From what I heard, the Revolution won't be televised. So thanks to free passes from Mr. Dietrich, my dad and I headed to Sovereign Stadium last night for a look at the ball park and the team. Turns out, I've got a few bullets:

The Stadium

• Parking at Small's Field cost $3, but was certainly close-by and hassle-free.
• It may not have looked like a construction zone to the extent I was expecting, but they've got plenty of work to do and hardly wowed fans with anything close to a finished product.
• The home team's RP's get the brunt of the sunlight, while the visitor's bullpen is tucked neatly in the shade.
• Obviously then those with seats on the 3rd baseline do not have the sun issues those along the 1st baseline have for the first half of evening games.
• The video board was pretty large actually, something I wasn't expecting.
• The grass was too long... not sure if that is by design since this team is supposed to be built on speed or if it just needs a fresh cut.
• The inundation with advertising wore me out by about the 3rd inning.

The Team

• Danny Bautista (former Brave) and Peter Bergeron are the active Revs to have once played in the Majors. Statistically Bergeron seems to be struggling while Bautista is putting up decent numbers.
• Kaz Tanaka has the inside track on being the fan-favorite. At 5'5", he's scrappy, bunts, steals and plays a reasonable LF.
• RP Jason Olson was my game MVP. The first 3 innings took an eternity to complete due to an abundance of hits, walks and errors. Olson came in to get the Revs out of the 3rd and then pitched 2 more timely, shut-out innings.
• No one drew the ire of the crowd more than 3rd base coach Ryan Minor who held up a base-runner rounding 3rd when it seemed apparent that he would score. His presence makes me feel old as I remember a Slam Magazine article in high school about an Oklahoma Sooner shooting guard titled "Minor Threat."
• York committed a fare share of errors (fielding and on the base-paths), but thankfully theirs were not as embarrassing as Newark 2B Javier Colina's... a slow-rolling grounder sneaked through his legs and he dropped a throw from the catcher that would have nailed a potential (slow-footed) base-stealer by about 5 steps. That Bear was a goat.
• Revolution closer Franklin Nunez made the 9th inning exciting by not making the 9th inning exciting: 3 batters faced, 2 Ks.

Here are some pics. I'd say that the experience is worth a few trips per summer.

Labels: photos, Revolution, tape-delayed blog

A semi ho-hum edition of A.I. failed to inspire me enough to light up Blogger.com very often this year, so with the help of the SusCom Idol Super Pool 2's blog I'll attempt to straighten the whole season out...

• 02/21/07 - Remember Amy Krebs? Man, she got a raw deal.
  
  
• 02/28/07 - Kenny says "I'm voting to axe her (Leslie Hunt) every week even if it costs me the championship." He says it as though he knew the championship was his and only Leslie Hunt stood in the way. She was tossed the next night.
  
  
• 03/08/07 - Randy starts talking about somebody's boots, I think maybe Lakisha's. This fittingly reflects the viewing audience's growing infatuation with contestants' wardrobe and appearance.
  
  
• 03/10/07 - Todd K declares his "new favorite imprecation to be 'Haley Scarnato!'" May I request a more extensive list of favorite imprecations? Oh, and thanks for the new word.
  
  
• 03/14/07 - Haley Scarnato! cries like a baby, which needs to be grounds for an automatic boot in season 7. Much angst is building among SusCom Idol Poolers regarding Sanjaya's popularity.
  
  
• 03/21/07 - My pick to win it all gets a premature send-off. Kenneth Lee takes a lead in the Pool that he will never relinquish.
  
  
• 03/26/07 - Don't hate, prognosticate: MJ and Todd K correctly identify this season's winner nearly two months in advance. Look, I turned the other cheek to the support of Ozzie Smith's son, but I refuse to accept support of Phillippi Sparks' daughter! E-A-G-L-E-S, EAGLES!!
  
  
• 03/27/07 - Stefani seemed kind of nerdy.
  
  
• 04/04/07 - It's a good week to be a crooner as Tony Bennett guests on Standards Night. Unfortunately niether Clay Aiken, John Stevens nor David Radford are among season 6's hopefuls.
  
  
• 04/11/07 - SusCom Idol Poolers unite! A nearly unanimous (9 of 11) combo of Phil and Haley are selected to fair the poorest. Well played by most as Haley Scarnato! is sent packing.
  
  
• 04/17/07 - Todd K questions Phil Stacy's country roots all the while wondering if he's the "dorkiest guy ever"?
  
  
• 04/18/07 - That crying girl's life has taken a devastating turn: Sanjaya Malakar was voted off American Idol.
  
  
• 04/24/07 - The much hyped Idol Gives Back show probably was the season's highlight, far out-dazzling the finale. Still not sure what to think about those bed nets though.
  
  
• 05/02/07 - Prior to double-elimination night, Flood mixes a rare comment in with his picks, going the political route with a Mission Accomplished jab.
  
  
• 05/03/07 - I said it once and I'll say it again: I'm convinced one of the following is true: 1) These aren't contestants, they're dominoes; or 2) Cowell was privy to the ribbon show's voting results and shaped his comments accordingly to satisfy his sweltering ego!
  
  
• 05/09/07 - Some are growing tired of Blake's beat-boxing while others are growing tired of awkward, painful performances by past-their-prime entertainers. Additionally, I must admit Idol's honesty with Sparks to close last night's show regained some credibility with me.
  
  
• 05/16/07 - The judging panel's incessant reminders that "this is a singing competition" come one week too late as Doolittle is sent home. Nevermind Allison's gut - eventual Idol Pool bronze-trophy winning Todd K was the only one who saw it coming.
  
  
• 05/22/07 - Blake Lewis delivers an encore performance of his Bon Jovi cover to open the performance side of the finale. Daughtry, who covered Bon Jovi quite successfully last season, closes it.
  
  
• 05/23/07 - The World's Greatest Entertainer Doug E. Fresh challenges soon-to-be runner-up Blake Lewis to a duel... the kind of duel in which only the bravest of men will partake... a reproduction of drum sounds using one's voice, mouth, and nasal cavity duel! I'm disappointed that Rose Radio has yet to give Doug Fresh the post-Idol-appearance love that it has shown others. I wouldn't mind a little "Cut That Zero" or "All The Way To Heaven" today. Oh, did anything else happen on the finale?
  

Labels: AI, MJ wants to be on my blog more, tape-delayed blog

10:09 - Just To Feel That Way - Taylor Hicks
Hicks kicks off The Rose's 9-to-5 business radio Idol coverage. This song is a great improvement over "Do I Make You Proud," but I still expect it to be the day's worst Idol offering.

11:03 - I Wanna Be Inside Your Heaven - Carrie Underwood
While her finale-winning single is occasionally spun, The Rose is mum on any of Underwood's award-winning country tunes. I think the adults would bump the twang, hopefully The Rose will reconsider.

11:10 - Waitin' On The World To Change - John Mayer
John Mayer can't be pleased to have this otherwise decent pop tune associated with Sanjaya Malakar. I hope it's a temporary association.

11:21 - Because of You - Kelly Clarkson
The original A.I. gets a play. Her voice hasn't dominated the workplace airwaves as much lately. Either The Rose has cut back on Clarkson joints, possibly due to the arrival of new business radio friendly Idol releases, or I am confusing them with that other highly repetitive station.

11:33 - It's Not Over - Daughtry
The Rose started rocking Daughtry's premier effort just last week. While it pushes the business radio format, it's a nice, fresh addition. Unless Patsy dusts off 'Tasia's "Baby Mama," "It's Not Over" will be the day's best Idol track.

1:24 - Unwritten - Natasha Bedingfield
I really liked this song the first year it was out, but it's second-wind is wearing me out. Thanks for unveiling it to the adult-contemporary audience Ayla Brown!!

2:10 - Change - Kimberly Locke
Season 2's Locke had a great, underrated debut single with "8th Wonder." I consider newly-released "Change" a sophomore slump.

2:24 - Black Horse and a Cherry Tree - KT Tunstall
McPhee's performance of this song down the stretch of AI5 helped her reach the finals. But to a greater extent, it put KT Tunstall on the charts. Throw in solid follow-up "Suddenly I See" and Tunstall is hitting her stride. McPhee? Haven't heard from her (although others have).

3:10 - Street Corner Symphony - Rob Thomas
This song has nothing to do with American Idol. I just thought I'd highlight it as the most horrible song to be played at least twice a day on business radio stations across the U.S.

4:09 - Just to Feel That Way - Taylor Hicks
What? Will Hicks and his lousy ditty be the only repeat Idol performer today? Every Rose has its thorn I guess.

4:33 - Since You've Been Gone - Kelly Clarkson
Well, this kind of shoots holes in my earlier KC comment. It's a solid tune at least.

What did they miss?

• I understand that "Sorry for 2004" and "Truth Is" are probably too R&B, too old and never popular enough to find spots on business radio playlists, but I would like to occasionally hear either Ruben or Fantasia's season finale feel-gooders. The other 3 seem to wind their way into the mix from time to time.
  
  
• I downloaded Elliot Yamin's debut single "Movin' On" last week and surprisingly dig it. It would be a clutch addition to the Assault, but it's probably not adult-contemporary enough.
  
  
• It's not that I'm achin' for him, but Clay Aiken was not to be heard from today. Surprising since his new song gets plenty of run and is actually listenable.
  
  
• After thankfully being replaced as the Idol send-off soundtrack, "Bad Day" has been losing some steam. Will Daughtry's "Home" catch on and eventually become a mainstay?
  
  
• "Paula is missing." So said Seacrest last night and so says The Rose today. Her various hits have pretty consistently popped up at least once a day. She'll be featured on "All 80's Friday" I'm sure, but I would've preferred a little "Cold Hearted" today.

Labels: AI, music, tape-delayed blog

7:07 - The Shakes enter the draft room to find the Flood Gates picking first for the second straight season. I got the 4th pick and I'm targeting Kobe, but wouldn't mind taking Agent Zero.

7:10 - Safari browser doesn't seem to like certain features of this draft room. Should the Shakes struggle this season, I'll have a scapegoat!

7:30 - Leeeeeebron goes #1 overall. He'll mess around and get some triple-doubles.

7:31 - Agent Zero is on my team... Keep Shootin' Gilbert! Locker room slot machine installation is underway.

7:32 - Aslan ignores his druthers and drafts Dirk with pick 6. Settling for 25 and 9 ain't too bad.

7:33 - Switched to Explorer on the old computer. I hate to think of all the great chat I missed.

7:36 - Breed and Nutz continue to dominate the chat board with their usually incoherent banter. They might be on a PC, but they aren't PC.

7:40 - Stop Snitchin' loads up on unconventional shot-blocking by drafting AK-47 and Josh Smith back-to-back.

7:42 - Flood Gates drafts Pau Gasol. Either he is an extremely patient man, or his lack of preseason research rears its ugly grill.

7:46 - When in doubt, select a Wiz. Nice call TK.

7:47 - Nuthin' But Air takes Odom. Might have been a better play for the Shakes to take him rather than Jamison.

7:50 - Shakes pick Camby in round 6 in hopes of starting to form a shot-blocking corps. Will it pan out?

7:51 - Yuck takes Starbury in round 6. Could be the S.O.D.

7:54 - Flood Gates gets all presidential by selecting Richards Hamilton and Jefferson back to back.

7:58 - Zaza Pachulia! Zaza Pachulia!

8:04 - New Breed takes Mike James. He will be offering him to the Gates straight up for Lebron James in about 37 minutes.

8:07 - Shot-blocker #2, Samuel Dalembert is selected by the Shakes. Breed says his leg is broken, it's only a strained hammy. Got me?

8:13 - The draft is slowing down a bit as few picks have much "wow" factor. Plenty of tremendous upside potential though.

8:20 - Flood makes a Patrick Roy reference. Aslan is forced to respond. His unforced follow-up response is quite frankly surprising.

8:23 - Duck! The Breed takes Stephen Jackson in the last round. There's a 7-way tie in the "who will be the guy to take SJ" pool.

8:24 - My last pick is Kendrick Perkins. I feel like I accomplished what I set out to do: Build some scoring strength; draft guard-heavy to give myself a chance in 3's, assists and steals; draft multi-positional players to gain an advantage in games per week; and develop a shot-blocking corps. Unfortunately many of my picks are very injury prone. We'll see how things Shake out.

8:26 - The draft ends in a whirlwind. The Courts claim of D-Miles should pay dividends. Flood says his team is average. And I've just been offered my first Mummert-deal!

Round-by-round Best Picks:

1. 7 - Dwayne Wade, Nothing But Air: I had him ranked #5 overall.
2. 2 - Allen Iverson, Nothing But Air: Without FG% stats, he's a monster in our league.
3. 2 - Carmelo Anthony, New Breed: 8th in PPG last year, can only get better in supporting categories.
4. 3 - Yao Ming, Aslan Courts: Nice spot to get a C who can score, rebound and block shots.
5. 3 - Jason Kidd, The Yuck: He'll score some and should finish #2 in the league in assists an outrebound any point guard in the league.
6. 6: Stephon Marbury, The Yuck: I'm of the thinking that the Kincks have a great chance to turn things around a little bit this year. If so, Marbury will be the catalyst. (Francis went undrafted!?!)
7. 4: Andre Miller, Papertown Shakes: #6 in assists last season and not much guard depth in Denver pushing him to the pine.
8. 1: Zaza Pachulia, Stop Snitchin': Great name, face of the franchise. Tough round... not very excited about any of the picks.
9. 5: Jason Terry, Deez Nutz: A consistent player who will give you what you expect, 15 points, 5 assists and a steal or 2.
10. 3: Troy Murphy, Aslan Courts: Nellie wants to run in Golden State and Murphy is slated to play C. Could approach 20 a game.
11. 7: Larry Hughes, Nothing But Air: Was a fantasy monster before last season. If healthy, he can fill up most categories.
12. 8: David West, Flood Gates: Breakout player last season, should continue to rack up 15 and 10s.
13. 6: Darius Miles, Aslan Courts: Not sure what's different between him and my 8th round pick Gerald Wallace. Blocked shots from a G is rare.

Labels: fantasy basketball, tape-delayed blog

The least interesting American Idol season has finally ended. Taylor Hicks will go down in history as the only gray-haired champion. Good for him... he's okay. But overall, I just couldn't get into this season as much as the last few.

Nevertheless, there was a party. Here's a rundown of some of the highlights of the Bender's AI Finale Party:

• Tamyra Gray makes her 32nd special guest appearance on AI by working the crowds.
• Daughtry and some other dudes... I know I'm supposed to get excited because their from York and all, but what's good about these Live fellas?
• Mark's Berman-esque Taylor "Braxton" Hicks nickname takes life as he sings with Toni Braxton.
• The Brokenote Cowboys put on a pretty good show, out-performing the likes of Meatloaf and Toni Braxton for sure.
• Welcome to the party soon-to-be SusCom Idol Pool winner Sean Kirby.
• Prince's performance is strange... 10 minutes prior to the ending of the show, no Idol sharing the stage, singing something new nobody knows. Thumbs down to the obvious self-promo and alleged ego trip.
• Easy, Mark - it's just Hasselhoff!
• "We're proud of you Taylor Hicks." - MJ

Next up: What will Chris Daughtry do?

Labels: AI, tape-delayed blog, tv

Broncos vs. Steelers

• The Steel City Destiny Train rolls on during their 1st offensive series: 2 should-be INTs by the Donkeys and 1 overturned lost fumble.
• The Broncos performance thus far is painfully reminiscent of the '03 & '04 Birds.
• Is this game still on? I've found "Ringside" to be more entertaining at this point. Ali's about to fight the Grill Guy.
• Ahhh... Jake's a gunslinger!
• Ali's now fighting Chuck Wepner. Apparently, this Wepner fella was the inspiration for Rocky.
• Pittsburgh wins 34-17.

Seahawks vs. Panthers

• Engram says "We will win." I sure hope so.
• Aikman eludes to "those kinds of calls not being made" in Championship games... Panthers fans are familiar with the concept.
• Hey! That Sean Locklear mug shot looks just like the one I saw 50 times earlier this week.
• QB Seneca Wallace with the catch? Did Holmgren just do a Belichick team-building thing?
• Ahhh... Jake's a gunslinger!
• The officials are at it again. Quick review: An illegal blocker raised his arms immediately after blocking to indicate to the world that he just clipped a player; the clipped player was looking for a flag after tumbling; the ref flew a flag. Result? No penalty.
• Nice spunk by Hasselbeck, or as my wife calls him, Hasselhoff. No signs of complacency.
• Eric B. and Rakim back the Shaun Alexander video recap. Wearing #37 still isn't cool.
• Seahawks win to set up the first AFC vs. AFC Super Bowl. Or the first Franco Harris Bowl.
  

Labels: nfl, tape-delayed blog

Seahawks vs. Redskins (Department store glimpses only)

• Wow! What a run by Seahawks All-Pro running back... Mack Strong?
• Could Matt Hasselbeck end up as the Seahawks premier QB ever? He's got some work to do to match Dave Kreig's career numbers. Kreig surprisingly ranks 11th in the NFL's history books in career passing yards and 9th in career passing touchdowns.
• Santana Moss' near TD-catch in the closing moments was a heartbreaker to gamblers everywhere. The Skins would've covered with those 6 points and Josh would owe me a dollar.

Broncos vs. Patriots

• Broncos brass favors a fade route over Mike Anderson on 4th and goal. Momentum shifts mightily towards the Patriots.
• Champ Bailey forgets that Tom Brady hates to lose and picks off his pass in the end zone, returning the interception to Denver's 2.
• Troy Brown forgets that Bill Belichick is a genious and muffs a punt. Denver's recovery may have sealed a victory.
• Denver wins, thankfully.

Colts vs. Steelers

• This is a big one... CBS broke out their top graphic package - a scrolling LED message board! Nearly as impressive as the scrolling LED belt buckle Kirby wore to the New Year's Eve party.
  
• What's that about zero first quarter interceptions?
• Is there a more ridiculous rulebook than the NFL's? And to think the officials have regular jobs and just do this on the side. Do you ever wonder if its a conspiracy? The more points of contention, plus part-time refs equals more challenges and delays and... commercials!
• The Closer fumbles. I'll never consider experience as a factor in pro sports contests again.
• Let's all say it together: "He missed it." Denver or Pittsburgh will represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.

Bears vs. Panthers

• Chicago fans, welcome to the playoffs: single-converage against Steve Smith, 3 incomplete passes to open on offense, and a shank from the punter. Good luck.
• I think I just saw Urlacher make an actual game-changing play. That's got to be the first since the world went ga-ga over him chasing down Donovan in an '02 playoff game.
• Just as expected... Bernard Berrian is taking over this game!
• Some more strange calls. Some more Steve Smith. Some more muggings by Panthers DBs. Carolina wins.

Labels: nfl, tape-delayed blog

Redskins vs. Buccaneers (Joined in progress)

• Is that the Rocket Man, ol' #12 at QB for Tampa? No, that's Chris Simms diving across the goal line. Bonus: The play gave Mike Patrick an opportunity to remind us that the goal line extends to infinity. Isn't that something... so it's really a goal line segment?!?
• Alstott's leap wasn't so reminiscent of Randall. 4th and short becomes the biggest play of the game for the Bucs O.
• Two incomplete deep balls to Edell Sheppard, one to the fault of Shep and one to the fault of Phil's kid. Ball game. 17-10 Skins.

Jaguars vs. Patriots

• The televised endorsements must be taking their toll on Tom Brady. If he would have canned the theatrics on the direct snap trick play, I'm certain Andre Davis would've had a touchdown. Add "cut up American Express cards" to Andre's offseason to-do list.
• Refreshing to see a short yardage play-fake result in a touchdown to a wide receiver. If Vrabel would've gotten another 3 yard TD catch, I might actually be upset that Jacksonville is getting blown out.
• This game is boring... looks like the Bulls are leading their game by 25 points too. I think I'll watch Hinrich and Co. finish off the Grizz.

Panthers vs. Giants

• Nick Goings from? Pitt.
• Wha??... "I don't disagree with the no-call there." - Troy Aikman
• Steve Smith's play? Stellar. Steve Smith's TD celebrations? Clumsy. This Panther WR is fast becoming pro sport history's most impressive Steve Smith. Easily more impressive than this one. Toss up compared to this one. Hockey doesn't count. Amazingly enough, there has never been an MLB player named Steve Smith.
• I thought Eli was going to be a gamer. I guess my fantasy football player evaluation skills have spilled into the playoffs.

Steelers vs. Bengals

• Cincy's opening drive... the game is forever changed after Kerry and Kevin's long lost brother Kimo Von Erich puts a submission hold on Carson Palmer's leg.
• The Bengals come out to receive the 2nd half kick-off with a 17-14 lead. The stadium is dead quiet. This can't be good.
• Steelers win going away. They shouldn't be too satisfied considering the "hit" on Palmer was such a factor. Chad Johnson is crying.

Final Thoughts (Putting the Wild in Wild Card)

• All four better record teams lost in the Wild Card round.
• 3 of the 4 home teams lost.
• 3 of the 4 teams to score first won.
• The Skins 7 point win was the only contest decided by single digits.
• All 4 teams I was rooting for lost. However, I won't toss aside my "root for the home team" strategy as I'm pulling for all of the round 2 favorites.

Labels: nfl, tape-delayed blog

The Poker For Picks Fantasy Football League just completed it's inaugural draft. The ESPN Draft Room was very well done and ran smoothly. Here's how things went down:

6:58 - Gang Green has entered the draft.
7:03 - Yours truly gets off to a pathetic trash-talking start by dragging Jerry's poor kids into the Live Chat.
7:10 - Mr. Texas Hold'em himself enters the draft room... Flood Gates, you're on the clock!
7:15 - Josh busts on Eagles fans for the first time.
7:31 - Mr. Sparkle reports Puff the Magic WR goes 3rd, thought to be a little high.
7:39 - Cowboy fans should not be allowed to take ol' #5!
7:43 - Black and Gold finally enters the draft to see 3 QBs on its roster. Nothing else.
7:47 - I just took Michael Clayton without knowing his relation to current Ravens WR Mark Clayton or former Dolphins WR Mark Clayton... so much for background checks.
7:55 - Late 5th and early 6th round value picks Bennett, Barlow, Arrington... which will hit a homerun?
7:58 - Do I take the NFL's most overrated Q (Favre) or FFL's most overrated Q (Vick)? Hopefully Vick transforms himself into a fantasy stud... New Mexico?
8:13 - Finally grabbed a TE. Heath Miller is Green!
8:19 - With the 100th pick in the draft, Helmet Head's select Cedric Benson
8:27 - Flood just took Reggie Williams and I thought "good pick." Draft must be winding down. (Actually I do like Williams, he's a monster.)
8:36 - Bills Defense is drafted. Projected to be a top 5 D, they're selected in Round 13.
8:42 - I just took the TE I was going to take in round 9 in round 14. I like when stuff like that happens.
8:49 - Marshall Faulk is the 151st pick in the draft... my how the mighty have fallen. Could be a solid flex pick if he plays a lot of receiver.
8:56 - Ricky Williams is the 164th pick in the draft... my how the mighty have fallen.
9:03 - I think I'm experiencing my first bug... with only 1 more pick to make.

10 teams, 18 rounds, only 1.5 hours of actual draft time logged. Efficient.

Labels: fantasy football, tape-delayed blog