John Rooke - Thinking Out Loud
Saturday, January 05, 2013
Thinking out loud…and wondering if there’s an actual end to the college bowl season…
• Since some have asked…and since it seems almost anyone with a forum loves to make their opinions known…I’ve got a “Top 10 +1” list of predictions for 2013 that I’ll share. And you can feel free to ridicule me if you like, but be sure you also give me props when I hit…
• #10 – Jacoby Ellsbury won’t last past this season. He’ll probably have a good season for the Red Sox, and they’ll probably make an effort to keep him around. But free agency will be a greater lure than roaming centerfield at Fenway for the remainder of his career…
• Remember all of the transfers in college basketball after last season? More than 400 players switched schools, prompting the NCAA to explore the idea of changing the rules for eligibility. It still needs to be approved, but a 2.6 GPA could be the magic number for players to transfer and play right away. And here…they…go…again…
• #9 – The Boston Red Sox will not reach the post-season this year…largely because their pitching will once again prove to be an Achilles’ heel. Soft, inconsistent and lacking pizazz…kinda like my Aunt’s holiday pound cake…
• Can anyone blame Boise State for making the move they did – to stay closer to home in the Mountain West? Geographically, it certainly makes sense, even if it doesn’t make a lot of cents yet for the school. But I have a major problem with these schools that now use the vulnerability of some great people (in the Big East) to try and ply an unprecedented deal from themselves…
• The Broncos held themselves out to the highest bidder…and the Big East called their bluff. The Mountain West gave them the moon, and a lot of stars, too. Even after Boise State signed a deal to play in the Big East – in effect, they reneged on that deal – after next year’s schedule had already been released. You know what? We don’t need that kind of behavior here, or anywhere else on the collegiate landscape. Good riddance Boise, we hardly (don’t want to) know you…
• #8 – Someone, somewhere…in this collegiate realignment Armageddon…will say “enough.” Either a chance to move will be turned down, or a school decides to move back closer to home territory…citing expenses, primarily. And sanity, secondarily…
• There has been some kickback on a piece written by my colleague Scott Cordischi on Ed Cooley’s post-game comments after the Friars’ loss to Brown…and his harsh words for his players. Look, every coach must live and die with who he/she is…and how they handle their players. Cooley knows what buttons to push, and what works and what doesn’t work with his guys. If you trust in him to build a program that can compete for championships, then you must also trust in him how he goes about laying those bricks…
• #7 – The Friars will win in 2013. It might be the start of next season before they get there…but Providence will make its expected final season in the “old Big East” something special…
• But don’t count out this season, just yet. The Big East Tournament in March – the last for Syracuse and Pittsburgh – promises to be historic for more than just the soon-to-be departing schools…
• Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett said this week he’s planning to sue the NCAA over the sanctions levied at Penn State over the Jerry Sandusky scandal. Never mind the fact that the school agreed to the sanctions…but the suit apparently stems from the NCAA’s negative response to the state’s congressional delegation request that the fine money be used for causes within Pennsylvania. Certainly, they have a point. I wish them a lot of luck, they’ll need it…
• So Avery Bradley is back for the Celtics? It’s a start…but anyone who believes his return signals the “start” of a big C’s run is mistaken. What is reasonable to expect is a renewed effort on the ball defensively. What is not reasonable to expect is Boston turning into something it isn’t – a contender. Yet…
• #6 – The Celtics won’t win another banner for the rafters at the Garden. In fact, they will struggle to make the playoffs. Danny Ainge’s toughest job won’t be figuring out how to win in the post-season, but how best to rebuild and win NEXT season in Boston…
• I know the Patriots worked very hard at getting the week off this week. They can use it, and they earned it. But as a fan, I still hate bye weeks…
• Not for nuthin’…but winners in the wild-card playoff round have won eight Super Bowls, and at least one Super Bowl participant in five of the past six Super Bowls played during the wild-card round. Both the 2011 New York Giants and 2010 Green Bay Packers played in the wild-card round. You do remember that, of course…
• You say you’re not a football fan? You’re apparently in the minority. The Patriots just-completed regular season was the most-watched on television in franchise history. Considering the Patriots have been pretty good at making history over the past 13 years, that says something about this team, doesn’t it?
• Whoever they face next week, the Patriots will surely concern themselves with an offense that has some firepower. And while the old adage of “defense wins championships” will probably play out, in this Divisional round it’ll be offense taking center stage. And the Patriots have marquee performers…
• Has anyone else noticed that just about every time Danny Woodhead touches the ball, the Patriots gain positive yardage? Sometimes, a lot of it? Just sayin’…
• You have, however, heard of divas falling ill and being unable to perform on occasion, right? That’s one reason why you’ve got to love the NFL post-season…
• #5 – Ok, here’s the official “kiss of death.” The Patriots, if they get through the AFC, will win the Super Bowl in 2013…
• Taking the home teams this weekend in the Wild Card games? Buyer beware…since the current playoff format was adopted in 1990, home teams have won just 17 of 32 games (53%). Last year, all four home teams won, but in 2010, three of the four LOST at home…
• So what if the NFC was a better conference during the regular season. Here’s why the AFC fields the SB champ…the six AFC teams’ QB’s have 30 combined playoff wins. The NFC’s QB’s? A discount double-check…just four – all by Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers…
• Did You Know? Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck will be the first QB selected first overall in the common draft era (since 1967) to start a playoff game his rookie season…
• #4 – I’ve done an about-face on this one…but Wes Welker will stay a Patriot in 2013. Two months ago, I was ready to wager my meager salary against his remaining in New England. The stakes are just too high for a franchise that excels in fiscal know-how. But another 100-catch, 1000-yard season has me thinking Tom Brady will make an appeal – if he hasn’t already – to the team to keep his favorite target around. And even though there will be a ton of salary tied up in four players next season (Brady, Gronk, Hernandez, Welker), the team will see another chance to win. Carpe Diem…
• And how soon we forget…when ex-Pat Adam Vinatieri takes the field for the Colts this weekend, he will move behind Jerry Rice for second all-time in career playoff games played, with 25. Rice played in 29 career post-season games…
• An actual headline in a West Virginia newspaper last week (and I’m not naming the paper): “WVU loses Bowel.” As in the Pinstripe Bowel, er, Bowl...to Syracuse…
• Louisville’s win over Florida in the Sugar Bowl was a bit surprising, sure…considering the Cardinals were 14-point underdogs. But having called several UofL games this season, Teddy Bridgewater is a star in the making, and proved that much to the country this past week. And to a Florida defense that still doesn’t know what the **** just hit them…
• Maybe it isn’t worth much…but the current configuration of Big East football teams stands at 3-1 in the post-season, before Pitt plays Ole Miss in the BBVA Compass Bowl in Birmingham, AL. And two future Big East football teams (SMU, UCF) also won for Conference USA. The Big 10 (they’re getting the one BE loser – Rutgers) is 2-5…
• #3a – The “Hoop Seven” keep the Big East name, brand and MSG contract. They invite Butler and Xavier…with Dayton, Creighton and Saint Louis all on the draft board as well. Don’t be surprised if UConn and Cincinnati also get serious consideration, if they can find football homes elsewhere. The “New” Big East won’t do football…
• One of the most bizarre kicks in football history occurred at the Fiesta Bowl this week, when an Oregon extra point was blocked and recovered by Kansas State in the end zone. It doesn’t sound strange, but when the Wildcats try to run the ball out and get tackled in the same end zone, the play – by rule – results in a one-point safety. For Oregon. It’s the first time to happen in a D1 game since 2004…
• Take this to your next bar argument (and you’ll have one, apparently…just read on) when someone decides to debate you on your argument about a team potentially losing a game 28-to-1…
• Former Patriots assistant, Brown alum and current Penn State coach Bill O’Brien (the Big 10 coach of the year) interviewed for a couple of NFL head coaching spots this week, and decided to stay put at Penn State. I know the Nittany Lions didn’t play in a bowl game this year, but O’Brien’s decision is still a major post-season win in Happy Valley…
• #3 – Sorry Yankee fans. For just the second time in 18 seasons, New York (as well as Boston, see #9 above) will miss the baseball playoffs. Too much else is trending upward in the AL East – even the Red Sox – with Toronto stockpiling arms, the Orioles coming off of a great year and Tampa still being Tampa. Call it the curse of Kevin Youkilis…
• So Ray Lewis is retiring? And going to work for ESPN? That was fast. Who didn’t see that coming?
• Can’t say I’m surprised that Scott Pioli is out in Kansas City. After all, he’s the one bringing in the (bad) coaches and players. Funny how that New England karma only works around here…
• I do enjoy Christmas and holiday lights, along with all of the decorations of the season. I so loathe, however, putting them all away…
• I know this comes as no surprise to many of you, but I’ve begun to really enjoy some of the performance shows at Foxwoods recently…and Harry Connick, Jr. was better than advertised. While his musicianship is unquestioned, his ability to capture – and keep – his audience interested with story-telling is quite the talent. If you’re into big band or swing, he makes it happen…
• And I must admit, I also wasn’t sure what to think when I went to see “Les Miserables” at the movies. I mean, singing the dialogue through the entire movie? If I want Broadway, I’ll go to Broadway. But I was stunned, because it worked. Even more stunned to discover Hugh Jackman is pretty good at it, too…
• Although my girlfriend got mad at me when he first appeared and I felt the need to yell out “Wolverine! Yeah! Wooooo!”
• My buddy Statbeast sez the only time Mrs. Statbeast pays attention to what he yells out is when he talks in his sleep…
• #2 – Tim Tebow will reach the NFL playoffs, next year. And the New York Jets, once again, will not, with Mark Sanchez on the bench. Take that, NY…
• Speaking of Tebow, Sanchez and the Jets…they’ll both remain forever in Rex Ryan’s heart…if not forever on his shoulder. Have you seen the latest artwork from Sexy Rexy? Please, please Woody Johnson, do not ever fire this man…
• Borrowing this one from my friend, Karl Shannon: To ring in the New Year, Hugh Hefner got married, again. He's 86...his bride is 26. They're honeymooning as we speak...his autopsy is scheduled for next Thursday…
• Congratulations! Boston is #1, Providence ranked 10th – in Drunkest Cities in America. How should we celebrate?
• #1 – College basketball makes a huge comeback in the Ocean State, as three of the four Division I teams in Rhode Island – that’s right, three of the four – reach the post-season in 2013. Take your pick…
• Any idea where the term “bowl game” came from? Legend has it the phrase came from the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA, where the first college post-season game was played in 1902. But – as in most everything important in life – the Rose Bowl got the idea from New England…taking its name and shape from the Yale Bowl in New Haven, CT…
• Our mailbag question/comment this week comes from William in New Bedford, MA via Facebook – “Why was Belichick still making the starters cross an icy parking lot late on Sunday? What if, gawd forbid, Brady fell into Gronkowski and rebroke Gronk's arm with his ACL?” William: Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha! Whew. You made me laugh. Thanks. We get a lot of Patriots’ nitpicks every week, but this one ranks right at the top of the list!
• Interested in having your questions on local RI sports (including the Patriots, Red Sox, Bruins and Celtics) answered in a somewhat timely fashion? Send ‘em to me! It’s your chance to “think out loud,” so send your questions and comments to jrooke@golocalprov.com. We’ll share mailbag comments/Facebook posts/Tweets right here! Follow me on Twitter, @JRbroadcaster…and on Facebook, www.facebook.com/john.rooke ...
• You’re up early anyway…don’t forget to join us for GoLocal Sports on 103.7 FM, every Saturday from 7:00-9:00 am! Call in (401) 737-1287, or text the show at 37937…and send email to us - golocal@weei.com .
• Looking for your midweek football fix? Jump into the “Patriots Playbook” on Patriots.com Radio, every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 2:00-4:00 pm ET. We’re live with commentary, interviews and your calls and questions on the Patriots and the NFL via social media. It’s a great way to break up the day at work! But if you can’t make it for the live webcast, never fear…the podcast will be near…
• The recently released “Rhode Island Radio,” from Arcadia Publishing is available for sale, and the book tells the story of the 90-year history of radio in our state through photographs, clippings and memories from many of the personalities who have graced our airwaves. If you’re in search of the gift that says “Rhode Island,” you’ve found it. Or, find it in local bookstores and online right here…
Comments:
george grossi
12:07pm on Saturday, January 05, 2013
look for the Orioles to slip badly . No way they're winning as many one run games .
John Rooke
4:21pm on Sunday, January 06, 2013
Actually George, I'm not so sure about the O's. Kinda like their spot more than I like Boston's right now...
E.J. Dunn
1:34pm on Monday, January 07, 2013
Good colun, John. In your mention of the Rose Bowl, worth noting is that Brown played in the first one. On Jan. 1, 1916, in Pasadena, Washington State beat Brown, 14-0. The game proved traumatic for Brown: The Bruins never went to another Rose Bowl.
John Rooke
12:20pm on Wednesday, January 09, 2013
Thanks EJ...you're correct about Brown being in the Rose Bowl, and never having played in it again. In 1902, it wasn't called the Rose Bowl then, but that's the first instance of a post-season game being played. I remember when I called Brown games back in the mid-90's meeting someone associated with the school who had actually attended that game!