Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Small hiatus
I'm out of town for about a week, but until then, here are the pics from this weekend's trip to sunny Homer. 80 degrees in Alaska? Yes.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Down the tubes
That's where the Mariners' season is going, with their seventh straight loss tonight. I'm not unhappy, though. This season has been a success by most standards: Ichiro re-signed, Hargrove resigned, and for the most part the team has been fun to watch. The only thing left they have to accomplish is to fire Bill Bavasi. Once he's gone, I'll consider this season an unmitigated success, no matter what their record is.
Though some people have given him credit for the team's surprising record this season, I've seen this year as the convincing evidence that he's a terrible general manager. The Ramirez/Soriano trade looks even worse today than it did over the winter, which is really saying something. The Reitsma signing was a failure. The Vidro trade was bad, but not nearly as bad as the fact that they keep putting Vidro in the lineup at DH. There are only four players in the major leagues who hit for less power than Jose Vidro, yet the M's keep running him out there to play a power position. The M's are still living in a world where batting average is deemed important, and ... just ... dude. That's wrong.
Bavasi's other big moves from years past aren't working either. Beltre is fine -- I have no problem with him. But Sexson is a drain on the whole lineup. Plays lousy defense, hits .200, gets all his hits in low-pressure situations. Just terrible. He'll probably start hitting once the M's fall out of contention, then he'll say at the end of the season that he's proud of how he stayed with it. Just like he did last year. Go away, Richie.
I wish the M's would win more ballgames, but if this is how we get rid of Bavasi, it's the road I'm willing to travel.
Oh... here are this week's mostly fabricated softball pitching stats: 7 IP, 4 ER, 8 H, 4 BB, 1 K. Ninjustice wins, 5-4.
I'm off to Homer for the weekend. Have a good one!
Though some people have given him credit for the team's surprising record this season, I've seen this year as the convincing evidence that he's a terrible general manager. The Ramirez/Soriano trade looks even worse today than it did over the winter, which is really saying something. The Reitsma signing was a failure. The Vidro trade was bad, but not nearly as bad as the fact that they keep putting Vidro in the lineup at DH. There are only four players in the major leagues who hit for less power than Jose Vidro, yet the M's keep running him out there to play a power position. The M's are still living in a world where batting average is deemed important, and ... just ... dude. That's wrong.
Bavasi's other big moves from years past aren't working either. Beltre is fine -- I have no problem with him. But Sexson is a drain on the whole lineup. Plays lousy defense, hits .200, gets all his hits in low-pressure situations. Just terrible. He'll probably start hitting once the M's fall out of contention, then he'll say at the end of the season that he's proud of how he stayed with it. Just like he did last year. Go away, Richie.
I wish the M's would win more ballgames, but if this is how we get rid of Bavasi, it's the road I'm willing to travel.
Oh... here are this week's mostly fabricated softball pitching stats: 7 IP, 4 ER, 8 H, 4 BB, 1 K. Ninjustice wins, 5-4.
I'm off to Homer for the weekend. Have a good one!
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Randoms
I'm swept up in Pottermania so I haven't had time to blog as much as I should. Recaps of the Glacier Bay and Denali trips are still coming. Here are some tidbits:
- Last week's mostly-fabricated pitching stats: 7 IP, 0 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, 4 K in a 3-0 NinJustice victory over our biggest rivals, a team of former clerks. We're still undefeated, cruising toward a championship in Co-ed E League Softball. Catch the fever!
- My ultimate team advanced to the semifinals of the summer league after a 15-12 win last night. Next week is the last week, with semis and finals on Monday.
- Congrats to Joy and Carl, who have a new baby boy: Axel Noburu Eriksson. Sounds like a good Swedish/Japanese/Hawaiian name to me.
- Good luck to bar-exam-takers! (Has it really been a year since this?)
Friday, July 20, 2007
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
The Top 5: TV
I don't have time tonight for stories about Glacier Bay and Denali, but I feel like writing something. You know I watch more than my share of television, so here's my top 5 shows.
5. Friday Night Lights. If you didn't watch it last season, catch up! It's remarkable. It's not really a show about football as much as it's a show about families and small town life.
4. Battlestar Galactica. It's not just a geek show. I mean, it is a geek show, but it's not just for geeks.
3. The Sopranos. It ended with a stroke of genius, and it is maybe the best-written show on TV. But it had too many slow moments to crack my top 2.
2. Lost. I am continually amazed by the imagination that drives this show. Many people are frustrated by its glacial pace, but I love not knowing why things are happening on the island, because I know that everything will be revealed eventually. The third season finale was awesome. The show gets bonus points for being so re-watchable.
1. The Wire. The best show on TV, and I haven't even seen season 4 -- which I've heard is the best yet. It's so smart and so well-written, there are no wasted words. And because the substance of the show deals with such important social issues, you actually feel something when it's done. But don't be turned off by its "importance" -- it's not boring. It's utterly compelling.
There it is. That's the list.
5. Friday Night Lights. If you didn't watch it last season, catch up! It's remarkable. It's not really a show about football as much as it's a show about families and small town life.
4. Battlestar Galactica. It's not just a geek show. I mean, it is a geek show, but it's not just for geeks.
3. The Sopranos. It ended with a stroke of genius, and it is maybe the best-written show on TV. But it had too many slow moments to crack my top 2.
2. Lost. I am continually amazed by the imagination that drives this show. Many people are frustrated by its glacial pace, but I love not knowing why things are happening on the island, because I know that everything will be revealed eventually. The third season finale was awesome. The show gets bonus points for being so re-watchable.
1. The Wire. The best show on TV, and I haven't even seen season 4 -- which I've heard is the best yet. It's so smart and so well-written, there are no wasted words. And because the substance of the show deals with such important social issues, you actually feel something when it's done. But don't be turned off by its "importance" -- it's not boring. It's utterly compelling.
There it is. That's the list.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Passport hell
This is a frightening article about how long it takes to get a new passport. I am among the many fighting through the red tape -- I applied for renewal by mail over five weeks ago. I selected the (more expensive) expedited service, but I have not received anything yet. My check hasn't been cashed, and I don't even show up in their system yet.
Until I get a passport, I can't drive to to the lower 48. I can fly, but my car isn't going anywhere. I'm not holding my breath, either.
Until I get a passport, I can't drive to to the lower 48. I can fly, but my car isn't going anywhere. I'm not holding my breath, either.
The newest McGee
Just before 9pm PDT last night, Michele Renee McGee was born in Overlake Hospital in Bellevue! 7 pounds 15 ounces, according to one source. Everyone is happy and healthy. Congrats to LaVerne, Tim, Maddie, Quincy, and grandparents! Hopefully I'll get some pics to post soon.
Monday, July 16, 2007
No love for the Iditarod
I loved this article (hat tip to Katy). Lance Mackey, Alaskan hero and 2007 Iditarod winner, was invited to the ESPY Awards after he was nominated for Best Outdoor Athlete. Hobnobbing with athletes and celebrities in Los Angeles was an unusual experience for him:
he felt underdressed in a pair of new black slacks and a nice button-up white shirt while others wore “$15,000 custom-made suits and $50,000 snakeskin shoes.”He shared a limousine with Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman, who apparently was fascinated by dog mushing. To be a fly on the wall for that conversation. Mackey didn't win; the guy who ran 50 marathons in 50 days in 50 states did. Okay, that's cool too.
Denali pics
Spent the weekend in Denali, and the pictures are up. Will have more stories and descriptions later (and for Glacier Bay as well... sorry, I'm lagging on the story-telling right now).
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Bear in the kitchen
One of the staff attorneys on my court had a crazy bear encounter this week. She came home with her two dogs and found that a window screen had been shredded; she looked inside and saw that her things had been rummaged. She thought it was a burglar.
In case the burglar was still there, she armed herself with bear spray, and turned the corner to the kitchen. There, on top of her range, was a small, adult black bear. It was trying to get into her cabinets. It had already eaten some dog biscuits and had looked through her recycling.
(Just imagine finding a bear in your kitchen!)
The dogs started going crazy, barking and growling at the bear. The bear growled back. She screamed. The bear then jumped down from the range, towards them, and she sprayed it in the face with her bear spray. The bear then quickly ran out the window that it had clawed through.
This happened on Sunday, and her house still reeks of bear spray. She still has it on her hands, too. That's the worst part, she says. She lives in the Hillside area of town, where there is more wildlife -- bear and moose, especially -- than the other parts. I don't expect to find a bear near my apartment any time soon. But there have been a lot more bear sightings in Anchorage this summer than usual, it seems. It's normal for them to be in town, but they usually keep to themselves and try to avoid people. The ADN has had a few articles recently about some bears becoming more daring, and wandering to places they shouldn't go. Like someone's kitchen.
My judge's judicial assistant said today that she would feel safer from bears in Denali National Park than she does in Anchorage these days. And on that note, I'll be in Denali for a couple days, hopefully with more fun photos to share when I get back. Have a good weekend!
In case the burglar was still there, she armed herself with bear spray, and turned the corner to the kitchen. There, on top of her range, was a small, adult black bear. It was trying to get into her cabinets. It had already eaten some dog biscuits and had looked through her recycling.
(Just imagine finding a bear in your kitchen!)
The dogs started going crazy, barking and growling at the bear. The bear growled back. She screamed. The bear then jumped down from the range, towards them, and she sprayed it in the face with her bear spray. The bear then quickly ran out the window that it had clawed through.
This happened on Sunday, and her house still reeks of bear spray. She still has it on her hands, too. That's the worst part, she says. She lives in the Hillside area of town, where there is more wildlife -- bear and moose, especially -- than the other parts. I don't expect to find a bear near my apartment any time soon. But there have been a lot more bear sightings in Anchorage this summer than usual, it seems. It's normal for them to be in town, but they usually keep to themselves and try to avoid people. The ADN has had a few articles recently about some bears becoming more daring, and wandering to places they shouldn't go. Like someone's kitchen.
My judge's judicial assistant said today that she would feel safer from bears in Denali National Park than she does in Anchorage these days. And on that note, I'll be in Denali for a couple days, hopefully with more fun photos to share when I get back. Have a good weekend!
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
"As a lifelong Mariner fan, I’m used to finding a pot of crap at the end of the rainbow. I like this better."
That's what they're saying at USSMariner, and I have to agree. On this day:
- It is reported that Ichiro will re-sign with the M's. Woohoo!
- Ichiro hits first inside-the-park home run in All-Star Game history, and is named MVP.
- The Mariners (reportedly) finally decided to bench the lamentable Jose Vidro in favor of AAA star Adam Jones.
Gustavus and Glacier Bay
Pictures from last week's trip to Gustavus and Glacier Bay are up; descriptions and accounts are coming soon.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Happy Fourth
There will be radio silence here until the weekend is over. With any luck I'll have some fantastic photos to share next week.
In the meantime, look, I've been sworn in to the Washington State Bar Association (by my judge here in Anchorage):
Yes, I wear jeans to work.
Happy Fourth, everyone!
In the meantime, look, I've been sworn in to the Washington State Bar Association (by my judge here in Anchorage):
Yes, I wear jeans to work.
Happy Fourth, everyone!
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Fresh Justice
I don't think it's unreasonable for President Bush to commute Scooter Libby's sentence. Perhaps he did carefully review all the facts and then determine that the sentence was excessive. Those federal sentencing guidelines -- which are designed to limit a sentencing judge's discretion, and which the Supreme Court has found to be "presumptively reasonable" -- probably make mistakes sometimes.
But I do now expect the White House to open a new office, wherein a team of lawyers and legal experts will independently review the sentences of every federal and -- sure, why not -- state criminal defendant. Yes, I know President Bush was never a big fan of commutations and pardons when he was governor of Texas, but he has clearly turned over a new leaf. He's all about judicial oversight now.
And he better get cracking, if he wants to provide meaningful review of these sentences before the defendant has a chance to appeal. Because why let the appeals process play out first? It clearly has a bias against appellants; it's too hard to win on appeal. That's not justice.
This new office is the only way to bring justice to criminal defendants. The legislative branch has already screwed up, with these sentencing guidelines that create such excessive sentences. The judicial branch has already screwed up, by following -- dare I say "strictly constructing" -- those guidelines.
Only the executive is left. Thankfully, they're up to the task: serving up hot, fresh justice, for each and every criminal defendant in the land.
EDIT: An enterprising reader points out that the Constitution limits the president's pardon/commutation power to federal crimes -- i.e., no state crimes. Another stinging rebuke to the President! Just as he was getting his new Office of Presidential Justice off the ground, that darned constitution is already in the way. A lesson to the kids out there: if you want a spoonful of presidential justice, commit a federal crime.
But I do now expect the White House to open a new office, wherein a team of lawyers and legal experts will independently review the sentences of every federal and -- sure, why not -- state criminal defendant. Yes, I know President Bush was never a big fan of commutations and pardons when he was governor of Texas, but he has clearly turned over a new leaf. He's all about judicial oversight now.
And he better get cracking, if he wants to provide meaningful review of these sentences before the defendant has a chance to appeal. Because why let the appeals process play out first? It clearly has a bias against appellants; it's too hard to win on appeal. That's not justice.
This new office is the only way to bring justice to criminal defendants. The legislative branch has already screwed up, with these sentencing guidelines that create such excessive sentences. The judicial branch has already screwed up, by following -- dare I say "strictly constructing" -- those guidelines.
Only the executive is left. Thankfully, they're up to the task: serving up hot, fresh justice, for each and every criminal defendant in the land.
EDIT: An enterprising reader points out that the Constitution limits the president's pardon/commutation power to federal crimes -- i.e., no state crimes. Another stinging rebuke to the President! Just as he was getting his new Office of Presidential Justice off the ground, that darned constitution is already in the way. A lesson to the kids out there: if you want a spoonful of presidential justice, commit a federal crime.
An NBA Draft Conversation, part II
Now, the second part of my NBA discussion with Foley. This part took place during and after the draft. It's about as long as the first part, so... good luck!
To: Foley, From: Gusta
Foley,
I'm a little saddened by the Ray Allen trade. He was the best. Very fun to root for. But people on TV say the Sonics snookered Boston on this, so I'll go along with it for now. Ray's getting older, and we got three young players and some contract flexibility out of this, so maybe it's a good thing. I'll miss Ray, though.
Sonics still have two more good picks -- #31 and 35. This is fun.
Joakim Noah haunts my dreams.
- Gusta
To: Gusta, From: Foley
Yeah,
I'm not sold on the Allen trade. I think you should have enacted your authority as Fantasy commissioner and stopped it.
Perhaps in the long term it will look good. But you don't just give away Jesus Shuttlesworth. And what else do you get with this? Wally Szcerbiak will spend his time as a Sonic on the bench, eating jerky and "messin' with the squatch". Jeff Green is a real nice player. I actually kind of envy you guys there. Delonte West ain't so shabby either, but ... Ray Allen? Really?
I think this also puts a twist on your agenda to allow the Sonics to drum up fan interest immediately in order to stay in Seattle. Trading away the generally loved Allen isn't going to fire up the local fan base. It also takes away veteran leadership, and I have to think takes their chances to win next season down a few notches. Perhaps this just works into some new plan to build around Durant long-term. But if I'm a fan that wants the team to stay in town, I'm gettin' pretty nervous with this deal ....
Random but important points--
The Blazers drafted a crazy Finn (Petteri Koponen) spending Paul Allen's money to get the 30th pick. The most outstanding thing about this? The team he plays for in Finland is called the "Hanko Playboys".
Early notice: you will see this appearing as my fantasy league team name next year, and in any other place I get a chance to put it to use! It is also now my officially adopted European team. Let's go Playboys.
I also really like Rudy Fernandez. He's the backcourt partner on Team Spain with notorious X-Factor Sergio Rodriquez! Eventually we will just try to add more players and create a bench unit that comprises putting all of Team Spain on the court en masse.
Other Blazer moves in what proved to be yet another never-dull Kevin Pritchard draft day include picking up Josh McRoberts. Whatever. This is actually the first pick of Greg Oden himself. Apparently they are good pals. Oden loves his mom's Teriyaki Chicken (thanks, blog!). McRoberts will fill the role on the team of playing playstation with Greg Oden. I will also variously spell his name as MacRoberts. Or McRobierts.
I feel like the Sonics losing Allen and the Blazers ditching Randolph was really big news for both teams today. Regardless of either team getting enough back, shipping out your trusted scoring presence on the same day you get your brand new rookie is gutsy. Definitely makes it even more of a shakeup.
My head probably has to stop spinning to make proper judgement. But for now, the fact that we made a deal with Isiah Thomas and may not have gotten the better of it just leaves me a little queasy.
Foley
To: Foley, From: Gusta
Foley-Wan Kenobi,
My head is still spinning after all the draft day happenings. It's one thing to actually know Durant will be a Sonic (I gave a definite fist pump when David Stern announced his name (I had fears that somehow they'd screw this up)). It's another to have to say goodbye to the most popular Sonics player. I have no idea what kind of team is left behind, or how Rashard figures into their future. Presti says Rashard is a bigger priority now; I don't know how that can be true, when he plays the same position as Durant and Jeff Green. I think we may put a lineup of all small forwards on the floor next year... recreating the famous Team of Muggsys vs. Team of Eatons battles of P-Dunk yore.
Then, the trades involving our second round picks. I guess we threw in the #35 pick along with Allen, and we get a future Boston second rounder in return. Then we traded #31 to Houston for a future Houston second rounder and cash. It must be a fair amount of cash, because it makes no sense to trade the top pick in the second round in a loaded draft for a future second rounder. Is the money for Rashard? Who knows. In Presti we trust, I guess.
You're right about how losing Allen will cost the team some buzz. Apparently Sonics fans booed and hissed the trade at the official draft party. It sure looks like the team is building for the future, not to ensure that the team stays in Seattle. Which is their job, I guess, but it's still worrisome. I think in the end, the trade makes sense: Allen is getting older, and they get some good young players and some cap flexibility.
Here's the thing that bothered me most: Clay Bennett's acknowledgement of all Ray Allen has meant to the Sonics: "We appreciate the career of Ray Allen in this market. And we wish him the very best.'' In this MARKET?? I hate Clay Bennett. He sees Ray Allen as a contributor to an enterprise, a business asset. In this market? Why not "for this team," "for the fans," or "in this city"? What a jackass.
As for the Blazers, I think you have to face facts that Isiah didn't completely screw this up, and I agree: that's troubling. Zach is a valuable player -- a great low post scorer in a league without many great low post scorers. Getting only Frye and the ghost of Steve Francis is... surprising. I thought they'd get a lot more. I guess the idea was really just to get Zach out of town ASAP, and they succeeded.
I saw your crazy Finn get drafted, and I watched his highlight package. I think he needs to stay with the Playboys for another season or two. He looks 12 years old. And Jay Bilas basically said, "He's never played against anyone good." Okay then. I do think Team Spain could be a great move. Sergio might have to be upgraded to the XX-Factor now. He's twice the X-Factor he was before. And McRoberts? Meh. He might turn out to be good -- he'll have the chip on his shoulder after missing the first round -- but he's still a doofus from Duke. Good luck with that, and enjoy the teriyaki.
- Great Game of the Gusta
To: Gusta, From: Foley
Dear Dave MacGee,
Yeah, it definitely proved to be a day of destiny for Seattle and Portland. I am holding out some hope that something good can emerge from the bloody mess of trading with the NY Knicks. While it's surprising that little they got back for Zach Randolph, I think they've done a pretty complete job of shopping him around and were probably just getting lots of low-ball offers. The smart thing would have been to wait, but I think there was pressure to do it on draft day so they could do a deal under the terms of last year's CBA. Also if any your loyal blog readers are still hanging on at this point, while we are discussing the minutia of the collective bargaining agreement, I hereby apologize.
Here's the bigger news. Pritchard mentioned post-draft to the local Portland radio that there is yet another trade waiting in the wings that will bring in a small forward. However, this can't be officially announced until the NY deal clears. I have to hope it involves one or both NY players not sticking with the team. Or that it will otherwise all work out in the end. Something's gotta happen, because we are overloaded with odd-fitting players. The deal with the devil, aka Isiah Thomas, has shaken me, but I have faith in our ability to come out of this ahead.
This summer the Blazers also hired Jerry West's salary cap expert from Memphis, Tom Penn. I smell his influence in all this. Something tells me this deal will include buying out, and then selling somebody the rights to Rudy Ferndandez from Spain, declaring Francis ineligible to play on a technicality and, offering up a free buffet coupon at the Rio in exchange for a quality player. Even if we hold tight, we're going to clear 30 million from the books in 2 years, at a time when we are only going to be paying all of our young franchise conerstones something like 15.
Oh, I almost forgot. Somehow the Blazers also got James Jones from Phoenix last night in exchange for a few kind words and a box of McNuggets. Oops, I mean MacNuggets. Can I keep ripping on myself about my MacSpelling? I will.
Either way it's delirious fun as a basketball fan to watch your team wheel and deal like this. It's definitely not boring.
You had some great things to say about your Sonics. Now that it's official aftermath day ....
I'm glad you mentioned Clay Bennett's comments. I read that same quote, and I TOTALLY had the same reaction at the time. In fact, I got so offended I even had to think in all caps. And it's not even my team. Unless he was delivering that quote from the Pike Place Market, and made a generous sweeping hand gesture when he said "market", it's safe to say he's pretty much an ass wipe.
More than that, it also fuels the conspiracy logic that Bennett just wants to move from Seattle. If he appreciates what Ray Allen means to your local "market", but doesn't even intend to stay in this city, some of that value gets lost anyway. So why not blow up and start a totally young team you can take with you anywhere? I hope this isn't true, because it's depressing.
On to better things, like what Sonics GM Sam Presti is thinking. I think he wants to clear room and keep Rashard. But I don't think Rashard is going to want to stay around. Ray Allen had some good quotes to that effect today. Plus, he's going to be getting good offers from around the league. If your owner is a jackass, you've got a totally new front office in rebuilding mode, you've just lost your old teammate, and you may not even stay in the same city, what reasons are there left for loyalty? He can go to a more legit, stable team, so why stick around? Maybe the magic of Kevin Durant. But that's a fan talking. I think he'll go.
This leaves you with Jeff Green, with Durant playing PF. Ridnour/Delonte West and Wally play in the backcourt. Presumably the Sasquatch mascot plays center. Along with every Seattle draft pick from the last six years. Okay, so there are other critical Sonics pieces I'm leaving out. But I'm pretending that's where Presti thinks it's going, with or without Lewis. What do you think of
this team?
Back to you, Yukon Sam,
Foley
To: Foley, From: Gusta
I think you're right that both teams aren't done yet. And so I'm going to withhold judgment until later. For the Sonics, the big key of the offseason is Rashard. I have no idea what they're going to do with him.
I also think it's hard to look at the team's roster in terms of how they fit into classic positions. No longer do you need to have a point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, and center. That framework is out the window. Kevin Durant can play all five positions. The Sonics could put a lineup of Durant, Green, Lewis, West, and Wilcox on the floor -- they're all between 6'4" and 6'10" -- and just let 'em play. That could be interesting. Then you can tinker by mixing in Wally, Ridnour, Collison, or Swift/Petro/Sene. A really weird team, but maybe it's the wave of the future.
They also need a coach, and this turns out to be a very important choice. They can't pick a slow-it-down grind-it-out defensive guy... that's not gonna fly with this team. It needs to be a guy who let's 'em run, but inspires at least some effort on D. My guess is P.J. Carlesimo, because of his connections with Presti (and Presti's desire to turn the Sonics into the Seattle Spurs). I'm okay with P.J.; he seems to have mellowed from the Sprewell days, and you know I love anyone who sounds like Leon Redbone.
The Blazers can't be done either. They have to be trying to give Darius Miles away at this point. And they need another swingman. But when you have Oden, you have flexibility -- he makes up for a lot of weaknesses. Frankly, I don't blame Portland fans for going crazy at the Oden rally yesterday. Things are looking very bright for Portland right now.
Which means, while we're at it, that the Western Conference just continues to get tougher. With Portland and Seattle on the rise, that leaves only a couple crappy teams in the conference. (I'm thinking the Kings, Grizz, and Wolves are pretty screwed right now.) How will there be room at the top for the Sonics and Blazers with Phoenix, San Antonio, Dallas, Utah, Houston, Denver, LA, and Golden State still playing well? How much would you pay to be in the East right now -- where all you have to do is learn how to double-team LeBron and you go to the Finals? Ugh.
- Gustavus
To: Gusta, From: Foley
A. Gustas Caesar
Good question about the Sonics coach. That is super crucial. P.J. Carlesimo isn't a bad bit of guesswork. But I gotta say, prior to being famous as a choke victim, he was coach of none other than the ... Portland Trailblazers. He wasn't a terrible coach. And I'm sure he's sharpened up since then. But he was pretty average. Not really much of a players' coach. A bit of an authoritarian who liked run lots of plays and try and run his 'system', but not really enough of a genius to make it interesting. But again, that was pretty much his first NBA coaching gig. Unless he's totally changed, I'm not sure that he's unconventional enough for a team made up entirely of superhero forwards. Good call on sounding like Leon Redbone, though. If we can get him to wear white suits and and sunglasses, it's a done deal. However, if I remember right from back in the day, he went through a bit of an arc over an NBA season. At first he would be Leon Redbone, but after several months of shouting at players and refs he would be more of a Tom Waits, losing Redbone's sleepy baritone for a hoarse, throat-shredded, laryngitic growl.
I don't know who the right call is for coach, though. I'm thinking a younger, ex-player or former assistant type. Or Dwayne Casey. I also feel obliged to want it to be Terry Porter. Of course I would say that. Still, make that hire and even I would be forced to become a Sonics supporter. Then again, Sam Presti is one of these new math whiz types. Perhaps he will just create a computer program that generates random lineups based on interchangeable Sonics forwards and the team will hit a giant red button on a machine by the bench to see who takes the court after each time out. Call it S.O.N.E.A.C.
As for the Blazers, yeah, time will tell. I'm getting more of a feel that there won't be a blockbuster move, and they are going to thin the roster as needed, let the core players develop for two years while they see which euro players pan out, then make a play for a veteran that makes sense when the cap clears in 09. They do have to dump Darius. But seriously, nobody is going to take him. He'll be the team equivalent of the drunk, loud party guest who is still there at 3am and refuses to leave. But yeah, otherwise it's just a matter of seeing what it takes to balance the team out a bit (watch for a bake sale on point guards later), so it will be interesting. I'm curious to see how it will work out with Cameron Fry. Er, Channing Frye. I haven't watched him much, but it seems like he may pair well with Oden since he's got some range. Still confused on the right thing to do with Steve Francis.
And dude, the Western Conference is now officially crazy. It's going to be kind of a golden era out here for a little bit. I mean, yeah ... giddy optimism aside the Blazers or Sonics aren't going to be serious contenders next year. Or even for a while after that. Hopefully some of the older teams will start to fade. I'm not sure how much to believe in the future of Golden State. Except that they are fun. Your breakdown otherwise looks good to me, although if Kobe leaves LA, naturally they join the ranks of the damned. And maybe shouldn't even be taken that seriously now. The other improved West teams will surpass them.
It does suck to be in the East. Although it does give rise to interesting "crapshoot" strategies by Eastern GM's, since it's so easy to punch through in the playoffs. Like that Zach Randolph will be unstoppable in a conference with few strong power forwards, or that Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Al Jefferson can take a team of table scraps and be a playoff team (AKA the three-star system favored by the New Jersey Nets). All of these are terrible plans for the future. But if all you have to do is win now, what the heck. Still, I wouldn't be totally opposed to the ideas that have been tossed around out there to ditch the Conference based bracket system and replace it with some other scheme. But that's another discussion.
Here's my main question, now that the draft frenzy is over. Are you excited enough, or at least intrigued enough by what's happening with the team to restore your faith in the Sonics? If things go in an upward direction, would you want to support the team even if they relocate do a different city? The more interesting question is perhaps if you are trying *not* to get enthused about Kevin Durant, etc, simply to avoid fan heartbreak later. What is in the mind of the tortured yet detached Seattle sports fan?
You know of course that your neighbors to the south always welcome new supporters. And if the Sonics continue their purges, soon we will have more connections to Seattle, short of being in the city, than the Sonics do. It's already not a bad list, with Paul Allen, Nate MacMillianus, and local boys like Martell Webster and Brandon Roy. Squint your eyes just right and it feels just like home. Just saying.
Foley
To: Foley, From: Gusta
Foley Roller,
Well, I think we've about covered it. You've left me with a final question -- whether my faith in the Sonics has been restored -- that I am still struggling with. I don't know yet. I haven't decided what I'll do if they leave town, whether I'll continue to root for them, whether I'll adopt the Blazers, or whether I'll leave the NBA for dead. Too soon to tell. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed and hoping that somehow a local deal gets done. I know that if the team were staying in town, I would be very excited about the future. I would even consider buying a Kevin Durant jersey.
It's a difficult time. I think most Sonics fans are conflicted right now -- too weary from past heartbreaks to fully embrace the excitement Durant brings, yet hopeful that things will work out. I envy the stability of your situation, and the unabashed Oden lovefest happening in Rip City.
Victory for Sonics!
- Gusta
Editor's Note: Who read this whole thing? Nobody? Just Wally?
To: Foley, From: Gusta
Foley,
I'm a little saddened by the Ray Allen trade. He was the best. Very fun to root for. But people on TV say the Sonics snookered Boston on this, so I'll go along with it for now. Ray's getting older, and we got three young players and some contract flexibility out of this, so maybe it's a good thing. I'll miss Ray, though.
Sonics still have two more good picks -- #31 and 35. This is fun.
Joakim Noah haunts my dreams.
- Gusta
To: Gusta, From: Foley
Yeah,
I'm not sold on the Allen trade. I think you should have enacted your authority as Fantasy commissioner and stopped it.
Perhaps in the long term it will look good. But you don't just give away Jesus Shuttlesworth. And what else do you get with this? Wally Szcerbiak will spend his time as a Sonic on the bench, eating jerky and "messin' with the squatch". Jeff Green is a real nice player. I actually kind of envy you guys there. Delonte West ain't so shabby either, but ... Ray Allen? Really?
I think this also puts a twist on your agenda to allow the Sonics to drum up fan interest immediately in order to stay in Seattle. Trading away the generally loved Allen isn't going to fire up the local fan base. It also takes away veteran leadership, and I have to think takes their chances to win next season down a few notches. Perhaps this just works into some new plan to build around Durant long-term. But if I'm a fan that wants the team to stay in town, I'm gettin' pretty nervous with this deal ....
Random but important points--
The Blazers drafted a crazy Finn (Petteri Koponen) spending Paul Allen's money to get the 30th pick. The most outstanding thing about this? The team he plays for in Finland is called the "Hanko Playboys".
Early notice: you will see this appearing as my fantasy league team name next year, and in any other place I get a chance to put it to use! It is also now my officially adopted European team. Let's go Playboys.
I also really like Rudy Fernandez. He's the backcourt partner on Team Spain with notorious X-Factor Sergio Rodriquez! Eventually we will just try to add more players and create a bench unit that comprises putting all of Team Spain on the court en masse.
Other Blazer moves in what proved to be yet another never-dull Kevin Pritchard draft day include picking up Josh McRoberts. Whatever. This is actually the first pick of Greg Oden himself. Apparently they are good pals. Oden loves his mom's Teriyaki Chicken (thanks, blog!). McRoberts will fill the role on the team of playing playstation with Greg Oden. I will also variously spell his name as MacRoberts. Or McRobierts.
I feel like the Sonics losing Allen and the Blazers ditching Randolph was really big news for both teams today. Regardless of either team getting enough back, shipping out your trusted scoring presence on the same day you get your brand new rookie is gutsy. Definitely makes it even more of a shakeup.
My head probably has to stop spinning to make proper judgement. But for now, the fact that we made a deal with Isiah Thomas and may not have gotten the better of it just leaves me a little queasy.
Foley
To: Foley, From: Gusta
Foley-Wan Kenobi,
My head is still spinning after all the draft day happenings. It's one thing to actually know Durant will be a Sonic (I gave a definite fist pump when David Stern announced his name (I had fears that somehow they'd screw this up)). It's another to have to say goodbye to the most popular Sonics player. I have no idea what kind of team is left behind, or how Rashard figures into their future. Presti says Rashard is a bigger priority now; I don't know how that can be true, when he plays the same position as Durant and Jeff Green. I think we may put a lineup of all small forwards on the floor next year... recreating the famous Team of Muggsys vs. Team of Eatons battles of P-Dunk yore.
Then, the trades involving our second round picks. I guess we threw in the #35 pick along with Allen, and we get a future Boston second rounder in return. Then we traded #31 to Houston for a future Houston second rounder and cash. It must be a fair amount of cash, because it makes no sense to trade the top pick in the second round in a loaded draft for a future second rounder. Is the money for Rashard? Who knows. In Presti we trust, I guess.
You're right about how losing Allen will cost the team some buzz. Apparently Sonics fans booed and hissed the trade at the official draft party. It sure looks like the team is building for the future, not to ensure that the team stays in Seattle. Which is their job, I guess, but it's still worrisome. I think in the end, the trade makes sense: Allen is getting older, and they get some good young players and some cap flexibility.
Here's the thing that bothered me most: Clay Bennett's acknowledgement of all Ray Allen has meant to the Sonics: "We appreciate the career of Ray Allen in this market. And we wish him the very best.'' In this MARKET?? I hate Clay Bennett. He sees Ray Allen as a contributor to an enterprise, a business asset. In this market? Why not "for this team," "for the fans," or "in this city"? What a jackass.
As for the Blazers, I think you have to face facts that Isiah didn't completely screw this up, and I agree: that's troubling. Zach is a valuable player -- a great low post scorer in a league without many great low post scorers. Getting only Frye and the ghost of Steve Francis is... surprising. I thought they'd get a lot more. I guess the idea was really just to get Zach out of town ASAP, and they succeeded.
I saw your crazy Finn get drafted, and I watched his highlight package. I think he needs to stay with the Playboys for another season or two. He looks 12 years old. And Jay Bilas basically said, "He's never played against anyone good." Okay then. I do think Team Spain could be a great move. Sergio might have to be upgraded to the XX-Factor now. He's twice the X-Factor he was before. And McRoberts? Meh. He might turn out to be good -- he'll have the chip on his shoulder after missing the first round -- but he's still a doofus from Duke. Good luck with that, and enjoy the teriyaki.
- Great Game of the Gusta
To: Gusta, From: Foley
Dear Dave MacGee,
Yeah, it definitely proved to be a day of destiny for Seattle and Portland. I am holding out some hope that something good can emerge from the bloody mess of trading with the NY Knicks. While it's surprising that little they got back for Zach Randolph, I think they've done a pretty complete job of shopping him around and were probably just getting lots of low-ball offers. The smart thing would have been to wait, but I think there was pressure to do it on draft day so they could do a deal under the terms of last year's CBA. Also if any your loyal blog readers are still hanging on at this point, while we are discussing the minutia of the collective bargaining agreement, I hereby apologize.
Here's the bigger news. Pritchard mentioned post-draft to the local Portland radio that there is yet another trade waiting in the wings that will bring in a small forward. However, this can't be officially announced until the NY deal clears. I have to hope it involves one or both NY players not sticking with the team. Or that it will otherwise all work out in the end. Something's gotta happen, because we are overloaded with odd-fitting players. The deal with the devil, aka Isiah Thomas, has shaken me, but I have faith in our ability to come out of this ahead.
This summer the Blazers also hired Jerry West's salary cap expert from Memphis, Tom Penn. I smell his influence in all this. Something tells me this deal will include buying out, and then selling somebody the rights to Rudy Ferndandez from Spain, declaring Francis ineligible to play on a technicality and, offering up a free buffet coupon at the Rio in exchange for a quality player. Even if we hold tight, we're going to clear 30 million from the books in 2 years, at a time when we are only going to be paying all of our young franchise conerstones something like 15.
Oh, I almost forgot. Somehow the Blazers also got James Jones from Phoenix last night in exchange for a few kind words and a box of McNuggets. Oops, I mean MacNuggets. Can I keep ripping on myself about my MacSpelling? I will.
Either way it's delirious fun as a basketball fan to watch your team wheel and deal like this. It's definitely not boring.
You had some great things to say about your Sonics. Now that it's official aftermath day ....
I'm glad you mentioned Clay Bennett's comments. I read that same quote, and I TOTALLY had the same reaction at the time. In fact, I got so offended I even had to think in all caps. And it's not even my team. Unless he was delivering that quote from the Pike Place Market, and made a generous sweeping hand gesture when he said "market", it's safe to say he's pretty much an ass wipe.
More than that, it also fuels the conspiracy logic that Bennett just wants to move from Seattle. If he appreciates what Ray Allen means to your local "market", but doesn't even intend to stay in this city, some of that value gets lost anyway. So why not blow up and start a totally young team you can take with you anywhere? I hope this isn't true, because it's depressing.
On to better things, like what Sonics GM Sam Presti is thinking. I think he wants to clear room and keep Rashard. But I don't think Rashard is going to want to stay around. Ray Allen had some good quotes to that effect today. Plus, he's going to be getting good offers from around the league. If your owner is a jackass, you've got a totally new front office in rebuilding mode, you've just lost your old teammate, and you may not even stay in the same city, what reasons are there left for loyalty? He can go to a more legit, stable team, so why stick around? Maybe the magic of Kevin Durant. But that's a fan talking. I think he'll go.
This leaves you with Jeff Green, with Durant playing PF. Ridnour/Delonte West and Wally play in the backcourt. Presumably the Sasquatch mascot plays center. Along with every Seattle draft pick from the last six years. Okay, so there are other critical Sonics pieces I'm leaving out. But I'm pretending that's where Presti thinks it's going, with or without Lewis. What do you think of
this team?
Back to you, Yukon Sam,
Foley
To: Foley, From: Gusta
I think you're right that both teams aren't done yet. And so I'm going to withhold judgment until later. For the Sonics, the big key of the offseason is Rashard. I have no idea what they're going to do with him.
I also think it's hard to look at the team's roster in terms of how they fit into classic positions. No longer do you need to have a point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, and center. That framework is out the window. Kevin Durant can play all five positions. The Sonics could put a lineup of Durant, Green, Lewis, West, and Wilcox on the floor -- they're all between 6'4" and 6'10" -- and just let 'em play. That could be interesting. Then you can tinker by mixing in Wally, Ridnour, Collison, or Swift/Petro/Sene. A really weird team, but maybe it's the wave of the future.
They also need a coach, and this turns out to be a very important choice. They can't pick a slow-it-down grind-it-out defensive guy... that's not gonna fly with this team. It needs to be a guy who let's 'em run, but inspires at least some effort on D. My guess is P.J. Carlesimo, because of his connections with Presti (and Presti's desire to turn the Sonics into the Seattle Spurs). I'm okay with P.J.; he seems to have mellowed from the Sprewell days, and you know I love anyone who sounds like Leon Redbone.
The Blazers can't be done either. They have to be trying to give Darius Miles away at this point. And they need another swingman. But when you have Oden, you have flexibility -- he makes up for a lot of weaknesses. Frankly, I don't blame Portland fans for going crazy at the Oden rally yesterday. Things are looking very bright for Portland right now.
Which means, while we're at it, that the Western Conference just continues to get tougher. With Portland and Seattle on the rise, that leaves only a couple crappy teams in the conference. (I'm thinking the Kings, Grizz, and Wolves are pretty screwed right now.) How will there be room at the top for the Sonics and Blazers with Phoenix, San Antonio, Dallas, Utah, Houston, Denver, LA, and Golden State still playing well? How much would you pay to be in the East right now -- where all you have to do is learn how to double-team LeBron and you go to the Finals? Ugh.
- Gustavus
To: Gusta, From: Foley
A. Gustas Caesar
Good question about the Sonics coach. That is super crucial. P.J. Carlesimo isn't a bad bit of guesswork. But I gotta say, prior to being famous as a choke victim, he was coach of none other than the ... Portland Trailblazers. He wasn't a terrible coach. And I'm sure he's sharpened up since then. But he was pretty average. Not really much of a players' coach. A bit of an authoritarian who liked run lots of plays and try and run his 'system', but not really enough of a genius to make it interesting. But again, that was pretty much his first NBA coaching gig. Unless he's totally changed, I'm not sure that he's unconventional enough for a team made up entirely of superhero forwards. Good call on sounding like Leon Redbone, though. If we can get him to wear white suits and and sunglasses, it's a done deal. However, if I remember right from back in the day, he went through a bit of an arc over an NBA season. At first he would be Leon Redbone, but after several months of shouting at players and refs he would be more of a Tom Waits, losing Redbone's sleepy baritone for a hoarse, throat-shredded, laryngitic growl.
I don't know who the right call is for coach, though. I'm thinking a younger, ex-player or former assistant type. Or Dwayne Casey. I also feel obliged to want it to be Terry Porter. Of course I would say that. Still, make that hire and even I would be forced to become a Sonics supporter. Then again, Sam Presti is one of these new math whiz types. Perhaps he will just create a computer program that generates random lineups based on interchangeable Sonics forwards and the team will hit a giant red button on a machine by the bench to see who takes the court after each time out. Call it S.O.N.E.A.C.
As for the Blazers, yeah, time will tell. I'm getting more of a feel that there won't be a blockbuster move, and they are going to thin the roster as needed, let the core players develop for two years while they see which euro players pan out, then make a play for a veteran that makes sense when the cap clears in 09. They do have to dump Darius. But seriously, nobody is going to take him. He'll be the team equivalent of the drunk, loud party guest who is still there at 3am and refuses to leave. But yeah, otherwise it's just a matter of seeing what it takes to balance the team out a bit (watch for a bake sale on point guards later), so it will be interesting. I'm curious to see how it will work out with Cameron Fry. Er, Channing Frye. I haven't watched him much, but it seems like he may pair well with Oden since he's got some range. Still confused on the right thing to do with Steve Francis.
And dude, the Western Conference is now officially crazy. It's going to be kind of a golden era out here for a little bit. I mean, yeah ... giddy optimism aside the Blazers or Sonics aren't going to be serious contenders next year. Or even for a while after that. Hopefully some of the older teams will start to fade. I'm not sure how much to believe in the future of Golden State. Except that they are fun. Your breakdown otherwise looks good to me, although if Kobe leaves LA, naturally they join the ranks of the damned. And maybe shouldn't even be taken that seriously now. The other improved West teams will surpass them.
It does suck to be in the East. Although it does give rise to interesting "crapshoot" strategies by Eastern GM's, since it's so easy to punch through in the playoffs. Like that Zach Randolph will be unstoppable in a conference with few strong power forwards, or that Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Al Jefferson can take a team of table scraps and be a playoff team (AKA the three-star system favored by the New Jersey Nets). All of these are terrible plans for the future. But if all you have to do is win now, what the heck. Still, I wouldn't be totally opposed to the ideas that have been tossed around out there to ditch the Conference based bracket system and replace it with some other scheme. But that's another discussion.
Here's my main question, now that the draft frenzy is over. Are you excited enough, or at least intrigued enough by what's happening with the team to restore your faith in the Sonics? If things go in an upward direction, would you want to support the team even if they relocate do a different city? The more interesting question is perhaps if you are trying *not* to get enthused about Kevin Durant, etc, simply to avoid fan heartbreak later. What is in the mind of the tortured yet detached Seattle sports fan?
You know of course that your neighbors to the south always welcome new supporters. And if the Sonics continue their purges, soon we will have more connections to Seattle, short of being in the city, than the Sonics do. It's already not a bad list, with Paul Allen, Nate MacMillianus, and local boys like Martell Webster and Brandon Roy. Squint your eyes just right and it feels just like home. Just saying.
Foley
To: Foley, From: Gusta
Foley Roller,
Well, I think we've about covered it. You've left me with a final question -- whether my faith in the Sonics has been restored -- that I am still struggling with. I don't know yet. I haven't decided what I'll do if they leave town, whether I'll continue to root for them, whether I'll adopt the Blazers, or whether I'll leave the NBA for dead. Too soon to tell. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed and hoping that somehow a local deal gets done. I know that if the team were staying in town, I would be very excited about the future. I would even consider buying a Kevin Durant jersey.
It's a difficult time. I think most Sonics fans are conflicted right now -- too weary from past heartbreaks to fully embrace the excitement Durant brings, yet hopeful that things will work out. I envy the stability of your situation, and the unabashed Oden lovefest happening in Rip City.
Victory for Sonics!
- Gusta
Editor's Note: Who read this whole thing? Nobody? Just Wally?
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Grover out
I'm as confused as everyone else about Mike Hargrove's resignation as Mariners manager. It makes little sense that he can lose passion for the game as his team is in the middle of such a hot streak. (Elias Sports Bureau says he's the first manager since at least 1900 to quit during a winning streak of at least 8 games.)
But whatever. I've never liked Hargrove; I don't think he's a very good manager. He has done well with the team this year, especially the bullpen, but I won't miss him. I just hope that his abrupt departure doesn't derail the team.
While we're talking baseball, here's my mostly-fabricated pitching line from a 16-8 NinJustice victory:
5 IP, 8 ER, 13 H, 3 BB, 3 K
But whatever. I've never liked Hargrove; I don't think he's a very good manager. He has done well with the team this year, especially the bullpen, but I won't miss him. I just hope that his abrupt departure doesn't derail the team.
While we're talking baseball, here's my mostly-fabricated pitching line from a 16-8 NinJustice victory:
5 IP, 8 ER, 13 H, 3 BB, 3 K
Fish stories
Last weekend I finally engaged in the most iconic of Alaskan activities: fishing. This is a fishing-crazy place; everyone does it, everyone loves it. And with good reason -- the fishing possibilities are endless.
There's a calendar of when certain fish will have their "runs" at certain locations. King salmon are just finishing a run in Ship Creek, which empties into Cook Inlet about 200 yards from my office. I can look out my window everyday and see hundreds of fishermen trying to reel in a 25-pound salmon. Here's what it looks like.
Anyway, last weekend I drove two hours south to the Russian River, where the sockeye salmon (or, as they're known here, red salmon) were running. We weren't alone.
As you can see, the shores of the river were lined with fishermen. You had to try to find a space about 1o yards wide before you could cast your first line. This is what's known as "combat fishing." It's generally good-natured, but you hear stories of people getting a bit testy in these close quarters. And beyond that, there's the very real risk of someone else's hook finding its way onto your face. Ouch.
Legend has it that Providence Hospital in Anchorage has a dummy in its offices, and they hang a hook on the dummy in every spot where they've had to remove a hook from an actual patient. Needless to say, this dummy is now completely covered in fish hooks.
We took to the Russian with high expectations, but long story short: we got nothing. Catching a red is a hard thing to do... they don't bite the fly you cast into the river; instead, the idea is to try to snag the fish in its mouth as it swims by your hook. Seems like a highly improbable thing to have happen. But other people around us were catching fish... just not us. Oh well.
We had fun, anyway. The pictures are here.
There's a calendar of when certain fish will have their "runs" at certain locations. King salmon are just finishing a run in Ship Creek, which empties into Cook Inlet about 200 yards from my office. I can look out my window everyday and see hundreds of fishermen trying to reel in a 25-pound salmon. Here's what it looks like.
Anyway, last weekend I drove two hours south to the Russian River, where the sockeye salmon (or, as they're known here, red salmon) were running. We weren't alone.
As you can see, the shores of the river were lined with fishermen. You had to try to find a space about 1o yards wide before you could cast your first line. This is what's known as "combat fishing." It's generally good-natured, but you hear stories of people getting a bit testy in these close quarters. And beyond that, there's the very real risk of someone else's hook finding its way onto your face. Ouch.
Legend has it that Providence Hospital in Anchorage has a dummy in its offices, and they hang a hook on the dummy in every spot where they've had to remove a hook from an actual patient. Needless to say, this dummy is now completely covered in fish hooks.
We took to the Russian with high expectations, but long story short: we got nothing. Catching a red is a hard thing to do... they don't bite the fly you cast into the river; instead, the idea is to try to snag the fish in its mouth as it swims by your hook. Seems like a highly improbable thing to have happen. But other people around us were catching fish... just not us. Oh well.
We had fun, anyway. The pictures are here.
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