- 08:24 AM
- 11/22/09
Phillies surprise in 6 as...
Jayson Werth is the MVP and...
Starters are left in for more than 102 pitches (over, in other words) and...
The games are unendurably long, lasting an average of 4:20.
OR
In 6 Phils triumphant will be
Jayson Werth will win MVP
Starters more than 102 throw
But the watchers will all know
The time of game 4:12 plus will be.
OK, do I get a bonus point for bad rhyming?
posted by Howard_T at 04:36 PM on October 27
Phillies in 6 as Ben Franklin develops a new character called "Poor Manny".
Angels in 7 when CC falls apart trying to go on short rest.
Cole Hamels and John (I can't believe I'm saying this) Lackey are the ERA leaders. Glad you put the IP stipulation in there this year, Dr. J.
Total bases to the AL by 23.
posted by Howard_T at 05:26 PM on October 14
NYY in 3 over Minn Boston in 5 over LAA Phils in 4 over Rockies Cards in 4 over Dodgers
OPS: Teixeira, NYY (Heard the wind was blowing out toward RF at Yankee Stadium)
K-stats: NL by 4 (They get to pitch to the pitchers at least twice per game.)
posted by Howard_T at 06:40 PM on October 07
Detroit by 3. Granderson comes through early in the game, with the Tigers leading throughout, but holding off a late Twins's charge.
Dr. John, it is indeed the 163rd game of the regular season, and all statistics count as regular season statistics.
posted by Howard_T at 03:27 PM on October 05
owlhouse, I told the story about the dog to my wife. She just sat there with a blank expression on her face. I guess she knows nothing about the CFL (or she knew the dog, I'm not sure which).
posted by Howard_T at 02:03 PM on September 26
Of course, I waited until the last minute to do my rankings, and I had no idea what was going on anyway. I still wound up with around 600 points for all the positions players; not sure if this is good, bad, or indifferent. In the words of some immortal, "It is what it is."
Can somebody pass me a towel. I just got out of the showers and I'm dripping all over the keyboard.
posted by Howard_T at 11:15 AM on September 26
I'm in as the Granite Grinders (which is either a tribute to the Granite State of NH or a really bad sandwich). Wife has some sort of weird idea about a weekend in Ogunquit, ME, so I may have to go for an autodraft. It's either that or risking the wrath of the cook. Let me know how to set that up, since I'm a rookie GM.
posted by Howard_T at 01:52 PM on September 08
The scuttlebutt in the Boston papers is that Kessel is looking for about $4.5M per year. Since he is a restricted free agent, Boston would have the right to match, but probably won't. If Toronto makes him that level of offer, they would give up a #1, 2, and 3 pick in the next draft. That might explain the swap with the Blackhawks, since Toronto didn't have one of the required picks (I don't recall whether it was the 2 or the 3). Note that if the offer is in the $6M range, the compensation turns into 3 (I think) #1s. It may all be moot, because Peter Chiarelli, Bruins GM, is said to be trying to move him out of the conference for a roster player and picks.
I don't think I ever played in the puckathon, but since retirement, I have the time to carefully make my picks and blow all of you out of the water.
posted by Howard_T at 06:52 PM on September 07
Pretty much what skydivedad says, but put Toronto ahead of both Ottawa and Montreal in the Northeast, and exchange the positions of Pittsburgh and Rangers in the Atlantic. There are a number of question marks with Boston going into this season, particularly on defense. Ference and Hunwick will be coming back from injury, but both will probably be OK. Chara, for all his skills, sometimes has a problem moving the puck in the defensive zone. Adding Derek Morris alongside him could be of material help. Up front Bruins will be pretty close to what they were last year. About the only major change is the addition of Steve Begin from Montreal, who will take over the hard-nose 4th line center duties in lieu of Stephan Yelle. Here also there are some returns from injury, notably David Krecji and Marco Sturm. The biggest question is the fate of Phil Kessel, whose salary demands would put Boston in cap trouble. Kessel too is returning from an injury that will keep him out of action until December at the earliest. If he is traded or remains unsigned, you might have a problem replacing 30 goals. There is some feeling, though not publicly stated, that Kessel is not the best of 2-way players and tends to have few friends in the locker room. Stay tuned on this one, as there might be some trade action here.
I was going to say that the reason I cited skydivedad's picks was because I was too lazy to type a whole list. Well, I've just about blown that excuse. I'll conclude by saying that Boston will make it to the Stanley Cup finals, but only after an emotional and bitter 7-game series with Washington, with the 7th game being decided by a "homer" call against the Caps that results in a Boston power play goal. They will face a surprising Vancouver team, and despite Milan Lucic shining in the games in his hometown, will fall in 6.
posted by Howard_T at 03:29 PM on September 05
As far as I can see, it's working out just fine. It gives us a place to drop the random, less significant tidbit of news that really is not important enough to make a FPP. What I've looked at in the past 2 days are a number of things in which I have little interest, but more importantly, a few things in which I am quite interested. Maybe it's not for everyone, but it is certainly a hit with me.
posted by Howard_T at 03:10 PM on September 03
He drives me crazy.
In our case, yerfatma, it won't take a full tank of gas.
posted by Howard_T at 03:28 PM on September 02
The New England Tories are in. Lexington and Concord was fixed.
posted by Howard_T at 07:30 PM on August 27
rcade, you genius, you've done it again. Thanks for allowing me to remove all the sticky notes with comment counts from my monitor. Now I can actually see the screen and read the posts.
posted by Howard_T at 05:26 PM on July 02
Good going, NoMich. If my Bruins hadn't spit the bit against Carolina, I might have gotten past you, but no matter. Thanks for putting this together MeatSaber. It's always fun to take part.
posted by Howard_T at 01:55 PM on June 13
Mr. Frisby is obviously reading my mind. I too look for Red Wings to prevail in 7, but Malkin to be nearly dominant when he is on the ice. Too bad he and Crosby can't play on all 4 lines.
Falling out of the sky to SpoFi, eh SDM? Welcome back.
posted by Howard_T at 03:43 PM on May 29
Bo, didn't your dad tell you to stop that before you went blind?
posted by Howard_T at 05:54 PM on May 20
Through my tears I will make my picks.
Pittsburgh over Carolina in 6: The NHL truly wants a "showcase" player, and Crosby fits the role nicely.
Detroit over Chicago in 7: Wings are hitting their stride at the right time, and seem to play a little better every game. Blackhawks will not lay down for them, and this is a great rivalry from the historic standpoint.
Scott Walker has just joined Bucky Dent and David Tyree on the "Post Office Wall" of Boston sports criminals. AAAAAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGHHHH
posted by Howard_T at 06:15 PM on May 15
Bruins in 6 (might as well join the crowd): Carolina might steal an early one as Boston shakes off the rust. Otherwise, Boston's defense keeps the 'Canes controlled. Can they play "Brass Bonanza" in Carolina just to make it seem like old times?
Penguins in 7: This one could be a war, but the Caps are missing Brashear for 5 more games. Anyone care to give an over/under for the number of goals scored?
Detroit in 5: Red Wings have just been cruising so far. The first time they are tested, they will jump all over their opponent. I think it's the Ducks turn to feel the wrath of the winged wheels.
Vancouver in 7: I have no real reason for this pick; it's really a coin flip here. The only reason I pick Canucks is that I want them to go all the way to the finals, thus giving Milan Lucic of the Bruins a chance to put on a show for his hometown fans.
posted by Howard_T at 04:44 PM on April 29
bst, I can't seem to get to the entry page, but keep getting redirected to everyone's picks. Am I too late? (Actually, I know you guys are trying to freeze me out, since I'm a guaranteed lock to win it.)
posted by Howard_T at 03:05 PM on April 15
Looks like I'm too late for the confidence pool (I get redirected to everyone's picks, and I can't find a link to make an entry), so I'll give this a try.
Boston in 7 (It's never easy between these 2)
Washington in 5 (Hoping that someone rearranges Steve Avery's face)
New Jersey in 6 (Hurricanes are reduced to small craft warnings)
Pittsburgh in 7 (Penguins firepower shows up)
San Jose in 5 (All Anaheim can do is Duck)
Detroit in 6 (Columbus's goaltender steals a couple)
Vancouver in 6 (For no really good reason other than St. Louis doesn't have much)
Chicago in 6 (Blackhawks have been somewhat under the radar. They finally appear)
posted by Howard_T at 03:02 PM on April 15
That thread is a classic. I love it.
And it only drew 4 comments. Man is that bush league.
posted by Howard_T at 03:43 PM on April 03
I'm in as Myopic Arbiter, which is as good a name as any for a one-time umpire. It's too bad there's not one of these for hockey. Wacey Rabbit of the Providence Bruins (AHL) is a hands-down winner.
posted by Howard_T at 08:31 PM on March 20
I updated my profile, and while the changes took, I was unable to verify my new e-mail address. The problem was mine; my mail provider dumped the message into my 'spam' folder instead of my inbox. All is OK now.
Was Yahoo trying to tell me something?
posted by Howard_T at 03:41 PM on February 05
YESSSS!!!
This just in. rcade has been voted the busted keyboard award for the best site fix of the year. The award comes with no monetary compensation, just the appreciation of a whole lot of SpoFites. Thanks for all your effort, rcade.
posted by Howard_T at 12:42 PM on January 09
OOPS, I meant dyams is my man. Sorry, YYM, just because I can't read doesn't mean you get any undeserved accolades.
posted by Howard_T at 04:06 PM on January 01
I'm on board as "Out with 11-5". YYM, you are my man. WE ARE......PENN STATE!
posted by Howard_T at 04:05 PM on January 01
Here's my list for my favorite Boston-based teams:
Celtics: Stop trying to rest your starters. Resolve to win every game. Bruins: Please don't let your terrific first half effort be an anomaly. Resolve to play hard on every shift. Red Sox: Stay with the plan, and build the best team you can while staying within your financial guidelines. While you're at it, try to convince the politicians that Fenway Park should be turned into a monument, and a large new stadium be built in the city. Patriots: Never, ever let Bill Belichick retire. Clone him if it should become necessary. Revolution (MLS) and Cannons (Lacrosse): Try to get more than a few thousand fans who even know you exist.
posted by Howard_T at 02:07 PM on January 01
I thought this would go to the Locker Room, where it belongs, but somehow it wound up as an FPP. Can someone in the Pantheon put it where it belongs? By the way that's New Hampshire, not Hew Hampshire (stupid fingers).
posted by Howard_T at 12:53 PM on December 31
bst, my kid's a sophomore there, so I'm kind of stuck with it. I'm not too sure I'd sell them short against USC, though.
posted by Howard_T at 09:04 PM on December 12
This could be fun (or a disaster for me), Bo. Thanks for setting it up.
WE ARE-------PENN STATE!!!!!!
posted by Howard_T at 04:54 PM on December 11
Don't comment! It only makes the altruists happy.
John Galt.
posted by Howard_T at 11:33 AM on December 06
Thanks, Monica, and the same to all SpoFites. Hater187, you have taste to keep the Yuengling on hand. Here in NH, ours was good. We took in the local HS football game, then I came home, made 2 pies, and fixed a roast chicken (turkey goes to waste, and we aren't big on it, anyway). Our son has been home from Penn State all week, working on me to give him the frequent flier miles to go to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl. I think I'm most thankful to have the family together.
posted by Howard_T at 02:36 PM on November 28
Second place gah
That's tied for second, YYM, and don't you forget it! In all honesty, I usually pull these picks out of my backside, since I have no idea what I'm doing. Congrats to BoKnows for his win and holden for his Costanza. Mostly, my thanks and congratulations to Dr. J for pulling this off without any fist fights in the grandstand. It's always fun.
posted by Howard_T at 11:06 AM on November 03
No offense taken at the post; as a matter of fact, I enjoyed the read. I was really afraid that this would spark a firestorm of argument over the politics of the thing, but I see the cooler heads have prevailed, and my fears are groundless. I guess that as long as you didn't wind uo in the soprano section of the church choir, all is OK.
I once saw a photo of a sign that read, in effect:
CONNECTICUT PLANNED PARENTHOOD USE REAR ENTRANCE
posted by Howard_T at 04:59 PM on October 27
NoMich, while I have the greatest admiration for rcade and his untiring efforts to keep SpoFi going, I believe that the account of his trial by pointy hemostat should not be posted here. Neither vasectomies nor political viewpoints have anything to do with sport. I respect rcade's right to his opinions on politics and surgery, I feel that linking to them from SpoFi only invites the most virulent and inflammatory types of discussion.
I ask that in light of the post's absence of any sports related content, that it be removed from the site.
posted by Howard_T at 06:12 PM on October 26
OOPS! How about 6 games.
I feel as if I've snuck in through a loophole on the tiebreaker, but judging from the standings, it might come into play. If you base it on 10 plate appearances, that eliminates the random pinch-hitter, yet still allows for the DH to be a factor. If you do that, then you may change my entry to .427.
And for the REAL tiebreaker: Number of catwalks (in play) hit = 2.
posted by Howard_T at 01:26 PM on October 21
I can't believe I'm still within a point of the leader. I knew I should have picked Okajima instead of Papelbon for the ERA leader (yeah, right, Howard). Anyway, here goes:
Philadelphia to win the series that features offensive fireworks in every game.
Rollins to win the MVP. He'll be an on-base machine and contribute some timely RBIs as well.
In two hitter-friendly parks, we'll see a lot more base hits than strikeouts or runs.
The top batting average will be 1.000 (Some pinch hitter will get lucky in his only at bat. You should have put a minimum plate appearances clause in this one, Dr. J.)
posted by Howard_T at 10:23 AM on October 21
Boston in 6. This will be a war, but experience and maturity will prevail.
Philadelphia in 7. The Dodgers are the hot team, but the Phils just do too many things well.
Hamels will have the lowest ERA in the NLCS.
For the ALCS, I will go with Paplebon on a hunch that he will get the required 6 innings. (But just barely)
The NL outruns the AL by 2 steals.
posted by Howard_T at 10:05 AM on October 08
I like the idea of numbering the comments. Doing this, along with restoring the unread comments feature, would greatly improve readability.
I checked out the ad for the "RealAge" test and found out that I was really 3 years old. I didn't believe it, so I had a temper tantrum.
If those are sugar-free chocolate chunk brownies, I'll take a dozen, please.
posted by Howard_T at 09:55 AM on October 08
Angels in 5. Each team dominates at home, but a worn-out pen can't hold a lead for Matsuzaka in game 5.
Phils in 4. Once you get past C.C. Sabathia, what have you?
Rays in 3. Beaten down by just trying to get there, the White Sox succumb to thousands of fans disguised as empty seats in "Pinball Machine Park".
Cubs in 5. Manny goes 2 for 18 with a couple of walks, and then blames his impending free-agency for messing up his swing.
Batting Average: Justin Pedroia continues to surprise everyone, and then finally admits he is really wearing platform shoes.
Run Differential: The AL tops the NL by a +17. DH is the big factor.
The Dr. J. appreciation factor: Huge! Domo arrigato Evans Sensei.
posted by Howard_T at 12:37 PM on October 01
Chicago by 1, a walk-off solo by Ramirez.
"You can put it on the booooooaaaaarrrrd. YES!!!"
posted by Howard_T at 05:33 PM on September 30
Howard_T (all seeing) is in. We will prevail (at least until September 7).
posted by Howard_T at 01:53 PM on August 30
I'm strictly a "homer". I support Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, and (reluctantly) Bruins. In college football, it's Penn State because that's where my son is going. Other than that, I support my alma mater, Northeastern, and if any of the local schools get into regional or national playoffs, I'll pay attention to them. I'm Boston-born, and except for my years overseas and traveling around the "States, I've lived in New England. There's something in the water around here that makes this happen.
posted by Howard_T at 03:22 PM on August 22
I have a pickup truck that ought to hold enough 5 1/4-inch floppies to carry all your data. Let me know if you need me. What? You have moved to something other than 5 1/4s? Maybe it's time for me to upgrade from my Radio Shack 8088 machine.
posted by Howard_T at 02:36 PM on August 02
Actually, Howard_T and I both gave 14 points to the Penguins. I hedged on a Western Conference champion and gave the Sharks my 15 pointer. Whoops. ...and I wasted my 15 on Canadiens. I knew I should never trust a Frenchman (No offense intended, unless you are a member of les rouge, blanc, et bleu). As a Bruins fan living in an area where there are more French-Canadian surnames in the 'phone book than any other ethnic group, it is one more reason to detest Canadiens.
posted by Howard_T at 04:44 PM on June 08
Way to go, Hater, you made some really good picks in Dallas and Philadelphia. Both somewhat over-achieved in the playoffs. In my case, second place isn't bad for someone who really hadn't followed the day-to-day play in the league, so I'm happy with it. Many thanks to you, YYM, for putting it together.
posted by Howard_T at 08:53 AM on June 07
I just looked through the synopses of the films being screened. It's quite a wide-ranging selection, and it looks like it will be a real treat for the sports buffs and film fans both. Wish I could make it up there.
posted by Howard_T at 09:17 AM on May 13
O crap I fail d quiz so I hav 2 quit. U r rite lbb. we cant spel 2 gud so we shut up. OK, I really agree with you. It does make it a lot easier to read a comment when it is written with some idea of how to compose an English sentence. It is also a lot easier to understand a commenter's point, in order to agree with it or make an argument against it. This said, we are not all competent writers. I'm old enough to have been painfully taught how to construct sentences (remember diagramming them?), and I've also taken a couple of courses in technical writing. I say that we need to cut some of the poorer writers among our newbs a little slack. If they are not blathering, flaming others, or otherwise causing pain to our eyes, then gently correct them IN PRIVATE via their e-mail. If they are causing offense through their language or flaming, then cut them off (temporarily) from the discussion and let them know why. One of the things I was always taught was to praise publicly but criticize privately.
posted by Howard_T at 02:47 PM on May 02
...so all that stuff kind of passes through me... Could it be a food allergy, chico?
posted by Howard_T at 01:21 PM on April 16
Except for a couple of days last week, I've been in the Nevada desert on test since the end of March. It's a slow dial-up connection here, and coupled with several 14-hour days, have kept me from posting (but not commenting). We finished up our program today, and we'll finish packing up tomorrow. I'll be back in glorious high-speed country by tomorrow night.
posted by Howard_T at 11:12 PM on April 13
I'm in. Thanks for doing this, YYM, it's always fun (but a losing cause).
posted by Howard_T at 05:52 PM on April 08
...and I'm Jesse James. Post it, dfleming, or I'll rob your bank. This James thing is beginning to sound like the Johnsons in Blazing Saddles.)
posted by Howard_T at 05:40 PM on April 08
Seriously? Ann Murray's still alive? Huh. She is indeed. Actually, Anne's 4 years younger than I. As she remarked during the concert, when speaking of the rigors of the tour, "We'll see if the old broad has anything left." Those of us who are of that age enjoyed her music. She can still belt out a tune (and her 29-year-old daughter does pretty well as both a singer and songwriter too), and displays a lot of energy. Lowell, MA, was the last stop on the tour, so if you want to see her this summer, you'd best get yourself up to what the Nez Perce called "The Land of the Grandmother".
posted by Howard_T at 12:31 PM on March 22
What concert? It was Ann Murray. For all those in upper NH (otherwise known as Canada), it should be an excusable offense. At least my wife enjoyed it, and I can still enter the house when she's home.
posted by Howard_T at 05:20 PM on March 21
Up until this year, there was no question of who the better pick of Pierce vs Nowitzki was. With the arrival of KG and Ray Allen, who by their presence draw some of the defenders away from Pierce, and with the blossoming of Rondo and Perkins into real threats, Pierce has changed his game. No longer is he the "designated scorer". He is now able to draw the defenses to him, leaving the rest of the cast to get open for easy scores. Dirk is a great one, but this year's Pierce shows his greatness as well. I'd love to be with you guys tonight, but my wife is dragging me off to a concert. In the interests of domestic bliss, I don't want even to think about begging off.
posted by Howard_T at 12:39 PM on March 20
The pix are great, jerseygirl. Since I usually have a 4-footed assistant when I'm responding from home, they gained approval from all who saw them. One of them (Kudos on the posts) looks a lot like our eldest cat.
posted by Howard_T at 11:39 AM on March 18
I think Howard found it whimsical rather than offensive. I was being neither whimsical nor serious, just making an observation and trying to put a catchy title to it. Actually, I had noticed that the general tone of both sides rather closely paralleled the comments of the SpoFi thread. It's almost as if the USA Today writers had read our comments, then summarized them into the editorials. It just goes to illustrate that our very own SpoFites are every bit as perceptive as the mass media. I was also going to add that we are as accurate too, but that would be an insult to SpoFi. We're generally more accurate with some of our commentary. Weedy, can you get us a package deal on torches to go along wit the pitchforks?
posted by Howard_T at 03:53 PM on March 08
TBH, you know better than to spell out that name in its entirety. Lock your doors and windows tightly for the next few weeks. I won't mess with anyone associated with Mr. G.M.
posted by Howard_T at 08:26 AM on March 07
...use the more delicate and precise tools available to them. Their intellect. Their good humour... Home Depot and Lowes don't carry these tools. The guy in the local hardware store said they used to carry intellect, but since nobody ever bought any, they discontinued it. When I asked about good humour, he questioned my accent, then he told me to wait for summer when the ice cream truck comes around.
posted by Howard_T at 10:00 PM on March 06
Matt Haughey's Excellent Hospital Adventure
My wife lost her brother to a brain tumor several years ago. In his case, they were just a bit too late. Our prayers will be with Matt.