Recent Comments by DudeDykstra

76ers Sign Teen with Down Syndrome

This is really awesome.

posted by DudeDykstra at 12:24 AM on March 05, 2014

MLB approves expanded instant replay.

Step 4: The manager will walk back to the dugout after being ordered by the umpires.

From my understanding of the new rules, if the manager wishes to challenge he must do so before returning to the dugout.

posted by DudeDykstra at 11:28 PM on January 19, 2014

Dodgers Drive Money Truck to Kershaw's House

What seven year (or similar) deals for pitchers have worked out?

In 2010, the New York Times ran an article with the same opinion.

Not sure those other deals really qualify as "similar", given Kershaw's age and dominance.

posted by DudeDykstra at 02:26 AM on January 16, 2014

Saints Edge Eagles on Last-Second Field Goal

Neither team played particularly well.

posted by DudeDykstra at 10:26 AM on January 05, 2014

Bulls Lose Derrick Rose to Another Knee Injury

In this case, no, definitely not.

Chicago (with Rose) is one of the top 3 teams in the East, and there's a huge drop-off after them. Before this injury they had a very good chance of making a deep playoff/title run.

Losing Rose for the season is devastating to the city of Chicago.

Zero chance they're milking his injury with the goal of moving 10-15 spots in the draft.

posted by DudeDykstra at 12:42 AM on November 27, 2013

Archie Manning faces family history

They tend to pass when given the chance.

True, but few are as adept at dropping a long one right into a wide receiver's bread basket.

posted by DudeDykstra at 01:13 PM on September 26, 2013

Slate Won't Call NFL Team 'Redskins' Any More

While some of the people in my circle (friends, family) are indifferent about the name "Redskins", everyone who has an opinion about it (roughly 2/3) finds the name offensive.

posted by DudeDykstra at 09:49 PM on August 08, 2013

Andy Murray Wins Wimbledon, Ends Long British Drought

Really great match in spite of being straight sets. The two have now met in 4 slam finals, with each taking 2. I expect to see several more finals featuring this pair in the coming years.

posted by DudeDykstra at 03:24 PM on July 07, 2013

Was the Flu Game a Poisoning?

No.

posted by DudeDykstra at 10:02 PM on April 19, 2013

NFL Players Knew Teammate Was Gay, Didn't Care

Which is why I'm convinced a player coming out is going to be a huge distraction

Meh. It'll be a "huge" distraction for a few weeks, then a minor one, then none at all.

I, for one, am looking forward to it. I hope (and expect) that generations from now people will look back at this and say, "Geez, you mean people used to hide the fact that they were gay? Why?"

posted by DudeDykstra at 07:47 PM on April 18, 2013

Money & March Madness

Yeah, I suppose there's some tricky things to work around, but ultimately it's not that complicated. Allow them licensing rights on their name and the ability to sell themselves in endorsement deals. Don't force them to go to college if a pro team wants them. Take 5% of the net the program makes, split it up based on playing time, buy a fund they get when they turn 30.

I realize I'm just making up numbers but again, my only point was just that I don't understand people (other than those who make money off these kids) who argue against this sort of thing.

posted by DudeDykstra at 10:37 PM on April 02, 2013

Money & March Madness

I am unable to understand why anyone ever takes the argument against compensating highly successful college athletes for their participation on highly profitable sports teams.

posted by DudeDykstra at 11:13 PM on April 01, 2013

Miami Dolphins Change Their Logo

Logo on the page linked to is not the actual new logo. To see the actual new logo, go to the Dolphins website. It's better, and has eyes.

posted by DudeDykstra at 07:48 PM on March 28, 2013

Kyle Lohse Signs 3-Year Deal with Brewers

The draft pick sucking doesn't cost you 33 million dollars.

I do think this makes the Brewers a much more likely playoff contender this year.

posted by DudeDykstra at 12:12 AM on March 27, 2013

SportsFilter 2013 March Madness Bracket

I just got back from the GU - FGCU game here in Philadelphia. Fun game. Florida had a couple really talented athletes, and had enough amazing plays to fill a Sports Center top 10. GU came out sluggish and never found a groove. FGCU game out aggressive and disciplined, and maintained that energy throughout.

During the introductions there were very few cheers for Florida, and huge crowd support for Georgetown. By the half the GU fans were mostly quieted, and there was thunderous support for Florida, who received a standing ovation at the finish.

posted by DudeDykstra at 11:01 PM on March 22, 2013

Danica Patrick wins the pole position at Daytona 500.

Kudos to Danica. Count me among the impressed.

posted by DudeDykstra at 11:49 PM on February 19, 2013

Our Xmas OneWorldFutbol Campaign

Thank you to everyone who donated. This was really cool!

posted by DudeDykstra at 09:41 PM on February 08, 2013

X Games Snowmobile Rider in Critical Condition

.

posted by DudeDykstra at 01:08 PM on February 03, 2013

NFL Pick 'Em, Super Bowl Edition

1. Ravens
2. Under
3. Joe Flacco
4. Ray Rice
5. Torrey Smith
6. Ray Rice
7. Ray Lewis
8. Ed Reed
9. Aldon Smith
10. Pepsi
11: 45.8
12: 45 (24-21)

posted by DudeDykstra at 12:02 PM on February 03, 2013

Fake-to-Third, Throw-to-First Now a Balk

Now they just need to make it illegal for a Left-hander to throw to first without taking his foot off the rubber. I hate that play and think it's really unfair for Lefties to be allowed to do it.

posted by DudeDykstra at 07:50 PM on January 26, 2013

RG3 Reinjures Knee in Washington Playoff Exit

Steve Young rushed for 4239. John Elway rushed for 3407.

posted by DudeDykstra at 09:13 PM on January 07, 2013

Winthrop Coach Addresses Newtown Shooting

.

posted by DudeDykstra at 11:35 PM on December 20, 2012

An Oral History of Fire Joe Morgan

Thanks jug. I loved--LOVED--fjm. Was oh so sad when they shut down.

posted by DudeDykstra at 10:52 PM on December 20, 2012

Tony Hawk Ruffles Feathers with Family Photo

I am so jealous.

posted by DudeDykstra at 10:41 PM on December 20, 2012

Charles Pierce on Donald Fehr and the NHL lockout

Great article. Thanks rumple.

posted by DudeDykstra at 10:41 PM on December 11, 2012

Johnny Football is now Johnny Heisman

Going back through the past 20 years of Heisman winners, it's interesting to me how many were not able to find success in the NFL.

posted by DudeDykstra at 10:47 AM on December 09, 2012

Passan: Rangers Should Keep Josh Hamilton

I hope the Phillies sign him provided that it's not more than a 4 year deal.

posted by DudeDykstra at 06:52 PM on December 08, 2012

New Golf Rule Would Ban Anchor Putting

the proposed rule, which would take effect in 2016

I hope this rule goes through. The belly putters have always bothered me. And 3 full seasons is plenty of time for belly putter users to get back into the swing of regular putters.

posted by DudeDykstra at 08:01 PM on November 29, 2012

Eagles Cut, Jaguars Claim Jason Babin

Wrong question. What are the odds they could find that many sacks from him over the next 2.5 seasons?

I think it makes sense, given that:

1) He played very poorly this season. 2) He's 32 years old and owed a lot of money the next few years.

posted by DudeDykstra at 10:29 PM on November 28, 2012

The Miami Marlins fire-sale continues.

Loria should be arrested. Or at least kicked out of baseball.

Selig better go after him the way he went after McCourt.

posted by DudeDykstra at 10:25 PM on November 13, 2012

SpoFi Holiday Giving Project: One World Futbal

I'm in but would it be possible to just mail you a check?

posted by DudeDykstra at 06:43 PM on November 12, 2012

Could Alabama beat an NFL team?

A conversation made for sports talk radio. The worst NFL team would beat Bama by 50 points, easy.

posted by DudeDykstra at 12:03 AM on November 04, 2012

The New Baseball Offseason System

Thanks for the link, grum.

posted by DudeDykstra at 11:00 PM on November 02, 2012

NFL eyeing bigger plans for London?

Does anyone know if they're even considering the 2 bye week idea (same 16 game season but with 2 bye weeks)? I love this idea and think it would be especially useful if you have teams traveling to London.

posted by DudeDykstra at 10:39 PM on November 01, 2012

Raul Ibanez Pinch Hits for A Rod, Hits Two Homers in Yankees Win

Really? Do you really believe that an entire 5 game series can be blamed on a single play? Really?

posted by DudeDykstra at 11:48 PM on October 11, 2012

"We are athletes, OK? We are athletes. We are not gladiators. This is not the Roman Coliseum"

Good for him. I feel for him. Sometimes humans can be really ugly. Important in times like that to remember that a lot of times people are really great.

posted by DudeDykstra at 12:40 AM on October 08, 2012

MLB Post-Season Pick 'Em, Wild Card Edition

Cardinals by 3 Rangers by 4 Darvish Holliday

posted by DudeDykstra at 01:41 AM on October 05, 2012

The SpoFi Fantasy Baseball 2012 crown goes to...

You are not allowed to view this page because you are not in this league. (Error #152)

posted by DudeDykstra at 12:15 AM on October 05, 2012

Shot, sir!

Wow.

posted by DudeDykstra at 09:33 AM on September 06, 2012

ESPN Keeps Baseball with $5.6 Billion Deal

Don't think this is advantageous for any team in particular. If you give everyone more money then they all have more money to spend. In fact, the small (cheap) market clubs probably have more of a disadvantage, since their owners will just pocket the money and have even less relative to the big boys who are willing to spend it.

posted by DudeDykstra at 11:19 PM on August 28, 2012

Torture or training?

while training techniques appear extreme to Western eyes


Likely these techniques appear extreme to Eastern eyes as well.

I struggle with many choices that parents and cultures make for children. I think competition is good, but I believe making it the journey and the destination is, at best, problematic.

Determing where the line is between "good" and "bad" in this area appears difficult. Is training that makes a child cry necessarily "bad"? Do some of these children experience this training as traumatic- rendering them psychologically or physically wounded?

posted by DudeDykstra at 06:43 PM on August 25, 2012

Steve Nash headed to Lakers after sign-and-trade with Suns

The Suns will receive first-round picks in 2013 and 2015 and second-round picks in 2013 and 2014 plus $3 million in cash from the Lakers.
Seems like a lot for a 38 year old. Not to mention the $9mil/yr for the next 3 years.

posted by DudeDykstra at 10:11 AM on July 05, 2012

Matt Cain pitches first-ever perfect game for the Giants

That would be my Philadelphia Phillies, who have been no hit a record 18 times. :)

posted by DudeDykstra at 10:53 AM on June 14, 2012

North Dakota voters overwhelmingly decide to do away with UND's 'Fighting Sioux' Nickname

I guess the masses won't be appeased until every sports team is named after a color

What I'm trying to say is that in this day and age it is too damned difficult to keep from getting someone upset

Ummm..... is it really that difficult to differentiate between team names that are racial slurs ("Redskins") and team names that aren't (see: every other team name)?

posted by DudeDykstra at 11:23 PM on June 13, 2012

Russia, Poland Draw After Their Hooligans Clash

I don't understand these big banners. Aren't thousands of people underneath the banner with no view of the game? How long do the banners remain unfurled? Given how huge the banner is, where does it go when they're done displaying it?

posted by DudeDykstra at 10:32 PM on June 12, 2012

Tiger Woods Wins Memorial

Thank you, dfleming. That is awesome.

posted by DudeDykstra at 07:02 PM on June 04, 2012

NFL Suspends Four for Un-Saintly Behavior

My love for the sport of football vs. My disgust at the consequences playing it has on the athletes

The conflict within me grows....

posted by DudeDykstra at 10:53 PM on May 02, 2012

Junior Seau Found Dead at Home

.

posted by DudeDykstra at 10:33 PM on May 02, 2012

Falcons Acquire Samuel from Eagles

I'm a little surprised he netted only a throw-away (7th round) draft pick, especially considering he was willing to renegotiate his salary to 6 mil/year.

posted by DudeDykstra at 08:18 PM on April 25, 2012

Cuban: NBA 'Stupid' to Let Stars in Olympics

If you look up "every athletic kid's dream" in the dictionary you see an athlete competing for an Olympic gold medal.

posted by DudeDykstra at 11:20 PM on April 22, 2012

Philip Humber Throws Baseball's 21st Perfect Game

Looks like a definite swing to me. Paused it right before ball gets to Pierz and his bat's out there. Either way, there's no chance you're getting the benefit of the doubt with 26 out in a row and you've got 2 strikes.

posted by DudeDykstra at 10:26 PM on April 21, 2012

Cuban Soccer Player Defects to U.S.

I'm a little surprised that these Cuban teams are allowed by their government to travel internationally given how often that seems to lead to players defecting.

posted by DudeDykstra at 12:03 PM on April 13, 2012

Messi Nets Five as Barça Reach Final Eight

(In this case I'm referring to Pele's constant reminder that he won three world cups)

posted by DudeDykstra at 01:25 PM on March 08, 2012

Messi Nets Five as Barça Reach Final Eight

I know I'm in the minority for this: it bothers me when players take or are given credit for championships in team sports.

posted by DudeDykstra at 01:24 PM on March 08, 2012

Manny Ramirez Down to His Last Chance

Not sure they're dancing. Braun getting off on this technicality just makes the sport look even weaker (if that's possible). They can't even bust the people they bust.

Why do you think they don't care about drug use? I agree that they didn't used to care, but they certainly seem to care now.

posted by DudeDykstra at 02:05 AM on February 24, 2012

Braun Wins Suspension Appeal

Braun's lawyers were worth every penny.

posted by DudeDykstra at 02:01 AM on February 24, 2012

Ocean Adventurer Makes the Final Crossing

The long, empty days spawned a temporary madness. Desperate for female company, he talked ardently to the planet Venus.

posted by DudeDykstra at 10:22 AM on February 19, 2012

Pitchers and Catchers Report

I'm not wearing panties

posted by DudeDykstra at 11:44 PM on February 13, 2012

Giants edge Patriots 21 to 17

Odd game. In the first half I felt like the Giants should be up by 15 and in the second half I felt like the Pats should be up by 10. Neither team played particularly well.

If Eli were an "elite" quarterback then there would be no debate about it. Elite players just are "elite", you don't need to have a conversation about it to prove it. Is Albert Pujols elite? Is Lebron James elite?

Anyway, on to basketball and hockey and baseball's coming around the bend. :)

posted by DudeDykstra at 12:10 AM on February 06, 2012

Rams Will Play in London Next 3 Years

Maybe since the games are a week apart it doesn't matter, but wouldn't the travel for the team in London be unfair? Also, how about the teams in London's division that have to travel their twice?

Really odd.

posted by DudeDykstra at 12:14 AM on January 25, 2012