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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
