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Is it Time for the Lakers and Pau Gasol to Part Ways?
It’s no secret that the Los Angeles Lakers, before the season even began, looked like they were easily on the road to a playoff run. They had managed to add (admittedly aging) all time great point guard Steve Nash in free agency, trade for the best center in the league Dwight Howard without moving Pau Gasol or the phenomenon that is Kobe Bryant. Then they started playing games. They went 0-8 in the preseason, and didn’t look impressive by anyone’s definition of the word en route to that record, with their closest game being a five point loss, including two defeats at the hands of the Sacramento Kings.
Sure, the starting lineup could create a Miami Heat-like hype train, but the supporting cast seemed to be all but nonexistent. Their depth chart looked a little something like this:
- Antwan Jamison
- Steve Blake?
- Those other guys
The start of the regular season didn’t do much to alleviate the concerns that had been mounting in the wake of the poor preseason performance. They four of their first five, including a game to a Mavericks team without Dirk Nowitzki, a rebuilding Trailblazers squad, and the surprising Utah Jazz. Nash wasted no time getting injured, and the team as a whole wasn’t operating as expected. After this 1-4 start, head coach Mike Brown was dismissed from his duties in a move that shocked the world. Clearly, the roster had been put together to win, and any other result was going to result in immediate changes. Read more…
The Detroit Tigers Are Pretty Good At Baseball: An Untold Story
It’s no secret where my allegiances lie when it comes to Major League Baseball, so I sit at work and take the good-natured ribbing from co-workers who happen to root for the Mets or just enjoy wallowing in the misery of Yankee fans. Honestly, I haven’t minded it. I’m a bit dejected right now, but it will pass. I love baseball, and the postseason is one of the best times of year in all of sports- it takes more than a pathetic showing by my team to ruin it for me. Watching the games, the team was outmatched by Detroit. Hell, they were nearly outmatched by the Orioles! The elimination was well deserved, so now I can honestly say that I eagerly await the rest of the postseason and hope the rest of the NLCS and the World Series are compelling. Yet, at times this series was down right infuriating.
A Look Back at the MLB Trade Deadline
Two of our writers, Joe Binckes and Greg Kaplan, have spent the week looking back at Tuesday’s trade deadline to determine which teams are better off for the playoff run, and which teams didn’t execute their plans to help the team moving forward…
Los Angeles Dodgers: A
Joe Binckes: The Dodgers set out to make a splash this year, to show that they’re set on really turning this franchise around. While the chatter for a while would’ve had them landing Cole Hamels, they seemed unphased by his signing an extension with the Phillies. Instead, they went out and acquired Hanley Ramirez from Miami along with relief pitcher Randy Choate. True, they gave up top pitching prospect Nate Eovaldi, but the upside alone on Ramirez makes me like this trade. Follow this up by dealing relief pitcher Josh Lindblom and a prospect for Shane Victorino to solidify the outfield, and then trading for Brandon League to fill the gap in the bullpen left by trading Lindblom? Okay Dodgers management, I believe you. You’re in this thing to win it.
Greg Kaplan: The reason why I believe the Dodgers deserve this grade despite not getting the impact starting pitcher they really wanted is because not only did the significantly upgrade their line-up, but they did so without having to trade away top pitching prospect Zach Lee. The talent they gave up to get Hanley Ramirez to LA does not accurately reflect HanRam’s value if he’s playing at his absolute best. Add in Victorino’s speed and on-base percentage, the Dodgers can now live with whatever a healthy Dee Gordon can give the team from the eight-spot in the line-up. Bat in the middle of the line-up to compliment Ethier and Kemp? Check. Speed and on-base at the top of the line-up? Check. Bullpen arm to replace one they traded? Check. Keep their best prospect? Check. Nobody had a better deadline than the Dodgers. Read more…
Game of Thrones Season 2, Episode 9 Discussion
A few of our writers will contribute a weekly discussion on HBO’s television series Game of Thrones. In these discussions, our writers will analyze each episode and contribute their thoughts on what they liked and didn’t like. As with all of our discussions, these posts will contain spoilers of the most current episode, so read at your own risk.
For more Game of Thrones, visit our pop culture page.
Joe Binckes: What is there really to say about this episode? It’s no stretch to say that it was the culmination of this season, the great forces coming together for the Battle of the Blackwater. Despite the fact that the entire episode was kept to the area around King’s Landing, there were still several distinct and interesting character developments that we were able to observe. First things first, though, we have to talk about Tyrion. I doubt I’m alone in the thought that he owned this episode. We got to see his plan to neutralize Stannis’ forces go off, and the brilliance of setting the river aflame is something that always impressed me, even considering how much I expect from him.
This pretty much sums it up.
His tactical genius is never something that I would have questioned, the much more interesting part was to see him leading a group of men into battle. The speech he gave to rally the forces was terrific, even more so when considering how little faith the people have in his ability to fight. It was a nice contrast to last week’s episode, where we saw the softer side of Tyrion, this time showing us that he can step out from working behind the scenes to take the lead in a high pressure situation. He knew what had to be done, particularly in the absence of their oh-so-brave King Joffrey, and stepped up to the task.
Of course, once they got out there we were able to see why the men didn’t necessarily have the greatest faith in his ability to lead them into battle in the first place. Although he did some damage (that guy’s leg came clean off!), you can’t help but wish Joffrey was out there in his place. Seeing him lose his battle axe and subsequently take a sword to the face was cringe-worthy, when it would have been a cause for celebration had it been Joff.
Vinny Ginardi: Tyrion was simply sensational in this episode.
What I found most interesting was his speech. In most situations like these we see the clear leader give some sort of inspiring speech to get his troops pumped up. But in those situations, is a speech really needed? Maybe, maybe not. The difference here is that Tyrion’s speech needed to happen. Joffrey had already bailed and, as Binckes mentioned, most people didn’t have faith in Tyrion as a leader and the face of this battle. But he nailed the speech, inspired his fighters and led them into battle.
Initially when he took the sword to the face, I thought he might be dead. Of course, Game of Thrones has killed off main characters before so it wouldn’t be that surprising. But after more thought, I came to the conclusion that Tyrion can’t be dead. First of all, after the performance we saw from him in this episode, he would go out on a much more noteworthy death than what we saw. Second of all, he is much too important and interesting of a character to kill off. It wouldn’t make sense to kill off the Lannister that is so different than the rest. At this point, I would be surprised to learn that he died.
Mariano Rivera Has Come Unstuck In Time
A devastating event befell Major League Baseball last night. Mariano Rivera, age 42, tore his ACL last night during his pre-game warm up ritual of running down fly balls during batting practice. To me, ‘devastating’ is the only word to aptly describe it. As a Yankee fan, the feeling that came after hearing the official report that Rivera was done for the season was nothing like the one several weeks ago when Michael Pineda went down. That was frustration, disappointment about the blow to our would-be future ace, and some worry about what it would mean for the season going forward. This event is so much greater than any impact it may have on the 2012 season. It was gut-wrenching exasperation. He was supposed to ride out into the sunset a hero to all, the very picture of a legendary talent and a class act through and through.
Last night’s awkward landing forces us to reflect on the career of the greatest relief pitcher of all time.
Rivera has since announced that he will be making every effort to return from his injury to pitch again, but the impact has already been made. The closer role for the New York Yankees is in transition for the first time since Mo took over the role from John Wetteland in 1997. The realization that Mariano Rivera is not a permanent fixture at the back-end of the bullpen has been forced on us. It seems strange that we need to marvel at one of the oldest players in Major League Baseball suffering a season-ending injury. After all, professional athletes- pitchers in particular- put tremendous amounts of wear on their body, and this guy has been in the big leagues for 18 years. Of course it was apparent that his career couldn’t go on forever, but it sure did feel like that was a possibility. Read more…
Game of Thrones, Season 2, Episode 5 Discussion
A few of our writers will contribute a weekly discussion on HBO’s television series Game of Thrones. In these discussions, our writers will analyze each episode and contribute their thoughts on what they liked and didn’t like. As with all of our discussions, these posts will contain spoilers of the most current episode, so read at your own risk.
For more Game of Thrones, visit our pop culture page.
Joe Binckes: I want to start off saying that I thought this episode was excellent, and my favorite of the season so far. I thought they did a really nice job by giving us events that moved forward a lot of different characters.
While it wasn’t my favorite scene, I can’t see starting with anything other than reactions to the shadow creature since it dominated last week’s discussion. Once again, a game-changer just gets dropped on our heads, eliminating a major character and completely shifting the balance of power. Beyond giving Stannis the army he needs, I liked how they handled the fallout and reactions of various characters who were in the camp when it happened. I was particularly fond of Davos’ scene in the tent with Stannis, watching him try to voice his concerns about Melisandre’s influence while also remaining loyal and respectful towards Stannis was interesting to me and I’m liking Davos more with each episode. I was also pretty fond of this scene because it showed us that Stannis can be a reasonable man, taking Davos’ counsel despite the fact that it may mean a slight to Melisandre (who by all rights is the reason he’s got this army at his disposal). What did you guys think? Are you interested in what’s going to become of the other characters who were in Renly’s camp at the time?
Vinny Ginardi: I will also begin with my thoughts on the shadow creature. I found it really interesting how they wasted absolutely no time in showing the powers that this shadow creature has, eliminating Renly almost immediately. I’m still not on board with the shadow demon thing- I think it’s just a little too fantastical for the show- but I am curious to see how it will be used going forward.
What interested me most in Renly’s camp was the reaction of his wife, Margaery. We really haven’t seen that much of her, but what we learned from this episode is that she is just as power hungry as everyone else, stating that she doesn’t want to be a Queen, she wants to be the Queen. Because of this, I’m interested to see more from her in the coming episodes.
Game of Thrones Season 2, Episode 3 Discussion
A few of our writers will contribute a weekly discussion on HBO’s television series Game of Thrones. In these discussions, our writers will analyze each episode and contribute their thoughts on what they liked and didn’t like. As with all of our discussions, these posts will contain spoilers of the most current episode, so read at your own risk.
For more Game of Thrones, visit our pop culture page.
Joe Binckes: Well, seeing as this episode was titled What Is Dead May Never Die, I figured the Iron Islands are as good a place as any to start. This time, with an extra dose of Theon-scolding. I’m on the record as thinking Theon’s a real douche, but you almost feel bad for the guy. All he wants to do is return home and claim his rightful position as prince of the Iron Islands, and he can’t catch a break seemingly no matter what he does! He comes home with a reasonably decent plan to get his father’s kingdom back, but Lord Greyjoy will have none of that. It seems no matter what Theon says, Balon is determined to respond by calling him a pussy. Of course, Theon’s next move is to squander any semblance of honor he may have by betraying Robb’s trust and trying to gain his father’s favor. Way to be, guy. Enjoy your Sea Bitch.
Ryan Mead: Personally, I like Theon even though he is a very conflicted character. I thought the scene where he was getting water poured on his head as his father watches on was brilliantly shot. Theon went from being the well dressed Stark boy to filthy son of the iron islands. One thing that really bothered me about this episode was the way the show continues to portray Loras. For those who didn’t read the books, Loras and Renly are hinted as being gay throughout the book but there is never any clear evidence. As you may have seen, there is heavy evidence that they are gay in the show. I have no problem with the characters being confirmed as gay but Loras is being portrayed as a whiny boy. While reading the book series, Loras was always a character I thought to be a strong elegant knight who happened to be a pretty boy but could slay or put up a fight with any other warrior in Westeros.
Michael Cresci: I don’t want to be that guy but I feel like we have to try and avoid the books for the most part. I mean referencing cool parallels is one thing but for the purposes of the show, Loras and Renly are gay and it is a, potentially, major plot point. In fact I recall thinking they sort of dropped it first season but now the we are in the Royal Rumble- King Edition, it could end up being a really big deal. Also, is it just me or did they change the actor playing Loras? I remember him looking MUCH different last season and being far more handsome. Speaking of me being a jerk about the (probably wonderful) books (that I totally intend to read)…
…Theon. I have mixed feelings about his whole place in this episode. I thought his attempts to reconnect to his family paid off well in the scene where he screams at his father about being given away. Until now it had seemed that he chose to go with the Starks but his father gave him away making his cruelty especially complicated. I loved that plot as a source of twisted motivation for Theon to joining the Greyjoy’s planned rape of the North. You can see why Theon would want to please this man he should just hate. But, and it’s a tricky ‘but’, I still didn’t buy his betrayal of Robb. While he had some “outsider” issues I felt that Robb accepting him as a brother was a big turning point last season and forged a legitimate familial bond (not that they didn’t already have one from growing up together). I don’t buy that he would simply turn his back on Robb, seemingly overnight. This is a time that I think the books may have provided some more insight as Theon’s relationship to the Starks would be more clear, as would his family past. But, since we’re judging the show, I needed more to make me believe Theon would do this. That being said, I wouldn’t be surprised if some solid writing justified this decision, and I’ll be interested to see how conflicted Theon is going forward. That could make this okay. All in all the episode was a strong one, I just had that qualm.
There's some doubt as to what Theon will do from here on out.
VG: I’m with Binckes on Theon. To me, he isn’t a likable character, but there were a few different instances throughout this episode where I felt bad for him. I mean, his father gave him away and when he does return to his family, he’s embarrassed without end. I’m going to go with a Harry Potter reference hereand say that he reminds me a bit of Draco Malfoy. At this point, he just wants to gain the approval of his father (not that his father is the equivalent of a Death Eater) and prevents him from choosing what his heart believes is the right decision. I initially had the same thought Cresci did, though. How could he betray Robb so easily? It’s not like his situation at the Iron Island has much appeal. Perhaps his desire to be accepted by his father is that great, but I too see more of a conflicted Theon in the coming episodes. Read more…
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