Why are there bandwagon fans? Do people feel such a need for winning that they abandon the team they love for a team that's winning? Why can't people just love one team, through thick and thin?
I have been a lifelong fan of the Cincinnati Reds, Bengals, and Bearcats. The Bengals didn't become a winning team until the last couple of years, but that run has been shortlived. If they go back to the Bengals of old, I will still be the same old fan. I'll watch their games every Sunday, and keep cheering until we get to the playoffs. The Reds are finally becoming a good team again, but I never stopped loving them. I went to game after game while they were bad, and I'll go to game after game while they're good. My beloved Bearcats have been excellent my whole life, up until they fired Bob Huggins. Just because they have faltered, I'm not going to quit loving them.
Many people are quick to jump off a team's bandwagon just because they stop winning. Who cares? They are the same team, they just need help. They're not going to get better because somebody quits supporting them, so why do it? What does it prove if you quit supporting one team, and support a team that is winning? I guess that just shows how little of a fan you actually are. What's the competition in it? Hopefully people support the team, because those are the true fans that can get the team back on track.
Teams like Duke, North Carolina, UCLA, Kentucky, they all have tons of fans. It's not that people have supported them forever, it's that people want to support a winner. Why not try to make your team a winner. It might not be much, but if you support an organization like UCats, which is the booster program for the UC Bearcats, you are supporting your team. You are helping your team build a foundation for forever. That way those fans are jumping on your bandwagon, not off.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Bearcats Lose
I'm a little late with posting this, but my beloved Bearcats lost in the CBI to Bradley. These seniors won my heart this year. They came to a team with one scholarship player, and they gave it their all. Best of all, they managed to compete this year, atleast for something, which nobody thought they could. The seniors who stuck with this program should be remembered forever. They will be the players that kept the seat warm, for future Bearcats. They not only understood what it meant to be a Cincinnati Bearcat, but they went out there and represented this university with pride. Congradulations to the seniors, and to all the Bearcats. Us fans will never forget what you have done for us.
March Madness
March madness, the time for basketball fans to gather around as we watch 65 teams compete for that top spot. We watch teams like Portland State compete against Kansas. Okay, maybe that's not such a good game. Still, there are some very intreaging first round matchups. I'll defenitly be watching Kansas State against USC tonight. I got to see O.J. Mayo, and Bill Walker when they were in high school together. It'll be intresting to see if Walker returns to last year's form.
On my tournament bracket I have Memphis winning it all. Sure, they didn't play in a great confrence, but they did play a tough non confrence schedule. Though they lost to Tennessee, games like that help prepare young players for when it counts.
I don't see UCLA doing much this year. They have some great talent, but I believe some is overhyped. If Kevin Love gets his back feeling good for the later rounds, this team still has great potential to be the National champion. I think they'll need somebody to step up, and be another go to guy for them. There seemed to be some indecision the other night, when they nearly lost to Stanford.
I mentioned in my last post about the Bearcats being in the CBI. Now, as the first comment on that story said, there isn't much of a need for the CBI. Still, there are some teams in that tourney that have potential. Also the NIT, which also includes the teams not making the NCAAs, has some teams that really disappointed this year. Teams like Ohio State, Florida, and Washington university, who finished 23-7 in the regular season. I would look for OSU to win the NIT, with Washington winning the CBI.
On my tournament bracket I have Memphis winning it all. Sure, they didn't play in a great confrence, but they did play a tough non confrence schedule. Though they lost to Tennessee, games like that help prepare young players for when it counts.
I don't see UCLA doing much this year. They have some great talent, but I believe some is overhyped. If Kevin Love gets his back feeling good for the later rounds, this team still has great potential to be the National champion. I think they'll need somebody to step up, and be another go to guy for them. There seemed to be some indecision the other night, when they nearly lost to Stanford.
I mentioned in my last post about the Bearcats being in the CBI. Now, as the first comment on that story said, there isn't much of a need for the CBI. Still, there are some teams in that tourney that have potential. Also the NIT, which also includes the teams not making the NCAAs, has some teams that really disappointed this year. Teams like Ohio State, Florida, and Washington university, who finished 23-7 in the regular season. I would look for OSU to win the NIT, with Washington winning the CBI.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Bearcats to the CBI
My beloved Cincinnati Bearcats, who's season was believed to be over, will be going dancing. Sure, it's not the NCAA, or even the NIT, but to make the CBI is an excellent step for a team that came from one scholarship player two years ago. Many have dismissed the CBI as a meaningless tournament, but for a group of seniors, that will likely never play big time basketball again, this will be an experience they will never forget.
Let's consider the circumstances. UC came into this year with very low expectations. They had five seniors, but not a single third year, scholarship player. Their best player was a freshman last year, with very little Big East experience. Adam H. hadn't played a single minute of division one basketball in his life, even though he was classified as a senior, but he still managed to stop several Big East centers.
While this team's accomplishments this year won't go down in the books as legendary, the job that Mick Cronin has done with this program is one of the one of the greatest of all time. To come from nothing, in the hardest conference in America, to a team on the verge of contention in just two years is marvelous. Congrats to the Cincinnati Bearcats!
Let's consider the circumstances. UC came into this year with very low expectations. They had five seniors, but not a single third year, scholarship player. Their best player was a freshman last year, with very little Big East experience. Adam H. hadn't played a single minute of division one basketball in his life, even though he was classified as a senior, but he still managed to stop several Big East centers.
While this team's accomplishments this year won't go down in the books as legendary, the job that Mick Cronin has done with this program is one of the one of the greatest of all time. To come from nothing, in the hardest conference in America, to a team on the verge of contention in just two years is marvelous. Congrats to the Cincinnati Bearcats!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
An Ideal (National League) Lineup
What would it take to have an ideal lineup? Would it be like the Yankees lineup, with veterans, that take lots of pitches, and work walks? Would it be like the Tigers, with tons of great power hitters? Should it be speed, contact, or power oriented? Should it have a mix? Should it all revolve around a superstar? Today, I'm going to examine what I believe to be a perfect lineup.
Leadoff hitter:
My ideal leadoff hitter would be one with zero power, good speed, and a very good bunter. Also, I feel that this player should have a good OBP. I believe that leading off, you need to be able to put pressure on the opposition. A good bunter puts tons of pressure on a defense. The reason I don't think he should have any power is because sometimes players feel the need to takeover a game, and they try to hit it out of the ballpark. A player with no power already realizes that he can't do that, so he is less likely to pop, or flyout.
Two hitter:
My ideal two hitter would be a player with good opposite field hitting, good power to the gaps, and decent speed. Opposite field hitting is good for a righty because it makes moving the runner from second to third easier, by slapping it to the right side. Power to the gaps and speed are good because sometimes that leadoff man doesn't get on, and you are faced with trying to score with one less out to work with. That way you have the ability to get to second or third base.
Third hitter:
I find that a three hitter should have decent power, and decent contact ability, but with little to no speed. A third hitter should be relied on to knock the 1 or 2 hitters in. If he gets on with two outs, or with another runner already on base, it's unlikely that he would be relied on to steal bases, so speed isn't very nessecary. He does need to be able to hit homeruns, and drive in runs with hits to the gaps. Also, he would need to get on base with some regularity, so the cleanup hitter would be given oppertunities to hit with runners on base, and not leading off the second inning.
Cleanup hitter:
A cleanup hitter's primary focus should be power. Typically, the cleanup hitter will come up with atleast somebody onbase. An added bonus would be if he could get on base, but seeing as the hitters behind him wouldn't be able to knock in runs with as much regularity as the 3-4 hitters, OBP isn't needed at this position.
Five hitter:
A five hitter should have skills similar to the three hitter, with a little more speed, and a little less power. If the cleanup hitter has done his job, and hit in everybody onbase, this player should have less responsibility to knock in runs. Ideally, this player should be used primarily as a second leadoff man, getting onbase, to setup the men late in the lineup.
Six hitter:
The number six hitter should be a player with skills similar to the two hitter. He should be able to run a little bit, and hit opposite field. He needs to get onbase with some regularity, because the second half of a lineup can't be a cupcake for the opposition. He should setup the seven batter for some RBIs.
Seven hitter:
In my opinion, the seven hitter should be a power hitter, and nothing more. This player should be able to hit for power, and knock in runs. Seeing as the two hitters behind him likely have no ability to knock in runs, OBP, and speed are unnessecary.
Eight hitter:
The eight hitter should serve as a leadoff man. He has to have contact ability and speed. He needs to get onbase so that the pitcher can bunt him over to second base.
Eight hitter: (pitcher)
My ideal hitting pitcher would be one that can bunt, bunt, and bunt some more. He needs to advance the runner to second base, putting pressure on the pitcher who is getting ready to face the top of the lineup.
Leadoff hitter:
My ideal leadoff hitter would be one with zero power, good speed, and a very good bunter. Also, I feel that this player should have a good OBP. I believe that leading off, you need to be able to put pressure on the opposition. A good bunter puts tons of pressure on a defense. The reason I don't think he should have any power is because sometimes players feel the need to takeover a game, and they try to hit it out of the ballpark. A player with no power already realizes that he can't do that, so he is less likely to pop, or flyout.
Two hitter:
My ideal two hitter would be a player with good opposite field hitting, good power to the gaps, and decent speed. Opposite field hitting is good for a righty because it makes moving the runner from second to third easier, by slapping it to the right side. Power to the gaps and speed are good because sometimes that leadoff man doesn't get on, and you are faced with trying to score with one less out to work with. That way you have the ability to get to second or third base.
Third hitter:
I find that a three hitter should have decent power, and decent contact ability, but with little to no speed. A third hitter should be relied on to knock the 1 or 2 hitters in. If he gets on with two outs, or with another runner already on base, it's unlikely that he would be relied on to steal bases, so speed isn't very nessecary. He does need to be able to hit homeruns, and drive in runs with hits to the gaps. Also, he would need to get on base with some regularity, so the cleanup hitter would be given oppertunities to hit with runners on base, and not leading off the second inning.
Cleanup hitter:
A cleanup hitter's primary focus should be power. Typically, the cleanup hitter will come up with atleast somebody onbase. An added bonus would be if he could get on base, but seeing as the hitters behind him wouldn't be able to knock in runs with as much regularity as the 3-4 hitters, OBP isn't needed at this position.
Five hitter:
A five hitter should have skills similar to the three hitter, with a little more speed, and a little less power. If the cleanup hitter has done his job, and hit in everybody onbase, this player should have less responsibility to knock in runs. Ideally, this player should be used primarily as a second leadoff man, getting onbase, to setup the men late in the lineup.
Six hitter:
The number six hitter should be a player with skills similar to the two hitter. He should be able to run a little bit, and hit opposite field. He needs to get onbase with some regularity, because the second half of a lineup can't be a cupcake for the opposition. He should setup the seven batter for some RBIs.
Seven hitter:
In my opinion, the seven hitter should be a power hitter, and nothing more. This player should be able to hit for power, and knock in runs. Seeing as the two hitters behind him likely have no ability to knock in runs, OBP, and speed are unnessecary.
Eight hitter:
The eight hitter should serve as a leadoff man. He has to have contact ability and speed. He needs to get onbase so that the pitcher can bunt him over to second base.
Eight hitter: (pitcher)
My ideal hitting pitcher would be one that can bunt, bunt, and bunt some more. He needs to advance the runner to second base, putting pressure on the pitcher who is getting ready to face the top of the lineup.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Jose Reyes
Is Jose Reyes overrated? How come everytime you watch a Mets' game, he seems to be the one the announcers talk about? This is a guy who's OBP for his career is .330. While everybody talks about how much potential he has, at age 24, he has yet to live upto it. He is an excellent fielder, amassing a career fielding position at shortstop of .975. Still, how is it that a guy like this get that much hype? Sure, he's likely the fastest man in baseball. Last year he had 78 steals, but is that good enough to keep him as leadoff man if he gets on base as little as he does?
Why doesn't he just bat right handed? To me, batting left handed is a waste for him. He's a much better hitter right handed than he is left. Many switch hitters think that batting left handed gets them an added jump towards first, but with Reyes, that's not enough to help the fact that he's not a good left handed hitter.
Hopefully all his potential will turn into production. Don't get me wrong, he's a good player, but his production doesn't match his potential. If he hones his skills, and starts getting on base more, hitting for more power, and continues to play with great effort, there is no doubt in my mind he will be a Hall of Famer.
Why doesn't he just bat right handed? To me, batting left handed is a waste for him. He's a much better hitter right handed than he is left. Many switch hitters think that batting left handed gets them an added jump towards first, but with Reyes, that's not enough to help the fact that he's not a good left handed hitter.
Hopefully all his potential will turn into production. Don't get me wrong, he's a good player, but his production doesn't match his potential. If he hones his skills, and starts getting on base more, hitting for more power, and continues to play with great effort, there is no doubt in my mind he will be a Hall of Famer.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Previewing The AL East
The AL East, which has been one of the best divisions in baseball for the past decade, again promises to have atleast two World Series contenders.
The Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are one of the greatest franchises in baseball. For years, they have maintained a constant of winning, while not spending as much as the Yankees. With a group of stars like Josh Beckett, Jon Papelbon, Manny Ramirez, and David Ortiz, it looks like Boston has the makings to be back in the World Series this year. I would be shocked to see this team win less than 90 games, and would also be shocked if they didn't make it back to the ALCS.
The Yankees
The New York Yankees are baseball's highest spending franchise. This year, the final for old Yankee Stadium, they have the highest payroll in baseball history. While the Yankees would love for Yankee Stadium to go out with a bang, the veterans on the team may weight it down. For a team with so many veterans, staying healthy will be the key in making the playoffs, and potentially the World Series. The Yankees havn't missed the playoffs in 15 years, and it looks like again they have bought themselves a spot.
The Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays have the most potential of any team in baseball. With young players like Carl Crawford, Scott Kazmir, and B.J. Upton, the Rays are primed for a breakout in the next two years. If they do what they have to this point been unsuccessful with, which is holding onto young players, they have a group that will defenitly rise them into the playoffs in the coming years. This year, it's likely that they will show shades of the future, though it's not probable that they will yet compete for the title. I would look for 80-85 wins at most out of this team, but that's being very, very optimistic.
The Orioles
The Orioles will likely be the last place team in the AL East this year. This offseason, they have traded Eric Bedard, and Miguel Tejada, the two stars of the team. Bedard brought back Adam Jones, who is one of the best 5 tool prospects in baseball. While this team will struggle, it will be intresting to see what Jones can do if he gets playing time. I'd look for 70-75 wins out of the O's this year.
The Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays have recently been making an effort to prove that they can spend with the Red Sox and Yankees. Bringing in A.J. Burnett, and B.J. Ryan, most of the money has been spent on pitching. The franchise traded power hitting third baseman Troy Glaus for a great defender, and good hitter in Scott Rolen. Rolen, while struggling with injuries, still has put up good numbers in recent years. I believe that this club will need to score more to win, because it's not likely you will hold the Sox or Yankees under 5 runs a game. While I don't see them winning the division, it's not hard to see the Jays making a run, and being in contention for second or third place in the division.
The Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are one of the greatest franchises in baseball. For years, they have maintained a constant of winning, while not spending as much as the Yankees. With a group of stars like Josh Beckett, Jon Papelbon, Manny Ramirez, and David Ortiz, it looks like Boston has the makings to be back in the World Series this year. I would be shocked to see this team win less than 90 games, and would also be shocked if they didn't make it back to the ALCS.
The Yankees
The New York Yankees are baseball's highest spending franchise. This year, the final for old Yankee Stadium, they have the highest payroll in baseball history. While the Yankees would love for Yankee Stadium to go out with a bang, the veterans on the team may weight it down. For a team with so many veterans, staying healthy will be the key in making the playoffs, and potentially the World Series. The Yankees havn't missed the playoffs in 15 years, and it looks like again they have bought themselves a spot.
The Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays have the most potential of any team in baseball. With young players like Carl Crawford, Scott Kazmir, and B.J. Upton, the Rays are primed for a breakout in the next two years. If they do what they have to this point been unsuccessful with, which is holding onto young players, they have a group that will defenitly rise them into the playoffs in the coming years. This year, it's likely that they will show shades of the future, though it's not probable that they will yet compete for the title. I would look for 80-85 wins at most out of this team, but that's being very, very optimistic.
The Orioles
The Orioles will likely be the last place team in the AL East this year. This offseason, they have traded Eric Bedard, and Miguel Tejada, the two stars of the team. Bedard brought back Adam Jones, who is one of the best 5 tool prospects in baseball. While this team will struggle, it will be intresting to see what Jones can do if he gets playing time. I'd look for 70-75 wins out of the O's this year.
The Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays have recently been making an effort to prove that they can spend with the Red Sox and Yankees. Bringing in A.J. Burnett, and B.J. Ryan, most of the money has been spent on pitching. The franchise traded power hitting third baseman Troy Glaus for a great defender, and good hitter in Scott Rolen. Rolen, while struggling with injuries, still has put up good numbers in recent years. I believe that this club will need to score more to win, because it's not likely you will hold the Sox or Yankees under 5 runs a game. While I don't see them winning the division, it's not hard to see the Jays making a run, and being in contention for second or third place in the division.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Cincinnati Reds 2008 Preview
The Cincinnati Reds come into the 2008 year with a core of young players unsurpassed in previous years. The Reds have four players in the top 50 prospects in baseball. Two of those are hard throwing right handed pitchers. Pitching, which has been the weakness of Reds teams in the past, is finally on the front burner with the organization. They have made good trades, landing Harang, Arroyo, and Edison Volquez. While the Reds haven't performed well in the past few years, the young nucleus is there to propel this team into the playoffs for years to come.
The infield:
The Reds are strong on the infield. First baseman Joey Votto will likely takeover for veteran Scott Hatteberg at some point in the year. Votto, who is known for his bat, came up last year and caught fire through September. Brandon Phillips, who should have won the Gold Glove last year, had a 30-30 year. Alex Gonzalez, and Jeff Keppinger will split time at shortstop, with Gonzalez being a defensive wizard, and Keppinger being a solid .300 hitter. Edwin Encarnacion will be the third baseman this year. Edwin struggled early, but found his swing after a stint in the minors. Will this finally be the year that Edwin can live up to his potential? The infield seems to be solid, but with two spots up for grabs, it looks like it could be an exciting Spring.
The outfield:
The Reds outfield it lacking last year's greatest story in Josh Hamilton. He was traded to the Rangers for Edison Volquez. Still, the outfield is very strong. With power hitting, and not much else outfielder Adam Dunn in left, Ken Griffey Jr. in right, and the center field spot up for grabs, the outfield is the strength of this team. Jay Bruce, who was rated by Baseball America as the number one prospect in all of baseball, will likely assume the reins in center at some point this year. He is competing this Spring with Ryan Freel, Norris Hopper, Chris Dickerson, and Corey Patterson. Griffey could be gone after the season, as he has a 16 million dollar option that's not likely to be exercised the the team. Dunn could also be gone. He makes over ten million this year, in the final year of a deal he signed a few years ago. The outfield will be the core of the offense.
The starters:
The infield:
The Reds are strong on the infield. First baseman Joey Votto will likely takeover for veteran Scott Hatteberg at some point in the year. Votto, who is known for his bat, came up last year and caught fire through September. Brandon Phillips, who should have won the Gold Glove last year, had a 30-30 year. Alex Gonzalez, and Jeff Keppinger will split time at shortstop, with Gonzalez being a defensive wizard, and Keppinger being a solid .300 hitter. Edwin Encarnacion will be the third baseman this year. Edwin struggled early, but found his swing after a stint in the minors. Will this finally be the year that Edwin can live up to his potential? The infield seems to be solid, but with two spots up for grabs, it looks like it could be an exciting Spring.
The outfield:
The Reds outfield it lacking last year's greatest story in Josh Hamilton. He was traded to the Rangers for Edison Volquez. Still, the outfield is very strong. With power hitting, and not much else outfielder Adam Dunn in left, Ken Griffey Jr. in right, and the center field spot up for grabs, the outfield is the strength of this team. Jay Bruce, who was rated by Baseball America as the number one prospect in all of baseball, will likely assume the reins in center at some point this year. He is competing this Spring with Ryan Freel, Norris Hopper, Chris Dickerson, and Corey Patterson. Griffey could be gone after the season, as he has a 16 million dollar option that's not likely to be exercised the the team. Dunn could also be gone. He makes over ten million this year, in the final year of a deal he signed a few years ago. The outfield will be the core of the offense.
The starters:
The starting pitchers are lead by ace Aaron Harang. Bronson Arroyo, the man the Reds got for Wily Mo Pena, is the number two pitcher. He relies on lots of slow pitches, and typically is a 200+ inning a year guy. After that, the spots are up for grabs. In the race are Matt Belisle, Homer Bailey, Josh Fogg, Jeremy Affeldt, Edison Volquez, and Johnny Cueto. Cueto is the only pitcher in competition for a spot to never pitch a MLB inning. Bailey got pushed around a little it last year, but rebounded after coming back from injury. Volquez has looked very impressive this spring, with a sharp fastball, and two more MLB ready pitches, including an extremly impressive changeup. Fogg and Affeldt were brought in to buy time for the youngsters to make the rotation, but Affeldt likely has a future in the bullpen after he is done starting.
The bullpen:
The bullpen is alot better than last year. The Reds brought in veteran closer Francisco Cordero, in the largest deal ever given to a closer. David Weathers, the closer last year, has been the Reds most consistent pitcher for the last two years. Rookie Josh Roenkie has come to camp with a fastball reaching the high 90s. If he doesn't make the team out of Spring training, it's likely he will at some point this year. Bill Bray, Gary Majewski, Todd Coffey, Mike Stanton(sigh), and others will fight to get the remaining spots after Weathers and Cordero. While the bullpen may have more talent, it may take awhile to gel into a consistant stopper.
Overview:
While the Reds will not likely make the playoffs this year, contention is not out of the question. They have the talent to compete in a very weak NL Central. If some of the young players step up, and play to the potential that they have, it is entirely possible that they could be fighting for a playoff spot come September. Look for an upward trend in the next four years for this team, because that is about the timeframe they have to win. Griffey and Dunn may be gone after this season, the youngsters will quickly become expensive, and the veterans will get old. It's up to the organization to seize the talent that we have now, and make this a time to never forget.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
The UC Bearcat Rebuild
Will the Cincinnati Bearcats basketball team ever recover from the loss of Bob Huggins? The hiring of Mick Cronin was a very good start. They gave a young coach, with previous time in the program, a six year deal to be the head coach. Cronin, who was an unproven coaching commodity, but a very good recruiter was given the challenge of making up a team in just a few months. He had one scholarship player, a junior college transfer that wasn't a Big East calliber player. Mick spent the next months hard on the recruiting trail, and managed to do what some thought impossible, find a team.
He assembled a recruiting class headed by Juco All American Mike Williams, and former Indiana commitment Deonta Vaughn. Vaughn, was the team's long scholarship freshman. The class also included guards Jamaul Warren, Tim Crowell, and Marvin Gentry. The other forwards were Marcus Sikes, Hernol Hall, and Adam Hrycaniuk. Hall never recieved eligibility because he played on a pro team in his native Costa Rica. Hrycaniuk lost one year of eligibility for playing on a semi-pro team in his native Poland. Since he didn't get paid for being on the team, he wasn't completly stripped of his eligibility. The team also picked up former McDonald's All American Mike Williams from Texas, though he had to sit out his transfer season. Even though Hall, and Hrycaniuk were going to make the Bearcats a fairly deep team on the inside, with neither having eligibility the team relied on 6, 8 Marcus Sikes to play center in the very tall Big East.
The first season was one to forget. The year started well, with a weak non confrence schedule. Other than early losses to Wofford and Ohio University, the Bearcats looked to atleast be putting up a very good season after what had happened. The season started going downhill with a bad loss at Memphis. After that, the Cats entered the Big East schedule, and there was no recovery. They struggled with losses to Rutgers, Seton Hall, and USF among others. The year ended with the Bearcats not earning a bid into the Big East tournament. Still, the future looked bright for the Bearcats.
That offseason, Mick Cronin finally got the time to recruit he needed. Early on the picked up the pieces that looked to be the start of a good recruiting class. They picked up some much needed shooting with Larry Davis, some muscle with Kenny Belton, and a very good commitment in Jason Henry. Later, they picked up Anthony McClain, and Alvin Mitchell, two very highly rated recruits. McClain, at seven feet, gave the Bearcats much needed size on the inside. This was the foundation for the rebirth of the Cincinnati Bearcats.
So far this season the Bearcats have been very inconsistent. They started weakly, with losses to Belmont, and Bowling Green in the first three games. Jamual Warren returned, and got the Bearcats back on track. From there on, they seemed to beat the teams that they were supposed to. The schedule wasn't built to help a young team, with one of the best strength of schedule ratings in the country. The Big East confrence schedule started with an upset over Louisville. The schedule continued with a few big upsets, aswell as a few games which the Bearcats should have won that they didn't. Even with the bad late season losses the Cats still earned a bid to the Big East tournament.
It's hard to say how the program will develop with the current players. Certainly it will take a hit with all the Juco players leaving this year. This year's freshmen have been less than impressive so far in limited playing time. I'm confident that with a tireless recruiter like Cronin, and a program with the tradition and facilities that we have, the pieces have been set in place for a major rebuild. Hopefully the investments in the facilities, and the 6 year contract that the university gave Cronin will pay off. Still, even if Cronin doesn't pan out there are certainly no shortage of coaches that would come to this university. For Bearcat fans' sake, let's hope that he does, so that we have a short rebuild, and can get back to being the greatest team in college basketball.
He assembled a recruiting class headed by Juco All American Mike Williams, and former Indiana commitment Deonta Vaughn. Vaughn, was the team's long scholarship freshman. The class also included guards Jamaul Warren, Tim Crowell, and Marvin Gentry. The other forwards were Marcus Sikes, Hernol Hall, and Adam Hrycaniuk. Hall never recieved eligibility because he played on a pro team in his native Costa Rica. Hrycaniuk lost one year of eligibility for playing on a semi-pro team in his native Poland. Since he didn't get paid for being on the team, he wasn't completly stripped of his eligibility. The team also picked up former McDonald's All American Mike Williams from Texas, though he had to sit out his transfer season. Even though Hall, and Hrycaniuk were going to make the Bearcats a fairly deep team on the inside, with neither having eligibility the team relied on 6, 8 Marcus Sikes to play center in the very tall Big East.
The first season was one to forget. The year started well, with a weak non confrence schedule. Other than early losses to Wofford and Ohio University, the Bearcats looked to atleast be putting up a very good season after what had happened. The season started going downhill with a bad loss at Memphis. After that, the Cats entered the Big East schedule, and there was no recovery. They struggled with losses to Rutgers, Seton Hall, and USF among others. The year ended with the Bearcats not earning a bid into the Big East tournament. Still, the future looked bright for the Bearcats.
That offseason, Mick Cronin finally got the time to recruit he needed. Early on the picked up the pieces that looked to be the start of a good recruiting class. They picked up some much needed shooting with Larry Davis, some muscle with Kenny Belton, and a very good commitment in Jason Henry. Later, they picked up Anthony McClain, and Alvin Mitchell, two very highly rated recruits. McClain, at seven feet, gave the Bearcats much needed size on the inside. This was the foundation for the rebirth of the Cincinnati Bearcats.
So far this season the Bearcats have been very inconsistent. They started weakly, with losses to Belmont, and Bowling Green in the first three games. Jamual Warren returned, and got the Bearcats back on track. From there on, they seemed to beat the teams that they were supposed to. The schedule wasn't built to help a young team, with one of the best strength of schedule ratings in the country. The Big East confrence schedule started with an upset over Louisville. The schedule continued with a few big upsets, aswell as a few games which the Bearcats should have won that they didn't. Even with the bad late season losses the Cats still earned a bid to the Big East tournament.
It's hard to say how the program will develop with the current players. Certainly it will take a hit with all the Juco players leaving this year. This year's freshmen have been less than impressive so far in limited playing time. I'm confident that with a tireless recruiter like Cronin, and a program with the tradition and facilities that we have, the pieces have been set in place for a major rebuild. Hopefully the investments in the facilities, and the 6 year contract that the university gave Cronin will pay off. Still, even if Cronin doesn't pan out there are certainly no shortage of coaches that would come to this university. For Bearcat fans' sake, let's hope that he does, so that we have a short rebuild, and can get back to being the greatest team in college basketball.
How is Baseball Boring?
Why is it that when you try to talk to a non baseball fan about baseball they use the excuse that baseball is boring? Sure, we don't have people getting knocked to the ground every play, and heck it's not like we have points being scored every two seconds. Baseball is a sport for the people that can find the entertainment value in the little things. The pressure situations are what gets me.
Even when a game is in the first inning there's pressure. There are so many scenarios that I run through my mind. They range from the next pitch, to why in the world Juan Castro still has a job. When the umpires get a play wrong that's even more entertaining. Who doesn't love to see a coach get tossed? Let's face it; they don't make a difference anyway.
So the next time you're watching baseball, and you get a bit bored, try to pick out those subtle details that make the game of baseball great. Focus on the pitches. Try to tell if the pitcher is bringing his "A" game. See if the batter may be shifting his weight too early. If you're at the game, try making some noise. It doesn't have to be much, maybe clap after every strikeout, and stand up and clap when somebody hits a homer. Baseball parks are like cemetaries sometimes.
Even when a game is in the first inning there's pressure. There are so many scenarios that I run through my mind. They range from the next pitch, to why in the world Juan Castro still has a job. When the umpires get a play wrong that's even more entertaining. Who doesn't love to see a coach get tossed? Let's face it; they don't make a difference anyway.
So the next time you're watching baseball, and you get a bit bored, try to pick out those subtle details that make the game of baseball great. Focus on the pitches. Try to tell if the pitcher is bringing his "A" game. See if the batter may be shifting his weight too early. If you're at the game, try making some noise. It doesn't have to be much, maybe clap after every strikeout, and stand up and clap when somebody hits a homer. Baseball parks are like cemetaries sometimes.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
To Swing, Or Not To Swing - An Analysis of Dusty Baker
Dusty Baker, the longtime Major League manager, and current manager of the Cincinnati Reds has baseball theories that are catagorized by many in baseball as illogical. He likes hitters swinging early in the count, and doesn't believe that on base percentage is as valuable to a team as hitting for power is. A man who formerly managed the likes of Barry Bonds and Derrick Lee doesn't like the idea of taking lots of walks if you are a middle of the order hitter. Today, I'm using Sabermetrics to analyze the theory that hitting early in the count is better for a hitter.
Take for instance hitting early in the count. Stats say that swinging at the first pitch you will get a hit .341 percent of the time. Hitting deeper in the count, such as a 1-1 count you hit only .328. Even if you get ahead in the count, such as 3-1 you only stand to get a hit .341 percent of the time. Though at 3-1, the OBP of a player jumps to a staggering .681. With the Baker mindset, it's not likely that a player would find himself in a 3-1 situation too often. Baker doesn't like a player "clogging up bases." Instead, he likes the fast players to be the ones to get on base, and the middle of the order hitters to drive them in.
In this analysis, the point has been made that swinging early, at a good pitch gives you a good chance for a hit. Waiting until later in the count can cause a lower chance at a hit, mostly due to the fact that you don't know where a count will go. Such as if the count goes to 0-1 or 0-2. In those situations, it becomes increasingly unlikely that you will get a hit. His ways are geared so that power hitters get a chance to hit. While some managers like to wear down a pitcher, Baker views taking pitches as restricting his hitters. So while his views may be different, his results speak for themselves.
So while Baker's philosophy isn't widely viewed as good, he takes an intresting, and informed view on baseball. He doesn't view convention as the best way, but more as a way to mediocrity. While he could take the high road, like many managers today, he's defied conventional wisdom, and beaten the odds. While many managers go by the book, and use that as an excuse when they lose, Baker has no fallback point. He has nothing to backup his wisdom. It's the less informed of the sports world that moves so quicly to judge somebody for being different, but it will be the same crowd that jumps to his side when he wins.
Winning is the cure of all questioning, so if Baker proves once and for all that his ways are atleast as good as the conventional ones, he will have proved the naysayers wrong. Until that point, the baseball world will continue to question him - right or wrong. The only way to fix that is to win, so that's exactly what he plans to do.
Go Reds!
Take for instance hitting early in the count. Stats say that swinging at the first pitch you will get a hit .341 percent of the time. Hitting deeper in the count, such as a 1-1 count you hit only .328. Even if you get ahead in the count, such as 3-1 you only stand to get a hit .341 percent of the time. Though at 3-1, the OBP of a player jumps to a staggering .681. With the Baker mindset, it's not likely that a player would find himself in a 3-1 situation too often. Baker doesn't like a player "clogging up bases." Instead, he likes the fast players to be the ones to get on base, and the middle of the order hitters to drive them in.
In this analysis, the point has been made that swinging early, at a good pitch gives you a good chance for a hit. Waiting until later in the count can cause a lower chance at a hit, mostly due to the fact that you don't know where a count will go. Such as if the count goes to 0-1 or 0-2. In those situations, it becomes increasingly unlikely that you will get a hit. His ways are geared so that power hitters get a chance to hit. While some managers like to wear down a pitcher, Baker views taking pitches as restricting his hitters. So while his views may be different, his results speak for themselves.
So while Baker's philosophy isn't widely viewed as good, he takes an intresting, and informed view on baseball. He doesn't view convention as the best way, but more as a way to mediocrity. While he could take the high road, like many managers today, he's defied conventional wisdom, and beaten the odds. While many managers go by the book, and use that as an excuse when they lose, Baker has no fallback point. He has nothing to backup his wisdom. It's the less informed of the sports world that moves so quicly to judge somebody for being different, but it will be the same crowd that jumps to his side when he wins.
Winning is the cure of all questioning, so if Baker proves once and for all that his ways are atleast as good as the conventional ones, he will have proved the naysayers wrong. Until that point, the baseball world will continue to question him - right or wrong. The only way to fix that is to win, so that's exactly what he plans to do.
Go Reds!
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