Ponder the Thought

Brett Favre

ENOUGH WITH THE SOAP OPERA-

TAKE A HIKE BRETT!!

 

By John Leon           

           

            Oh woe is me…I was pressured into retiring by the Packers…I don’t really have a relationship with the General Manager…I’m on Greta Van Susteren…WHAT? Greta Van Susteren?

 Hey Brett, what the hell are you doing? The all-time leading passer in NFL history is making him self look like a complete and utter jackass and for what? His legacy is already assured and while I don’t blame him for wanting to play again after the tearful retirement speech, what about the other two or three years that he held the team up for ransom while he was deciding whether he wanted to play again the next year?

            Brett Favre is, in my mind, the ultimate quarterback, the gunslinger in the Namath mode, the go-for-broke passer that dared defenses to try and stop him. They did to a point as proven by his also leading the NFL in career interceptions. But now he’s taken this to a new level of greediness.

Let’s review shall we?

Wasn’t it just a few years ago that he said that he wasn’t sure if he wanted to come back and basically held the Packers up in the draft and the signing of potential free agents? He says he lobbied for Randy Moss and the GM Ted Thompson couldn’t get the deal done. No matter the fact that the Patriots had a better shot at Moss because Moss wanted to go the Super Bowl, and let’s face it, the Pack was a few cents short of a dollar there.

Wasn’t it recently that he wouldn’t even talk to Aaron Rodgers, his backup and QB to be? Why would he go out of his way to embrace the man that will eventually replace him? Look around the league and you notice that almost every starting QB has a pretty fair relationship with the other passers on the team. It’s not rocket science and Brett knows this. He was the starter and that’s that, so why not take the kid under his wing and show him the ropes.

After his “retirement” the Pack went and drafted another QB to back up Rodgers, thereby moving the team forward. Now Brett says that they pressured him into retirement and he wants to come back, and good for the Packers, they have said that they’re moving on and he’s still a part of the team, but at a lesser role.

“I want my release”, he said.

“No shot,” say the team.

Good for them! Why should they just give him away and get nothing in return? You want out? Make a list of teams you want to go to and we’ll see of we can work out a deal. Obviously that’s not good enough for the Gunslinger.

In conclusion, I feel that he has done this team wrong in many ways, and it’s just a matter of time before he either retires permanently or gets traded. Sadly, it’s becoming the norm for aging QB’s and history has proven out All of the Hall of Famers mentioned here after have finished their careers elsewhere. It wouldn’t look right for Favre to be in another uniform, but the games go on and his legacy will only be tarnished briefly.

Joe Montana, John Unitas, Joe Namath, are just three who ended on other teams. Sure they looked strange in another helmet after their glory years but they lost no luster from their greatness.

Move on Brett, but stop the whining, that looks real bad, and besides, Greta Van Susteren? Peter King or Chris Mortenson wasn’t good enough?

 

 

Trade Talk?

IS IT TIME FOR THE PHILS TO PART WAYS?

 

By John Leon           

           

            Before anyone tries to string me up or think that what I’m about to say is blasphemous, hear me out. I know the Phillies fans, and Philadelphia fans in general, are a passionate lot, but I have a thought that may be prudent. A lot of thinking went into this and although it may be out of the box, it may be time to part ways with Ryan Howard and Brett Myers.

            I know, I know, why give up on two fairly young stars, but if the Phils are to contend and do so on a yearly basis, this trade may work for both teams, right now and in the near future, while also saving money on payroll. And we all know that the Phil’s front office is as tight as an extra small sweater on Pam Anderson.

            Howard, Myers and Adam Eaton to the Cleveland Indians for C.C. Sabathia and Ryan Garko. Think about it logically and with an open mind, because this would work for both teams.

            Cleveland has struggled and Sabathia, in the last year of his contract, has been rumored to go anywhere in MLB correct? He also makes $11 million this season and there’s no reason the Phils couldn’t pony up $15-17 mil per year for the next 5 years and STILL save money. Garko is a young right-handed power hitter with a ton of upside and little or no salary.

            Stay with me here folks.

            Howard’s numbers are out there for everyone to see, Rookie of the Year, MVP, 40-60 homers per year….and a ton of K’s to go with a .210-.230 avg., and the last time I looked he still hasn’t hit a slider from a lefty. He also makes $10 mil this season and is STILL arbitration eligible. Myers is having an absolutely nightmarish season to go with $8 ½ million dollars in salary. Eaton would be a throw in and the Phils get his $8 mil salary off the books.

            So let’s review here for a second please?

            Howard $10 mil, Myers $ 8, Eaton $ 8 PLUS add the salary of Pat Burrell 14 million in his last year and it totals up to almost $40 million dollars. THIS YEAR! Now, factor in the savings of $26 for the three players being traded, add in the 13 million for Sabathia and Garko, the Phils save 13 million this year. Burrell will resign next year at far less than his current salary and the numbers still add up to upgrading the rotation, keeping an outfielder with eight straight years of 20+ homers, and adding an upcoming first baseman that balances out the lineup.

 $40 million this year and probably $15-17 for C.C., $1-2 for Garko and let’s say $8 for Burrell next year. That’s $27 million, a savings of $13 million and a big upgrade.

The struggling Indians pick up a 29 year old slugger, a 28-year-old pitcher and Adam Eaton. The Phils get a 28-year old stud pitcher, and wouldn’t Hamels and Sabathia look nice at the top of that rotation, a 27 year old, 20+ homer first baseman AND salary relief. The relief could go for some depth in the outfield (bye-bye So Taguchi) and another arm (Brian Fuentes) maybe?

            This works and if Howard goes on to even more greatness and Sabathia is everything we think he is, it’s a wash and a trade that works for both teams.

            Just a thought.

Baseball Revisions

                         2008 BASEBALL SEASON …   

AT THE ALMOST HALFWAY POINT

By John Leon             

            In March I made somewhat bold predictions and as sure as I sit here at my computer, they have for the most part been laughable. I’ve left the original thoughts below and now at the almost half way point, there seems to be a need of some revision.

            So here we go…

But there’s one word that means so much and can be the heartbreak of all teams….IF. Here then lies one scribes’ predictions, IF, everything goes the right way.

                                    THE AL WEST

SEATTLE- They look to be the favorite here. Plenty of pop, defense and leadership, plus a proven closer in J.J. Putz

IF: Eric Bedard and Felix Hernandez stay healthy

JUNE 9: This is a car accident. You don’t want to look but you can’t help yourself. Who really knows what happened here?

L.A. ANGELS- Great manager in Mike Scoscia, plenty of speed and long balls aplenty.

IF: The pitching holds up, they already have 2 guys headed for the DL and they’re not getting any younger. Vlad and Garrett are about 100 years old aren’t they?

JUNE 9: Still the best manager and they’re playing really well. This is their division to lose right now.

OAKLAND- Moneyball strikes again. Once again the smartest GM in baseball has the A’s younger and hungrier and could be a sleeper.

IF: They mature faster than usual and Beane can make another deal (which we all know he will), the A’s will make a run late.

JUNE 9: They’ve made their run earlier than expected and will be a handful now.

FOOT NOTE: Texas’ Josh Hamilton is becoming a fan favorite and how can you NOT root for this kid.

                                    THE AL CENTRAL

CLEVELAND- WOW! What else can you say when they may be the best team in the division and may not even get to the playoffs. This division is brutal and whoever survives may win the whole thing. They’re deep, talented, and fairly young and will be right there.

IF: Closer Joe Borowski doesn’t implode.

JUNE 9: What happened to the offense? Offensive is the word.

DETROIT- The trade that made the Tigers even filthier. The pitching depth is ridiculous and just try and get an out with that lineup. Ivan Rodriguez bats 8^th!

IF: Dontrelle Willis regains his form and the bullpen can get some help for Todd Jones. Injuries here could spell doom, even for this lineup.

JUNE 9: Along with Seattle, the most disappointing team this season and it’s not gonna get better. Bonderman is out for the year and Verlander starts 2-9. Ouch!

WHITE SOX- Five players that can bang 30 or more homers, and Ozzie Guillen. Bobby Jenks is arguably the best closer today.

            IF: They can swing a trade for Paul Konerko, they could make a run…next year.

            JUNE 9: Ozzie’s tirade woke up the sleeping giant. Look out below!

                                                THE AL EAST

YANKEES- The last year for The Stadium and promises of Kennedy, Chamberlain and Hughes. Cashman had better pray that he made the right move by keeping them instead of the Santana trade. Power, some speed, lefties galore but getting a little long in the tooth.

            IF: Girardi can lead, and the youngsters prove right, they will be right there. Of Course if not, there’s always the Yanks farm team…the Royals.

            JUNE 9: They just lost 2 of 3 to the Royals and Kennedy’s lost, Hughes is hurt and Chamberlain will be a good starter. Now about that 8^th inning Joe….

RED SOX- Younger, deeper and Manny’s in his walk year. Look Out!

            IF: The Yanks falter this could get ugly.

            JUNE 9: The kids are stepping up and it’s already ugly. Lester’s no-no, Ellsbury, Bucholz and Masterson, AND they still have some studs waiting to crack the starting 8. The Red Sox are just getting started and this might be a runaway

BLUE JAYS- Any other year they’d be right there, but not with 1 and 1A in front of them. Alex Rios’s breakout year is now. This is the AL version of the Braves. Keep an eye on them.

            IF: Scott Rolen stays healthy and the top 2 slip, they could steal this. Good balance all the way through.

            JUNE 9: They need just little more O to go with that pitching and they could make the Yanks make their tee times a bit earlier than planned.

                                                THE NL WEST

D-BACKS- When Randy Johnson’s your #3 guy, when your young players have a year under their belt in a race, when you get 20+ homers from Eric Byrnes, why not do it again.

            IF: Brandon Lyon closes like Valverde, if not….

            JUNE 9: Brandon Webb is Cy Young, Dan Haren is a quality #2 and The Unit is still the Unit. Pencil them in for the playoffs

ROCKIES- Did you think they were going away? Last year was not a fluke and they’ll be there again. Good young arms and future HOF shortstop Tulowitzki will keep them there for a long time.

            IF: They can find a 2B with Matsui gone.

            JUNE 9: Injuries have really hurt this team and they may not recover.

DODGERS- Torre at the helm will be an upgrade, Matt Kemp is a stud and they will be a force.

            IF: Nomar can stay healthy and they can hold leads. Penny will HAVE to stay healthy or they’re done.

            JUNE 9: They may be done now. The kids need to grow up some more, and Nomar’s done probably.

                                                THE NL CENTRAL

CUBS- Is this the year? Probably not.. Ridiculously good offensively but they need Brian Roberts at 2B. Unfortunately he plays for the Orioles.

            IF: Wood can stay healthy and close consistently. After Zambrano they need help in the rotation.

            JUNE 9: Dempster and Lilly gave them the help they needed and Theriot has given them a lift at short. Soriano, Lee and Ramirez have Sweet Lou smiling…a lot.

BREWERS- The Wallbangers are back, and Ryan Braun may hit 40, which means Fielder hits…60?

            IF: The starters hold up and Eric Gagne returns to his Dodger form closing.

JUNE 9: They still have time but something’s missing here.

REDS – No laughing here, they actually have a shot. Dusty baker will bring a nice change of attitude here and Junior will benefit from it. Francesco Cordero got big bucks to close; they think they can do it too.

            IF: They can find a shortstop, and the farm system helps out. The minors are very deep.

            JUNE 9: Junior’s closing in on 600 and Jay Bruce looks like Junior 15 years ago. The Volquez for Hamilton trade worked out for both teams huh?

ASTROS- Ed Wade is the GM. enough said.

            JUNE 9: Nope

            And last but not least….

                                                THE NL EAST

METS – Santana will win 20 in the new league, Pedro gets 12-15, and they are still pissed about the el foldo last year. However, after Reyes, Wright and Beltran…..Nobody scares me here.

            IF: HEALTH...that’s all they need because they are not young and Delgado, Martinez and Wagner could all be gone by July.

            JUNE 9: If there was another manger around Willie would be gone. Time to rebuild.

PHILLIES- They will score about 1,000 runs, that’s a given. But questions abound with Myers returning to the rotation and Lidge being able to bounce back. They have Flash who will close if need be, but can he stay healthy? They won’t miss Rowand as much as I thought.

            IF: Kendrick, Moyer and Eaton give them some innings and 10 wins apiece they take the whole thing. Lidge’s health is the key.

            JUNE 9: So far, so good. Contributions from everybody and Myers looks like he’s out of the funk. This just in….Hamels is a STUD!!! Lidge has been “Lights Out Lidge” again, and there are no words to accurately describe Utley right now, just letters…MVP!

BRAVES- Yeah they’re still hanging around and the top 2 better not sleep on them. They can still hit, they are younger, and they have the best manager in Bobby Cox. But God, do I hate the tomahawk chop!

            IF: Hampton and Glavine have anything left in the tank. Soriano closing is nasty.

            JUNE 9: If Chipper wasn’t hitting .420 this team would be a mess…wait, they are! No Smoltz, No Hampton and the bullpen looks worse than the Mets.

NATIONALS & MARLINS- They will give everybody problems, especially Washington. They are getting real close…real fast.

            JUNE 9: The Nationals are where I thought they’d be, but those Fish are very dangerous. They can hit and getting some quality pitching. They’re gonna hang around till the end. Instead of the Mets giving the Phils a run, it’s South Beach.

Part III coming after the All-Star break.

Philly Fans

PHILLY FANS ARE GETTING SOFT…

AND IT’S A GOOD THING

                                                By John Leon

            For as long as one can remember, there have been no tougher fans than Philadelphia Fans. It’s a reputation that’s well deserved for numerous reasons, but as of late, the fans are starting to appreciate some athletes here and that never would have happened in the past.

            Are they going soft on us? Or are they starting to appreciate the athletes that come through the town WHILE they’re here instead of after. Mike Schmidt comes to mind, as the fans perceived that the Hall of Famer wasn’t putting out the all-out effort that they craved and wanted to see from their guys. It wasn’t until he retired that they finally realized that he was one of a kind and they missed the boat on letting him know how they felt about him.

            There’s a pretty good list that will bring venom to the passionate Philly Fan. Ricky Watters, Eric Lindros, Derrick Coleman, etc., players we couldn’t wait to get rid of and don’t let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.

            On the other side was Bobby Clarke. The toothless leader of the Broad Street Bullies that could do no wrong, even to this day. Recently the fans have started to let the guys that came through the town, even for a short time, how they feel about their effort and how they played the games.

            Jim Thome, class personified, came to Philly and was welcomed by the men and women that were building Citizens Bank Park. So much so that they stopped the limo he and his wife were riding in to tell him how much they wanted him to come here on his free agent tour. Only Ryan Howard’s rise stopped Big Jim from continuing his bashing here. When he was traded, he left with the class and dignity he came with and will forever be part of Phillies lore.

            Allen Iverson, was a catalyst for 10 years for the Sixers, and we all know about the off field stuff, the “practice? We talking ‘bout practice, man!”, but he left his heart and soul on the court, being the smallest warrior ever to grace the Philly stage. When he returned to the Wachovia for the first time this year, the outpouring of love for the guy was almost unprecedented, to the point of watching this grown man reduced to tears at the sentiments of the fans.

            Aaron Rowand, the face first, hustling, clutch hitting centerfielder that the Phils let get away during free agency. Anyone who saw the Friday night game in town with the Giants for the first time when he was introduced could’ve guessed that he would be an out after the thunderous ovation from the fans. He was genuinely choked up at the reception he received from the faithful. He was here only two years but he’s a Philly guy, and that’s all there is to it.

            Philly Guys are the ones I just mentioned above. The guys that give you everything they have, the Rocky Balboa mentality, the blue collar man, etc., you can conjure up any number of clichés to describe the kind of players that fit here. Chase Utley, Chris Coste, Andre Miller, Brian Westbrook, Jeremiah Trotter, Mike Richards, Scotty Upshall and I’m sure I’ve left a few out, but you get the idea.

            Finally the Philly fans are starting to let these types of guys know, that they are appreciated for their effort and they are thriving on it.

Philly fans getting soft? Not hardly, remember they are the same fans that booed Santa Claus, but at least the appreciation for the players is a welcome sight.

Keep up the good work Philly Fans.

Night Baseball for High Schools

NIGHT BASEBALL AT THE

HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL- IS IT TIME?

                                                By John Leon

            Has the time come for the high schools to bring night time baseball to the fore front? It may be and I know what the argument will be and it’s about the cost, and rightly so. But the time may be right for this idea to come to fruition.

            After all, we have night games for football and basketball, so why not baseball, track, soccer and whatever else? It could easily be used as a revenue sport thereby offsetting some of the costs associated with lights and electricity. No one seems to argue about paying for football and basketball games and the cost could be the same at $3 per person, just like in the other sports.

            There are going to be at least 5 games this season played under the lights and I personally think it’s great. Just imagine what the possibilities would be if most of the schools had lights on the fields. Revenue, concessions, excitement, attendance and let’s be honest, the games would be played at a higher level in my opinion, because the athletes actually like playing at night.

            Add in the fact that local radio may be involved and revenues for the stations and schools would be greater. Middle Township and Wildwood Catholic are playing some games under the lights; while there will be Egg Harbor Township vs. Mainland and Holy Spirit vs. Atlantic City played at Bernie Robbins Stadium in Atlantic City. If you don’t think that this can work, ask any of the almost 800 fans that packed the Stadium last season to watch Mainland/Spirit. Of course, the pitching matchup was tremendous as A.J. Holland bested Charlie Law in a 3-0 gem, but the fact that so many people had interest in the game should tell you something.

            The stadium had a concession stand open that night and I know for a fact that money was made, and I would expect games played there to be at least as good.

            So we return to the initial question, is it time for night time baseball for the local high schools, or does it make more sense to just have key matchups under the lights? Would the novelty wear off or can this be a realistic proposition?

            The cost factor would have to be considered as many of the schools are being crunched by the State of New Jersey and funds are scarce, but again, I offer the scenario of the revenue possibility. Remember it was not that long ago that football games at night were just a pipe dream and look now. 95% of the schools play their games on Friday nights and it has flourished as a way for alumni to get together and for the school to gain revenue, as it is an inexpensive and fun night out for most families in this time of tight budgets.

            So what would be the difference? Most of the games are played now at 4PM so there is enough daylight to be able to finish the contests, but if you look around; there maybe are 50 people or so. Consider a nice evening with 300 or so, concessions booming (just look to any Little League field for an example) and some good baseball played.

            Ponder the thought as I bring you the argument that it would be a good idea, and it just may be time to explore the option. It’s just a matter of finding a way to make it happen.

Responsibility

TAKING RESPONSIBLITY

                                                By John Leon

            I am the proud father of two beautiful daughters, and have no qualms about saying that. Many, if not most parents, will say the same thing about their offspring. My oldest daughter drives and what I have done, and this is just me, is I have always, ALWAYS, expected communications between them and myself, whether it just to say hello or to let me know that she made it safely driving from one place to another.

I’m starting to have a problem with the increasing amount of accidents and injuries that these kids are having is this day and age. Recently, 3 players were in a car accident driving FROM a game. Why? Wasn’t there a team bus? Buses usually make for team chemistry, allowing the kids to form bonds with one another before and after the contests.

            I understand that many students are driving and want to become independent but the question in my mind is who’s taking responsibility for these students?

            Three possible suspects arise from this question and all should share in the answer.

            One is the parents. I know that when my daughter started driving, I was, and still am, scared to death that she would be in an accident. (She’s been in three and none her fault). I know it happens, but when does the responsibility start? How do the parents allow them to drive from one school to another school when there are buses, I assume, available to transport the team? If the game is played in or near your home that’s one thing, but in many cases, I’m not seeing any reason for this to happen.

            Two, where were the coaches that allowed this to occur? How is it possible to form a game plan when some of your players are not within earshot to talk about the game today? Being together on a team bus allows that to happen. Is it that important for these kids to drive to and from? How about the LIABLITY to the school if something happens, as did last week? If I’m a parent and that happened WITHOUT my knowledge, first I’m gonna rip my kids a new one, then I’m gonna talk to the coach and find out what the hell they were thinking!

            Third and most importantly, are the kids. Again, what the hell were they thinking and who gave them permission? Was there a waiver signed? These kids want the freedom but not the responsibility of being accountable for their actions. It doesn’t work that way my friends and that’s where the problem lies.

            There are no solid answers to any of the questions above except for the fact that it is a combination of mistakes. Starting with the coaches who allowed it, the parents who gave them the car in the first place and then the kids who drove, that want the independence but no responsibility.

            It’s time to step up children, and learn the lessons that your parents did. Our children have it WAY better than we did and that’s no one’s fault but ours. I have been able to afford to buy my daughter cars and that’s ok, we all want better for our children than we had it, but she learned about how to be responsible also. I drilled the mantra of calling when she left, and when she arrived. She takes FULL RESPONSIBILITY for her actions whenever she’s out. I don’t want to hear any excuses, and again, accidents happen, but when will they learn about not putting yourself in a position to have an accident?

            Consequences of her actions are dealt with if/when they happen and action is taken after all of the facts are heard. If I find that she’s been at fault I formulate a judgment and if she’s not at fault we talk about how to solve it. Communication, isn’t it a wonderful thing?

            So in the final analysis, I blame the students that feel like they have to be able to drive to and from the contests. I have a BIG problem with that and as a former coach, I would not allow it, again, unless the parents know and they live in close proximity to the location. It shouldn’t be allowed and there’s no reason for it. The coaches were at fault here, unless there’s not a policy at the school forbidding it without a waiver. Finally, the blame also falls on the parents, who have given their blessing to the independence but have not taught them about taking responsibility.

            Everyone has to get back to having some thought as to how to share the responsibility for the students. The time to start teaching and learning is now, before anything else happens.

The Passing of Time

THE WEDDING GUESTS

                                                By John Leon

            Normally I write about sports and their effect on the culture of our area, but after learning of my cousin’s passing last week, it got me to thinking about mortality. Yes, I know what you’re thinking and that’s whether there is a punch line or something in here.

            Nothing could be farther from the truth.

            What actually spurred my thoughts after Sam’s death was my wedding almost 28 years ago and how many of the 150 + guests are either no longer with us, or we’ve lost touch of. Much like the yearbook that you break out on occasion, and realize that many of your classmates have passed. It is a sobering thought to say the least.

            Witnesses one and all watched me, sweaty palms and shaking, take my vows to my bride. No way out and no where to run. The reception was a joyous one, to say the least, with the newly wedded couple the last ones to depart the hall.

            Sam was 51 years old with a malformation of the veins in his brain and after suffering the hemorrhage which would turn out to be fatal, he passed but not before invoking fond memories of our growth as friends and men. He was at my wedding, refusing to be IN the wedding for fear of jinxing it. A superstitious man if there ever was one, he actually gave his approval for me to get married. Gee, thanks Sam.

It was MANDATORY that I be in his wedding. No matter that I was in the midst of my baseball/softball season. That went over with my teammates like a lead balloon. I missed the rehearsal and dinner, but was at the weeding of his first wife and all was good.

Many others from relatives to close friends have passed through and have gone. Others have drifted away, living their own lives with just a memory of the happy occasion, sometimes catching up after 10 minuets or so. Other times we think that there will always be time to get together and catch up on each others lives. We’re not getting older, there will ALWAYS be time.

            Thinking back gives one pause to realize that we are indeed human and although many of us think of ourselves as bullet proof, we are not. Things happen for a reason, and even though my cousin and I had not spoken for many years, it does not diminish the good times that we had. Going to his funeral will be a sad occasion for many reasons.

            As with many others, he died way too young. He went quickly and that was his wish, as he said to me many years ago.

            “I don’t want to be rusting away letting my family have to watch me go,” he said.

            He was larger than life, standing 6’5” and tipping the scales at 230 or so in his hey day. Mechanically inclined, he could fix anything it seemed and always knew the proper way to get things done. Always had a devilish grin as I recall, and you just never knew what was coming out of his mouth next. You couldn’t play any kind of puzzle or word games, because he would kick your ass many times over, and this was from a man that never finished high school and had to get his GED.

            Getting back to the wedding, it seems like many of the guests are now pleasant memories from the pictures that day. We have drifted apart, but not deliberately. Life takes its toll on friendships and it seems like when we were all together, it was another lifetime ago. Indeed, the standard line from my times as an athlete is “That was another lifetime ago,” that we played as a team and enjoyed the camaraderie.

            Always with a hug and handshake, do we greet each other when we meet again, but the closeness that we felt at that time has waned. Everyone tries to keep in touch through the years but not the way we once did, and that again, is no fault of anyone.

            This is my reality check and it seems that as we grow older, the checks seem to be more and more frequent. It used to be the funerals of our parents and their friends we were going to, and now it’s our friends and relatives.

            Nobody said growing up was going to be fun or easy and his is the part that’s never easy.

            But I do admit that it would be fun to get together on a more regular basis, instead of reunions once a year or so. I guess I’m starting to realize my own mortality, but it doesn’t mean I have to like it.

            I will have a reunion with my cuz at some point and then we will pick up where we drifted apart, like we never lost touch.

            Save me a seat kid, and let me know what I need to bring.

Baseball 2008

                                    2008 BASEBALL SEASON ARRIVES…   

WITH A LOT OF IF’S

By John Leon             

Ah yes… the change of season, the warm breezes and the first sound of “PLAY BALL!” is here. Baseball season separates itself from all of the other sports with the promise, hopes and dreams of every team. 2008 is no different.

Gone is the everyday soap opera that was Barry Bonds, even to the effect that the Giants, who may be the worst team in the league, have taken down any semblance of his being the new Home Run King*. (Had to put that in there). In its place are the excitement of the season and the possibilities of what may be.

But there’s one word that means so much and can be the heartbreak of all teams….IF. Here then lies one scribes’ predictions, IF, everything goes the right way.

                                    THE AL WEST

SEATTLE- They look to be the favorite here. Plenty of pop, defense and leadership, plus a proven closer in J.J. Putz

IF: Eric Bedard and Felix Hernandez stay healthy

L.A. ANGELS- Great manger in Mike Scoscia, planet of speed and long balls aplenty.

IF: The pitching holds up, they already have 2 guys headed for the DL and they’re not getting any younger. Vlad and Garrett are about 100 years old aren’t they?

OAKLAND- Moneyball strikes again. Once again the smartest GM in baseball has the A’s younger and hungrier and could be a sleeper.

IF: They mature faster than usual and Beane can make another deal (which we all know he will), the A’s will make a run late.

                                    THE AL CENTRAL

CLEVELAND- WOW! What else can you say when they may be the best team in the division and may not even get to the playoffs. This division is brutal and whoever survives may win the whole thing. They’re deep, talented, and fairly young and will be right there.

IF: Closer Joe Borowski doesn’t implode.

DETROIT- The trade that made the Tigers even filthier. The pitching depth is ridiculous and just try and get an out with that lineup. Ivan Rodriguez bats 8^th!

IF: Dontrelle Willis regains his form and the bullpen can get some help for Todd Jones. Injuries here could spell doom, even for this lineup.

WHITE SOX- Five players that can bang 30 or more homers, and Ozzie Guillen. Bobby Jenks is arguably the best closer today.

            IF: They can swing a trade for Paul Konerko, they could make a run…next year.

                                                THE AL EAST

YANKEES- The last year for The Stadium and promises of Kennedy, Chamberlain and Hughes. Cashman had better pray that he made the right move by keeping them instead of the Santana trade. Power, some speed, lefties galore but getting a little long in the tooth.

            IF: Girardi can lead, and the youngsters prove right, they will be right there. Of Course if not, there’s always the Yanks farm team…the Royals

RED SOX- Younger, deeper and Manny’s in his walk year. Look Out!

            IF: The Yanks falter this could get ugly.

BLUE JAYS- Any other year they’d be right there, but not with 1 and 1A in front of them. Alex Rios’s breakout year is now. This is the AL version of the Braves. Keep an eye on them.

            IF: Scott Rolen stays healthy and the top 2 slip, they could steal this. Good balance all the way through

                                                THE NL WEST

D-BACKS- When randy Johnson’s your #3 guy, when your young players have a year under their belt in a race, when you get 20+ homers from Eric Byrnes, why not do it again.

            IF: Brandon Lyon closes like Valverde, if not….

ROCKIES- Did you think they were going away? Last year was not a fluke and they’ll be there again. Good young arms and future HOF shortstop Tulowitzki will keep them there for a long time.

            IF: They can find a 2B with Matsui out

DODGERS- Torre at the helm will be an upgrade, Matt Kemp is a stud and they will be a force.

            IF: Nomar can stay healthy and they can hold leads. Penny will HAVE to stay healthy or they’re done.

                                                THE NL CENTRAL

CUBS- Is this the year? Probably not.. Ridiculously good offensively but they need Brian Roberts at 2B. Unfortunately he plays for the Orioles.

            IF: Wood can stay healthy and close consistently. After Zambrano they need help in the rotation.

BREWERS- The Wallbangers are back, and Ryan Braun may hit 40, which means Fielder hits…60?

            IF: The starters hold up and Eric Gagne returns to his Dodger form closing

REDS – No laughing here, they actually have a shot. Dusty baker will bring a nice change of attitude here and Junior will benefit from it. Francesco Cordero got big bucks to close; they think they can do it too.

            IF: They can find a shortstop, and the farm system helps out. The minors are very deep.

ASTROS- Ed Wade is the GM. enough said.

            And last but not least….

                                                THE NL EAST

METS – Santana will win 20 in the new league, Pedro gets 12-15, and they are still pissed about the el foldo last year. However, after Reyes, Wright and Beltran…..Nobody scares me here.

            IF: HEALTH...that’s all they need because they are not young and Delgado, Martinez and Wagner could all be gone by July.

PHILLIES- They will score about 1,000 runs, that’s a given. But questions abound with Myers returning to the rotation and Lidge being able to bounce back. They have Flash who will close if need be, but can he stay healthy? They won’t miss Rowand as much as I thought.

            IF: Kendrick, Moyer and Eaton give them some innings and 10 wins apiece they take the whole thing. Lidge’s health is the key.

BRAVES- Yeah they’re still hanging around and the top 2 better not sleep on them. They can still hit, they are younger, and they have the best manager in Bobby Cox. But God, do I hate the tomahawk chop!

            IF: Hampton and Glavine have anything left in the tank. Soriano closing is nasty.

NATIONALS & MARLINS- They will give everybody problems, especially Washington. They are getting real close…real fast.

            So there you have it, one man’s opinion as the season kicks off. We’ll see if all of the IF’S play out and then I’ll make my playoff predictions later.

I’m SOOO ready. .

Recruiting

            RECRUITING SPECIAL FOR COACHES TOO

By John Leon                                                                        

            The Holy Spirit Spartans football team had a year for the ages, and the records are well documented. The next question to be answered is what happens to the team now?

            Head Coach Bill Walsh, who is also the Director of Institutional Advancement, had the enviable job of sorting through the multiple offers his team had, and after the smoke cleared, all 23 seniors were accepted at colleges in one form or another.

            “It’s been an interesting process,” he said. “You hear the same theme from all of the schools at all of the levels. The goal is to make sure the kids end up at the right school for them.”

            A perfect example is middle linebacker Chris Mancuso. He will walk on at Rhode Island University for football, but it’s not for lack of effort. His work ethic is legendary at Spirit on and off the field. A 3.66 GPA, high SAT scores and he wants to be a pharmacist. Rhode Island is one of the top pharmacology schools in the country, but because of his height (5’9”) an athletic scholarship was not forthcoming.

            “That will change when they see him and how hard he works, on and off the field,” said Walsh. “But that’s a great example of the process we go through.”

            Many factors play into the process such as geographical, major and then it’s just a matter of the visitation and what kind of financial package that is offered.

            As Walsh learned this year, many of the recruiters do their due diligence in finding out about the players, but more often then not, they don’t.

            “It takes about 5 minutes to see if they’ve done their homework,” he said. “The good schools stop in the Guidance office first, talk to the AD, talk to everybody to find out if the kid is a good student, good person, attendance, good character, etc., then they come talk to me last.”

            Walsh pointed out the Penn State, Michigan, West Chester and Boston College were some of the schools that did it right.

            The volume of schools that came through Spirit was large this year and with some players getting academic scholarships, baseball and wrestling scholarships, it tends to get complicated.

            “It’s important to have someone in the school to help the kids sort out things,” said Walsh. “Some schools just send offers sight unseen, such as Marcus (Witherspoon) had. On National Signing Day he had three full scholarship offers, even though we told everybody he was still going to Michigan. One school never even met him and still sent an offer.”

            It doesn’t stop there, as Walsh pointed out, the school even helped one former player get into TCNJ, even though he had to transfer to another school due to financial reasons.

            “Ibin Miller had to leave Spirit due to financial problems but he was here for 3 years and we helped him get into TCNJ on an EOF scholarship,” he said. “He was a vital part of our family for three years and we got him a State Championship jacket to let him know he is still part of us.”

            It’s been a unique year for Holy Spirit, with a State title in football, the Boys basketball team reaching the South Jersey finals, and the baseball team is ranked very highly as well. All the stars have aligned, but the real stars are the kids that are going to college, proving that it’s not only great when you win, but doing something with that success is an even bigger victory.

                       Their hard work has paid off and the future looks very bright.

Retirement

KNOWING WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT

By John Leon                                                                                    

            Almost everyone that is close to retirement, whether it be athletes or just ordinary folks, all feel that when it’s time to retire, they would like to be able to do so on their own terms. They don’t want to be forced out, downsized, laid off or fired.

Over the past 3 months, three members of the Absegami athletic family have been able to call their own shot by resigning or retiring, and in doing so, have left the school in great shape, thank you very much. They leave for greener pastures that would not have been possible without the stop they made in Galloway Township.

First was Athletic Director Scott Logek, who moved on to another school district after 6 years of leading the Braves from just a great wrestling school, to what is now one of the standard bearers for championships in other sports as well.

Just a few weeks ago, the school announced the retirement of Greg Goodwin, girl’s basketball coach, who will leave with over 270 wins, three Group 4 Championships and 2 State Titles. He will leave as a coach with 24 years of service and nothing left to prove.

Then today, football coach Doug Colman announced that he will be leaving effective at the end of the school year, to return to his alma mater, the University of Nebraska. He leaves the Braves with a 40-15 record, the first South Jersey Group 4 title in school history, and two of it’s highest win totals ever, in his five years of duty.

Absegami athletics has grown by leaps and bounds through the efforts of these three men and is in their debt. They have been able to bring the school championships when the only recognition was from the wrestling teams that have been a perennial favorite in the State, and have been named the best in the State, three different times. The athletes that played for Goodwin and Colman have garnered all-star recognition and scholarships to colleges that may not have been possible in the past, and Logek’s leadership made their job easier.

They were able to have the ability to know when the time was right to leave the school, and they have left an imprint that will be hard to follow. Ask anyone of them and they will all say that it’s been about the kids and not about them. That may be true, but the great leaders of tomorrow were inspired by the teachers of today.

Goodwin leaves to be a parent to his 3 children and turn the girls program over to very capable hands, Logek left to pursue another opportunity that may not have been afforded him without Absegami, and Colman leaves for an opportunity to help re-build a Nebraska program to glory once again, one that he had a part in when he played there.

Make no mistake about it, Absegami will be hard pressed to fill the shoes of these three, but fill them they will. The shadows will be long, but the foundations have been forged.

            They taught, they led and Absegami is better for it.

High School

I’D RATHER WATCH A HIGH SCHOOL GAME

By John Leon                                                                                    

As a long time prep reporter, I find it increasingly difficult to actually sit down and watch a professional sporting event, unless it’s baseball or football. I have come to prefer the games that are played at the High School or College level in basketball and football. The NBA is almost unwatchable anymore due to the lack of rhythm and flow, the too many foul calls and the antics of the players.

At the local level, it is a joy to watch the young athletes who are striving to make it to the next level and possibly beyond. The percentages of that happening, though, are about 1 in 500,000 at last guesstimate, to make the pro level.

Freshmen at both levels are beginning to make names for themselves and at the high school level, they are becoming increasingly important to all sports. More and more fans are being treated to the growth and potential of athletes starting as frosh and watching them mature through their senior years. It’s almost like watching your own children grow into young men and women.

The intensity of their growth and maturity during rivalry games are something to behold. This past weekend, I was treated to watching some young men and women, begin their journey as the players that many are sure that they will become. The growing pains, as they get schooled by the older players, is painful but necessary in the process. The coaches are trying to win games and at the same time, mold the players to get their full potential reached.

Ah yes, the “P” words, potential, promise and production. Much used and abused words, but almost a staple of the lexicon of reporting the sports that we cover.

The potential of a freshman being thrown into the fray, earning their stripes, or whatever other term you like to describe them. The players only get better by playing and it is at this critical juncture that coaches have to be