be the coach that runs into the buzz saw if the Hoosiers figure it out this season.
Friday, February 13, 2009
The rites of spring
Baseball season is upon us, almost. The White Sox report for spring training Sunday and the World Baseball Classic will take away the boredom of exhibition games, beginning March 5.
While I am excited for the defending AL Central champs to begin another campaign, I found this story in today's Chicago Tribune about a statistical prediction for the upcoming season. Using a complicated formula taking into account players' potential performance, the author estimated the White Sox's 2009 record to be 74-88, third worst in the American League.
Math formulas and predictions, along with $2, will buy me a venti regular coffee at Starbucks, so I guess all it's really good for is to stir debate. I prefer to think about the post-season run the Sox went on last year. Including scenes like this -- the final out of the AL Central tie-breaker game. It was a 1-0 win over the Twins. Jim Thome accounted for the only run. Another view is here.
Are the Sox the best team in the AL this year, probably not. But they will not finish with the third-worst record as the Baseball Prospectus expects. I think this team has the potential to be very good, but they are going to be slugging it out with the Twins, Indians and Tigers. It's also hard to stomach the Royals having a better record than the Sox as the book suggests.
Incidentally, my wife's beloved Red Sox are picked to win 98 games. I find that hard to believe as well, because their starting pitching is aging and has an injury history, as this ESPN.com article suggests.
As I said, we're just trying to stir some debate.
While I am excited for the defending AL Central champs to begin another campaign, I found this story in today's Chicago Tribune about a statistical prediction for the upcoming season. Using a complicated formula taking into account players' potential performance, the author estimated the White Sox's 2009 record to be 74-88, third worst in the American League.
Math formulas and predictions, along with $2, will buy me a venti regular coffee at Starbucks, so I guess all it's really good for is to stir debate. I prefer to think about the post-season run the Sox went on last year. Including scenes like this -- the final out of the AL Central tie-breaker game. It was a 1-0 win over the Twins. Jim Thome accounted for the only run. Another view is here.
Are the Sox the best team in the AL this year, probably not. But they will not finish with the third-worst record as the Baseball Prospectus expects. I think this team has the potential to be very good, but they are going to be slugging it out with the Twins, Indians and Tigers. It's also hard to stomach the Royals having a better record than the Sox as the book suggests.
Incidentally, my wife's beloved Red Sox are picked to win 98 games. I find that hard to believe as well, because their starting pitching is aging and has an injury history, as this ESPN.com article suggests.
As I said, we're just trying to stir some debate.
Hoosier country among best college towns
Bloomington was rated the No. 10 best college sports town by Forbes.com.
I have to say the reputation is deserved. B-town has a great bar scene, i.e. Kirkwood Avenue, as well as top-quality sports. The town also is beautiful, especially in the fall during football season.
The IU music school, rated among the best in the nation, also lends itself to a cool music scene. I can remember sitting in Bear's Place for the weekly Jazz Fables show, listening to the music school's jazz masters students. They were a group that would cost $50 to see in New York, but my friends and I paid $5. The musicians didn't like to advertise the show because the small pizza place couldn't handle the mass of people who would attend.
The room was so crowded the host asked patrons to let strangers sit with them in their boothes. We had to arrive an hour before show time to get seats. We felt like we were in on a little Bloomington secret.
Hat tip: ESPN.com's Big Ten blog
I have to say the reputation is deserved. B-town has a great bar scene, i.e. Kirkwood Avenue, as well as top-quality sports. The town also is beautiful, especially in the fall during football season.
The IU music school, rated among the best in the nation, also lends itself to a cool music scene. I can remember sitting in Bear's Place for the weekly Jazz Fables show, listening to the music school's jazz masters students. They were a group that would cost $50 to see in New York, but my friends and I paid $5. The musicians didn't like to advertise the show because the small pizza place couldn't handle the mass of people who would attend.
The room was so crowded the host asked patrons to let strangers sit with them in their boothes. We had to arrive an hour before show time to get seats. We felt like we were in on a little Bloomington secret.
Hat tip: ESPN.com's Big Ten blog
Friday, February 6, 2009
Signing day grades
Signing Day came and went this week. The Hoosiers signed 18 players for the 2009 season. They are expected to fill holes left on the squad, but were not highly rated.
In fact the class was rated 11th in the Big Ten by ESPN.com. The team signed 10 offensive players, five defensive players, one special teams player and two "athletes." None of the commitments were in the ESPN list of top 150 players. Northwestern and Purdue also managed to sign no top 150 players, but Ohio State and Michigan signed seven each.
These ratings are not a definitive indication of greatness in college, but why is it you hear more about good players who flew under the radar than those who were high recruited?
The Big Ten had the third most commitments, 22, in the top 150 of all the major conferences and independents. The SEC had the most, by far, with 52. The ACC had 23.
The Chicago Tribune also rated the Hoosier class last in the conference.
The best player in the Hoosier class is the kicker, according to one rating I saw. That should seem worrisome for the future. But the recruits also include a couple quarterback/wide-receiver prospects that could provide some offensive firepower. I maintain the secret to winning is on defense. Is it a concern that some of the new recruits could compete for starting spots?
In fact the class was rated 11th in the Big Ten by ESPN.com. The team signed 10 offensive players, five defensive players, one special teams player and two "athletes." None of the commitments were in the ESPN list of top 150 players. Northwestern and Purdue also managed to sign no top 150 players, but Ohio State and Michigan signed seven each.
These ratings are not a definitive indication of greatness in college, but why is it you hear more about good players who flew under the radar than those who were high recruited?
The Big Ten had the third most commitments, 22, in the top 150 of all the major conferences and independents. The SEC had the most, by far, with 52. The ACC had 23.
The Chicago Tribune also rated the Hoosier class last in the conference.
The best player in the Hoosier class is the kicker, according to one rating I saw. That should seem worrisome for the future. But the recruits also include a couple quarterback/wide-receiver prospects that could provide some offensive firepower. I maintain the secret to winning is on defense. Is it a concern that some of the new recruits could compete for starting spots?
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