Only really because I can get 3rd place in the office pool. After 5 years, it’s about time I won something! Plus, as a bonus, I really can’t stand Memphis, Calipari in particular. Why? I don’t have a good explanation. It’s not quite John Chaney-level hate, but close.
After Duke’s lackluster loss to West Virginia in the NCAA tournament, I could only think of one thing: where’s the enthusiasm from the coaches? Coach K is normally fairly calm on the sidelines, but can blow a gasket on purpose when needed to spark the team. That spark was sorely lacking. And it’s a disturbing trend over the last few seasons - just not enough emotion from the bench.
Credit to West Virginia for a game well-played, though Duke should have lost to Belmont (another uninspired performance). What almost happened against Belmont was what happened last year against VCU - throw a few very fast players on the court and watch Duke try to keep up. That’s simply from a lack of many fast players (one or two won’t beat four).
Plus, West Virginia highlighted the common Duke problems from the past few seasons:
Now, let’s not confuse things. I really don’t have a problem with Duke losing a game or two (or more), as long as the effort is there from all facets of the game. A simple fact is that some games, the other guys may just be better or playing better that day or (sinfully) want to win more.
The best news about Duke football in years: head coach Ted Roof has been fired.
About damn time. I am truly disgusted by the lack of progress in the football program. A measly 13 wins total since 1999 (including three winless seasons) is a disgrace. I’m not a big enough booster to have any input into the process, but the next head coach had better be someone with a proven winning record. No more speculating on assistants who might be good coaches. Two bad coaches in a row is not the foundation for a successful program. I expect a .500 season in 2008. There are enough experienced players (a must for football) that they should be able to get more wins. No more excuses.
It took me a while to digest the news that Joe Girardi will now be managing the Yankees. I have stated that I am very partial to Don Mattingly, but I agree with the logic of hiring Girardi. If the Yankees had hired Mattingly and the team didn’t perform well next year, the fans could turn on one of the most beloved Yankees ever. (OK, I admit that it’s a little corny to say that, but then you obviously never saw the guy play and the selflessness that he brought to the table. It was always team first.)
Now on to bigger things, like figuring out who will play third base, re-signing Mariano Rivera, and getting some younger starting pitching. Get busy!
Hank and Hal,
After being in charge of the greatest franchise in sports for all of ten minutes, you managed to fuck things up. Congratulations. You could have just fired Joe Torre. At least that would have been direct and shown some balls. Instead you had to take the wimpy way out and offer a deal you knew would be rejected.
Maybe you should get a teensy bit of credit for not even considering to interview Bobby Valentine to manage. Though you will be better served in the short term by hiring Don Mattingly. (Article from official Yankees site; article from ESPN.) The current players (including the ones you’d like to keep for next year) like him and the fans love him. He’s the smart choice. Don’t screw this up.
Steve (a Yankees fan for over 30 years)